Ministry/Practical Theology Division

Bible Division

Theology/History Division

Ministry/Practical Theology Division

Christian Service Courses

Biblical Counseling

A study of the biblical principles that can help people cope with emotional problems and/or crisis situations and an introduction to the way these principles can be applied to help believers in the major areas of pastoral concern, including premarital and marital counseling and counseling the sick, bereaved, and aged.

The Local Church in Evangelism 

The local church is the provenance of evangelism for reaching its community and the world. After a foundational, biblical theology of the Great Commission and the Holy Spirit’s role in evangelism, this course proposes a comprehensive and integrated approach to evangelism in the local church that avoids over-compartmentalizing evangelism and discipleship. It focuses on a variety of evangelism methods, the evangelistic purpose of an organized fellowship of churches, and pastoral leadership in evangelism. The largest portion of the course is devoted to the evangelistic responsibility of all believers and practical biblical instruction concerning effective personal evangelism.

Relationships and Ethics in Ministry 

A biblical approach to the relationships that are important to the minister, both personally and professionally. It looks at temperament theory and its relevance to human relations. This course examines relationships and ethics in view of the minister’s personal growth, ministry challenges, people in the community, and other ministers.

Beginning Ministerial Internship  

The first of three internships to be developed for the Ministerial Studies Diploma. Each internship will require the student to work with a local pastor to gain hands-on experience in various ministry activities. This course discusses the importance of a good attitude in ministry as well as many of the functions of ministry such as weddings and funerals. It also emphasizes servant leadership and the minister’s devotional life.

Introduction to Homiletics

A basic study of the principles of Christian preaching. The course emphasizes biblical exposition and deals with practical matters such as the preparation of sermons, the sources of materials, the construction of sermon components, the variety of sermon types, and the delivery of sermons.

Marriage and Family

A study of the history, purpose, benefits, challenges, and contemporary views of marriage and family life. The course emphasizes the development of a biblical perspective on these issues, a personal philosophy of the pastor’s priorities in relationship to his or her own marriage and family, and an understanding of the church’s role in developing and enhancing Christian family life. The course includes discussion of subjects such as courtship, preparation for marriage, sexuality in marriage, divorce, child-rearing and discipline, and the impact of aging on marriages.

Effective Leadership

A biblical approach to the principles of leadership. This course applies those principles in the church setting, giving the student the practical skills needed to serve in a leadership role in the local church.

Introduction to Assemblies of God Missions 

An introductory course in the science of missions. It is a survey of the theology, history, and methods of Christian missions in general and within the Assemblies of God in particular. There is a special emphasis on recent developments, crucial issues, current trends, and missions as they are carried out through national and local churches.

Conflict Management for Church Leaders 

A biblical approach to conflict resolution. This course offers a scriptural way to deal with the inevitable occasions when conflict arises, particularly in a church setting. It offers practical principles for resolving the conflict in a manner that is pleasing to God.

Intermediate Ministerial Internship 

The second of three required internships for the Ministerial Studies Diploma. This course helps the student develop the right attitude for ministry. It examines characteristics to be avoided and tests to be passed in the life of a minister. It further focuses on public aspects of ministry, such as teaching, preaching, and leading meetings. The personal life of the minister, including time management and personal health, are also discussed.

Preaching in the Contemporary World 

The purpose of this course is to help preachers present life changing messages that connect with the world around them. The course will focus on presenting messages that are true, clear, interesting, and relevant. Students will be challenged to present messages that are true to the intent and power of Scripture. The course will also examine the post-modern culture and offer help in making messages relevant to the needs and concerns of this audience.

Cults, World Religions, and the New Age Movement 

A comparative examination of the tenets of the major religions of the world, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Islam, Animism, and Confucianism. The course is a study of modern cults, their characteristics, doctrines, and differences from Christian orthodoxy. Attention is given to equipping the student with the knowledge necessary to approach intelligently and witness effectively to those adhering to non-Christian religions.

Pastoral Ministry 

An examination of pastoral ministry in three areas: preparation, responsibilities, and relationships. The unit on preparation focuses on a pastor’s qualifications, devotional life, and personal life. A unit on responsibilities analyzes preaching and teaching, worship, pastoral care, leading, training, forming cell groups, and special services. The final unit examines a pastor’s relationships with layleaders, staff, work, and calling. This is a principle-centered study to lay a lifelong foundation for the pastoral ministry.

Advanced Ministerial Internship 

The third of three required internships for the Ministerial Diploma. Building on the foundation of the previous two internship courses, this course focuses on three attributes of the heart of ministry, characteristics to be avoided, tests that must be passed in the life of the ministry, basic areas of pastoral counseling, and other skills needed to be a successful pastor.

Leadership in Christian Education 

A study of the principles of leadership and administrative roles in Christian education. Practical applications are offered to help students use these principles in the local church situation. Both secular and Christian ideas of leadership are examined and related to Christian education.