Course Descriptions

LIT 1213 Old Testament Literature: His Story -- 3 credits

This course is a study of beginnings. It shows how the ancient, inspired Hebrew writers expressed in narrative form a record of God's saving deeds from the beginning of God's work with all humankind. From these narratives, students can see God's unfolding plan of redmeption through what Christians believe to be God's revelation. Concepts like covenant, priesthood, law, trust, faithfulness, and righteousness come from the Old Tetament. Such knowledge is basic to understanding the New Testament. The Old Testament is the only Bible Jeus, his folowers, and the early believers had. Storytelling is one of the oldest methods of communicating from one generation to the next. Learn to tell God's story from the record of the Old Testament and be equipped to pass it on to your generation and those to follow. The study guide is Old Testament Literature: His Story by Steve Fettke. The textbooks are They Spoke from God: A Survey of the Old Testament by William C. William and the Holy Bible.

 

LIT 1303 New Testament Literature  -- 3 credits

Knowledge, change, and action: these three terms reflect the objectives of the New Testament Literature course. A panoramic view of the New Testament unifies the study of its messages, doctrines, personalities, and problems of interpretation. This course treats the cultural and historical backgrounds of the New Testament, the life of Christ, the history of the expansion of the Early Church, and issues that faced the first century Christians. The study guide is New Testament Literature by Jesse K. Moon. The textbooks are New Testament Survey by Merrill C. Tenney and the Holy Bible.

 

BIB 1073 Paul's Salvation Letters: Galatians & Romans -- 3 credits

Paul's Salvation Letters: Galatians and Romans gives the student a deep appreciation of the apostle Paul. In the midst of church planting, he explains the gospel, confronts false teachers, distinguishes between law and grace, and shows how the gospel is rooted in Old Testament Scripture. His systematic explanation of the gospel to the Romans gives the student insight into the major doctrines of sin, salvation, and sanctification. The student also learns how union with Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit enable him or her to mature spiritually and live victoriously. The study guide is Paul's Salvation Letters: Galatians and Romans by William F. Lasley. The textbooks are Romans by F. F. Bruce and the Holy Bible. Prerequisite: LIT 1303 New Testament Literature.

 

BIB 2043 Principles of Biblical Interpretation -- 3 credits

This course is divided into four units. The first unit presents fundamental truths that must be accepted before beginning a study of the Bible. The second unit deals with general principles of interpretation that are applicable to any type of literature. Specific rules that apply to special types of literature are overviewed in the third unit. In the final unit, the student is given sample passages of Scripture to which he or she will apply the guidelines of interpretation that have been learned. The study guide is Principles of Biblical Interpretation by Carl B. Gibbs. The textbooks are How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart and the Holy Bible.

 

BIB 3073 The Book of Acts -- 3 credits

The author of the independent-study textbook, The Book of Acts, states that the approach of this course is unapologetically Protestant, evangelical, conservative, and Pentecostal. It is also an expansive study with 18 lessons and is only available in a 3-credit format. Completing the regular components with a project and exam plus writing an approximately 3000-word Collateral Writing Assignment will yield 3 credits from this stimulating study of Acts. You will know and be able to defend the evidences for the traditional dating and authorship of Acts as well as explain why these are important to the historical reliability and spiritual authority of the book. You will gain a new appreciation for the work of the Holy Spirit and the foundations from which Pentecostal theology and practice have developed. Your relationship with Christ and your determination to be involved in building God's kingdom will be enhanced. The study guide is The Book of Acts by Wave Nunnally. The textbook is the Holy Bible. Prerequisite: LIT 1303 New Testament Literature.

 

BIB 4063 The Corinthian Letters -- 3 credits

This course covers the study of 1 and 2 Corinthians and gives the student a view of life in the city of Corinth and the problems these Epistles were written to correct. Since these are in some ways the most self-revealing of Paul's letters, the course provides a deeper insight into the apostle's character and ministry. Throughout The Corinthian Letters, the author emphasizes the practical application of Paul's teachings for today. The great doctrines of the Bible in these Epistles apply to contemporary Christian life and ministry. The study guide is The Corinthian Letters by T. Reginald Hoover. The textbooks are 1 and 2 Corinthians by Stanley M. Horton and the Holy Bible. Prerequisite: LIT 1303 New Testament Literature.

 

ENGL 099 English Foundations -- 3 credits

Students will improve their abilities to write (the process and forms of writing), to think (analytically and holistically), and to learn (in the classroom in peer editing groups and independently). A systematic review of grammatical concepts will be provided. This review will include the parts of speech and punctuation. Moreover, students will review common grammar/writing errors such as subject-verb disagreement, verb tense shifts, etc. Diagnostic and achievement tests will assess student's abilities in grammar, punctuation, and mechanics. Moreover, students will learn the processes and techniques used in strong paragraph writing and basic essay construction. This is a required course for students in need of foundations and remediation and is offered on a "Pass/Fail" basis only. This course does not count toward graduation.

 

ENG 1013 Introductory English -- 3 credits

Introductory English is a fundamental course in English grammar. Among other topics, the course discusses nouns, verbs, modifiers, phrases, and clauses. It will greatly increase the student's capacity to understand written English. This course will also help him or her to write the English language with greater facility. The study guide is Introductory English by Donald R. Tanner. The textbook is A Complete Course in Freshman English by Harry Shaw. Prerequisite: Pass the English entrance exam or ENGL 099 English Foundations.

 

ENG 1103 Writing Better English -- 3 credits

This English course follows the Introductory English course (ENG1013) in normal sequence. Writing Better English shows how an author's point of view and choice of language determines style and influences the meaning of written communication. The course also covers more advanced grammatical principles and the application of sentence structure to improve written communication dependent upon one's purpose of narration, description, explanation, or persuasion. Special topics include academic outlining, an orientation to research and report writing, and the writing of paraphrases and precis. The study guide is Writing Better English by Frank B. Rice. The textbooks are Writing Better English by Frank B. Rice and College Writing Skills by John Langan. Prerequisite: ENG 1013 Introductory English.

 

HIS 2303 Church History: From the Reformation to the Present -- 3 credits

This course provides an introductory study of the history of Christianity from the Reformation in the sixteenth century to the present day. The student will consider renewal periods, organizational matters, theological issues, and geographic expansion. The student will also examine the lives and contributions of significant Christian preachers, leaders, and theologians, concluding with an assessment of current trends such as the charismatic renewal and non-Western missionary outreach. The lessons are structured to enable the student to apply insights learned from the past to contemporary situations. The course also includes a study of the history of the Assemblies of God in the United States, its roots, and development though the twentieth century. The study guide is The Church: From the Reformation to the Present by Donald D. Smeeton. The textbooks are The Story of Christianity, vol. 2 by Justo L. Gonzalez and Restoring the Faith: The Assemblies of God, Pentecostalism, and American Culture by Edith L. Blumhofer.

 

MIS 3013 Introduction to Missions -- 3 credits

The orientation of Introduction to Missions is both biblical and contemporary. The Bible's teaching on missions is outlined through the use of both the Old and New Testaments. Two international and biblical missions themes are treated throughout this course: those of the redeemed people of God and Christ's strategy of missions. A former missionary writes from his own years of experience. The study guide is Introduction to Missions by Paul Pomerville. The textbook is Missions in the Age of the Spirit by John York.

 

THEO 110 Introduction to Theology -- 3 credits

This course gives a foundation for understanding the formation of doctrine and provides the basic framework for the primary doctrines covered in systematic theology. The course also deals with the distinctive Pentecostal doctrines and provides an introductory link between theology and urban ministry. The textbooks are Knowing the Doctrines of the Bible by Myer Pearlman, Systematic Theology by Stanley M. Horton, and the Holy Bible.

 

THEO 150 Theology of Prayer -- 2 credits

An introductory course designed to study the theological foundation for prayer and spiritual formation. Examines and defines the basic aspects of prayer with specific emphasis on the prayer of faith, the Holy Spirit and prayer, the prayers of the Bible, as well as the corporate and private nature of prayer. Practical helps on how to pray effectively. The textbooks are Too Busy Not to Pray Journal by Bill Hybels, The Beginner's Guide to Intercession by Dutch Sheets and The Prayer-Shaped Disciple by Dan R. Crawford.

 

THE 2043 Christology -- 3 credits

Jesus is more than just a New Testament figure. This course introduces the student to Old Testament typology as well as to the prophecies concerning Christ's present and future work. The study guide presents certain controversial, historical, and contemporary views of Jesus and relates them to the Word of God. With Christology, the student discovers what the Scriptures really say about Jesus Christ. The study guide is Christology by Thomas Holdcroft. The textbooks are Jesus Christ Our Lord by John Walvoord and the Holy Bible. Prerequisite: THEO 110 Introduction to Theology.

 

THE 1013 Pneumatology -- 3 credits

The person, work, gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit are the topics examined in the biblical study. Among the questions discussed from both the Old and New Testaments are these: Who is the Holy Spirit? What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit? How do I live a Spirit-filled life? The students are encouraged to apply these and other related biblical teachings to their own teaching and preaching ministry. The study guide is Pneumatology by Dr. Stanley Horton. The textbooks are What the Bible Says About the Holy Spirit by Stanley Horton and the Holy Bible. Prerequisite: THEO 110 Introduction to Theology.

 

THE 2033 Eschatology -- 3 credits

Eschatology is a study in that area of biblical teaching which concerns last things: the final outcome of the present order. The author addresses these teachings and gives a biblical picture of the events. The second coming of Christ, the tribulation, and the nature of predictive prophecy are among the topics discussed. As part of this course, the student also considers and analyzes a number of current eschatological systems. The study guide is Eschatology by Dr. Andrew McDearmid. The textbooks are The End Times by Herman A. Hoyt and the Holy Bible. Prerequisite: THEO 110 Introduction to Theology.

 

MIN 1012 Evangelism Today -- 2 credits

This course examines the biblical principles and modern techniques of effective evangelism. It emphasizes how God is working through His people today. Examples from many countries show how basic evangelism methods can be used in a variety of ways. The biblical teaching on sin and salvation is given as an essential part of the training in how to share the message. Methods of personal and mass evangelism point out ways all Christians in a local church can work together to evangelize their world. The study guide is Evangelism Today by Louise Jeter Walker.

MIN 1052 The Work of the Pastor -- 2 credits
The Work of the Pastor is a study that focuses on the pastor's call to and preparation for Christian ministry. The author examines the relationships that are vital to successful ministry and reviews the pastor's primary responsibilities. Based on the books of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, this course enables the students to recognize and apply biblical principles to different situations they face in a local congregation. Specific principles treated relate to the selection of church leadership, the discipline of church members, and guidelines for church worship. Since the study focuses on the pastor's call and spiritual life, as well as pastoral duties, it emphasizes both being and doing. The study guide is The Work of the Pastor by Eleazer E. Javier.

 

MIN 3042 Preparing and Preaching Bible Messages -- 2 credits

The intention of this course is to give a clear understanding of the basic principles of Christian preaching. It stresses the prime place of biblical exposition in authoritatively communicating the Christian message. It deals with practical matters such as the preparation of sermons, the sources of materials, the construction of the sermon components, the variety of sermon types, and the delivery of sermons. It also stresses the importance of the preachers themselves in the effectively communicating their messages. The study guide is Preparing and Preaching Bible Messages by Ian R. Hall. Prerequisites: BIB 2043 Principles of Biblical Interpretation.

 

PRAC 280 Church Planting -- 3 credits

The objective of this course is to familiarize the student with church planting principles and strategies, recruiting and training of personnel, development of budgets and facilities, connect him/her with a current church plant, and help the student discern his/her potential as a church planter. The textbooks are Beyond Church Planting: Pathways for Emerging Churches by Robert E. Logan and Neil Cole and the Holy Bible.

 

BUS 2102 Church Business -- 2 credits

Church Business is an introductory study of many of the principles, procedures, and techniques used in today's business world as they apply to the local church and its leadership. In this independent-study textbook, pastors, church business administrators, and other church leaders will find the problem-solving approach to these subjects of practical value. The course first introduces the student to the organizing and staffing functions of the church that enable it to operate effectively. The student then learns practical methods of raising money for the church's expenses. Other emphases include the importance of keeping good records and ideas on better management of the church's money, facilities, and equipment. The study guide is Church Business by Joseph W. Kilpatrick.

URBN 133 Introduction to Urban Ministry -- 3 credits

This course will explore the current problem of urban societies and the challenge these urban realities present to churches. During this course you will examine you own theological/economic/racial "grid" and the grids through which other ministering people view reality. The course is designed to take advantage of the urban expertise located within you own urban community. The study guide is Introduction to Urban Ministry. The textbooks for this course are City of God, City of Satan by Robert Linthicum, A Theology as Big as a City by Ray Bakke, and The Urban Christian by Ray Bakke.

 

URBN 300 Counseling in the Urban Setting -- 3 credits

This class will introduce the need for counseling urban dwellers, whether they be inside or outside the church. It focuses on the brokenness and typical problems of urban dwellers without assuming that all who live in the city suffer from serious dysfunctions. The course will also examine current trends and tensions in the urban context which are impacting the task of Christian counseling including an analysis of issues related to racism and their significance to effective cross-cultural ministry. The study guide is Counseling in the Urban Context. The textbooks are Connecting by Larry Crabb, The Emotionally Healthy Church by Peter Scazzero, and Stategic Pastoral Counseling by David G. Benner.

PRFM 106/206 Club J Kids Ministry -- 1 credit

Each Wednesday night, First Love Assembly of God, located on 24th and State St. has children's activities. Students help along side the leaders of Club J planning, helping with activities, and establishing relationships with the children. The 200 level course requires more leadership responsibilities in the ministry.

 

PRFM 108/208 City on a Hill Health Ministry -- 1 credit

In this practicum, students will be involved in setting up, volunteering in different stations, building relationships, and praying with people as they attend the monthly free health screenings at City on a Hill. This practicum also requires students to be involved with the City on a Hill visitation team that visits the families of those who attend City on a Hill ministries each month. The 200 level course requires more leadership responsibilities in the ministry.

 

PRFM 110/210 City on a Hill Mpact Girls Clubs -- 1 credit

Students assist with the girls' Mpact program on Tuesday nights at City on a Hill. Students help the leaders of the club, create relationships with children, and participate in the visitation team that meets once a month. The 200 level course requires more leadership responsibilities in the ministry.

 

PRFM 111/211 City on a Hill Royal Rangers -- 1 credit

Students assist with the boys' Royal Ranger program on Tuesday nights at City on a Hill. Students help the leaders of the club, create relationships with children, and participate in the visitation team that meets once a month. The 200 level course requires more leadership responsibilities in the ministry.

 

PRFM 212 UBC Chapel Ministry -- 1 credit

In this practicum, students help plan and organize weekly UBC chapel services. Students will be involved in public prayer, worship, and preaching ministry. Students will also plan a wedding, visit a funeral home, and participate in a hospital visit. This practicum is required for any student pursuing credentials with the Assemblies of God. Prerequisite: Theology of Prayer and Homiletics.

 

PRFM 113 Practicum Small Groups -- .5 credit

This small group practicum is for those students who take a practicum during the summer when a small group may not be offered and only need a half credit to complete their practicum requirements. Students taking full credit practicums are automatically enrolled in the small group. This practicum consists of a weekly small group meeting at which students will discuss topics related to character development and spiritual formation. The topics rotate on a six semester cycle. Students who take the topics on Conflict Resolution and Relationships and Ethics in Ministry also satisfy the course portion requirement of the District seminars for credentialing with the Assemblies of God.

 

PRFM 115/215 City on a Hill Ministry Support -- 1 credit

This practicum provides students with the opportunity to learn the behind the scenes operations of an urban ministry center. Students will assist City on a Hill with clerical work, event planning, and day-to-day logistics. Participants need to be flexible and excited about learning. Events vary between semesters, but the major annual events include a Thanksgiving dinner distribution, Family Christmas party, Mother's Day and Father's Day events, a neighborhood barbeque, and a back-to-school event. This practicum also requires students to be involved with the City on a Hill visitation team that visits the families of those who attend City on a Hill ministries each month. The 200 level course requires more leadership responsibilities in the ministry.

 

PRFM 300 Independent Practicum -- 1 credit

Independent Practicums are intended to allow students to gain experience in other areas of ministry outside the current practicum offerings. This may include youth or children's ministry, jail ministry, or other para-church or church-based ministry experience. Students who have completed two UBC practicums may petition the Academic Dean to participate in an independent practicum