Adult Learning
2-Year Certificate in Biblical Studies*

Current Classes: Sunday Mornings @ 9 am beginning February 7, 2010


THE CERTIFICATE

The GNBC certificate program can be completed in, although not limited to, two-years. Students in the Certificate in Biblical Studies program will choose one of three emphasis tracks: the Bible track, the Leadership Development track, and the Marriage and Family Counseling track. In total, the certificate amounts to 12 courses. In sum, this program helps cultivate a life of Knowing God.

                                                                       

TWO-YEAR SEQUENCE

  • Adult Learning: Sunday’s from 9:00-9:50am. Generally from:
    • September - December
    • January - March
    • April - June
    • July - August
  • Modular courses are offered at least two times a year usually in a weekend format.
  • At least 6 courses will be offered a year allowing for 12 within a two-year period

 STUDENT ATTENDANCE
  • For 12 week classes students must attend 8 of 12 to receive credit
  • For 8 week classes students must attend 6 of 8 to receive credit.
  • For modular classes students will receive instruction from the teacher regarding attendance.
REQUIREMENTS

1.      Spiritual Formation & Discipleship

2.      Making Peace (Interpersonal Relationships)

3.      Bible Study Methods

4.      Redemption in the Old & New Testament

5.      History of Christianity

6.      Theology 101

7.      Theology 201

8.      Bible Elective

9.      Bible Elective

10.   Leadership Elective


COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
  • Spiritual Formation & Discipleship – Disciple making and the lives we live go hand in hand. This course explores personal spiritual disciplines and the art of leading others to spiritual maturity.
  • Bible Study Methods– If we believe that the Bible is the very word of God, then the believer must commit to being a student of it. This course looks at how the Bible is the Word of God and as it was handed down through the ages (Bibliology). It will also provide the student with tools to interpret the Bible with care and accuracy as well as the tools to apply its truths to life.
  • Redemption in the Old & New Testament – This course tracks the theme of God’s plan of Redemption through the ages by surveying Genesis to Revelation. Sub themes such as the Glory of God and Messianic prophecies and fulfillment will also be considered. The goal of this course is to grasp a greater understanding of God’s big picture plan while also seeing the continuity between the Old and New Testaments.
  • History of Christianity –This course traces the Christian church from what took place after the book of Acts to the present time. Students will be grounded in their spiritual heritage and see God’s hand over the last 2,000 years. Students will learn about key men and women, movements, and doctrines within Church History.  
  • Theology 101– Within a world of religious pluralism, the Christian must explore the depths of God's person and character along with his plan to save humanity. In particular, this course embarks the student on a lifelong study of the Triune God of the Bible by looking at God as Father (Theology Proper), Son (Christology), and Holy Spirit (Penumatology).
  • Theology 201 –This course brings students into an in-depth study of Salvation (Soteriology), the Church (Ecclesiology), and the End Times (Eschatology).  
  • Making Peace (Interpersonal Relationship Building) – Conflict is a reality that comes with the territory of being human. The church is no exception. This course equips the believer to resolve conflict, work with others, and encourage people in the process.
  • Exposition of Romans– Since the Reformation, the book of Romans has been central to Protestant theology. This course opens the book of Romans by addressing the flow of the letter, its structure, and key theological themes. This course will exemplify for the students how to exegete the biblical text and interpret it theologically.
  • Exposition of Genesis– Genesis is a crucial book in that it sets out God’s creative work, the growth of nations, and the lives of the Jewish patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This course will explore these themes while following the flow of the books narrative.
  • Bible Electives– Bible Electives tackle a book (i.e. Ephesians) or topic of the Bible (i.e. Messianic Prophecy) paying careful attention to Bible study methods, structure of the book, and its place within the biblical canon.
  • Leadership Development Electives– These courses sharpen leadership skills by teaching individuals to be decision makers, servant leaders, and team builders. Students will learn to be leaders who possess character, integrity, and Christlikeness.
  • Marriage and Family Counseling Track Classes: Counseling 101, 201, & 301 – Introductory matters in Counseling will be addressed at the outset of this course progressing into more advanced counseling issues. The goal of this 3-part sequence is to train people to be better counselors in their Mosaic groups, ministry teams, discipleship relationships, etc. A grander goal of this sequence is to raise people who can be called on to assist with various counseling needs in the church.
 

* Students must take the GNBC Connections and Networking class within the first year of entering the program. Connections and Networking are usually offered together once in the spring and once in the fall. Those who have previously taken the classes (i.e. GNBC members) do not need to do so a second time.