| Old Testament Survey |
CLS1114 |
3 |
This course is a foundational introduction to the content, background, interpretations, and critical studies of the Old Testament, with a survey and study of each of the books of the Old Testament. |
| New Testatment Survey |
CLS1314 |
3 |
An introduction to the background, content, careful examination, and interpretation of the New Testament. |
| Preaching the New Testament |
CLS2316 |
3 |
An investigation and application of the principles of exegesis, hermeneutics, and homiletical method to the distinctive literary genre of the New Testament. The course stresses the application of method for the construction of sermons which effectively communicate the biblical text. |
| The Gospel According to John |
CLS2324 |
3 |
An exegetical study of the Fourth Gospel, its background, and message. |
| Survey of Christian History |
CLSL1111 |
3 |
This course presents an overview of the history of Christianity from the Patristic period to the current age of Global Christianity with the purpose of providing insights into the past that will enhance the student's growth in ministry leadership in the present and future. |
| Baptist Heritage and Practice |
CLL1113 |
3 |
This course is a study of Baptist origins, development, doctrines, confessions, polity, leaders, and current trends. It emphasizes the history and state of Southern Baptist (SBC) life relative to the cultural context of the ADVANCE center offering the course. |
| Christian Theology I |
CLL1211 |
3 |
An introduction to Christian Theology focusing on its nature, task, method, and application followed by a survey of the doctrines of Revelation, the Triune God, Creation, Humanity, and Sin. |
| Christian Theology II |
CLL1212 |
3 |
An introduction to Christian theology, surveying the doctrines of Christ, Salvation, the Spirit, the Church, and Eschatology, including an additional focus on the ethical implications of Christian thought and practice. |
| Christian Ethics |
CLL1411 |
3 |
A study of the biblical presuppositions and principles of Christian ethics and their application to major social institutions and problems. |
| Christian Apologetics |
CLL3415 |
3 |
Christian apologetics is the reasoned defense and proclamation of the Christian faith. This course examines the biblical foundations, practice, and arguments with emphasis on leading church leaders to confidently share and defend the faith and develop church members accordingly. |
| Ministry Leadership |
CLE1312 |
3 |
Introduction to basic leadership principles and methods, exploring biblical leadership in church, parachurch, and denominational contexts with current resources and techniques. |
| Principles of Church Growth |
CLE14111 |
3 |
Exploration of church growth meaning and preparation to lead numerical and spiritual growth, focusing on educational tasks, structures, and implementing the Great Commission locally. |
| Conflict Management in Ministry |
CLE2117 |
3 |
Study of conflict types in local churches, biblical approaches to conflict, identifying causes, and developing prevention and resolution strategies including pastoral care interventions. |
| Leading and Equipping Teams/Volunteers |
CLE2319 |
3 |
Exploration of essential elements in managing church volunteers including recruiting, marketing, training, motivation, evaluation, and recognition; leadership integral to ministry success. |
| Making Disciples |
CLE2371 |
3 |
Exploration of spiritual development processes and discipleship methods, biblical backgrounds, spiritual disciplines, community, spiritual gifts development, and accountability in spiritual growth. |
| Introduction to Missions |
CLI1211 |
3 |
This course is an introduction to missiology that seeks to develop in the student a creative understanding of mission as practiced in an international context. Emphasis is given on helping students understand their own future ministry and its relation to global missions. |
| Basic Evangelism |
CLI1311 |
3 |
A study of evangelism, including the biblical basis, historical methods, practical application, and principles for building an evangelistic church. The class lays a foundation for effectively sharing the gospel anywhere. |
| Introduction to Church Planting |
CLI1313 |
3 |
An intensive study of the essential aspects of church planting. Major attention is given to theology, methodologies, and models of new church starts, with emphasis on continuing growth. |
| Missions, Evangelism, and Church Planting |
CLI1351 |
3 |
This course covers understanding the church as sent by Christ into a lost world and as the church sending itself and its members out locally and globally. It includes a brief history of missions, NAMB and IMB, and current missiology. Focuses on leading others to Christ and teaching evangelism. Various evangelism methods and new church start basics are discussed. |
| Reaching Unreached People Groups |
CLI2264 |
3 |
This course covers essentials for identifying, researching, adopting, interceding for, and strategizing to reach unreached people groups with the gospel. A practical course guiding students through mobilizing local churches and Great Commission Christians for church movements. |
| Working with Small Groups |
CLI2324 |
3 |
A course on the background, administration, and dynamics of effective small groups. Focuses on small groups in evangelism and discipleship and expanding local church reach. Includes planning, implementing, administering, and multiplying small groups within ministry. |
| Developing a Church Plant |
CLI2352 |
3 |
An intensive study of current methodology in starting new churches, focusing on best practices to initiate and nurture new congregations to become self-sustaining and reproducing churches. |
| Reaching Youth |
CLI2732 |
3 |
A study of evangelism and discipleship principles specifically for youth, covering biblical basis, historical models, practical application, and principles for building an evangelistic and disciple-making youth ministry. Lays a foundation for gospel sharing and disciple reproduction. |
| Ministry Leadership Experience |
CLI2999 |
1-3 |
Designed to utilize conference content for a guided learning experience. Academic credit is given based on attendance, notes, post-conference dialogue, and a personal reflection paper. (Conference registration and fees usually do not include course registration or tuition.) |
| Introduction to Church Music |
CLM1911 |
3 |
A study of the ministry of music in the local church including historical background, purpose, leadership, function, and application. |
| Foundations of Ministry |
CLP1111 |
3 |
An entry course designed to assist students in developing the necessary personal, spiritual, and ministerial foundations for lifelong ministry. Students assess their gifts and passions and learn basic approaches to effective ministry such as strategic, financial, and physical planning; communication and relational skills; and team and staff building. |
| Spiritual and Leadership Formation |
CLP1115 |
3 |
Introduction to basic leadership principles and methods, including unique aspects of spiritual and leadership formation related to the church (multicultural and global perspectives) and denomination. Current resources and techniques are examined. |
| Preaching the Old Testament |
CLP1404 |
3 |
Focuses on exegetical handling of scripture and its relationship to homiletic development. Deals with preaching through the Old Testament with emphasis on biblical genres (narrative, prophecy, poetry, wisdom) and explores how text influences sermon structure and flow. |
| Introduction to Preaching |
CLP1411 |
3 |
Covers planning, preparation, and presentation skills for preaching and teaching with emphasis on learning by doing. Includes learning styles, preaching and teaching for transformation, and communication across different age groups and cultures. |
| Pastoral Ministry |
CLP1511 |
3 |
Study of pastoral ministry emphasizing the nature of pastoral work and care in the local church. Topics include the basis, tasks, and concerns of pastoral ministry. |
| Introduction to Worship |
CLP1611 |
3 |
Study of worship principles and its role in Christianity. Develops skills for planning, directing, and evaluating worship including music and other expressive media. |
| Christian Worship |
CLP1916 |
3 |
Equips students to become leaders who understand worship and can guide others. Introduces biblical principles of worship theology and practice, emphasizing worship’s role in ministry, formation, and outreach. Provides practical experience in worship design, implementation, and practice. |
