Curriculum
Sixteen courses are offered over a period of two years. Classes are taught one night each week on a quarterly basis at various Tampa Bay area locations.
First Year Courses
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Synoptic Gospels/ The Life and Teachings of Christ
A study of the life and teachings of Christ based on Matthew, Mark, and Luke. After a brief introduction to the world into which Jesus was born, it provides a chronological study of His life. Emphasis is given to the context of His teachings and miracles. The content is arranged to help students apply the principles of the study to their own lives and to use them in their preaching and teaching.
Textbook: Ralph M Riggs, Life of Christ -
Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine
An examination of the four cardinal doctrines of the Assemblies of God: Salvation, Baptism in the Holy Spirit, Healing, and the Second Coming of Christ. After an introductory unit on the importance of doctrine, there is a unit of study on each of the doctrines. This course is essential to the further understanding of the complete Pentecostal message as presented in other courses.
Textbook: Stanley M. Horton, What the Bible Says About the Holy Spirit -
Acts: The Holy spirit at Work in Believers
A thorough study of the content, purposes, principles, and applications of Acts. The course emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in the Early Church and today. Attention is given to the geographical, numerical, cultural, and theological growth of the Church from Jerusalem to Rome. The journeys of Paul are examined as the background for his epistles.
Textbook: Stanley M. Horton, Acts -
Prison Epistles: Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, Philemon
A practical study of the principles Paul wrote to the churches during his imprisonment. The concepts are presented in language that is easy to understand with explanations, illustrations, and applications that make the concepts helpful to students in both their personal lives and ministries.
Textbook: Francis Foulkes, The Letter of Paul to the Ephesians -
Introduction to Hermeneutics: How to Interpret the Bible
An introductory course on the principles for interpreting Scripture. It summarizes the need for hermeneutical principles, and explores the qualifications, tools, and goals of a biblical interpreter. This is followed by a historical survey of hermeneutics from early Jewish interpreters to the present. The course includes a unit on the general and specific principles for interpreting the Bible, a unit on genres, and a unit on applying the principles. Students develop their skills by practicing the principles in exercises that are provided.
Textbook: Jim Hernando, The Dictionary of Hermeneutics -
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 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.
Textbook: Robert E. Coleman, The Master Plan of Evangelism. -
A/G History Missions and Governance
A study of the historical development of the Assemblies of God, the history of the missions movement in the Assemblies of God, and the ecclesiastical governance of the Fellowship. Attention is given to the General Council Constitution and Bylaws in relation to credentialed ministers, local churches, and district councils.
Textbooks: Gary McGee, People of the Spirit; Gary McGee, This Gospel Shall Be Preached
Minutes: Revised Constitution and Bylaws-A/G (most recent available). -
MIN 181 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. During 2005, MIN 381 will be substituted for this course.Textbook: T. Burton Pierce, Ministerial Ethics–A Guide for Spirit-Filled Leaders .
Second Year Courses
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Introduction to Theology
A study of historic Christian doctrines as expressed through Protestant and evangelical traditions. The course provides a complete study of the "Statement of Fundamental Truths" of The General Council of the Assemblies of God.
Textbook: William F. Menzies and Stanley M. Horton, Bible Doctrines -
New Testament Survey
A survey course giving the student background for understanding, teaching, and applying the principles of the New Testament. Key facts from each book of the New Testament are highlighted in a manner that can be used in preaching and teaching.
Textbook : Walter A. Elwell and Robert W. Yarbrough, Encountering the New Testament -
Old Testament Survey
A practical approach to the Old Testament, this course gives students material they can use in teaching and preaching. It covers significant details from every book in the Old Testament in an inspirational, yet informative, manner.
Textbook : Wiliam C. Williams, editor, They Spoke from God -
Romans: Justification by Faith
An in-depth study of the book of Romans. It focuses on Paul's systematic explanation of the gospel to the Romans and offers insight into the doctrines of sin, salvation, and sanctification. The student will learn how union with Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit leads to spiritual growth.
Textbook : F. F. Bruce, Romans -
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.
Textbook: Charles Crabtree, Pentecostal Preaching -
Introduction to Children's Ministry
A study of the philosophy and methods of children’s ministry. The focus is on the biblical foundations for children’s ministry, the various church ministries available to children and the importance of outreach. The student is challenged to think about his or her reasons for engaging in children’s ministry and to practice the methods taught throughout the course.
Textbook: Independent Study Text -
Eschatology: A Study of Things to Come
A biblical study of end-time events written from a Pentecostal perspective. The course studies the Rapture, plus various views of the Tribulation and the Millennium. It provides excellent material for teaching and preaching on the Second Coming of Christ.
Textbook: Stanley Horton, Our Destiny -
Leadership Skills
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.
Textbook: John C. Maxwell, Developing the Leaders Around You -
MIN 281 Conflict Resolution
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.Textbook: Ken Sande, The Peace Maker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict
For those interested in credentialing with the Assemblies of God there are additional seminar and internship courses required. The appropriate District Office should be contacted for specific requirements for credentialing.
