Certificate of Quality of Life

I.  Course Description

This course surveys the great theological truths of the Scriptures, focusing on foundational biblical teaching concerning the central doctrines of living a Christian Life: revelation, authority, Scripture, God, humanity, sin, Christ, salvation, Holy Spirit, and the Church.  It is the first in a series of theology courses.  As such, it lays a foundation of basic doctrinal understanding upon which more advance study of theology may be built.

This course focuses on the nature of personal and corporate spiritual growth.  A study of the Bible's teaching about the foundations of our faith and includes a careful investigation of the classic disciplines (prayer, study, meditation, confession, worship, etc.) promoting spiritual development.  Careful attention is devoted to the Holy Spirit's person and role in the believer's spiritual formation.

A study of the Christian understanding of the nature of God and how God is known within the human understanding.  The course explores such concepts as providence , and spiritual powers.

II.  Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

A.  State in your own words the basic doctrinal teaching of the Bible in various areas (See Table of Contents below).

B.  Identify key biblical passages in support of each major doctrine.

C.  Demonstrate ability to apply doctrinal truth to Christian living for yourself and others through leadership.

Table of Contents

I.      Introduction  

We explore reasons for taking this course.  We look at the challenges.  We review the topics of the course, the course's purpose is discussed with emphasis on the decision we must make.

II.     An Invitation to Self-Appraisal  

We take a look at where your life has taken you.  You take a very practical look at your anxieties, life changes, responses, distresses and your sense of satisfaction.

III.    My Kingdom or a "Higher Power" Kingdom  

We define "Higher Power," why we need it and how it  relates to life.  We look at "Is there a God and Creator?"  We take an overview look at the plan God provides for us; to assist in reaching the proper decision and staying on course towards heaven.

IV.    Our Relationship With God  

We take a look at the need for God's kingdom being Lord in our life.  An observation is made and reviewed that we are created to join God in heaven, and that we need to change from our earthly nature to one which concentrates on reaching Heaven.

V.      Help for a Better "Quality of Life." 

We learn how God will help us, when we ask, to achieve a better "Quality of life."  We also look at; Why did God give us Life?  Our need to be like children of God is explored.

VI.     God's Love in Living  

We start to look at the benefits of putting God's plan for you in operation.  We look at; Why did God give us Life?  Our need to be like children of God is explored.

VII.    Christ, Our Guide and Trainer  

Then as a student you delve into why Christ came down to earth.  How he helps us to "salvation."  We also touch on the "Spirit" and how he influences our life.

VIII.    Total Commitment 

Next we take an in-depth look at the need to make a total commitment to God's kingship by "turning over your life," to His control.  A discussion is included as to whether giving up control is freedom or slavery.

IX.      Selfish for a second or Joyful for Eternity  

We then take a look at the important decisions we must make (e.g. "To turn our life over to God,").  We ask for those decisions.  And the lesson then looks at what must be done after the decisions.  The  student finds that they are moving into why and how he/she must show their belief through actions.  In here we pay particular attention to how St. Paul's guidance blends with Christ and others.

X.      Christianity's Helpful Guidance 

We take a look at how "Christianity" can help us acquire that better "Quality of Life."  Next the course emphasizes the need to trust our Father in Heaven.

XI.      Why God Has a Plan for you 

A review is made of the need for obedience to God.  We look at the disciplines of prayer, reflection, decision making and shared responsibility in God's plan for you.

XII.      Tools and Methods  2-Tools and Methods

We next take a look at how the Training Program works.  We touch on such areas as the church, other Christians, and communications with our Father.

XIII.     Life Planning Questions  2-Your-Plan-Develop

We now move into the realm of application.  You set up a personal growth plan.

XIV.    Helpful Hints  Helpful Hints-2 Helpful Hints-3

This lesson provides many helpful hints on how to complete the training program successfully.  It provides guidance on such actions as prayer, and relationships with others.

XV.     The Bible The Bible-Part-2

We than take an additional look at how the Bible" is a important part of God's program.  We review why it is necessary and some insights from it.

XVI.     Why would a Father Allow Bad Things to Happen  Suffering-Part-2

A review is then made of the difficulties we are and will be facing.  The lesson then discusses how these challenges to our faith are part of God's total plan.  A look at "Why the Father cannot give us everything we would like" is taken.

XVII.    Sharing your Faith 

This lesson takes up the importance of Sharing Your Faith.  We delve into how it strengthens our own relationship with our Father.  We look at such areas as the need to share with our children, and other areas.

XVIII.   Passing over to our Future Home and Family  

The sometimes feared topic of death is covered.  It is put into a new light;  the light of Graduation from God's training program into our Future life as His adult companions in Heaven.  We also cover death to self and Lordship of Jesus.

XIX.     In Conclusion 

In the conclusion we review what we learned and how it should affect our lives.  We touch on the question of free will versus God's plan.  The lesson then emphasizes the need for the church, to assist us in continuing the plan.

XX.     Appendix-Suggested Prayers

Certificate of Church Ministries

Biblical Counseling By Training

1.  Course Description

This course is based on the concept and belief that caring, mature Christians in local churches can and should learn to develop an training-for-life/counseling ministry through the use of a well-timed word to stimulate one another to love and good deeds. Counseling by training is the most basic form of counseling.  This course is designed to help you understand the importance and techniques of this ministry in the local church.

An introduction to the ministry of the church in all of its functions: worship, equipping, fellowship and evangelism.  This course includes a study of the structure, leadership and objectives of the various ministries of the church, and a discussion of practical issues such as spiritual gifts, prayer and stewardship.

A Study of the essential principles of evangelism and discipleship, including a study of relevant techniques and materials.

This course serves as an introduction to a consistent philosophy of Christian leadership.  This foundational study gives attention to the basic roles and functions of a leader in planning, organizing, staffing, leading and controlling.  Also included is a section on personal management.

This course will explore some of the issues encountered when counselling/training within contemporary society.  The course will address ethical issues which guide the practice of counseling/training, orientation, and some of the more common issues faced by those in people helping roles.  Issues such as addictions, family violence, grief, and sexual abuse are examples.

Attention is given to identifying personal strengths, weaknesses and life mission; this course is a beginning point to help clarify goals and expectations.  This course is a guided study on how to move academic program into applying it in life.

II.  Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

A.  Develop basic skills of communication as they relate to the ministry of training-for-life/counseling in the local church.

B.  Perceive more accurately responsibility as a Christian Leader.

C.  Move toward accepting God as your co-trainer and responsible for results.

D.  See how it feels to turn the responsibility for training over to God.

E.  Experience feelings of leaders to gain a better to gain a better understanding of the training perspective.

F.  See yourself as a recipient of God's training, and help others do the same.

3.  Table of Contents

1.  Introduction  Training is an embrace, not a club.  As you are embraced by the love of God, you cannot help but embrace others.  But how do you share this training?  How can sharing it become a natural part of your life.

2.  Trainers  We plant, tend, and harvest crops, but God causes the miracle of growth.  In this lesson, we look at the division of responsibilities in this process.

3.  God, Trainee and Me  We explore and experience God's dynamic presence among us and within us.  How can we communicate the benefits of God's presence.

4.  Why Train?  This lesson will help us to explore how we answer this vital "why" question.  

5.  God's Family-Spiritual Gifts

6.  Christian Perspective  In this session we will look at our need for both the secular and the spiritual.  We will see how God meets people's deep needs.

7.  The Spiritual in Life.

8.  Providing for the Whole Person.  The lesson discusses and experience wholeness.  You will learn to minister holistically to others.

9.  Servanthood VS Servitude  In this lesson you will explore the choice between servanthood - real service that flows from a freedom and love.

10. Tools of Your Trade In this lesson we explore how to use Christian tools effectively and appropriately.  

11.  Prayer.  In this lesson, you will learn more about prayer by discussing it and praying together.  We explore feelings about prayer.

12.  The Bible  We look at how we can read it, help you speak through it, and take its message to heart, so we can comfort others.

13.  Sharing a Blessing  We look at a means of helping individuals find the faith the need to carry on.  

14.  The Training Connection Our Christian calling to share is closely connected to our calling to train others.  "Don't merely tell them; show them!

15.  Evaluating Results  In this lesson, we concentrate on understanding the difference between being result-centered and being process-centered.

16.  Hope-full Training  Hope is God's gift to us and a distinctively Christian resource for you to use in your training and relating.

17.  Addition.  Training for Addictive Behavior-Alcohol Abuse-Drug Abuse-Sexual Addiction-Compulsive Eating Disorders

18.  Review  We look back at the past and see how Christianity will continue to live in our skills and in the relationship we have with others.

19.  Servant Ministry  

20.  Skills  Responses that Facilitate Problem-Solving

21.  Team Work

22.  Volunteer Leadership - We look at factors of being a volunteer leader or dealing with them.  Example; Contract, Attitude, Training, etc.

23.  Holding Meetings - We take a look at How to hold effective meetings.  Also a look is taken at our Lords resources.  We are introduced to the Gospel of John.  We also take a look at how we should be living.

24.  Success is We take a Biblical look at leadership and the life of Christ.  Then we take a look at successful Church leadership.  We then take a look at interdependence.

25.  Board Skills - Leadership from Paul is followed by a introduction to the Gospel from Matthew.  Then we take a look at Board Sills followed by Ministry integration.

26.  Leadership Review - Leadership for Timothy starts us out.  Followed up by a Review of Leadership.  Then we finish with Life's Common Imbalances.

27.  Making It Happen  - We start by looking at what Paul said to Titus are the qualifications of a Leader. We look next at Making it Happen through People.

28.  Influencing People  -  We take a look at how to influence people through Leadership.  Church organization from Acts.  And Creative Mission is scanned.

29.  Planning Tools - We start by looking at Setbacks when working for God.  Then we look at such planning tools as setting goals, getting organized, Time management, delegation, decision making and problem solving.

30.  Coaching and Counseling  - We cover the benefits of Training, Counseling, and Feedback, Positive Anger, Stress busters, Conflict Resolution, Leading Difficult people.

31.  The Better Church - We start by looking at Moses and Joshua's relationship, and deal with new Ideas.  Next, the questions in this checklist are designed to help church leaders view the management practices of their church.

32.  Functions of Management - We start by looking at Aron and Hur helping Moses. We then take a look at the Functions of Management.

33.  Ministry.  We can learn from Moses about shared leadership.  Then we move on to a in-depth study of "Ministry."

34.  Ministry History.  We start by looking at the Start of our Ministry leader.  Then we look at the history of Ministry in the church. 

35.  Minister Qualities.  We start by taking a look at Mary's, Mother of Jesus, qualities and then move on to modern qualities.

36.  Target Your Teaching.  To teach the Bible, is a high privilege and a great responsibility.  It deserves the best effort you can put into it.

37.  Spirituality.  The minister must embody and live by the spiritual values that she or he represents, proclaim, and tries to persuade others to embrace.

38.  Training and Staff.  We start at looking the Magi.  Then we look at training  and look at developing and implementing a more useful training program.  There is a discussion of training techniques, requirements, principles, etc.

39.  Supervisory Skills.  Take a look at Jesus speaks with the religious leaders.  We take a in-depth look at Supervisory Skills (e.g. Interviewing Skills, Performance appraisal, etc.).

40.  The Listening Church.  We start with a in-depth look at John  the Baptist and his ministry.  Then we are introduced to Mark's Gospel,  And then we take a look at Jesus' call for his Church to listen.

41.  The learning Church.  We continue looking at John the Baptist.  The learning capacity of the laity is the greatest single human resource of the church.  This fact alone suggest the vast potential given to the people of God.

42.  The Loving Church.  A look is made at the Baptism of Jesus.  Then we focus on love for individuals through the life of the church by using the concept of care as a basic expression of Love.

43.  Small Groups I.  At first we look at Satan tempting Jesus in the dessert.  It is the purpose of this training to present the "process," or "how to's," of small groups dynamics.  It is beyond the scope of this series to present "content" training, or the "how-to's" of presenting actual curriculum.

44.  Communication.  The three relationship-building periods of a small-group meeting is discussed.  Also the temptation of Jesus is reviewed.

45.  Witnessing.  Start of looking at Satan Tempting Jesus in the Dessert; next we look at obedience due, Ending with a look at witnessing.

46.  Relationships.  We look at John the Baptist Declaring His Mission, then we look at the Family of God, and finally we look at the four components of small-group life-nurture, worship, community, and missions- are vital to a healthy group.

47.  Promotion.  A start is made at a look at John the Baptist, then The Fullness of the Holy Spirit, and a in-depth look at promoting a small-group.

48.  Leadership Handbook.  A look is taken at the first disciples to follow Jesus.  Next is how to read the Bible.  Followed by help on developing a leadership handbook.

49.  Internet/Email Ministry.  Why should a congregation look at the Internet/Email for (a) reaching tomorrow's prospective new members, (b) of expanding revenues and (c) pioneering a new channel of communication.

50.  Why Internet.  It is the thesis of this course that the Internet/Email will give you the most results for the least time, effort, and money.  We also look at Jesus clears the temple, Overcoming Satan.

Bible/Theology Training

Included in Leadership Training 

An overview of the themes within the canon of Scripture.  The aim of this course is to acquaint the student with the content and to demonstrate the unity of Scripture in the process of revelation.

This course studies the central figure in human history, Jesus Christ, His message, His mission and the demands and rewards He offers His followers, as viewed from the perspective of one or more of the four Gospels.

1. Life of Christ.  Explains the importance of Jesus' message on the kingdom of heaven to those living in His day and ours.  Take part in a discussion on what the Bible teaches about the harmfulness of strife, and how to over come it in the kingdom.
2. Kingdom of Heaven.  The kingdom of Heaven is the main theme of the Gospel according to Matthew.  We will discuss the Kingdom as it is set up at the present.
3. Christ the King.  The throne in a man's life can either be occupied by Christ or by Satan, but never by both at once.  We also take a look at the Jewish World.
4. Profiles of leadership.  We take a look at the profiles of leaders in the New Testament, both good and bad, weakness and mistakes, strengths and accomplishments.
5. Bridges.  We take a look at the 5 steps in Jesus' life and the Bridges and structures involved with it.
6. Bible Study.  We will learn three basic techniques of Bible study in the order in which they are used.  Also learned will be the techniques used in each case.
7. Kingdom Promises.  Tell the story of God's promises of the Kingdom in the Old Testament.  We look at how Jesus Christ is the only one in all the universe who can bridge the gap between God and Man.
8. The Son of God.  The principal theme of the Gospel according to Matthew is the Kingdom of Heaven.  The genealogy gives us the Promise of this Kingdom.
9. The Son of Man.  We take a in-depth look at Christ's nature, "The Son of Man"  Next we take a look at cults, and how you can respond to them.  And then we conclude with a look at the Synoptic Gospels.
10. The Promises of God.  God's Promises are studied along with how to use them.
11. The Birth of Jesus.  The Birth of Jesus is studied in Depth.  We look at such areas as: An Angel appearing to Joseph, Birth in Bethlehem. The Herod Family, Jesus Infancy, Presentation in temple.
12. Jesus in Egypt.  We start by looking at Jesus and his parents trip to Egypt.  Then we look at the Sovereignty of God.
13. Jesus Youth.  We take a look at Jesus in the Temple, and how people lived during this period.
14. Synoptic Gospels and Year of Preparation.  You will be able to tell what the synoptic Gospels are and use the technique of comparing to study the life of Christ in all four of the Gospels.
15. John the Baptist. Will be able to tell which of the outer signs of true repentance is certain evidence of a repentant heart.
16. The Baptism of Jesus.  Learning to use symbols in the right way is a basic part of good preaching/teaching.  Also you tell what was the first act of Jesus' public ministry and explain the relationship between the baptism of Jesus and his death on the cross.
17. The Trinity.  We are going to take a look at the Old Testament and New Testament evidence of the Trinity.
18. The Trinity.  We take a look at such concepts as Creeds, Attributes, infinite/Finite and the doctrine of the Trinity.
19. Jesus Tempted.  Identify the two spiritual weapons that Jesus used to overcome Satan's temptations and explain how we can also overcome temptations in our lives.
20. Bible Inspiration.  We look at the remarkable unity of the Bible and give evidence of that unity by telling the circumstances about how the Bible was written.
21. Accurate Bible.  We learn about the three different kinds of evidence found outside of the Bible itself, which shows it to be very accurate.  Also we take a look at how materialistic solutions are being offered as solutions to the social, economic and political problems which face people today.  
22. Materialism. Jesus was tempted to take the easy way out and offer material benefits to everyone who would follow him.  He didn't do this because he knew the defects of materialism, instead he took the way of sacrifice.
23. Violence-Confession.  We take a look at Violence in our society and how confession should impact us.
24. Bible in Confession.  The confession of sin is one of the most important things which results from true repentance.  Nicodemus is studied along with a self-portrait is taken.

Other Archives

This page contains links to documents authored by class members, to homework assignments and components developed by the class, and to other tools we've found useful and collected here for your convenience.

Each entry has a title, a summary, a list of authors, a date of publication or when it was last updated, a distribution designation, and links to the material in various formats. Each entry also has its bookmark noted, to help authors making links to it from other web pages.

Documents

Class Material

Specifications for the Class Component

How to add new users to the  group

Back to Top

Assignments

Prototype for feasibility study

Back to Top

Tools

PKZIP

Back to Top

Distribution Designations

Internal

May only be viewed by people inside the ministry.

External

May be viewed by people outside the ministry.

Published

Has already appeared in an external publication.

Back to Top

Document Format Definitions

Back to Top