Introduction
The core curriculum of classes is designed to give you a solid foundation in the word of God and Christian thought. As you work through these classes, you will be exposed to key areas in helping to develop your faith. You will survey the entire Bible, giving you a big picture idea of how God has worked through the ages to bring about the salvation of mankind. You will explore essential Christian beliefs that will help you to understand what beliefs set Christianity apart from the religions and cults of the world. You will also learn the tools necessary to accurately handle the word of God (2 Timothy 2:15). Furthermore, because society has increasingly shifted away from Christianity, you will be trained in apologetics (defending the faith) and how to analyze the way people understand the world around them (worldviews). This will grow your confidence in your beliefs and help you to grow in your loving boldness in representing Jesus (1 Peter 3:15-16). You will also have the opportunity to study outreach, evangelism and missions, thus grounding your studies in our shared calling as believers.
While these classes will stretch you, they are not merely academic in nature. Each instructor has a deep desire to see you grow in three areas: Right Beliefs (orthodoxy), Right Affections (orthopathy) and Right Actions (orthopraxy). Too often we concentrate on one at the expense of the others. As you take each of these classes, your instructors will challenge you to develop in all three areas towards God and towards one another.
Classes can be audited or taken for Certificate Credit. If you complete each of these classes for Certificate Credit, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion in Core Studies.
Classes
- Defending the Faith
Is it reasonable to be a Christian? Are we bound to live lives of blind faith? How do I explain to a non-believer why they should believe?
- Essential Christian Beliefs
What sets Christianity apart from the religions and cults of the world? What are the beliefs essential to every Christian?
- Introduction to Genesis - Esther
A survey of Genesis - Malachi
- Introduction to Job - Malachi
A survey of Job - Malachi.
- Introduction to Outreach
Go out into all the world and make disciples... how does the great commandment impact my practical day-to-day life?
- Introduction to the New Testament
Explore the origins of Christianity, the earliest days of the Church, the teachings of the apostles and the return of Christ.
- The Universe Next Door: Understanding Your Neighbor's Worldview
Buddhism, Naturalism, Islam, Hinduism... What does your neighbor believe about the universe we live in?
- Understanding, Reading and Interpreting Scripture
How can I better understand scripture? How do I read scripture in a more meaningful way?
