Course Offerings
The following are a list of courses offered over a two to three year period. Course selection will be different each quarter. Shekinah Institute of Ministry reserves the right to cancel a class due to insufficient enrollment.

Upon acceptance into a program, students receive academic advisement that provides an individualized road map. Academic and spiritual goals and gifts are assessed resulting in an academic plan designed to enhance ministry goals.

 

Biblical Studies

Ancient Israel I (OT 205: 3 credits)
Studies the historical books found in the Old Testament. Emphasis is placed on both the events and the thematic content in each book. Ancient Israel I reviews the people and events from Joshua through II Samuel. Ancient Israel II (OT 206: 3 credits)
Continues the history of God's chosen people with the study of I Kings through Esther. Emphasis is placed on both the historical events and the thematic content in each book.

Early Church I (AD 30 - AD 60) (NT 201: 3 credits)
Explores the inception and early expansion of the Christian Church. Emphasis is placed on the life and ministry of Paul as revealed in the book of Acts and the epistles of Paul during that period. Major theological themes are explored in terms of application to the life of the believer.

Early Church II (AD 60 - AD 100) (NT 202: 3 credits)
Reveals the consolidation of the early believers into an organized institution with a unified doctrine, unique culture and prescribed practices. It surveys problems in the early church, the issue of heresy, the persecution, suffering, and the break from Judaism. Biblical studies include overviews of the Pastoral Epistles, the Petrine and Johanine writings, Hebrews, and Jude.

Eschatology (BI 201: 3 credits)
Reveals the Biblical teachings of the end times by examining the major interpretative positions. Topics include the resurrection, the second coming, millennial reign, and final judgment. Daniel, Revelation and other scriptural references pertaining to the end times are methodically analyzed in order to understand the unified message of the apocalyptic writings.

Gospels of Christ (NT 110: 3 credits)
Analyzes the life, teachings and ministry of Jesus by examining the synoptic gospels and the gospel of John. The plan of redemption is revealed in the study of His incarnation, miracles, teaching, death and resurrection. Application of the teaching of Christ to daily modern life is emphasized.

Greek (BI 220: 3 credits)
Introduces New Testament Greek to develop the basic skills needed for in-depth Bible study. Students learn the Greek alphabet, pronunciation and word study skills for enhanced Bible study and in preparation for teaching.

Hermeneutics (BI 102: 3 credits)
Provides the framework for properly studying and interpreting the Bible. It encompasses the knowledge and training necessary to develop skill in proper Biblical exegesis. Resources such as lexicons, concordances and other references are also discussed.

Old Testament Poetry & Wisdom (OT 120: 3 credits)
Examines Hebrew wisdom literature and poetry from the perspective of its essential philosophical and emotional themes. Emphasis is placed on learning the personal and practical application of those themes. Course study includes the books of Ecclesiastes, Psalms, Job, Proverbs, and Song of Solomon.

Pentateuch Survey (OT 111: 3 credits)
Presents an overview of the thematic, historic and cultural content of the first five books of the Bible. Books are studied in relation to each other and to the Bible as a whole. The course encompasses God's covenants, laws, types (foreshadows) and epiphanies (pre-incarnate appearances) of Christ, God's relationship with Israel, and plan of redemption. Focus is on practical application of principles learned.

Prophetic Books (OT 115: 3 credits)
Encompasses the major and minor prophets of the Old Testament. Course of study includes the office of the Old Testament prophet, the individual prophet, his message, and the context within which it was written. Prophecies are viewed in terms of unifying themes, Messianic foreshadowing and implications for the Hebrews, the church and believer today.

 

Church Management

Church Administration (CM 202: 2 credits)
Examines major areas of church management. The three major organizational models (ecclesiastical, presbyter, and congregational) are viewed in terms of their unique administration structures, church and pastoral staff oversight and fiscal management.

Church Growth (CM 122: 2 credits)
Considers essential elements necessary for church growth and development in Biblical, practical terms. Topics of study include mission, vision, purpose, core beliefs and values, structure, and membership.

 

History

Church History (HI 201: 3 credits)
Encompasses the history of the church from the first century through the present time. It surveys significant people, important events, movements and doctrines throughout church history.

Pentecostal & Charismatic History (HI 201: 2 credits)
Explores the work of the Holy Spirit as seen in the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement through the people, events, and theological positions including its major revivals, renewals, miracles, and controversies.

 

Humanities

Communication (CO 110: 3 credits)
Explores the dynamics of one-on-one communication. Included are the languages of communication, translation, modes of communication and communication styles.

English Composition (EN 110: 3 credits)
Emphasizes grammar and writing proficiency with the objective of developing writing competency, creativity, and analytical skills.

Ethics (PH 112: 2 credits)
Addresses issues of biblical morality vs. secular relativism, maintaining personal and public integrity in the face of political correctness, the need for protocols and guidelines that satisfy the real needs of contemporary ministry.

Homiletics (PD 210: 3 credits)
Introduces the student to practical methods of preparation and delivery of relevant topical, textual, and expository sermons. Students prepare thesis statements, develop supportive points, and concluding summary. Use of humor, illustrations and anecdotes are discussed.

Public Speaking (CO 201: 3 credits)
Brings understanding to the concepts of speaker intent, and receptor comprehension/retention. Methods for effective communication to congregations and communities are explored. The course teaches the use of various media to facilitate a multifaceted approach to communication. Note: this is not a required course for those completing Homiletics.

Religious Thought I (PH 221: 3 credits)
Provides an overview of the Christian doctrine of God, including His nature, character and works. Particular attention is given to the study of Christ (christology) and the Holy Spirit (pneumatology).

Theology II (TH 222: 3 credits)
Investigates the nature of man and his place in creation, the cause and consequence of sin, the doctrine of salvation, and the study of angels from a biblical perspective.

Spiritual Formation (PH 101: 3 credits)
Surveys the disciplines necessary for spiritual growth needed to fulfill the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Emphasis is on the practices of prayer and fasting, worship, solitude and stillness with God, study, service, and fellowship.

 

Intervention Ministries

Divine Healing (BC 240: 2 credits)
Examines Biblical principles of divine healing with a focus on applying those principles and includes laying on of hands, faith, perseverance, belief, spiritual warfare, God’s will, and healing ministry.

Spiritual Warfare and Intercessory Prayer (IM 201: 2 credits)
Examines the crucial role of the intercessor in God’s plan for battling the forces of darkness. Prayer as spiritual warfare, understanding spiritual attacks, the full armor and the characteristics of an effective intercessor are emphasized. Prayer - SF 101 is recommended before taking this course.

Victory in Christ (BC 220: 2 credits)
Explores the power of 'freedom in Christ'. It discusses principles for developing a God-centered lifestyle, holiness, breaking the bonds of sin, renewing the mind, spiritual warfare, and helping others find freedom.

 

Ministry Development

Apostolic Ministry (MD 230: 2 credits)
Discusses the apostolic gift in contemporary ministry. Examines the purpose and methodology of world missions, new works, church plants, and establishing cell-based groups for effective ministry and outreach.

Children’s Ministry (MD 210: 2 credits)
Discusses biblically based methods used to develop and manage age-related children's curriculum. Safety, teaching methods, administration, creative communication, environmental design, materials, support ministry, and teamwork are examined.

Deaf Ministry (MD 220: 2 credits)
Introduces the student to American Sign Language and the unique ministry within deaf culture. Course focuses on basic communication techniques and innovative strategies for outreach and sustained ministry to the deaf.

Drama Ministry (MD 130: 2 credits)
Examines the important role drama plays in communicating the gospel message. Skit and play production, writing, acting, lights, set construction, costumes, and make-up are some of the topics explored.

Drama Ministry Practicum (MD 230: 2 credits)
Allows students to participate in drama ministry. Students may experience one or more of the aspects of drama production receiving hands-on experience and mentoring in that area. This course may be taken concurrently with Drama Ministry.

Worship Ministry (MD 204: 2 credits)
Explores the practical and the spiritual ministry aspects of a worship leader. Team building and leadership, administration and organization, A/V services, and the culture of worship are among the practical aspects of worship ministry studied. The heart of worship, leading effective corporate worship, and releasing the Holy Spirit are among the spiritual aspects discussed.

Youth Ministry (MD 206: 2 credits)
Explores effective methods of reaching and ministering to youth. Topics include youth worship, youth as leaders, characteristics of an effective youth pastor, communication, youth-related issues, adolescent development, and the challenges of youth ministry in terms of administration, and management of growth, camps, and mission trips.

 

Outreach

Community Outreach (OR 202: 3 credits)
Extends the principles of personal outreach to the community building connections between believers and the communities in which they live. A term project is required in which students develop a plan for community outreach based on their individual spiritual gifts and natural talents. The outreach plan is implemented during the quarter. Personal Outreach - OR 110 is recommended before taking this course.

Personal Outreach (OR 110: 3 credits)
Overviews reaching others with the Gospel in a manner that fits the personality and gifting of the presenter and the needs of the hearer. The work of the Holy Spirit is examined from the perspective of lifestyle evangelism. Consideration is given to the unique gifts and talents of the individual. Students gain insight into the cultural effects of postmodernism while developing cross-cultural awareness.

 

Pastoral Development

Pastoral Ministry (PD 220: 2 credits)
Addresses officiating funerals, weddings, baptisms, communion, and dedications. Equipping and mobilizing church leaders for counseling and follow-up ministry is also discussed.

Ministry Internship/Practicum (PD 101-105: 1 credit each)
Provides students with hands-on experience. Internship pairs students with a qualified mentor in a ministry setting. All practicum and internships must be pre-approved by the college staff.

Sophomore Ministry Project (PD 240: 3 credits)
A hands-on ministry assignment performed and documented under the supervision of a college assigned mentor. All projects must be pre-approved by the college staff.

 

Science & Math

Introduction to Business Mathematics (MA 110: 3 credits)
Explains and develops general mathematic principles as they pertain to accounting, budgeting, consumer math, and creating and interpreting graphs.

Science of Intelligent Design (SC 210: 3 credits)
Draws from the disciplines of biology, physiology, anatomy, astronomy, archeology, and geology discussing the two major scientific theories of man's origin.

 

Social Sciences

Anthropology of Religion (SO 201: 3 credits)
Explores the major world religions and Christian cults. Emphasis is placed on a comparative analysis to Christianity.

Divorce Recovery (SO 225: 2 credits)
Adresses biblical grounds in divorce, divorce recovery, therapeutic seperation and blended family issues.

Introduction to Biblical Counseling (SO 210: 2 credits)
Integrates biblical truth with compatible methodology from psychology. Course includes effective interviewing, the role of the biblical counselor, legal issues, safety, and moral concerns.

Leadership (SO 110: 3 credits)
Examines the basic leadership styles and compares them with a biblical model. Topics include interpersonal relationships, time and crisis management, resource development and utilization, negotiation, and development of an effective vision-led leadership style.

Life Issues (BC 220: 2 credits)
Discusses common struggles and solutions people face. Topics include separation & divorce, addictions and co-dependency, adolescence and developmental issues, depression, anger, death, and suicide. Introduction to Biblical Counseling PSY 210 is recommended prior to taking this course.

Marriage & Family (BC 221: 2 credits)
Examines biblical principles for establishing and maintaining a healthy family. Couese includes communication, parenting, intimacy, financial management and gender based needs.

Parent Project (SO 211: 2 credits)
A nationally acclaimed program that is designed specifically for parents of teenagers. It empowers parents with skills that effectively and lovingly maintain a peaceful family and household.

Recovery Groups (BC 230: 2 credits)
Aids the student in establishing and facilitating groups for people with life controlling issues. Topics include group dynamics, safety, privacy, group facilitation, individual accountability, addictions, self-talk, ethics, and legal issues.

Theory and Perspective of Biblical Counseling (SO 240: 3 credits)
Focuses on a practical approach that takes teh Christian counselor from assessment to intervention of a wide range of spiritual and emotional problems. Students will develop their own intakes, intervention plans, and rational for their own theory and approach to discipleship and counseling.

Women in Ministry (SO 130: 2 credits)
A biblical perspective on the church offices and ministries held by women. This course surveys prominent women in the Bible, biblical teachings concerning women, their role as ministers of the Gospel, and contemporary issues affecting women in ministry.