Begin your study with this comprehensive look at the whole Bible. From Genesis to Revelation you will read significant passages of scripture which represent the major biblical themes and genres. Probing questions will help you focus on the meaning of each passage and its relevance to life today. This wide-angle view of the Bible sets the context for further, more focused, study and is a required prerequisite for subsequent Bible courses. Syllabus writer and facilitator: Stephen Lane, D.Min.

Fall Term - ($150.00)
Spring Term - 1/7-4/19 ($150.00)
Summer Term - 5/6-8/9 ($150.00)

This required course provides a basic introduction to the history of the Church as it traces the growth and development of Christianity from a group of believers in the ancient Middle East to the worldwide Church of today. You will be introduced to significant individuals and important events as you read and write brief responses. Participation in this course will provide insight into how the Church has succeeded and failed in its mission and will help you to appreciate the wide variety of Christian expression found throughout the world today. Syllabus writer: Gregory Starr, M.A.; facilitator: Steven Newcomer, M.A.

Spring Term - 1/7-4/19 ($150.00)
Summer Term - 5/ 6-8/9 ($150.00)

Discipleship essentially centers around two things. The first is Jesus, into whose spirit-filled life, death, and resurrection we are disciple. The second is the stories of our lives and the lives of all of those who respond to the invitation of Jesus to come and 'follow me'. The concept of discipleship is the practice of bringing these two things together - discovering how the person of Jesus influences the stories and experience of our lives as we live in response to the Holy Spirit who guides us in the ways of Jesus. Syllabus writer and facilitator: Joshua Nolt, M.Div.

Fall Term - ($150.00)
Spring Term - 1/7 - 4/19 ($150.00)
Summer Term - 5/6-8/9 ($150.00)

Christianity is a missionary religion. In this required course you will look at the biblical basis for missions and then see the role of missions in church history. You will meet the pioneering missionaries of the Brethren in Christ Church and trace the expansion of their vision to the current status of Brethren in Christ missions. Finally, you will consider the challenges facing Christianity in the 21st century and develop ways to be involved at a personal and congregational level. Syllabus writers: Grace Holland, D.Miss.; Fred Holland, D.Miss.; facilitator: Grace Holland, D.Miss.

Spring Term - 1/7-4/19 ($150.00)
Summer Term - 5/6-8/9 ($150.00)

This course is designed to help students understand and reflect on the current social world that adolescents live in and the spiritual beliefs and attitudes held by this group today. The course will also encourage students to look at how the current social world and spiritual beliefs and attitudes of teens and young adults impacts ministry approaches to this group. Syllabus writer and facilitator: Chuck Jantzi, Psy.D.

Spring Term - 1/7-4/19 ($150.00)

Do you need help to nourish your soul? This is the first part of a two-term course that introduces you to spiritual formation. You will do readings and complete exercises in a journal notebook based on your own spiritual experiences. You will read about and reflect on each of the inward (meditation, prayer, fasting) and outward (simplicity, solitude, submission, service) spiritual disciplines. Syllabus writer and facilitator: Debra Brensinger, M.A.

Spring Term - 1/7-4/19 ($150.00)

By exploring relevant scriptures and readings in textbooks, this course examines how the Holy Spirit works in individuals to give new life, grant gifts, and develop character. You will also look at how the Holy Spirit shapes Christian community and ministers in worship with special emphasis on Brethren in Christ understandings. Your study will consist of assigned readings, written answers to specific questions, and two final integrative papers. After this study you will have an enhanced understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit. Syllabus writer: George Kimber, D.Min.; facilitator: Bob Verno, D.Min.

Spring Term - 1/7/-4/18 ($150.00)
Summer Term - 5/ 6-8/9 ($150.00)

Often neglected, the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) contains eternal theological truths that are still relevant today. Hone your inductive Bible study skills by carefully reading to discover those truths and then consider how they apply to our contemporary world. In completing this required course you will not only gain a comprehensive knowledge of these biblical books, but also develop usable lesson plans or sermon outlines. Syllabus writer: Terry Brensinger, PhD; facilitator: Bill Donner, M.Div.

Spring Term - 1/7-4/19 ($150.00)
Summer Term - 5/7-8/10 ($150.00)

The Leadership and Structure Core Course is designed to give an overview of how churches, pastors and our church families function locally, regionally and denominationally as Brethren in Christ. As part of the course we'll be reading and discussing a handful of texts that address the theme of leadership and ministry in the local church. Interaction among students taking the course is a key part of us coming to a greater understanding and appreciation of our widely varying contexts. My hope is that through taking the course, those in the licensure process will be more fully equipped to lead effectively in our denomination. Taught by: Dr. Layne Lebo

BIC U.S. Minister ($0.00)
Not a BIC U.S. Minister ($150.00)
Spouse of Minister ($60.00)

Traces the history of the Brethren in Christ from the founding in 18th century Anabaptism and Pietism through the incorporation of changes like the American Holiness Movement to produce core values that characterize the 21st century church. The healthy tension between Anabaptism and Pietism is documented throughout history to the present. Taught by: Dr. John Yeatts

BIC U.S. Minister ($0.00)
Not a BIC U.S. Minister ($150.00)
Spouse of Minister ($60.00)