Course Descriptions

 

Bible

This course begins with a class that examines scriptural truths that address a variety of life situations for the believer. Using Ephesians 4, it presents foundational biblical principles that are necessary to develop Christ-likeness in the life of a believer, giving the student the opportunity to develop spiritual maturity in their own lives, before they begin to focus on helping others do the same. This course then introduces principles of biblical counseling, using scripture to address areas of struggle, by following steps that are effective in producing lasting change in the believer’s life. Each student will do a self-evaluation of their own life, and then begin to develop skills to help other believers grow and mature in Christ-likeness.

Lab (28 hours): To complement this class, the student will complete a series of studies in the Psalms, emphasizing the fittingness and utility of the Psalms for addressing suffering and sin in the human spirit. Each Psalm will highlight a specific area of struggle and the biblically prescribed method of addressing that struggle. The goal of this lab will be to learn to think biblically about suffering and sin, and to address it with the Scripture.

This course attempts to lay out the Scripture’s teaching systematically, following two headings: first, the identity of God in his inner and outer works; and second, all things as they are in relation to God. Because God is who he is in relation to his creatures by the work of the Son and the Spirit, this course will include a focus on our creaturely response to the works of God in his inner and outer life.

Lab (28 hours): To complement this class, the student will complete a series of personal enrichment projects, based on a study of the attributes of God, in an independent study format (under supervision) that will provide an on-going focus of the spiritual principles necessary for developing Christ-likeness. Projects are designed to stimulate growth in key areas of spiritual development and maturity and will allow each student to focus on individual needs or areas of weakness. These personal enrichment projects will be reviewed, evaluated and graded by assigned advisors monthly.

This course presents the basic principles of hermeneutics, teaching the students how to study God’s Word for themselves. Throughout the class, the inductive Bible study principles of observation, interpretation and application are examined and practiced. The class also examines the foundations for our current English Bibles, the principles of intertextuality, and the best practices of reading the Old Testament Scriptures in light of the New Testament.

Lab (28 hours): To complement this class, the student will complete a series of personal enrichment projects, each based on a study of a particular book of the Bible, in an independent study format (under supervision) that will provide an on-going focus of the spiritual principles necessary for developing Christ-likeness. In addition, the student will complete a personal, inductive Bible study, under supervision, on a passage of Scripture, applying what they have learned and following the specific stages and principles of biblical hermeneutics. Their progress on this study will be reviewed monthly, with revisions recommended by their academic advisor. At the completion of this project they will use the knowledge gained from their study to develop one message suitable for public presentation.

This course looks at two major issues that frequently arise in Biblical counseling situations, specifically Conflict Resolution and Anger Transformation. The student will examine scriptural steps to identifying conflicts and effective steps toward resolution. The principles of confrontation, appeal and submission are addressed as methods for developing and maintaining Christian unity. Next, issues of anger resolution in counseling are examined, including the characteristics and evidences of anger, dealing with unresolved anger, causes and factors of anger and prerequisites for resolving anger.

Bible survey equips readers and teachers of the Scripture with the background information necessary to understand the biblical text. It also helps students to locate a given book of the Old Testament in its historical and canonical context. Old Testament Survey will introduce each book of the Old Testament and give relevant literary, historical, grammatical, authorial, and canonical information. By the end of this class, students will grow in their ability to understand the message of the Old Testament as a whole. They will have a basic knowledge of the background information for each Old Testament book, and they will know where each Old Testament book stands in the canonical stream.

Bible survey equips readers and teachers of the Scripture with the background information necessary to understand the biblical text. It also helps students to locate a given book of the New Testament in its historical and canonical context. New Testament Survey will introduce each book of the New Testament and give relevant literary, historical, grammatical, authorial, and canonical information. By the end of this class, students will grow in their ability to understand the message of the New Testament as a whole. They will have a basic knowledge of the background information for each New Testament book, and they will know where each New Testament book stands in the canonical stream.

Practical Theology explores the biblical doctrine of the believer’s union with Christ, and the practical effects of that union in everyday life. The class will seek to answer the question: “What does it look like to live out the Christian faith practically?” Throughout the class, the biblical basis and daily exercise of the spiritual disciplines of the Christian life will be examined and practiced. The goal of the class is to instill deep, gospel-centered habits and disciplines of grace in the believer’s life.

Technology in the Christian Life challenges students to think through the mental, emotional, and spiritual effects of the constant connectivity that modern technology and social media have on the Christian life. The class surveys the history of developments in technology and their effects on social and spiritual life, and offers wise counsel on how to best use technology as a tool, rather than to be mastered by it. This class is offered in conjunction with the phone and media fasts of the first two months of the program.

This course consists of the video series The Truth Project as well as Christian Apologetics. The Truth Project incrementally examines the believer’s world view from a biblical perspective. It looks at concepts regarding philosophy, and ethics, and refocuses these areas through a theological perspective. It also looks at science, history, sociology, and the foundations of government from the basis of scripture. Christian Apologetics will equip students with a broader understanding of what apologetics is, its place in church history, and how to engage non-believers more effectively through intelligent and loving conversation. After establishing a basic definition of apologetics, attention will be given to addressing some of the more common objections to Christianity. This course attempts to meet students where they are by bringing truth to bear on some of their own doubts and questions while striving towards the goal of effectively sharing love and truth with others.

This course will equip students with a broader understanding of what apologetics is, its place in Church history, and how to engage non-believers more effectively through intelligent and loving conversation. After establishing a basic definition of apologetics attention will be given to addressing some of the more common objections to Christianity. This course attempts to meet students where they are by bringing truth to bear on some of their own doubts and questions while striving towards the goal of effectively sharing love and truth with others.

Christian Education

This course covers the overall philosophy and goals behind Christian ministry and to equip a person with the necessary skills to design and implement a Christ-centered focus in all aspects of ministry administration, culminating in effective spiritual leadership. Students will research ministry purposes, goals and programs and will develop a personal mission statement as well as a corporate philosophy of ministry statement. Effective spiritual leadership skills are taught and students are evaluated on the implementation of those skills. Students will also learn how to design and use thematic studies, devotionals and staff training materials that promote spiritual growth.

This class is a continuation of the Principles of Ministry Administration course and is designed to further develop the philosophy and goals behind Christian ministry. Topics include a broad overview of youth ministry administration including camp programming and scheduling, teaching techniques and methods, staff recruitment, marketing and public relations, and facilities and equipment. Students may participate in various site visits to other neighboring camps and conference centers (approximately 8-12 hours on site) to explore the dynamics of administration in various ministries and outreaches. Students may also have the opportunity to attend additional seminars in related topics.

This practical, hands-on course is designed to review, examine and evaluate the skill development and practical application of the previous class in ministry administration and offer further insight and development of the people skills necessary for ministry administration. Lectures address pertinent issues in youth ministry, such as interpersonal relationships, authority, and moral excellence, and each student will have the opportunity to work under supervision in a group setting. Students will be evaluated on their ability to have effective ministry with a variety of ages and groups.

This practical, hands-on course is designed to review, examine and evaluate the skill development and practical application of the previous class in ministry administration and offer further insight and development of the skills necessary for administration and leadership in a camping/retreat center ministry. Based on the proceeding leadership practicum, evaluation of areas of strengths and weakness is followed by additional training in leadership, management of groups and scheduling, as well as programming, group administration, activity management, and counseling/discipleship.

This practical, hands-on course is designed to review, examine and evaluate the skill development and practical application of the previous class in ministry administration and offer further insight and development of the skills necessary for using equine activities to minister in a public setting. Based on the proceeding leadership practicum, evaluation of areas of strengths and weakness is followed by additional classes in equestrian science, plus specialized training in the service, management and administration of an equestrian ministry.

This course includes a general overview of biblical management principles from a servant leadership perspective. Instruction includes a study of the character, disciplines and values in the leaders that God used throughout Biblical history. This course also examines the qualities of leadership, principles for authority, standards of accountability, and communication as well as scriptural examples of effective leadership.

This course is composed of Intro to Christian Ethics and Christian Stewardship. Intro to Christian Ethics invites students to evaluate their responsibilities according to the demands of Scripture and discern how these demands relate to their effectiveness in ministry. Christian Stewardship teaches students how to be effective and responsible with the time, talents, and resources which they have been given, all from a Biblical perspective. Students will learn how to steward these gifts well by learning how to manage time, set and accomplish goals, and evaluate priorities.

This course covers biblical principles for Christian relationships, including an in-depth look at the differing personalities and gifts which believers have, using the books of Romans and 1 Corinthians to gain an understanding of the uniqueness of each individual, followed by instruction on how to develop tolerance, balance and spiritual maturity. Then a practical and detailed approach is taken to examine the Biblical basis and mandate for the marriage relationship, including the purpose of marriage and seven basic designs of marriage. Consideration is given to male/female traits, principles of communication, courtship, marriage, maintaining harmony in the home, and child rearing. Reading and writing assignments are geared specifically to stimulate further learning and reflection.

Horsemanship

Beginning riding instruction is given for differing levels of English and Western seats. In riding, much emphasis is placed upon balance, position, and correct usage of aids. Riders progress at their own rate of development and as skills are developed, riders gradually move to more difficult exercises.

Additional equitation skills are now developed for differing levels of English and Western seats. Classes are designed to allow students to continue to increase in their riding abilities, as well as continuing to improve in their abilities for training horses. In riding, emphasis continues on balance, position, and correct usage of aids and as each student progresses at their own rate of development, riders graduate to more difficult exercises, including beginning elements of lateral work, jumping, and western reining. Additional classes in equine science also provide further instruction in different aspects of veterinary practice including basic anatomy of the horse, wound management, and general care of the animals.

This course is offered to students who have developed their riding abilities beyond the basic level. The emphasis of this course will include more advanced riding techniques in both English and Western seats. Students will develop additional skills in training and will work with horses at varying stages of training from green-broke to finished horses and will be involved with longeing, driving, and saddle breaking. Instruction is also given in trail riding, including trail design and safety, regulations and procedures for guiding and supervising trail rides.

This course is offered to students who have developed their training abilities to the advanced level. Instruction will be given in advanced training techniques and additional hours will be spent taking young horses through all stages of their training, as well as re-schooling and finishing.

This course is offered to students who are Equine Majors. The emphasis in this course includes classes that cover Intro to Veterinary Science, the Digestive System of the Horse, Feed and Nutrition, the Musculoskeletal System of the Horse, Sickness and Lameness, and Conformation.

Physical Education

This course includes instruction in a variety of physical exercise and training. Students will be given 14 hours of instruction and specialized training in vaulting, where each student learns the basic elements of performing gymnastic routines on the back of a moving horse. Each student also participates in a low-element challenge course and in various field games or sporting activities held in a group environment.

This course introduces general elements of nutrition, health, and hygiene on a personal, organizational and commercial level. Instruction begins with an in-depth look at diet and nutrition, food preparation, food safety and sanitation. Instruction is given in all elements of management and planning for nutrition and food service, including food prep, cooking, serving and clean-up. Elements of hospitality and service are also covered.