Ministry Concentration

“Through love serve one another.”

That is the heart of ministry. The Spirit will express His loving service in a multitude of ways through each of us according to the unique manner in which He has created and shaped us.

The word “minister” very accurately describes the life of the believer for it includes two aspects in its origin and history: it is both “one who acts upon the authority of another” as well as a “servant.”

We are the ambassadors of the Kingdom of God, acting as His representatives and under His authority to establish and reveal His reign on earth as it is in heaven.

By love, we serve one another.

Our Ministry concentration has four main objectives:

1) A working knowledge of the Bible. This is a society that has lost its absolutes. We need to return to the Scriptures as a foundation for living. We cannot teach biblical principles without a working knowledge of the Bible. While we have no desire to be legalists, we must know the truth if we are to set people free.

2) An intimate relationship with Christ. Handling the Word of God without a relationship with God can be deadly. The heart of ministry is reconciling people to God, returning them to the loving fellowship experienced in the Garden of Eden. It is out of our love relationship with our Lord that we are able to invite others to join us.

3) A compassionate relationship with people. The entire ministry of Jesus flowed out of a compassion for others. So must ours. Our generation does not need more professional ministers, but it desperately needs men and women full of divine compassion.

4) A balanced life. Serving God and serving people can develop a lopsided life. We need to be balanced, aware and rightly related to ourselves and to our families to do our best in ministry

There are as many ways to express a heart of service as there are uniquely formed and gifted believers and needy people. Don’t try to fit yourself into some job description that you believe encompasses the call to ministry. Release the Holy Spirit’s anointing and creativity within you to bring everything that is uniquely “you” to serve those that only you can touch.

Online Ministry Degrees

The courses listed below may be taken as a Ministry Certificate or applied as a major concentration toward any of the following online Ministry Degrees:

Associate of Ministry
Bachelor of Ministry
Master of Ministry
Master of Divinity
Doctor of Ministry
Doctor of Divinity

For people aspiring to be trained for pastoral ministry, we recommend you earn any of the following degrees: Ministry, Divinity (graduate level only), Christian Counseling, Bible, Theology (recommended in this order).

Additional work is required when an undergraduate-level course is taken on the graduate level. Course substitutions and combining major concentrations are possible when working toward your Ministry Degree online. Discuss these options with the Dean. The key is to follow God’s passion within your heart. Students in the Master’s and Doctoral programs earn approximately 30 credits for each degree from specific courses, and the remaining 10 credits by doing practical ministry work and earning “practica” credits.

Courses

Communion With God - REN103/503

Have you ever wished you could sit down and have a long talk with the Lord? When you’re worried or confused, wouldn’t you love to see the situation from His perspective and hear how He wants you to respond? When things don’t seem to be going your way and your prayers aren’t answered the way you had hoped, wouldn’t it be great to hear Him tell you where He is in the midst of it, and what He is working out in your life?

Jesus promised that “My sheep hear My voice” (Jn. 10:27). If you are one of His sheep, then He is speaking to you and you are hearing His voice! The problem is that we have not learned how to recognize His voice and differentiate it from all of the other voices that bombard our hearts and minds. This course will help you discern the voice of the Lord within your heart, clearly and consistently, leading to a deeper intimacy with Him as well as greater faith, hope and joy. Your life will be transformed! (3 credits for REN103; 4 credits for REN503) (Course syllabus: REN103; REN503)

Naturally Supernatural - REN204

Through the working of Almighty God, He has joined His Spirit to our spirits. We will study and experience the glory of Christ (through the Holy Spirit) living within us, as well as ways of approaching Him and releasing His indwelling presence. We abide in Christ to the extent that we know that Christ abides in us. We will also learn how to allow the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit within us to flow out through us. Prerequisite: REN103 Communion With God. (3 credits) Course Syllabus

“This course radically changed my life in every way possible. When once the Christian life was somewhat of a duty and chore, it is now a lifestyle of rest. What was once my trying to be good for the Lord is now having Him be good out through me. What was striving to serve Him in every aspect of my life is now simply loving Him and yielding to His Spirit to live out of me. By understanding, experiencing, and living out the seven revelation truths of abiding, my life in every way and dimension has been radically changed.” —Student taking Naturally Supernatural

Every Christian should read Naturally Supernatural at least once a week! You write so clearly it would be pleasant to sit under your teaching! It really would be a life changing experience!— Isaac E. Rerri

Counseled by God - COU202

God’s Spirit is a “Wonderful Counselor”. We will let God speak to our hearts and counsel us about the basic emotional pressures of life. These include anger, doubt, depression, condemnation and inferiority. We will learn to let God replace these with His opposites, as His voice releases His grace within our hearts. Those whom the Son sets free are free indeed. (3 credits) Course Syllabus

Fulfill Your Financial Destiny - BUS102/BUS502

This course will give you Scriptural support for the belief that God delights in the prosperity of His children (Ps. 35:27). It is His desire that we lend and not borrow. We are to be the head and not the tail, above and not underneath (Deut. 28:12,13). God Himself teaches us to profit (Is. 48:17) and has given us the power to make wealth (Deut. 8:18). Several hundred verses on silver and gold will be examined, along with a philosophy concerning money, showing that we are to create and release wealth into the kingdom of God. (3 credits for BUS102; 4 credits for BUS502) Course Syllabus: BUS102, BUS502

Take Charge of Your Health - HEA102

We have a covenant of health with our God, which is based on four prerequisites (Ex. 15:26). One of these is to keep all His statutes. In this course, we will learn the statutes of God which will keep us from cancer and the other “Black Plagues” of our century. We need not die prematurely if we become responsible by keeping God’s simple health commands. (3 credits) Course Syllabus

“Take Charge of Your Health” taught me that sickness may strike a variety of places in our lives, which affects the whole person. We must heal the spirit’s illness caused by sin. We must experience “inner healing,” which is the healing of hurtful memories and damaged emotions. The effects from harmful memories may consist of guilt, shame, and depression. This is why we need to repent, ask God for forgiveness, and go through deliverance of demonic strongholds.I believe that most mental illness is frequently misdiagnosed; and is, in many cases, demonization, the influence of demonic activity. Some people become so saturated with sin and invading spirits, that they no longer have control over who and what they are.
We all must remember that the body houses the spirit and soul within us and we must properly maintain all three. Don’t you think you should be responsible for your health? The CLU course “Take Charge of Your Health” will help you do that.—Mark Huddleston

Experiencing God in the Small Group - MIN310

Classtimes are to be times of experiencing God and sensing the transmission of the life flow of the precious Holy Spirit among the classroom participants. They are to be much more than studies of God. They are to be experiences with God. This course will teach you how to make every classtime a time of encounter with the Lord where each one receives an impartation of the anointing of the Holy Spirit. (3 credits) Course Syllabus

“I cannot tell you what a blessing the course Experiencing God in the Small Group has been to my life. My small group meetings have been awesome. They have also grown to ten members consistently. God has been expanding me and our group has been experiencing greater measures of Him during our meetings.” —Student taking Experiencing God in the Small Group

Gifted to Succeed - LEA103

“To each of us grace has been given according to the measure of Christ’s gift…And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints.” Do you know which of these heart motivations God has given to you? Is God asking you to express this heart motivation within or outside the structured church, or both? Which ministry or vocation is He asking you to express yourself through? What kinds of people do you need next to you to make you most effective? These questions and many others will be answered. (3 credits) Course Syllabus

“These last 12 weeks have been like looking into a mirror and seeing things in me that I have never seen before. Then taking those things, learning more about them and pruning them to work most effectively for and in myself, my life and my ministry.” —Student taking Gifted to Succeed

Apprenticed to Leadership - LEA310

Mentoring or apprenticeship was Jesus’ style of training. He committed Himself to twelve intense relationships for about a year and a half, raising up leaders after Him who turned the world upside down for His sake. In this course, we will explore the mentoring relationship from both sides: as an apprentice who is learning from a leader and as a leader who is developing his team. (It is possible and beneficial to be in both positions at the same time – continuing to grow and learn from those who are ahead of us while leading and developing others into their potential.) We will discuss what is involved in a good mentoring relationship, responsibilities of the mentor and the apprentice, how one enters and terminates such relationships, and very practical steps for developing leaders who will stand with you, help carry your load, and continue your vision after you are gone. “There is no success without a successor.” (3 credits) Course Syllabus

Religion-Free Christianity - THE125/525

The law and the flesh always war against faith and Spirit. The battle is as old as Isaac and Ishmael, and recounted for us clearly in Galatians chapters 3-5. Each of us battles daily between law and Spirit in our own lives. Discover how God’s voice sets us free from the bondage of legalism and error. God’s vision is for a triumphant, empowered, overcoming Church that lives out of intimacy with His Holy Spirit. Learn what a church which is free of religion looks like. Let the Church be the Church! Let us be children of the faith! (3 credits) Course Syllabus

Cornerstones of Communication - COU203

Communication is the center of all relationships, yet most of us are untaught on the dynamics of great communication skills. This course will teach you these skills. With practice, every relationship you enter into will be much more effective, including relationships with your spouse and children. Give yourself the gift of outstanding communication skills. (3 credits) Course Syllabus

Five Fold Leadership - LEA203

“…they had ordained them elders in every church…” (Acts 14:23). Biblical precedent indicates that local churches were governed by a team of elders. God never let the rulership of the body rest on the shoulders of one man, knowing that each of us has weaknesses and limitations, and that no one man can completely represent full truth, wisdom and power as Jesus did. This course will help local church leadership function more effectively as a team, honoring the gifts of all. However, God’s leadership plan was not limited to the walls of the church. The Five-Fold Leadership plan will also be applied to everyday life and the marketplace where gifts and talents are surrendered to God to accomplish His purposes in the world. Prerequisites: LEA103 (required); MIN210 (recommended). This course will be most useful if you are currently a part of a leadership team. (4 credits) Course Syllabus

Pneumatology & Life in the Spirit - REN210/521

The key to the successful Christian life is walking and living by the Spirit. This course has two emphases: to increase our awareness of our own spirits and to become better acquainted with our Helper and Comforter, the Holy Spirit. All 1400 verses of Scripture that deal with the heart and spirit of man are closely considered, with the one objective of learning to sense our spirit and the Spirit of Christ within our spirit. In addition, we will meditate on a multitude of Scriptures that speak of the Holy Spirit so that we may come to know Him more personally and intimately than ever before. (3 credits) Course Syllabus

Prayers That Heal the Heart - COU301

This course teaches a series of seven specific prayers that will break bondages within your heart caused by spiritual forces. These prayers include breaking generational sins and curses; severing ungodly soul ties; removing negative beliefs and inner vows; healing traumatic scenes; and casting out demonic energy that has connected itself to these inner wounds of the heart and soul. The entire healing process is sealed by doing an intensive meditation on biblical passages that bear on the issues being healed so God can grant you illumined insights from His Word. (4 credits) Course Syllabus

“Who needs prayers that heal the heart? Just about everyone! God has really done a work in me through the studying and revelation of this ministry. He has given me a burden and a heart to see all people set free from all kinds of oppression. After all, He did command us to do so and minister to people’s needs. Prayers That Heal the Heart is going to be a major part of what I do vocationally for the rest of my life. I have a burden and a desire to see people walk in the liberty purchased for them on Calvary, and for them to experience the ZOE life God has come to give us. Thank You, Lord, for Your anointing to do what You did and see people come into all that You have for them.” —Student taking Prayers That Heal the Heart

I heartily recommend Prayers That Heal the Heart. It is the most biblical book I have read on counseling and spiritual warfare, in terms of emotional healing. While there are other good books out there that God has used, red flags have always gone up in my mind by their use of methods borrowed by modern psychology. This book isn’t like that, and it is thoroughly practical with its exercises and worksheets. It can definitely be used by the Lord to change your life and break the enemy’s power in your life.–Brian Shilhavy

Developing the Leader Within - LEA303

This course is designed to help you develop the attitudes, skills and character traits you will need to become the leader God has called you to be. You may need to establish new patterns of thought and action, and break old habits that have been keeping you back. If you truly devote yourself to the requirements of this course, you will be a more effective and successful leader at the end of it. (3 credits) Course Syllabus

Wisdom Through Dream Interpretation - REN310/REN510

Psalms declares that God counsels us at night through our dreams (Ps. 16:7). The dreams in the Bible illustrate this principle, and all of us can learn to hear from God during the two hours of dream life we have each night. In this course, we will examine all 50 dreams of the Bible seeing how God interprets the symbolism and speaks to His children through their dreams (Num. 12:6; Acts 2:17). (3 credits for REN310; 4 credits for REN510) Course syllabus: REN310; REN510

Prerequisite: REN103 Communion With God.

“This course has truly made a significant impact on my life and laid the foundation for ongoing change and revelation. It is as if a whole new door has been opened in my life leading to a whole new world of never-before-found treasures and truths. I feel as though I am walking towards a new journey that will impact my life in a great way. I feel that more tools have been added to my spiritual toolbox to help myself and help others. When I fully grasp this practice of interpreting dreams, I will be walking in a greater dimension of wholeness, authority, counsel, wisdom and so much more. If it’s true that we spend one third of our lives sleeping and part of that dreaming, then it feels as though I have resurrected one third of my life and I can live more fully. The revelation of the importance of dreams and what God wants to do with us through dreams has been resounding in my spirit ever since I started this course.” —Student taking Wisdom Through Dream Interpretation

New Trends in Management - BUS320

Everyone manages someone, whether you are a business person, a pastor, or a homemaker. What are God’s rules for successful management, which will allow the release of His blessing? We have discovered twenty biblical principles for effective management. These are being used by the most successful corporations around the world. We ground each one in Scripture and provide worksheets so you can easily evaluate your management style. May God’s maximum blessing be released in our homes, churches, and businesses. Leaders manage people well. (1 credit) Course Syllabus

Bible Research Methods - BIB390

Generally the student will take this course during his third year, near the completion of the core courses. In it he will be asked to do a complete Scriptural study, discovering what the Bible has to say about the vocation/ministry he is planning to enter. This will give him a biblical worldview. The student will be trained to do original Bible study utilizing the Greek and Hebrew, by learning to use an Interlinear Greek-English New Testament, a complete concordance, a Bible dictionary, a Greek lexicon, a study Bible, and an expository dictionary. No previous knowledge of Greek or Hebrew is required. (3 credits) Course Syllabus

Becoming a Youth Specialist - MIN330

In this foundational course, you will think and pray through your philosophy of youth ministry and explore ways to maximize your effectiveness in reaching young people for Christ. You will examine the theological, developmental, sociological and historical frameworks for youth ministry and evaluate various models both old and new. You will look at the skills needed for effective youth ministry and allow the Holy Spirit to examine your life to reveal your strengths and areas in which you need to grow. Finally, you will assess various resources for youth ministry and how you can use them more effectively.
NOTE: This course requires you to apply what you are learning in an actual youth group. If you are not currently working with a youth group, you will need to develop a relationship with one for the duration of this course. (4 credits) Course Syllabus

Anointed Preaching - MIN415

This course will teach the student how to get his messages from God and deliver them under the anointing of the Holy Spirit’s power. (3 credits) Course Syllabus

The Father Heart of God - REN105

This highly experiential course is designed to draw you into a closer relationship with your heavenly Father, in which you have not only a theological understanding of His deep love and affection for you, but you also know it because you have personally felt it. You will also learn how to help others overcome any hindrances in their lives that prevent them from experiencing the love of the Father for themselves. (Prerequisite: REN 103 Communion with God) 3 credits Course Syllabus

Believer’s Worship I - WOR101

In this course, we will define worship and explore its priority in the life of the believer. We will learn how to become a worshiper, as well as our responsibility as a worshiper. In addition, we will examine “the new song,” praise in the life of Jesus, and experiencing the presence of God in worship. (3 credits) Course Syllabus

Secrets of the Spirit - PRO101

In this course you will learn how to flow in the full manifestation of the Holy Spirit, just like Jesus and Paul. This course trains you through the example of powerful testimonies, a study of the teaching of other leaders, and extensive biblical research to arrive at a theological summary of what is required for you to not only experience the baptism in the Holy Spirit, but to release all of His gifts as well. This class will teach you how every believer can flow in every spiritual gift and you will be equipped to more easily and daily live and walk by the Spirit! (3 credits) Course Syllabus

Testimonies

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