Course Descriptions
BIBLICAL STUDIES
BIB 110 OLD TESTAMENT STUDIES
BIB 1101 Old Testament Biblical Studies: Books of the Law
This is the initial course of systematic, strategic study of the Bible. We will explore the Books of the Law – Genesis to Deuteronomy. The course will initiate and ignite a deep love for the Word of God. Studying principles of the “Law of First Order,” world shaping and shaking foundational truths such as creation, marriage, sin, salvation, and mission will be highlighted.
BIB 1102 Old Testament Biblical Studies: Books of History – Part 1
This is the second course of a systematic, strategic study of the entire Bible. In it, we will explore the Books of History from Joshua – I & 2 Samuel. The course will explore valuable lessons gleaned from history makers in the Old Testament. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to apply Old Testament trusts in a practical way with New Testament principles for a life of fruitfulness, enlargement and victory.
BIB 1103 Old Testament Biblical Studies: Books of History – Part 2
This is the continuation of the second course of systematic, strategic, survey of the entire Bible, reviewing the books of I and II Kings – Esther. Emphasis will be on priority themes, prophetic present truths, and practical applications. The course will explore valuable lessons gleaned from history makers in the Old Testament Books of History. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to apply Old Testament truths in a practical way with New Testament principles for a life of fruitfulness, enlargement, and victory.
NOTE: Prerequisite: BIB 1102 Books of History – Part 1
BIB 120 OLD TESTAMENT STUDIES
BIB 1201 Old Testament Biblical Studies: Books of Poetry
This is the third course of systematic, strategic, survey of the entire Bible, exploring the books of Poetry – Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. These books are “Books from the Heart” – books of honesty, authenticity, and transparency; they are written by real people who call upon God to intervene, strengthen, and be glorified in their lives.
BIB 1202 Old Testament Biblical Studies: Major Prophets
This is the fourth course of a systematic, strategic, survey of the entire Bible, exploring the Major Prophets – Isaiah through Daniel. The course will explore valuable lessons and prophetic insights gleaned from the Major Prophets of the Old Testament.
BIB 1203 Old Testament Biblical Studies: Minor Prophets
This is the fifth course of a systematic, strategic, survey of the entire Bible, exploring the Minor Prophets, Hosea through Malachi. Emphasis will be on the priority themes, prophetic present truths, and practical life applications. The course will explore valuable lessons and prophetic insights gleaned from the prophets of the Old Testament..
BIB 130 NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES
BIB 1301 New Testament Biblical Studies: Gospels
This is the first course of a systematic, strategic, survey of the New Testament, exploring the four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Students will better understand the content, similarities, and differences of the four Gospels, as well as distinguish how each Gospel author presents a different picture of Jesus to the reader as they explore important events and teachings of Jesus when He lived on earth.
BIB 1302 New Testament Biblical Studies: Acts/Epistles I
This is the second course of a systematic, strategic, survey of the New Testament, exploring Acts and the Major, Pastoral, and Prison Epistles. Emphasis will be on priority themes, prophetic present truths, and practical life applications. The course will highlight mega-themes in each epistle, as well as basic New Testament foundational truths for leaders in church ministry, church planters, and church members.
BIB 1303 New Testament Biblical Studies: Epistles II/Revelation
This is the third course of a systematic, strategic, survey of the New Testament, exploring the Major, Pastoral, Prison Epistles, and Revelation. Emphasis will be on priority themes, prophetic present truths, and practical life applications. The course will highlight mega-themes in each epistle, as well as basic New Testament foundational truths for leaders in church ministry, church planters, and church members.
NOTE: Pre-requisite: BIB 1302 Epistles – Part 1
COM 100 COMMUNICATION
COM 1001 Oral Communications
This course will help the student understand the fundamentals of both verbal and nonverbal elements of speech. Students will learn how to effectively communicate in a variety of both ministry and workplace settings. Special emphasis will be placed on the student learning to be comfortable while giving oral presentations at the college.
COM 1002 Effective Writing Skills
The course will address the fundamentals of composition and research, standard English grammar, punctuation, and style. The course will concentrate on essay development and organization and, to a lesser degree, sentence structure. Student creativity and participation will be encouraged through class small group activities. We will use the “Workshop Method” approach to writing which allows for peer review and discussion of essays.
COM 1003 Bible Research and Study Methods (Hermeneutics)
“The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63b). In this course on Bible Study Methods, students will learn practical ways to further appreciate, assimilate, and apply the wealth of God’s Word in their life and ministry. The practical tools presented include: interpretation, strategic study plans, implementing a devotional Bible study journal, and software/translation tools.
FAM 110 FAMILY MINISTRY
FAM 1101 The Marriage Covenant
This course is a process that will enable the student to have a chance at having a marriage that truly was made in heaven if one adheres to the information that will be offered.
FAM 1102 Principles of Finance
In this course on Principles of Finance, students will learn about sound money management skills and the financial planning process. They will begin to develop positive behaviors that are necessary to attaining financial maturity and achieving a secure future. The course will help the student in preparing a financial plan, developing a budget, understanding investments and debt reduction, protecting what they have, and the basics of insurance.
FAM 1103 Restoring the Christian Family
HIS 110 HISTORY
HIS 1101 History of Revival – Day of God’s Power
This course is presented to peak interest, spark expectancy, and fan the flame of desire for a Heaven-sent revival in our generation! Emphasis will be on defining what is a true revival, the purpose of revival, proven principles, preparation, and prayer in pursuit of revival. Biblical and historical revival patterns will be examined, as well as the clear Scriptural promises to build a bonfire of faith. Expected outcome of this course is a remnant of revivalists rising up who will stir revival fire in our churches, our region, our nation, and the harvest fields of earth.
HIS 1102 Church History Makers
This class is designed to provide a brief yet comprehensive survey of the people and events that have shaped both Church history and the world.
LEADERSHIP
LED 110 LEADERSHIP LIFESTYLE
LED 1101 Leading with Excellence
This course is a study of Godly character qualities and practical principles of excellence that make leaders full of purity, passion, and purpose. Students will begin to take inventory of daily situations where the student can develop and strengthen their personal spirit of excellence.
LED 1102 Leading with Vision
“Visioneering is the engineering of a vision. It’s the process one follows to develop and maintain vision. It’s a clear mental picture of what could be, fueled by the conviction of that it should be” (Andy Stanley). It’s personal, but involves everyone around you, because you are visioneering to leave a legacy and have what you created outlive and outlast your own life. This course will help you to develop personal vision, creativity, teamwork, and purpose.
LED 1103 Leading with Integrity (Ministry Ethics)
“Our usefulness to the Lord in His work is determined by the constitution of our character. Natural and undesirable elements in our character must be thoroughly dealt with through the abundant mercy and grace of our Lord, and positive traits must be built up, cultivated, and developed if we are to be effective servants of the Lord” (Watchman Nee). In this course, we still study the characteristics and moral ethics that a five-fold minister of the Gospel should possess.
MINISTRY
MIN 210 MINISTRY DEVELOPMENT
MIN 2101 Five-fold Ministry
When Jesus ascended to take his place at the Father’s right hand, He left gifts behind for His Church - Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers (Eph. 4:11). These gifts have been given to encourage and to equip the Body of Christ so that she may grow in unity and maturity. This course is designed to help you understand the unique calling of each gifting as well as the way these various gifts are designed to work together. In the process, students will gain a clearer understanding of their own.
MIN 2102 Principles of Counseling
Counseling is something that every leader is called on to do. But they are not alone! One of the Messianic names that Isaiah prophesied about Jesus in Isaiah 9:6 was that He would be a Counselor. So the Counselor and His Word will help us to be effective counselors, because we have His mind and His Spirit living within us!
MIN 2103 Effective Pastoring
When people say the word “pastor,” sometimes high and lofty (and often unrealistic) terms come to their minds – like a pastor (or his family) is hardly human! In this class, we will discuss the role of a pastor, the life of a pastor, the struggles that pastors face, how pastors relate to their staff, and the joys and trials of shepherding God’s sheep.
MIN 2104 Homiletics
In this course you will be asked to prepare exegetical studies on a series of topics utilizing the “Literal Grammatical Historical Approach” of Hermeneutics. For each study, you will be required to prepare a written text with either notations or reference-in-text citations and an oral presentation to be given in class. Studies will include a devotional, a short message, a communion message, and a brief sermon.
MIN 2105 Church Government and Administration
Students will study the New Testament pattern of Apostolic Church Government. They will also get a practical understanding of how a local church is set up, including handling of finances and church staff relations.
MIN 220 PRACTICAL MINISTRY SKILL DEVELOPMENT
MIN 2201 PRACTICUM – CHICAGO, IL (Ethnic Emphasis)
Second year students will spend 3 months being involved in a very practical way at our Chicago campus in Rogers Park, where 150 ethnic groups live in a four-mile radius. Students will participate in Sunday services, team meetings, street evangelism, and home visitation. They will attend the lifeGROUP of the Chicago campus pastor.
MIN 2202 PRACTICUM – GARY, IN (Urban Emphasis)
Second year students will spend 3 months being involved in a very practical way at our Gary campus in Gary, IN. Students will participate in Sunday services, team meetings, outreach, and home visitation. They will attend the lifeGROUP of the Gary campus pastor.
EVANGELISM AND MISSION
MIS 110 THEOLOGY OF MISSION
MIS 1101 Intro to Evangelism & Mission
This course will explore the Biblical basis for evangelism and mission. It will establish an understanding of the various methods of evangelism as well as ground the student in principles of outreach and church planting. Students will study the history of mission and observe what made great missionaries great! Students will also begin to appreciate the task of their generation as it relates to Unreached People Groups and moving from the Great Commission to the Great Completion.
MIS 1102 Building a Disciple Making Ministry
Thousands of books, study guides, lessons plans, and endless amounts of material have been dedicated to the topic of making disciples. We all know that we should be discipling people, yet it is a task that is largely left undone. This course will bring the student to a direct encounter with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, as they demonstrated for us why disciples are made, how lives are transformed, and how the Church reaches its community by multiplying disciples.
MIS 1103/BIB 1302 Book of Acts - Apostolic Structure & Church Planting
“Rediscovering the role God designed for the Church in mission is a critical issue facing the mission movement today. That role is to glorify God by planting churches among every tongue, tribe, and nation. Planting churches among unreached peoples is a complex process. It calls forth every ministry gift and the contribution of every believer …. Many Christians will not leave home and go someplace else to minister. If they are to participate in God’s global mission, they must be affirmed, developed, and released right where they live, in the context of their local church. This (course) shows how churches can become centers of mission vision and implementation and so accomplish God’s design for the local Church.” George Miley
MIS 210 INTERCULTURAL STUDIES
MIS 2101 World Religions and Cults
This class will set foundational understanding of the major religions and cults in our world. We will discuss many different belief systems and ideals to tear down the walls that Christians are up against. We will explore and dream of ways to reach out to people of differing views and opinions.
MIS 2102 Intro to Cross Cultural Communication
MIS 2103 Principles of Language Acquisition - Conversational Chinese
MIS 220 MISSION INTERNSHIP
Second year students will intern for eight weeks in a foreign country, under the supervision of a GlobalROAR missionary. Students will study the culture and language of the country and assist the missionary and his family as needed.
PHILOSOPHY
PH 110 BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW
PH 1101 Developing a Biblical Worldview
Christianity is far more than a personal, subjective belief system. Rather, it is an overarching, comprehensive worldview capable of addressing and explaining humanity’s greatest questions about reality and life. The class is designed to help the student see all of life from a God-centered perspective. Using Bbiblical categories of creation, the fall, redemption, and restoration, the demonstration of the superiority of God’s revelation will be known as the most reliable source of truth in the world.
PH 1102 Consequences of Ideas
This course is an introduction to the study of philosophy. Students will study the flow of ideas from some of history’s greatest minds as they grapple with humankind’s deepest concerns and questions. The course will introduce students to foundational concepts in philosophical thought while providing overviews of metaphysics, epistemology, man’s relationship with God, and value statements. The class is designed to assist the student in the development of a comprehensive worldview capable of addressing the fundamental questions of human life.
PH 1103 Apologetics
This class is designed to be an introduction to the study of Christian apologetics. Apologetics is the branch of Christianity which focuses on making a logical defense of the claims of Christianity. We live in a world that is becoming increasingly hostile and skeptical to Christian beliefs and values. The belief in God, the claim that Jesus is Savior, the integrity of the Bible as the Word of God and even the notion of absolute Truth are all under attack. This course is designed to be both theoretical and practical in nature. Our aim is to introduce this important area of study, to provide the students with basic tools for rational, intellectual debate and to arm them with knowledge necessary to engage our culture with the truth claims of our faith. We will have a special emphasis on the problems of relativism and religious pluralism and the popular slogans which are used in our culture which often leave Christians speechless. We want to expose the popular lies of our culture by equipping students with God’s truth.
PH 120 CRITICAL THINKING
PH 1201 Philosophy of God and Government
There are few topics which can generate more controversy than that of the proper relationship between the Church and the State. Should Christians be involved in politics? What is the role of the church, if any, in shaping public policy?
Living Stones is a Kingdom church. This means we believe God has given us a mandate to reform all spheres of society by bringing the principles of God’s Kingdom to bear on human problems. This mandate most certainly includes the realm of civil government. Our goal is to explore the proper relationship of God and the State with the Scriptures as our starting point.
PH 1202 Christian Philosophy of the Marketplace
PH 1203 Philosophy of Ministry
Nothing is more important in ministry than having a clear idea of what you are called to do and how you plan on doing it. In other words, every minister of the Gospel needs to possess a clear philosophy of ministry. In this class, we will examine several mega-churches to observe contemporary examples of ministries with clearly defined philosophies for doing ministry. However, our goal will not be to mimic the successes of others. We want to, instead, examine the unique expression we have within our ministry wineskin.
SPIRITUAL FORMATION
SF 110 SPIRITUAL CHARACTER
SF 1101 Spiritual Disciplines
Discipline determines the course of one’s life. Being disciplined is the concentrated practice that produces consistent characteristics. It is the pathway for us to get full pleasure in God as God gets maximum glory in us! In this course, we will learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of Scripture reading, prayer, fasting, waiting on God, giving, and faith.
SF 1102 Yielding to Spiritual Authority
If a Christian wants to be used by God, they must understand authority and continue to remain under authority. This course will study the importance of authority in one’s personal life, recognize abuse of spiritual authority in the lives of others, and establish Biblical truths concerning the blessings of God which come from being under the correct authority.
SF 120 SPIRITUAL LIFE DEVELOPMENT
SF 1201 Worship as a Lifestyle
God created every one of us for one purpose. We were created to be a worshiper - not just someone who practices religion or just believes. God is looking for worshipers - those whose worship is ignited and fueled by God’s Spirit and is played out in the reality of everyday life. In this class, we’ll first of all explore the worshipers of the Old and New Testaments and how their lifestyles identified them as worshipers. We’ll also delve into life today and identify how the lives we live can actually be worship. God is seeking those whose life is a daily sacrifice offered to an unseen Priest. Learn how we live “worship as a lifestyle.”
SF 1202 Prevailing Prayer
"Prevailing, or effectual prayer, is that prayer which obtains the blessing that it seeks. It is that prayer which effectually moves God. The very idea of effectual prayer is that it effects its object" (Charles G. Finney). In this course, we will explore the many types of prayer with special emphasis on intercessory and prevailing prayer, along with blockages to prayer and our prayer arsenal. The goal is to receive a spirit of prayer for our personal and corporate lives, our cities, states and the nations. As David, who lived a life of prayer said, “I am prayer,” so we too will learn to live a life of prayer.
SF 1203 Spiritual Warfare and Deliverance
THEOLOGY
THE 110 SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY – Part 1
THE 1101 Nature & Attributes of God
In the study of the nature and attributes of God, we set our gaze upon the foundation of all reality and the fountain from which all goodness and blessedness flows, namely God Himself. What is He like? Why has He chosen to reveal Himself? In this course the express goal is to learn to enjoy God and make His glory known in all the earth.
THE 1102 Christology
In this course, we will set our gaze on the Author and Finisher of our faith, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We will examine and explore the mystery of the One who is both fully and fully man. We follow His sinless life and His sacrifice on the cross to make atonement for our sin. We’ll stand in awe of His powerful resurrection from the grace, and His glorious ascension to the right hand of the Father. Our goal is to inspire a sense of awe and appreciation as we worship the Lamb who was slain to redeem a people for Himself!
THE 1203 Holy Spirit
THE 120 SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY – Part 2
THE 1201 The Kingdom of God
The message of the Kingdom of God was the main focus of Jesus’ life and ministry. As such, it deserves focus and demands understanding. This course covers the study the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments on the topic of “the Kingdom of God.” In this course, we”ll look at the culture and the signs of the Kingdom of God as well as looking forward to the day when Christ returns to usher in the Kingdom in all its fullness.
THE 1202 Ecclesiology
It’s not uncommon to find people expressing an interest in “spirituality” while, at the same time, expressing a complete disinterest in the Church. People like Jesus – they simply dislike the “institutionalized” Church which bears His name. Why? Next to His love for His Son, nothing could be nearer and dearer to the heart of God than the Church. This class will examine the Biblical doctrine of ecclesiology or the doctrine of the Church. We will ask questions as: “What is the Church?” and “What are the signs of a healthy church?” We’ll examine the health of the Church and wrestle with what we can do to become the Church of the Living God – a church of purity, power, and ever increasing Kingdom impact.
THE 1203 Living a Life of Faith
True faith is a real substance from God. This course explores the many facets of living a life of faith, including the simplicity of devotion, the prayer of faith, healing, the prophetic, and signs and wonders. This course magnifies our God as the present, living, prayer-hearing God and answers the question, “Where is the God of Elijah?”