» Home
» About Vision International
» Degree/Award Programs
» Vocational Ministry Training
» Start a Resource Center
» Find a Resource Center
» Reporting and Management
» Resources and Materials
» Bible College in a Box
» World Zone Leaders
» Give to the work of Vision
» Contact Vision

 

Course of Study: Three Year Training

Find out more about our philosophy of Vocational Ministry Training...

1 Year One: Discipleship (Certificate IV in Christian Ministry)
 

CHRISTIAN MINISTRY UNITS (BIBLICAL STUDIES/THEOLOGY)

BI 100: Hermeneutics: Introduction to Bible Study 3 credit hours
BI 102: New Testament Survey 3 credit hours
RS 101: Dynamic Christian Foundations 3 credit hours
RS 109: Spiritual Formation: Journey to Wholeness 3 credit hours
RS 102: Christian Life 3 credit hours
BI 201: The Gospel of John 3 credit hours

COMMUNITY SERVICE UNITS (PRACTICUM)

CC 101: Sociology of Marriage and Family Life 3 credit hours
GE 112: Introduction to Management 3 credit hours
RS 219: Christian Character Development 3 credit hours
GE 103: English Composition 3 credit hours
RS 103: Advanced Communication: Evangelism 3 credit hours
2 Year Two: Service (Diploma of Christian Ministry)
 

CHRISTIAN MINISTRY UNITS (BIBLICAL STUDIES/THEOLOGY)

BI 101: Old Testament Survey 3 credit hours
BI 103: The Pentateuch 3 credit hours
BI 202: The Book of Acts 3 credit hours
BI 203: Pauline Epistles: Romans 3 credit hours
RS 209: Faith Dynamics 3 credit hours
RS 105: Theology of Worship 3 credit hours

COMMUNITY SERVICE UNITS (PRACTICUM)

GE 220: Financial Integrity and Stewardship 3 credit hours
ED 101: Dynamics of Teaching 3 credit hours
CC 201: Introduction to Psychology: Christian Counseling Perspectives 3 credit hours
RS 212: Speech and Communication: Homiletics 3 credit hours
3 Year Three: Leadership (Advanced Diploma of Christian Ministry)
 

CHRISTIAN MINISTRY UNITS (BIBLICAL STUDIES/THEOLOGY)

BI 302: Major and Minor Prophets of the Old Testament 3 credit hours
RS 200: History of Civilization I: Church History Perspectives 3 credit hours
RS 217: Introduction to Charismatic Theology 3 credit hours
GE 201: Cultural Anthropology: A Christian Perspective 3 credit hours
RS 210: The Blood Covenant 3 credit hours
CC 301: Self-Concept: Studies in Biblical Inner Healing 3 credit hours

COMMUNITY SERVICE UNITS (PRACTICUM)

RS 304: Introduction to Leadership 3 credit hours
RS 301: Pastoral Ministry 3 credit hours
RS 305: Introduction to World Missions 3 credit hours
RS 314: Principles and Philosophy of Church Growth 3 credit hours

Certificate IV in Christian Ministry
Year 1: Discipleship

BI 100: Hermeneutics: Introduction to Bible Study  (3 credit hours)
A study of the basic principles of hermeneutics and methods of Bible study. The course is designed to give the new student a solid foundation for the coming four years of intensive Bible study. The course presents the Bible as literature as well as the inspired word of God with emphasis on the importance of textual and historical context in interpreting biblical passages. Instructor: Joshua D. Reichard, D.Phil.. Prerequisites:
BI 102: New Testament Survey  (3 credit hours)
This course provides an overview of the New Testament, with a brief introduction to each of the 27 books of the Protestant canon, and a concise summary of their contents, enabling the learner to correctly relate the parts of the New Testament to each other, and to the Old Testament. The module allows the learners to enrich their knowledge of the Bible and their ability to read each part intelligently, with an understanding of the context in which each book occurs and of how doctrine evolved gradually over the centuries. Armed with this knowledge students are able to develop their ability to relate the Bible and its contents to daily life and to Christian witness. Instructor: Steven M. Mills, D.Min.. Prerequisites:
RS 101: Dynamic Christian Foundations  (3 credit hours)
This foundational course explores detail the fundamental foundations of Christian belief. Orthodox Christian truths will be taught in detail and are prerequisite for a dynamic Christian life. Instructor: Richard Jenks, MRE, PsyD. Prerequisites:
RS 109: Spiritual Formation: Journey to Wholeness  (3 credit hours)
This course examines the biblical perspectives on God's plans and purposes for man and how God through his love and grace helps man to develop a believer's personality through stages of spiritual development. Instructor: Delores Horsman M.A.. Prerequisites:
RS 102: Christian Life  (3 credit hours)
Paul stated that whenever possible we are to live our lives at peace, especially within the household of faith. In our day, we need to learn the pattern for gracious living. While fundamentalism is regarded to view social controversy and moral issues with judgementalism and/or mean-spiritedness, this course will explore social issues in the context of a balanced "sweet reasonableness". Submission in the family, church, and society will be explored in detail. Instructor: Richard Jenks, MRE, PsyD. Prerequisites:
BI 201: The Gospel of John  (3 credit hours)
The fourth Gospel is studied in light of its historical context and its stated evangelistic purpose to discover its testimony of the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ and to his saving work. The course will also explain and demonstrate some basic interpretative principles and methods of Bible study. Instructor: Rev. Frank Hodges, M.Div.. Prerequisites:
CC 101: Sociology of Marriage and Family Life  (3 credit hours)
This course provides a careful examination of the modern problems inherent in marital and family relationships; offers suggestions for treatment on an individual and church-wide basis; and provides numerous counseling resources. Instructor: Sara Reichard, M.Litt., R.N.. Prerequisites:
GE 112: Introduction to Management  (3 credit hours)
This course introduces the subject of management, identifies leadership positions, and stresses the importance of the role of leadership and management skills in Christian Ministry. Biblical principles of leading like a servant and shepherd and qualifications for leaders are also discussed. Major tasks of leaders are reviewed, with emphasis on decision-making and handling conflicts. Guidelines for training leaders and followers are given, and principles of success and reasons for failure examined. Emphasis is placed on the contex of Management in Community Service, preparing the student to support Community Leadership. Instructor: Brian van Deventer, M.A.. Prerequisites:
RS 219: Christian Character Development  (3 credit hours)
This course examines the biblical perspectives on Christian Character and how God through his love and grace helps man to develop a right Christian character and personality through clearly established Biblical processes. Instructor: Delores Horsman M.A.. Prerequisites:
GE 103: English Composition  (3 credit hours)
A study of the principles of composition with emphasis on language, the mechanics of writing, the types of discourse, and research and documentation. The course develops students’ ability to write unified, well-developed and coherent expository essays that employ standard English usage and mechanics, and exposes the students to literary works that sharpen their critical-thinking and analytical skill necessary in college writing. The course also includes a study of rhetoric and short essay composition, and readings and responsive writing assignments. This is predominantly a skills course to develop the student's writing competency as a foundation for all future studies. Instructor: Brenda Thomas, M.A.. Prerequisites:
Course Materials (Approximately $14.95):
Required Textbook: (2002). Dutwin, P. Writing the Easy Way. Barrons Educational Series: Hauppauge, NY.
RS 103: Advanced Communication: Evangelism  (3 credit hours)
The core of this course is practical training in the philosophy and methods of soul winning, visitation, discipleship follow-up and evangelistic outreach including signs and wonders. Instructor: Joshua D. Reichard, D.Phil.. Prerequisites:
Course Materials (Approximately $27.00):
Required Textbook: (2003). Dailey, T. Bringing Heaven to Earth. Vision Publishing: Ramona, CA.
Printed Study Guide: (2007). Introduction to Communication: Evangelism Perspectives. Vision Publishing: Ramona, CA.
 

Diploma of Christian Ministry
Year 2: Service

BI 101: Old Testament Survey  (3 credit hours)
This course provides an overview of the Old Testament, with a brief introduction to each of the 39 books, and a concise summary of their contents, enabling the learner to correctly relate the parts of the Old Testament to each other, and to the New Testament. The module allows the learners to enrich their knowledge of the Bible and their ability to read each part intelligently, with an understanding of the context in which each book occurs and of how doctrine evolved gradually over the centuries. Armed with this knowledge, students are able to develop their ability to relate the Bible and its contents to daily life and to Christian witness. Instructor: Rev. Jonathan Barber, Th.M.. Prerequisites:
BI 103: The Pentateuch  (3 credit hours)
The foundation for the revelation of God and his dealings with man throughout the Old and New Testaments are found in the Pentateuch or Five Books of Moses. In these books we see the unity and authority of the Bible which always points forward to the Savior. Instructor: Rev. Jonathan Barber, Th.M.. Prerequisites:
BI 202: The Book of Acts  (3 credit hours)
A detailed study of the origin and development of the apostolic church and of the ministry of the ascended Christ as carried on through the church by the power of the Holy Spirit. Instructor: Rev. Frank Hodges, M.Div.. Prerequisites:
BI 203: Pauline Epistles: Romans  (3 credit hours)
An intensive study of the book of Romans and Galatians (for personal devotional purposes) in the light of the principles of sound exposition and analysis. Instructor: Prof. Wes Weber. Prerequisites:
RS 209: Faith Dynamics  (3 credit hours)
Living a life of victory, power and sufficiency requires faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. This course discusses in detail the dynamics of faith and their relationship to the believer. Instructor: Rev. Al Franke, M.Div.. Prerequisites:
RS 105: Theology of Worship  (3 credit hours)
Thanksgiving, praise and worship are vital for the New Testament Christian. Worship is dynamically illustrated and taught in this course. Emphasis on who we worship and why is maintained throughout. Instructor: Steven M. Mills, D.Min.. Prerequisites:
GE 220: Financial Integrity and Stewardship  (3 credit hours)
This course is an overview of financial management issues, principles and tools. The course involves discussion, theoretical understanding, and practical applications of basic financial management. Understanding basic financial management issues is important for analyzing the current and future financial health of an organization, church, or ministry, leading to more informed decision-making. For all managers of churches and nonprofit organizations, understanding the basic concepts of funding streams, stewardship, budgeting and financial statement analysis is essential to building and maintaining a strong organization. Instructor: Steven M. Mills, D.Min.. Prerequisites:
ED 101: Dynamics of Teaching  (3 credit hours)
This course is designed to familiarize the student with the principles of teaching in a structured environment. Emphasis is placed upon the principles of organization and presentation methodology including, Stating Objectives, Lesson Planning, Evaluation, Curriculum Selection and Development, Teaching Illiterate Students, and Teacher Training. Instructor: Brenda Thomas, M.A.. Prerequisites:
CC 201: Introduction to Psychology: Christian Counseling Perspectives  (3 credit hours)
This course proposes to help the student discover the basic concepts of Christian counseling and increase skill and competence in counseling situations. This introductory course in psychology covers many of the major ideas in contemporary psychology, but focuses mainly on psychology in the context of Christian Counseling. Examination of psychological phenomena from biobehavioral and sociobehavioral perspectives will be emphasized. The course will explore different approaches to counseling such as behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, biblical, and integrative Christian. In addition, the course describes different environments in which counseling is applied, especially in the context of the local church. The course will also explore the difference between counseling and other helping situations. Instructor: Richard Jenks, MRE, PsyD. Prerequisites:
RS 212: Speech and Communication: Homiletics  (3 credit hours)
This course is on the fundamental methods of sermon preparation. It emphasizes both structure and delivery. Attention is given to the determination of audience type, the proper use of voice and other principles of public speaking. Instructor: Rev. Al Franke, M.Div.. Prerequisites:

Advanced Diploma of Christian Ministry
Year 3: Leadership

BI 302: Major and Minor Prophets of the Old Testament  (3 credit hours)
The ministry of the prophet and the gift and function of prophecy is explained from a historical and modern context. The place and environment of prophetic ministry, prophetic presbytery, and the office of the prophet is explained. Instructor: Rev. Jonathan Barber, Th.M.. Prerequisites:
RS 200: History of Civilization I: Church History Perspectives  (3 credit hours)
A study of church history during the Apostolic Age, the ante-Nicene period, and the post-Nicene period. Topics include the rise of orthodoxy, the many transformations that took place after the conversion of Constantine, the rise of the papacy, the many forms of medieval religious life, and the emergence of new forms of both lay and clerical piety. The developmental history of Western Civilization, in relation to the History of the Church, is noted in particular. Instructor: Prof. Samuel Frost. Prerequisites:
RS 217: Introduction to Charismatic Theology  (3 credit hours)
This course explores the fundamental foundation of Christian belief in the area of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Orthodox Christian truths will be taught in detail and are prerequisite for a dynamic Christian. Instructor: Joshua D. Reichard, D.Phil.. Prerequisites:
GE 201: Cultural Anthropology: A Christian Perspective  (3 credit hours)
Students will examine cultural anthropology from a Christian perspective, with particular emphasis on environmental analysis for missions. The students will gain a deeper understanding of different approaches to cultural anthropology and the applications of cultural theory for understanding cultural and religious diversity in the modern world. The importance of applied cultural anthropology to address the challenges of cross-cultural living and ministry will be emphasized. Instructor: Joshua D. Reichard, D.Phil.. Prerequisites:
RS 210: The Blood Covenant  (3 credit hours)
The covenant of God to his people has always been sealed with blood. The course of this covenant between God and his people is demonstrated throughout the Word of God. Instructor: Rev. Denis I. Plant, M.Th.. Prerequisites:
CC 301: Self-Concept: Studies in Biblical Inner Healing  (3 credit hours)
This course contains the biblical bases for the concept of inner healing and healing of the memories. The student will be able to deal with issues in his or her own past that may be preventing them from being a “real person.” Instructor: Sara Reichard, M.Litt., R.N.. Prerequisites:
RS 304: Introduction to Leadership  (3 credit hours)
A detailed study of the basic principle of leadership as it applied to the local church. This will include the Dynamics of Leadership, Qualifications of Leadership, Counseling and Ethics, Church Administration and Government, etc. Instructor: Dr. Stan DeKoven. Prerequisites:
RS 301: Pastoral Ministry  (3 credit hours)
This is a study of the practical side of a minister's life and duties. It will include instruction in the proper manner of services, and a discussion of many of the problems a pastor faces. Instructor: Rev. Frank Hodges, M.Div.. Prerequisites:
RS 305: Introduction to World Missions  (3 credit hours)
A study of the theology of missions from Pentecost to the present, culture, and the missionary, with special emphasis on the unreached people groups of the world. Instructor: Steven M. Mills, D.Min.. Prerequisites:
RS 314: Principles and Philosophy of Church Growth  (3 credit hours)
The Great Commission of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20) is the continuing mandate of the church. Though methods of evangelism and church planting have changed, the mandate remains the same. How to “grow the church” is the focus of this course. Instructor: Dr. Stan DeKoven. Prerequisites: