Leadership Training

This is our framework for leadership training and not a rigid formula. This training is meant to transform an individual’s life and help prepare them for being part of transforming the world. While there are time frames listed for each course, we want you to finish them at your own pace. We are less interested in speed and more in spiritual growth and ministry development.

For those seeking a leadership role, ordination will occur when the current church leadership deems it to be the appropriate time and is not tied to the completion of the program. We believe that a person is called and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Education is important and an expectation of all leaders is the eventual completion of this or another program. However we believe that determining some to be qualified because they have a certificate, or diploma, and others as not qualified because they lack such a document, is a mistake.

Any of the courses may be substituted for in-person, or on-line courses, at Northwest Nazarene University, Calvary Chapel Boise, Eternity Bible College, and other schools/programs/courses, including those found on iTunes U. It is important to note that we will not agree with everything in every resource. We are not looking to indoctrinate people into one absolute set of beliefs and practices. Our vision is to help people explore, interact and grapple with a variety of theological positions and beliefs within the framework of orthodox Christianity as expressed in such documents as the Apostles Creed and Nicene Creed.

Level I Courses

101 Getting Started

  1. REQUIRED: Doctrines: A Simplified Road Map to Biblical Truth by Raul Ries
  2. RECOMMENDED: The ESV Study Bible and/or The NKJV Study Bible
  3. COURSE SCHEDULE:
    1. REQUIRED: Over the course of four weeks READ: Doctrines WRITE: A 100+ word reflection
    2. RECOMMENDED: Over the course of the entire program READ: the ESV Study Bible and/or the NKJV Study Bible. The ESV Study Bible is from a Reformed perspective, so the NKJV Study Bible will provide some balanced perspective. The NKJV Study Bible does not have anywhere near the number of theology and background articles as the ESV Study Bible, thus a person would benefit by having both if possible. All leaders in training are provided with a copy of the ESV Study Bible and/or the NKJV Study Bible if they do not already own both.

102 Introduction to a Missional World

  1. They Like Jesus but Not the Church: Responding to Culture's Objections to Christianity small group kit (includes the book and a DVD of the session presentations) by Dan Kimball
  2. Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith by Rob Bell
  3. The Radical Reformission: Reaching Out without Selling Out by Mark Driscoll
  4. The New Christians: Dispatches from the Emergent Frontier by Tony Jones
  5. COURSE SCHEDULE:
    1. Over the course of eight weeks: READ/WATCH: Each of the books/messages. WRITE: A 100+ word reflection each week
    2. When all course work is complete: WRITE: A 250+ word reflection on your theology, ministry and this course

103 Introduction to Biblical Studies

  1. Whose Bible Is It?: A Short History of the Scriptures by Jaroslav Pelikan AND SELECT ONE BELOW
  2. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart
  3. Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers by Michael J. Gorman
  4. Living By the Book: The Art and Science of Reading the Bible by Howard Hendricks and William Hendricks
  5. Hermeneutics: Principles and Processes of Biblical Interpretation by Henry Virkler and Karelynne Gerber Ayayo
  6. Grasping God's Word: A Hands-On Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays
  7. COURSE SCHEDULE:
    1. Over the course of eight weeks: READ: Each of the books. WRITE: A 100+ word reflection each week. 
    2. When all course work is complete: WRITE: A 250+ word reflection on your theology, ministry and this course

104 Introduction to Theology

  1. Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe or the Doctrine series videos by Mark Driscoll
  2. The Story of God: A Narrative Theology by Michael Lodahl
  3. Relational Holiness: Responding to the Call of Love by Thomas Jay Oord and Michael Lodhal
  4. Postmodern and Wesleyan?: Exploring the Boundaries and Possibilities by Jay Richard Akkerman, Thomas J. Oord, Brent D. Peterson, and Leonard I. Sweet 
  5. COURSE SCHEDULE:
    1. Over the course of 12 weeks: READ/WATCH: Each of the books/messages. WRITE: A 100+ word reflection each week
    2. When all course work is complete: WRITE: A 250+ word reflection on your theology, ministry and this course

105 Old Testament I (Genesis-Job)

  1. A Bible (ESV, NLT,  NIV, NKJV, NRSV, etc.)
  2. Encountering the Old Testament: A Christian Survey by Bill Arnold and Bryan Beyer
  3. COURSE SCHEDULE:
    1. Over the course of 12 weeks: READ: Books(s) of the Bible each week along with the corresponding chapters in Arnold and Beyer. WRITE: Answer questions in Arnold and Beyer or write a reflection for each week, totaling 100+ words
    2. When all readings have been completed: WRITE: A 250+ word reflection on your theology, ministry and this course

106 Old Testament II (Psalms-Malachi)

  1. A Bible (ESV, NLT,  NIV, NKJV, NRSV, etc.)
  2. Encountering the Old Testament: A Christian Survey by Bill Arnold and Bryan Beyer
  3. COURSE SCHEDULE:
    1. Over the course of 12 weeks: READ: Books(s) of the Bible each week along with the corresponding chapters in Arnold and Beyer. WRITE: Answer questions in Arnold and Beyer or write a reflection for each week, totaling 100+ words
    2. When all readings have been completed: WRITE: A 250+ word reflection on your theology, ministry and this course

107 New Testament

  1. A Bible (ESV, NLT, NIV, NKJV, NRSV, etc.)
  2. Encountering the New Testament: A Historical and Theological Survey by Walter Elwell and Robert Yarbrough 
  3. COURSE SCHEDULE:
    1. Over the course of 12 weeks: READ: Books(s) of the Bible each week along with the corresponding chapters in Arnold and Beyer. WRITE: Answer questions in Elwell and Yarbrough or write a reflection for each week, totaling 100+ words
    2. When all readings have been completed: WRITE: A 250+ word reflection on your theology, ministry and this course

 108 Jesus

  1. The four Gospels in at least two different translations
  2. Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey, Second Edition by Craig L. Blomberg
  3. Vintage Jesus: Timeless Answers to Timely Questions or Vintage Jesus series video by Mark Driscoll
  4. The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
  5. COURSE SCHEDULE:
    1. Over the course of twelve weeks: READ/WATCH: Each of the books/messages and WRITE: A 100+ word reflection each week.   
    2. When all readings have been completed: WRITE: A 250+ word reflection on your theology, ministry and this course

 109 Spiritual Formation

  1. Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan
  2. Death by Love: Letters from the Cross by Mark Driscoll
  3. Living the Cross Centered Life: Keeping the Gospel the Main Thing by C. J. Mahaney
  4. Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard J. Foster
  5. COURSE SCHEDULE:
    1. Over the course of eight weeks: READ: Each of the books and WRITE: A 100+ word reflection each week.   
    2. When all readings have been completed: WRITE: A 250+ word reflection on your theology, ministry and this course

110 Preaching & Worship

  1. The Preaching Life by Barbara Brown Taylor
  2. Worship is a Verb: Celebrating God’s Mighty Deeds of Salvation by Robert Webber
  3. The Four Pages of a Sermon: A Guide to Biblical Preaching by Paul Scott Wilson
  4. Christ-Centered Preaching AND the audio course with notes by Bryan Chappell
  5. Preaching to a Post-Everything World: Crafting Biblical Sermons That Connect with Our Culture by Zack Eswine
  6. COURSE SCHEDULE:
    1. Over the course of twelve weeks: READ/LISTEN: Each of the books/lectures and WRITE: A 100+ word reflection each week.   
    2. When all readings have been completed:
      1. WRITE: A 2000 word sermon Manuscript
      2. WRITE: A 500+ word reflection on your theology, ministry and this course 

Level I Final

  1. Life and Ministry Vision Plan:  It is recommended that both you and your spouse complete this, as it is meant to help plan a path for your personal and ministry lives. Once completed it is only meant to be shared with each other. The only requirement of the course is that notification of its completion be submitted via e-mail.
  2. Church Ministry/Planting Application: Completing this application will help you prepare for your future as you sum up where you have been, what you have learned and where you are going
  3. Capstone Essay: This paper will consist of a summary of what you have learned over the course of the program and your vision for your life and ministry going forward. Once complete you will share highlights with the community during a special graduation church service

Certificate of Completion and a HUGE PARTY!

Level II Courses

201 Systematic Theology I

This course covers the doctrines of Revelation, the Triune God, Christology and Anthropology. These books come from a variety of perspectives/traditions and are listed in no particular order. Please research them and find two that are different from each other.  

  1. Faith Seeking Understanding: An Introduction to Christian Theology by Daniel L. Migliore
  2. Christian Theology: An Introduction (5th Edition) by Alister E. McGrath
  3. Theology for the Community of God by Stanley J. Grenz
  4. Responsible Grace: John Wesley's Practical Theology by Randy L. Maddox
  5. An Exploration of Christian Theology by Don Thorsen
  6. Classic Christianity: A Systematic Theology by Thomas C. Oden 
  7. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine by Wayne A. Grudem
  8. A Wesleyan-Holiness Theology by J. Kenneth Grider
  9. Grace, Faith & Holiness: A Wesleyan Systematic Theology by H. Ray Dunnin
  10. Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson 
  11. Systematic Theology by Louis Berkhof
  12. Systematic Theology, Vol. 2: Doctrine by James William McClendon
  13. Lectures in Systematic Theology by Henry Clarence Thiessen and Vernon D. Doerksen
  14. Essentials of Christian Theology by Stanley J. Grenz, John B., Jr. Cobb, Sallie McFague, and Serene Jones
  15. Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth by Charles Caldwell Ryrie
  16. Foundations of Pentecostal Theology by Guy P. Duffield, and Nathaniel M. Van Cleave
  17. COURSE SCHEDULE:
    1. Over the course of twelve weeks:
      1. READ: The Introductory material and the appropriate sections in the two systematic theology books you have selected. WRITE: A 250+ word reflection each week.   
    2. When all readings have been completed:
      1. WRITE: A 2000 word paper on one of the doctrines covered. Compare and contrast the various understandings of the doctrine in question. Finally, what is your understanding of the doctrine.
      2. WRITE: A 2000 word sermon manuscript on the topics covered in the above paper.
      3. WRITE: A 500+ word reflection on your theology, ministry and this course.

 

202 Systematic Theology II

This course covers the doctrines of Pneumatology (Holy Spirit), Soteriology (Salvation), Ecclesiology (Church) and Eschatology (End Times). These books come from a variety of perspectives/traditions and are listed in no particular order. Please research them and find two that are different from each other. 

  1. Faith Seeking Understanding: An Introduction to Christian Theology by Daniel L. Migliore
  2. Christian Theology: An Introduction (5th Edition) by Alister E. McGrath
  3. Theology for the Community of God by Stanley J. Grenz
  4. Responsible Grace: John Wesley's Practical Theology by Randy L. Maddox
  5. An Exploration of Christian Theology by Don Thorsen
  6. Classic Christianity: A Systematic Theology by Thomas C. Oden 
  7. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine by Wayne A. Grudem
  8. A Wesleyan-Holiness Theology by J. Kenneth Grider
  9. Grace, Faith & Holiness: A Wesleyan Systematic Theology by H. Ray Dunnin
  10. Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson 
  11. Systematic Theology by Louis Berkhof
  12. Systematic Theology, Vol. 2: Doctrine by James William McClendon
  13. Lectures in Systematic Theology by Henry Clarence Thiessen and Vernon D. Doerksen
  14. Essentials of Christian Theology by Stanley J. Grenz, John B., Jr. Cobb, Sallie McFague, and Serene Jones
  15. Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth by Charles Caldwell Ryrie
  16. Foundations of Pentecostal Theology by Guy P. Duffield, and Nathaniel M. Van Cleave
  17. COURSE SCHEDULE:
    1. Over the course of twelve weeks:
      1. READ: The appropriate sections in the two systematic theology books you have selected. Also read any sections in the books not covered by the theological categories listed for either of the Systematic Theology courses, so that when done you have completely read both of the books you have selected. WRITE: A 250+ word reflection each week.   
    2. When all readings have been completed:
      1. WRITE: A 2000 word paper on one of the doctrines covered. Compare and contrast the various understandings of the doctrine in question. Finally, what is your understanding of the doctrine.
      2. WRITE: A 2000 word sermon manuscript on the topics covered in the above paper.
      3. WRITE: A 500+ word reflection on your theology, ministry and this course.

 

 

 

203 Christology

204 Contemporary theology

 

205 Worship and Ecclesiology

 

206 Old Testament Exegesis: Genesis.

 

207 Worship & the Arts

 

208 New Testament Theology

 

209 New Testament: Gospels 

 

210 Ministry Leadership

  1. The Monkey and the Fish: Liquid Leadership for a Third-Culture Church by Dave Gibbons

 

Level II Final

Church Planting Boot Camp (Optional)

Certificate of Completion and a HUGER PARTY!!

 

Level III Courses

 

301 Biblical Theology

 

302 History of Christianity

  1. BBC History of Christianity videos by Diarmaid MacCulloch
    1. Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5 and Episode 6

 

303 New Testament Exegesis: Acts

 

304 Evangelism

 

305 New Testament Exegesis: Romans

 

306 Postmodern/Contemporary Theology 

 

307 New Testament Exegesis: Revelation

 

308 Christian Education

 

309 Pastoral Counseling

 

310 Special Research Topic in Theology

 

Level III Final

Certificate of Completion and THE HUGEST PARTY!!!

 

Deacon Training Courses

 

Ongoing Bible Survey (Select 1)

  1. Read/listen to the entire Bible in your preferred translation  OR
  2. Listen to the "Through the Bible" teachings of Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. The C2000 series (Student Edition with 1.5x normal speed playback) and the C3000 (Normal playback speed) are both available at Red Letter books of Calvary Chapel Boise. You can also listen for free at the Word for Today website.

Ongoing Theology course:  (Select 1) Read/watch/listen to at least one chapter/topic a month.

  1. Doctrines: A Simplified Road Map to Biblical Truth by Raul Ries
  2. Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe or the Doctrine series videos by Mark Driscoll
  3. The Story of God: A Narrative Theology by Michael Lodahl

Bible Study Methods (Select 1)

  1. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart
  2. How to Study the Bible and Enjoy It by Skip Heitzig
  3. Learn to Study the Bible by Andy Deane

Missional Living 1

  1. Relational Holiness: Responding to the Call of Love by Thomas Jay Oord and Michael Lodhal
  2. Living the Cross Centered Life: Keeping the Gospel the Main Thing by C. J. Mahaney

Jesus

  1. Vintage Jesus: Timeless Answers to Timely Questions  or the Vintage Jesus series videos by Mark Driscoll
  2. Death by Love: Letters from the Cross by Mark Driscoll

The Holy Spirit

  1. Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski

The Deacon

  1. The New Testament Deacon: The Church’s Minister of Mercy and the accompanying Study Guide by Alexander Strauch
  2. Ministries of Mercy: The Call of the Jericho Road by Tim Keller

Missional Living 2

  1. Abba’s Child: The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging by Brennan Manning
  2. Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard J. Foster

Deacon Training Audio seminar

  1. Deacon Training Course MP3's by Tim Keller

Graduation Final

  1. Life and Ministry Vision Plan:  It is recommended that both you and your spouse complete this, as it is meant to help plan a path for your personal and ministry lives. Once completed it is only meant to be shared with each other. The only requirement of the course is that notification of its completion be submitted via e-mail.
  2. Deacon Application: Completing this application will help you prepare for your future as you sum up where you have been, what you have learned and where you are going

Certificate of Completion and a Really Huge Party!!!

 

 

                                                              i.      Overview of the Bible: A Survey of the History of Salvation

                                                            ii.      God's Plan of Salvation