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Curriculum content
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In this new course, prolific author and speaker Scot McKnight makes accessible his decades of teaching and writing on Jesus and the Gospels. Join Dr. McKnight as he introduces the person of Jesus as he is revealed in the Gospels and in the testimony of the earliest Christians. The course unpacks the historical context of the Gospels and their key literary features. Topics include: the Kingdom of God, the Ethics of Jesus, the Sermon on the Mount, the Parables, and the Resurrection.
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The Bible is an extraordinary compilation of stories, historical accounts, songs, poems, letters, parables, visions, and more. With this rich feast of genres in texts that span hundreds of years also come challenges of understanding and interpretation. While many things in the Bible are clear and straightforward, there are also concepts and issues that are confusing and complex. For that reason, biblical scholars have developed tried and true approaches, methods, and reading habits that can aid anyone in getting the most out of their Bible study. This course, taught by NT scholar Nijay Gupta, introduces the fundamentals of biblical interpretation. He begins with the "why" questions and then methodically presents a basic method for reading the New Testament with its historical, social, literary, and theological features in mind. Gupta uses case studies and modern analogies to illustrate these fundamentals. Viewers will leave this course with many tools and resources to equip them to dive deeper into studying the Bible.
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In this course Roger Olson thematically traces the contours of Christian belief down through the ages, revealing a pattern of both unity and diversity. He finds a consensus of teaching that is both unitive and able to incorporate a faithful diversity when not forced into the molds of false either-or alternatives.The mosaic that emerges from Olson's work displays a mediating evangelical theology that is irenic in spirit and tone. Olson masterfully sketches out the contours of the Great Tradition of the Christian faith with simplicity while avoiding oversimplification.
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In this course Gene Wilkes teaches what servant leadership is and why it is essential for Christian leaders. The course examines the leadership models of Jesus, the Suffering Servant Leader, and Paul, The Sent Steward. It explores the topics of the identity, character and humility of a servant leader, the Leadership Matrix, and the power of culture and context in your leadership setting. Dr. Wilkes proposes a biblical pattern of missional servant leadership and how to respond to the conflict that arises from introducing change in order to complete the mission. Finally, the course defines success for a biblical servant leader and offers a whole-person fitness program for servant leadership.
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“Is our gospel too small?” This is the question James Choung tackles in this engaging course on evangelism. James presents a way of talking about the gospel that acknowledges that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross offers believers more than just a ticket to heaven. The good news of the gospel is that God is calling believers to participate in his work of restoring creation to its original design. Such work includes actively reconciling people to each other and to God, bringing healing and testifying to the goodness of the kingdom of heaven that is already and is still to come.Choung’s gospel diagram may revolutionize how the gospel is shared and communicated across the nation for years to come. It presents a fuller picture of what the good news is and makes it easier to share. Rather than focusing on an individual making a one-time decision towards an eternally happy afterlife, the gospel message presented here emphasizes the ongoing process of transformation in the life of the believer in Christian community, living out a missional life here and now.
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No function of the pastor is as visible and stress inducing as preaching. Being a good preacher requires learning the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical skills needed to effectively share God's word with a congregation. It demands a commitment to the craft of preaching. But few pastors feel adequately prepared for this high-stakes responsibility when they begin their ministries. Mary Hulst knows what it takes to preach well. Forged by her experiences as a pastor, preaching professor and college chaplain, she recognizes the challenges of the pulpit. In this uniquely practical course, Hulst provides foundational concepts and tips that all pastors can use, whether they are ministry newcomers or seasoned professionals.Preaching can bring both you and your congregation great joy and satisfaction, week after week.
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Ruth Haley Barton invites us to an honest exploration of what happens when spiritual leaders lose track of their souls. Weaving together contemporary illustrations with penetrating insight from the life of Moses, this course explores topics such as: embarking on a leader’s journey into solitude and silence, responding to the dynamics of calling, facing the loneliness of leadership, leading from your authentic self, cultivating spiritual community at the leadership level, and reenvisioning the promised land. Each session includes guidance in spiritual practices that help you forge and maintain a life-giving connection with God because the best thing you bring to leadership is your own transforming self.