Syllabi

To register, please contact the church office 314-367-9700 and request to enroll in the appropriate ETA class or look for a sign-up sheet for either class in the foyer of the Family Life Worship Center (The Dome). Be sure to indicate if you are registering for the first certificate of the advanced program.

Summaries of the Books in Each Certificate

Growing Toward Spiritual Maturity - A strategy for growing toward Christlikeness must be based on the actual ways that people grow and develop into maturity in Christ. Through identifying and understanding how we grow spiritually, we become more intentional in our use of time and methods.  Gary C. Newton, 96 pages, paper, ISBN 1-910566-45-3

One of the first lessons we must learn as growing Christians is that we are saved to serve. In contrast to the popular values of today’s "me-centered" culture, Christians should not merely satisfy themselves. A strategy for growing toward Christlikeness must be based on the actual ways that people grow and develop into maturity in Christ. Through identifying and understanding how we grow spiritually, we become more intentional in our use of time and methods. By understanding the dynamics of spiritual growth, we are made more aware of how God uses the specific circumstances of our lives to draw us closer to Himself.

    * What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? What role does the Church play in making disciples?

    * How can we develop intimacy with God?

Understanding People - To truly understand people we must combine the rigorous formal study of developmental issues with our own observations and thorough study of Scripture. This book helps the Bible teacher enhance ministry skills to work with people more effectively.

Cheryl Fawcett, 96 pages, paper, ISBN 0-910566-99-2

Understanding Teaching - A biblical understanding of teaching brings appreciation for this spiritual gift. Approaching this task biblically involves empowerment from the Holy Spirit, insight into God's Word, sharp communication skills, and accurate interaction with students. Companion volume to Teaching Techniques. Gregory C. Carlson, 96 pages, paper, ISBN 0-910566-73-9

Many engaged in Christian teaching do so for years without weary spirits. Others, who were once earnest, give up in despair. What makes the difference? To understand the teaching ministry is to realize its significant impact on the spread of the Gospel.

Biblical Leadership - Church leaders today increasingly base their ministries on secular principles rather than the timeless principles of God’s Word. The strength of the New Testament church came not from a few professionally trained leaders at the top, but from willing church volunteers who were each strategically placed to use their gifts in service of their Lord. Whether you are a pastor, Christian education director, youth worker, children’s director, teacher, or other ministry leader, this book will help you grow in self-perception, skills, and vision as a leader. Empower others to lead as you train, mentor, and mobilize teams for ministry.

Kenneth O. Gangel, 128 pages, paper, ISBN 1-929852-80-0

You and Your Bible holds that believers should be well informed about the Word of God. The book's title has changed, but the content remains the same! This course presents the inspiration and authorship of the Bible, how it was preserved, why we believe it, how we deal with its problems and critics, the role of archaeology, and ways to study the Bible more effectively.

R. Laird Harris, 96 pages, paper ISBN 1-910566-12-7

Open discussion of the Bible and its claims is popular among both the churched and the unchurched. Almost every year a new version appears. Bibles are shelf stock items in department stores, novelty shops, and most bookstores. Believers, especially those involved in church ministry, should be well informed about the Word of God.

How did we get the Bible? Who wrote the Scriptures? How can we answer the Bible critics? Why do we believe the Bible to be the Word of God? How can we best study it? These questions are characteristic of those asked many times of local church leaders and teachers. You & Your Bible will help you to be able to answer them.

Biblical Beliefs presents foundational Bible doctrines in a popular, easy-to-understand format. The book's title has changed, but the content remains the same. Covered in the course are creation and the fall of man, faith and regeneration, justification and adoption, prayer and worship, angels, Satan, resurrection and judgment, and the church.

Clarence H. Benson, 96 pages, paper, ISBN 0-910566-10-0

Biblical Beliefs interweaves deep Bible truths with structural threads all believers, whatever their spiritual experience, can fully grasp. Biblical Faith is the companion text to the widely used ETA book, The Triune God. Together these books span the broad scope of biblical doctrine. Believers wanting to effectively minister for Christ should direct their efforts toward two centers of study - the message of the Bible and communicating it to others. Studying Bible doctrine is imperative for effective Christian ministry. Those who know the message of the Book and its eternal implications best fulfill Christ's command to "go and make disciples." Biblical Beliefs places in believers' hands a concise and valuable text of major Bible doctrines that are vital to Christian faith and practice. Biblical Beliefs opens doors to the riches of the Word not otherwise discovered. Eternal truths do not change with time. Presenting these truths systematically, however, should be ever current. Biblical Beliefs is an up-to-date presentation of timeless teaching. Possessing this book provides a concise, ready reference work for church leaders in whatever ministry they are involved.

Old Testament Survey 1 explores the exciting times of ancient Israel. It includes topics such as the patriarchs, Israel’s trek to the Promised Land, David’s reign, Solomon’s kingdom, the kingdom of Judah, the exile, and the return from captivity.

Samuel J. Schultz, 96 pages, paper, ISBN 1-910566-01-1

Old Testament Survey 2 probes the message of the books of poetry and prophecy, which gives insight into God's dealings with His people. This course relates the great writings of the prophets to us today. It is in chronological sequence to avoid duplication of historical background information.

Gary V. Smith, 96 pages, paper, ISBN 1-910566-47-X

Studying the Bible is a fascinating experience for all who desire to more clearly understand how God works with His people. Well-known Bible passages take on new dimensions when seen in the perspective of a sweeping panoramic overview. A person desiring to minister to others must also develop the spiritual depth which comes from biblical knowledge.

No book, however, can ever substitute for studying the Bible itself. Nor can the most capable person apply the Bible's message to another person's life. You will benefit most from this study if you first read the portion of the Word of God being considered as many times as possible from various good translations. Then ask yourself, "What does the Word say to me?" Applying what the Bible says to current living will result in a truly rewarding experience.

New Testament Survey brings unity and chronological sequence to New Testament study by weaving the contents of the books around a central theme-the person of Christ. Divisions are the synoptic Gospels, the Gospel of John, the Book of Acts, the Pauline Epistles in chronological order, the General Epistles, and the Book of Revelation.

Walter M. Dunnett, 96 pages, paper, ISBN 0-910566-03-8

Studying the Bible is a fascinating experience for all who desire to more clearly understand how God works with His people. Well-known Bible passages take on new dimensions when seen in the perspective of a sweeping panoramic overview. A person desiring to minister to others must also develop the spiritual depth which comes from biblical knowledge. The three-volume series Broadening Your Biblical Horizons will help you attain these goals.

No book, however, can ever substitute for studying the Bible itself. Nor can the most capable person apply the Bible's message to another person's life. You will benefit most from this study if you first read the portion of the Word of God being considered as many times as possible from various good translations. Then ask yourself, "What does the Word say to me?" Applying what the Bible says to current living will result in a truly rewarding experience.

Each class session, we will cover 4 chapters. Students for the first certificate need to read the first four chapters of Growing to Spiritual Maturity for the first session.

Students for the second certificate need to read the first four chapters of the book You and Your Bible for the first session.