BEI Courses & Educational Requirements & Electives

Study guide author: Steven Fettke / Textbook: Old Testament Literature: His Story, Author: Steven Fettke / This course is a study of beginnings. It shows how the ancient inspired Hebrew writers expressed in narrative form a record of God’s saving deeds from the beginning of God’s work with all humankind. From these narratives, students can see God’s unfolding plan of redemption through what Christians believe to be God’s revelation. Concepts like covenant, priesthood, law, trust, faithfulness, and righteousness come from the Old Testament. Such knowledge is basic to understanding the New Testament. The Old Testament is the only Bible, Jesus, His followers, and the early believers had. Storytelling is one of the oldest methods of communicating from one generation to the next. Learn to tell God’s story from the record of the Old Testament and be equipped to pass it on to your generation and those to follow.

Study guide author: Jesse Moon, / Textbook: New Testament Survey (2^nd ed.),  Author: Merrill. Tenney / Knowledge, change, and action: these three terms reflect the objectives of the New Testament Literature course. A panoramic view of the New Testament unifies the study of its messages, doctrines, personalities, and problems of interpretation. This course treats the cultural and historical backgrounds of the New Testament, the life of Christ, the history of the expansion of the early church, and issues that faced the first-century Christians.

Study guide author: Daniel B. Pecota / Textbook: The Doctrine of Salvation, Author: Charles Horne / Textbook: Newborn, Author: Harold M. Fefligh / The doctrine of salvation—the work of Christ in bringing lost humanity into fellowship with God—is the focus of Soteriology. This doctrine is treated in a logical progression, a kind of order of salvation. The study includes the doctrines of repentance, faith, conversion, regeneration, justification, adoption, sanctification, and prayer in the life of a Christian. The author carefully analyzes biblical passages relating to salvation and evaluates historical and contemporary views of salvation. The twelve lessons stress applying salvation truths personally and sharing them with others.

Study guide author Michael Jaffe / Textbook: Tell the Truth: The Whole Gospel-Wholly  Grace Communicated Truthfully & Lovingly, Author: Will Metzger / Textbook: The Celtic Way of Evangelism, Author: George Hunter III / Textbook: The Master Plan of Evangelism, Author: Robert E. Coleman / This course establishes a biblical theology of the Great Commission. It presents an in-depth study of evangelism and discipleship principles that are universal in their application. Important elements of Great Commission Strategies include the nature of the gospel message, the biblical definition of discipleship, and the methodology of Jesus. Challenges facing the church in multiple ministry contexts are also explored. Finally, the course integrates evangelism and discipleship, presenting them as two sides of a single task.

Study guide author: Ian Hall / Textbook: Old Wine in New Wineskins,  Author: Millard Erickson / The intention of this course is to give a clear understanding of the basic principles of Christian preaching. It stresses the prime place of biblical exposition in authoritatively communicating the Christian message. It deals with practical matters such as the preparation of sermons, the sources of materials, the construction of sermon components, the variety of sermon types, and the delivery of sermons. It also stresses the importance of the preachers themselves in effectively communicating their messages.

Study guide author: Carl B. Gibbs / Textbook: How to read the Bible for All Its Worth, (3^rd ed.) Author: Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart / This course is divided into four units. The first unit presents fundamental truths that must be accepted before beginning a study of the Bible. The second unit deals with general principles of interpretation that are applicable to any type of literature. Specific rules that apply to special types of literature are overviewed in the third unit. In the final unit, the student is given sample passages of Scripture to which he or she will apply the guidelines of interpretation that have been learned.

Study guide author: William Menzies / Textbook: Know Why You Believe, Author: Paul E. Little / Textbook: A Christian Appeal to Reason, Author: Bernard L. Ramm / Is there a procedure for dealing with doubt? Can Scripture be verified? Are miracles possible? Where is history taking us? The author discusses these and other questions in Apologetics. Faith and knowing are the two consistent themes of this course. The Study Guide examines and explains the relationship between them. The course will help the student persuade others that there is no better way to follow than that of faith in, and obedience to, the God of the Christian Scriptures.

Study guide author: T. Burton Pierce / Textbook: Challenge of the Disciplined Life, (2^nd ed.) Author: Richard J. Foster / Textbook: A Guide for Spirit-Filled Leaders, Author: T. Burton Pierce and Stanley M. Horton / This course traces the development and history of the ethical thought of the leaders of Israel and of the Christian church from the giving of the Ten Commandments, through the era of John the Baptist, to the twentieth-century Holiness Movement. Current moral/ethical issues and the ethical aspects of major Pentecostal doctrines are outlined. Guidelines for proper relationships with the congregation and with fellow ministers are highlighted. The course concludes with the practical application of ethics to the minister’s home life and ministry.

Study guide author John W. Kirkpatrick, / Textbook: Team Leadership in Christian Ministry (2^nd ed.), Author: Kenneth O. Gangel / The selection and development of Christian leaders is one of the major challenges the church faces. This course provides students with a contemporary theology of Christian leadership. It discusses leadership theory, presents servant-leadership as a model for Christian leaders, discusses biblical principles of leadership, and describes the major functions of leadership.

See Electives Below.

Minimum Educational Requirements for Licensure Plus

Study guide, Author: John B. Phillips/ Textbook: The Theology of the Older Testament, Author: J. Barton Payne / In this course, the Study Guide traces the development of major Old Testament doctrines. Old Testament Biblical Theology deals with what the Old Testament teaches about God, creation, humanity, sin, the Messiah, revelation, inspiration, angels, Satan, the various testaments and covenants, judgment, and life after death. It provides a wealth of material for preaching and teaching from the Old Testament.

Prerequisite or sequence recommendation: Old Testament Literature: His Story

Study guide author: Eleazer E. Javier / Textbook: the 21^st Century Pastor, Author: David Fisher / The Work of the Pastor is a study that focuses on the pastor’s call to and preparation for Christian ministry. The author examines the relationships vital to successful ministry and reviews the pastor’s primary responsibilities. Based on the books of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, this course enables the students to recognize and apply biblical principles to different situations they face in a local congregation. Specific principles treated relate to the selection of church leadership, the discipline of church members, and guidelines for church worship. Since the study focuses on the pastor’s call, and spiritual life as well as pastoral duties, it emphasizes both being and doing.

Study guide author:  Joseph W. Kilpatrick / Church Business is an introductory study of many of the principles, procedures, and techniques used in today’s business world as they apply to the local church and its leadership. In this study guide, pastors, church business administrators, and other church leaders will find the problem-solving approach to these subjects of practical value. The course first introduces the student to the organizing and staffing functions of the church that enable it to operate effectively. The student then learns practical methods of raising money for the church’s expenses. Other emphases include the importance of keeping good records and ideas on better management of the church’s money, facilities, and equipment.

Study guide author: George Batson / Textbook: Preach the Word: A Pentecostal Approach, Author: Aldwin Ragoonath / Expository Preaching, a practical course in the methodology of preaching, emphasizes the step-by-step process of constructing expository sermons. The author includes a brief treatment of basic types of sermons, procedures for building expository sermons, the analysis and exposition of Scripture passages, the use of multiple sermonic processes in expository preaching, and the building of a preaching program. The students build sermons for their pulpit ministry from the Gospel of Matthew and 1 Corinthians.

Study guide author: Paul Pomerville, / Textbook: Introducing World Missions: A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Survey, Authors: Scott Maoreau, Gary Corwin, and Garry McGee / The orientation of Introduction to Missions are both biblical and contemporary. The Bible’s teaching on missions is outlined through both the Old and New Testaments. Two international and biblical missions themes are treated throughout this course: those of the redeemed people of God and Christ’s strategy of missions. A former missionary writes from his own years of experience.

Study guide author: Jimmy A. Robinson / Textbook: Counseling and Psychotherapy – A Christian Perspective,  Author: Siang-Yang Tan / Most students have noticed that people around them have emotional, spiritual, economic, and physical problems. Even the most persuasive sermon may not be heard by someone with serious personal problems. The Christian student, layperson, pastor, or religious worker must find ways to help people with their problems. Introduction to Pastoral Counseling is a look at the different perspectives from which pastoral counseling may be seen. It emphasizes the necessary steps in preparing to become a pastoral counselor and gives attention to the legal and practical ramifications of counseling. It also examines some of the issues faced by the pastoral counselor, seeking to find a balance between the clinical and the spiritual, with the Bible as the final authority. This course investigates some of the current approaches to counseling and sets guidelines for counseling settings and sessions.

See Electives Below.

Study guide author: George O. Wood / Textbook: The Book of Acts, Author: F.F. Bruce / Acts deals with the continuing ministry of the resurrected Christ in the world through the Holy Spirit. The author analyzes and examines questions concerning the growth of the church, both historical and contemporary. Using the principles of divine guidance illustrated in Acts, the course shows how apparent defeats and setbacks actually became victories and advances for the gospel. The Study Guide suggests practical applications to help the students face similar problems today.

Prerequisite or sequence recommendation: New Testament Literature, Principles of Biblical Interpretation

Study guide, Author: William C. Williams / Hebrew I, CD’s accompany this course / Textbook: Introduction to Hebrew, Author: Moshe Greenberg / Hebrew I is a study in the Semitic language of the ancient Hebrews. The author stresses the fundamentals of Hebrew, paying special attention to the use of these skills in translation. The study of this biblical language increases the student’s capacity to minister the Word of God from the Old Testament. Knowledge of Hebrew enriches the teaching and preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Study guide, Author: William C. Williams / Hebrew II,  CD’s accompany this course / Textbook: Introduction to Hebrew, Moshe Greenberg / This course continues the study of Hebrew vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. It enables the student to read, understand, and translate the easier passages of narrative prose in the Hebrew Bible.

Required Prerequisite or sequence: Hebrew I

Study guide author: L. Thomas Holdcroft / Textbook: Jesus Christ Our Lord, Author: John Walvard / Jesus is more than just a New Testament figure. This course introduces the student to Old Testament typology as well as to the prophecies concerning Christ’s present and future work. The Study Guide presents certain controversial historical and contemporary views of Jesus and relates them to the Word of God. With Christology, the student discovers what the Scriptures really say about Jesus Christ.

Study guide author:  Joseph W. Kilpatrick / Church Business is an introductory study of many of the principles, procedures, and techniques used in today’s business world as they apply to the local church and its leadership. In this study guide, pastors, church business administrators, and other church leaders will find the problem-solving approach to these subjects of practical value. The course first introduces the student to the organizing and staffing functions of the church that enable it to operate effectively. The student then learns practical methods of raising money for the church’s expenses. Other emphases include the importance of keeping good records and ideas on better management of the church’s money, facilities, and equipment.

Study guide author: Donald D. Smeeton / Textbook: Christianity through the Centuries, Author: Earle E. Cairns /Study Guide: The Church: From Pentecost to the Reformation is an introductory study of Christianity from its birth to the beginnings of the Reformation. The course provides an introduction to history as a scientific discipline and emphasizes the importance of history in relation to the Christian faith. The course deals with the apostolic church, the early church fathers, the ecumenical councils, the emergence of medieval theology and church practice, and the beginning of the Renaissance in Europe. Course content includes a consideration of the contribution of major Christian theologians, the relationship of the church and state, and the rise of monasticism and missions. The twelve lessons enable the student to apply insights from the past to contemporary situations.

Study guide author: Donald D. Smeeton / Textbook: Christianity through the Centuries, Author: Earle E. Cairns / Study Guide: The Church: From the Reformation to 20^th Century is an introductory study of the history of Christianity from the Reformation in the sixteenth century to the present day. The student will consider renewal periods, organizational matters, theological issues, and geographic expansion. The student will also examine the lives and contributions of significant Christian preachers, leaders, and theologians, concluding with an assessment of current trends such as the charismatic renewal and non-Western missionary outreach. The lessons are structured to enable the student to apply insights learned from the past to contemporary situations.

Study guide author: Delbert H. Tarr, / Textbook: Communicating Christ Cross-Culturally (2^nd ed.) Author: David J. Hesselgrave / How do cultural differences affect the way people interact? How might one improve his or her communication skills in a shrinking world? Cross-Cultural Communications attempts to help the student discover answers to these current problems. Perhaps the most important aspect of this course relates to the word, “mission”. The course is dedicated to helping the student become a sent one to present Christ and His kingdom in an environment other than his or her own. To do this, the course addresses how communication and culture relate, how to reach people where they are, how different people think and express ideas across cultures and subcultures, and how the thoughts and expressions of people affect their behavior.

Study guide author: Mike McClaflin / Textbook: Jesus the Messiah, Author: Robert H. Stein / This course is a study of the life of Christ from the viewpoint of the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The life of Christ helps the student grasp the chronological progression and the spiritual significance of the important events in Christ’s life. It enables the student to preach and teach about Christ with greater understanding and effectiveness, and it challenges him or her to follow Christ personally with greater dedication and stronger devotion in service to Him.

Prerequisite or sequence recommendation: New Testament Literature

Study guide, Author: John B. Phillips/ Textbook: The Theology of the Older Testament, Author: J. Barton Payne / In this course, the Study Guide traces the development of major Old Testament doctrines. Old Testament Biblical Theology deals with what the Old Testament teaches about God, creation, humanity, sin, the Messiah, revelation, inspiration, angels, Satan, the various testaments and covenants, judgment, and life after death. It provides a wealth of material for preaching and teaching from the Old Testament.

Prerequisite or sequence recommendation: Old Testament Literature: His Story

Study guide author: William F. Lasley / Textbook: Romans (Rev. ed.) Author: F.F. Bruce / Paul’s Salvation Letters: Galatians and Romans gives the student a deep appreciation of the Apostle Paul. In the midst of church planting, he explains the gospel, confronts false teachers, distinguishes between law and grace, and shows how the gospel is rooted in Old Testament Scripture. His systematic explanation of the gospel to the Romans gives the student insight into the major doctrines of sin, salvation, and sanctification. The student also learns how union with Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit enable him or her to mature spiritually and live victoriously.

Prerequisite or sequence recommendation:  New Testament Literature

Study guide author: George Assad  /  Textbook: God Spake by Moses, Author: Oswald T. Allis /  Pentateuch considers the origin of both the earth and humankind. From Genesis to Deuteronomy, the course will help the student trace the nation of Israel from its beginnings until the time of its entrance into the Promised Land. Included in the course are studies on the Creation theories, the Flood, and the concept of holiness as presented in the book of Leviticus.

Study guide author: Benjamin P. Shinde / Textbook: Understanding Church Growth (3^rd ed.), Author: Donald A. McGavran / Students often wonder how to help a church grow. A Strategy for Church Growth is designed to acquaint them with the importance of the Great Commission in relation to world evangelization and church planting. By studying this course, students will learn to identify the principles that underlie the growth of the church and to make a diagnostic study of a local church. They will also learn to identify reasons for growth or lack of growth.

Study guide author: Roslim Suwandoko and David D. Duncan. / Textbook: Theology in the context of World Christianity Author: Timothy C. Tennent / This course is a basic study of bibliology and ecclesiology, the student investigates the nature and authority of the Scriptures. In the second half of the course, the authors consider the biblical basis for the church, its Old Testament antecedents,  beginning, nature, and purpose.

Study guide author: William P. Kuert / Textbook: Creative Bible Teaching, (3rd ed.) / Authors:  Lawrence O. Richards and Gary J. Bredfelt / Pastors or those responsible for the educational program in the local church will find the Church’s Educational Task a valuable course. It examines what the Bible has to say about such concepts as teaching, training, and religious instruction. In general, the course discusses the church’s role and responsibility to train and instruct its members and families in the Word of God.

Study guide author: David Petts / The Prophets as Preachers: An Introduction to the Hebrew Prophets, Author: Gary V. Smith  / The major prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel spoke God’s message to His people many years ago. Yet their message is as important for us today as it was then. In Themes from the Major Prophets, the student gains an understanding of who these men were, why God called them to be His messengers, what their messages were, and how to apply these messages.

Prerequisite or sequence recommendation:  Old Testament Literature: His Story, Principles of Biblical Interpretation 

Study guide author: Thomas Harrison / Textbook: Hosea – Micah, Interpretation by Author: James Limburg, / Textbook: Nahum – Micah, Interpretation, by Author: Elizabeth Achtemeier / The segment of the twelve books of the minor prophets is perhaps one of the most neglected parts of the Bible in preaching, teaching, and devotional study. This study, Themes from the Minor Prophets, covers the contributions of the minor prophets as seen in the light of their times and ours, the doctrines they preached, and the meanings and fulfillment of their prophecies.

Prerequisite or sequence recommendation: Old Testament Literature: His Story, Principles of Biblical Interpretation 

Study guide author: Forrest Beiser / Textbook: The New Worship: Straight Talk on Music and the Church (2^nd ed.), Author: Barry Liesch / This course is designed to give a clear understanding of Christian worship as it is directed by the Holy Spirit. Basic to an understanding of worship is an understanding of who God is, what He is like, and why He wants us to worship Him. Worship of God discusses the necessity, value, and results of worship and presents biblical models of worship as guidelines for both individual and corporate worship. The author gives practical instruction in leading group worship by following biblical guidelines. He also encourages personal development and growth in devotional worship.

(Contact the Bible Extension Institute for more information.)

(Contact the Bible Extension Institute for more information.)