Adult & Graduate
Course Descriptions
This degree requires 52 hours of course work, spanning history, humanities, science, and religion. The degree will take approximately 23 months to complete.
For a complete list of course requirements and descriptions, please download our complete catalog.
Download the Complete 2010-11 AGS Academic Catalog
BRS 101 Bible Study Methods/3
Introduces Bible study methods and applies them to practical ministry settings. An
inductive exegetical Bible study method is demonstrated. Students will also develop a
strategy for devotional (personal) Bible study. The course will explore the use of these
methods in fellowship and evangelistic groups.
BRS 102 Church Planting/1
This course will include an overview of church planting in the United States with an
emphasis on the “why” and the “how to” of church planting in an ever-changing cultural
context.
BRS 103 Personal Spiritual Development/1
This course will expand each student’s definition of what prayer is and how it is done.
Through a study of the Lord’s Prayer, selected Biblical passages, and the writings of
some classic and current Christian teachers, we will examine how Christ prayed and
taught us to pray. We will then apply these insights to our own prayer lives.
BRS 104 Biblical Characters/1
This course will survey the lives and influence on the people of God of four important,
yet not often studied or discussed, characters that emerge from the text of Scripture. We
will study the world these characters lived in and how they impacted the culture of their
day, extracting principles from both their successes and their failures that we can apply to
our lives and ministries. Characters studied will include but not be limited to Nehemiah,
Hannah, and Timothy.
BRS 202 Life of Jesus/3
A study of the life of Jesus from the perspectives of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This
course will apply the Bible study methods introduced in BRS 101. The course will focus
on the Sermon on the Mount, the mission of Jesus, His use of parables, and His passion
and resurrection.
BRS 204 The Gospel of John/3
A careful study of the Fourth Gospel. An accent is placed on a narrative analysis of the
Gospel, with concern for its historical context and contemporary significance. The
Christological emphasis of the Gospel will receive special attention.
BRS 207 Practical Ministry/3
Introduces a biblical approach to church leadership, including articulation of vision,
establishing priorities, and developing other leaders. Students will develop skills to help
them create and implement vision and mission statements, organize and lead meetings,
and provide self-care for spiritual health maintenance in the face of stressful demands.
BRS250/450 Topical Religious Seminars/1-4
Topics offered may include ethical issues in the medical professions, women in
religion and society, post-biblical Judaism, spiritual warfare, Christian leadership,
evangelical preaching in today’s society.
BRS/HIS 290 History of Christianity/4
A survey of the major events, institutions, ideas, movements, theological systems,
missionary activities, and people that have made Christianity what it is today. The time span
of the course is from the first century until the present.
BRS 303 Ministry, Relationships, and Communication/3
Designed to equip the student with the basic communication knowledge and skills for
ministry in interpersonal and group settings. These skills include listening, forming clear
messages, recognizing and dealing with conflict, group decision-making, and self-
assessment.
BRS 312 Life of Paul/3
Focuses on the ministry of the apostle Paul. Special attention will be given to Paul’s letter
to the Romans and themes such as the faithfulness of God, the power of sin,
righteousness, and the law. In connection with these, contemporary issues will be
addressed.
BRS/HIS 318 Religion in America/3
A survey of religions in America from their European roots to the present day. Emphasis
will be placed on the major movements, denominations, sects, theological trends, and forces
of change within American religions.
BRS/ENG 319 Life & Writings of CS Lewis/3
This course provides an introduction to the writings of C. S. Lewis and to aspects of his
life. In regard to the former, the focus will be primarily upon his fictional/imaginative
works, with some attention to his theological/philosophical writings, and others as time
permits. The heart of the course will be reading the material and discussing it together in
class.
BRS 325 Bible Journeys/3
Presents the “design of God” as a rubric for understanding the Bible, beginning with
creation, the story of Israel, and the anticipation of Christ, including Israel’s worship and
wisdom writings. In the New Testament, the life and teachings of Jesus and of the
Apostle Paul are highlighted. Students are trained in a simple method of Bible study
which is applied to the Psalms and the Gospels. Overviews of church history and of the
coherence of Christian faith provide further context for the challenge of God’s call within
the contemporary world and its values.
BRS 340 Practicum/Varies
This optional practicum is designed to involve CHM students in a supervised
ministry experience throughout their course of study. The practicum further
develops practical theological concepts which must be applied and tested by the
student in the ministry context.
BRS 343 Discipleship and Evangelism/3
Addresses the biblical agenda for discipleship and evangelism. Emphasizes the
development of a church-based plan to encourage others to serve, practice spiritual
disciplines, witness to their faith in Jesus Christ, and be involved in peacemaking and
social action.
BRS 352 Conflict and Reconciliation/3
A study of biblical and contemporary thought on conflict and resolution. Old Testament
study will provide the background for an investigation of Jesus as a model, and the
Church’s responsibility in conflict and mediation. The course will focus on personal,
congregational, community, and international settings.
BRS 355 Kings and Prophets/3
An introduction to Old Testament narratives found in the books of Joshua, Judges,
Samuel, and Kings. The study also relates these to the prophetic literature of that era,
especially Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, and Micah.
BRS 360 Ministry to Youth and Families/3
Provides foundational and historical youth ministry concepts, models and philosophies,
and offers an overview of contemporary culture, especially as it relates to youth and
family ministry. In addition, youth ministry trends and issues will be addressed.
BRS 362 Worship/4
An introduction to the biblical basis and purpose for worship and public communication
of the good news of God. Includes planning worship services, leading the congregation in
worship, presenting meditations, preaching, and evaluating different worship styles.
BRS 365 Poets and Sages/3
An introduction to Psalms, Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. It is concerned with prayer
and worship, both individual and corporate. Themes of celebration, doubt, lament, and
testing are explored as these issues are raised by the biblical material.
BRS 400 The Christian Faith in the Modern World/4
Addresses the basic elements of Christian theology and ethics within the context of
contemporary worldviews. The purpose of the course is to help the student address issues
of belief and lifestyle, both personally and for the church. Attention will be given to the
ways worldviews and values are expressed in literature and the arts.
BRS 410 Elements of Christian Faith/3
Addresses basic elements of Christian theology and ethics within the context of
contemporary worldviews. Topics addressed include the nature of God, the nature of
persons, sin, the person and work of Christ, the person and work of the Holy Spirit,
salvation, Scripture, and the church.
BRS 430 Ministry in Today’s World/4
A capstone course designed to integrate previous program studies with important aspects
of ministry. Topics for theological critique include popular culture, politics, poverty, and
violence as well as a biblical vision for worship, vocation, reconciliation, and community.
BRS 440 Practicum/1-9
Students will be involved in ongoing ministry throughout their course of study. One hour
of credit will be given for forty hours of preparation, ministry, and reflective assessment.
Repeatable to a total of 12 credits. Graded CR/NC.
BRS 460 Formation of Ministry/3
Quarterly day retreats will provide the setting for an introduction to the classic personal
and corporate disciplines of the spiritual life, examined biblically, historically, and
experientially. Examples include meditation, prayer, fasting, silence, and celebration.
Attention will be given to the identity and call of the ministering person, particularly in
relationship with the congregation. At these times, and also regularly at class sessions
,there will be opportunity for processing and integration of personal, spiritual, academic,
and ministry development.
