ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE IN MINISTRY- Course Descriptions
The primary goal for this degree is to equip students seeking a degree for the purpose of using it in a church as a youth pastor, assistant pastor or the office of the pastor. At the end of each course, students are required to write a 1,500 word paper presenting what he or she learned from the course. There will also be discussion questions found on the class page. Students may also contact the instructor for help. Please feel free to contact the dean with any questions.
Student Success
This course helps students learn how to navigate in a college setting such as how to manage time, money, how much and how often to study as well as many other details a person needs to know to be successful in college. Since this is an online college, some things in the book will not be relevant to you, but many tips will help greatly.
Book: How to Succeed in College and Beyond: The Art of Learning 1st Edition
COMMUNICATION & CRITICAL THINKING
Interpersonal Communication
Communication is a skill for any person but is particularly important to someone entering the ministry whether it is as a pastor, an assistant pastor, a youth pastor or any other type of church service. In this class, using the book, and discussion, students will become acquainted with different types of communication.
Book: Communication for Everyday Encounters 9th edition
By Julia T. Wood
English, Reading and Composition
During the course of moving toward a degree, one will be called upon to read many textbooks. Another task which requires skill will be writing papers. That necessitates a good understanding of the proper way to speak and write, which brings us to composition. Students will write many papers. To be successful, one must know the styles of writing, how to put thoughts on paper in an understandable way and do so at an academic level.
Book: Academic Writing Now – with Readings by David Starkey
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking is not learning how to argue to prove a point, rather it is acquiring the ability to analyze, evaluate, and interpret information logically to form well-reasoned conclusions, essentially involving questioning assumptions, considering multiple perspectives, and assessing evidence to make informed decisions. In any pastoral position, this skill is highly important.
Book: Critical Thinking by Alex Fisher
BIBLICAL STUDIES
Study of the Old Testament
This course will study each of the books of the Old Testament giving an introduction, discussing various subjects such as the authorship, date, purpose, and giving of explanations and views set forth throughout the years. Each unit in the book is carefully examined and unfolded under the headings and subheadings of a unifying outline.
Book: Survey of the Old Testament by Darline Cantola Royer & Dorsey L. Burk
For deeper study, one can purchase books available on the major and minor prophets.
Study of the New Testament
Survey of the New Testament is a brief overview of each book of the New Testament. This course examines each book in the New Testament giving an introduction to each book as well as discussing various subjects.
Book: Survey of the New Testament by Darline Cantola Royer & Dorsey L. Burk
There are other books available at Pentecostal Publishing House which can be purchased for deeper study.
Study of the Life of Christ
This course consists of four handbooks in which one studies the life of Christ. It counts as 3 credit hours. In the first book, the following are some of the topics studied:
The times of Jesus, including John the Baptist, the birth and childhood of Jesus, Jesus’ baptism, the temptation of Jesus. Other topics will be discussed.
Handbooks: Study of the Life of Christ – Part I, II, III, IV.
Additional resource: Life of Christ by Ralph Vincent Reynolds
PASTORAL LEADERSHIP
Strategic Leadership
The life of a pastor falls directly into this course. When one becomes a pastor, it is not just a position but comes with a plethora of duties. Care of the “flock” is varied, and nearly all consuming. This course will endeavor to equip any person who is currently serving as the pastor of a church and will acquaint as well as guide a person who desires to fill that role.
Book: Feed My sheep: A Handbook for Pastors by Rodney Shaw
Learning to be a Leader
In this course, students will learn what qualities a great leader should possess. These all come from leaders found in the Bible. To be a good pastor, one must first learn to be a good leader.
Book: 21 Qualities of Leaders in the Bible by John C. Maxwell
An excellent resource: The Three Chords of Apostolic Leadership
The Spiritual Pastor
The legacy of a great leader is faithfulness and focus. A spiritually healthy leader is faithful to the doctrine, the Word of God, and the calling.
Book: The Spiritually Healthy Leader by Eugene Wilson & Matthew Mullins
Learning to be a Pastor I
Being a pastor consists of a multiplicity of skills and duties. This course offers sound advice for pastors and those studying to become pastors.
Books: For Preachers Only by J. T. Pugh; We Preach: The Priority and Practice of Apostolic Preaching by Jerry Jones
Learning to be a Pastor II
When one is a pastor, he deals mostly with people thus, the need for people skills. This course will assist the pastor with the acquisition of those skills.
Book: If the Sheep Could Speak by Ralph V. Reynolds
THEOLOGY
The Oneness Doctrine I
This course teaches several Apostolic beliefs. The first of those is a study of why Apostolics believe there is only one God whose name is Jesus. The book used for this course is listed below. There is also a study guide available.
Book: The Oneness of God by David K. Bernard
The Oneness Doctrine II
This course offers proof that the apostolic doctrine lasted during what some call “the silent years.” In this course, there is additional research and information which was added since the first edition came out more than 20 years ago.
Book: Ancient Champions of Oneness: An Investigation of the Doctrine of God in Church History by William B. Chalfant.
The Oneness of God III
In this course, hundreds of academic works are used to argue that the first century church had a very specific Christological confession, one very different from what the church later came to believe.
Book: I AM: Oneness Pentecostal Theology by David S. Norris Ph.D.
Church History
The history of the New Testament church began in the book of Acts. Study of the book chosen for this course will allow students to study that history and become conversant with Apostolic beliefs.
Book: Acts: The Amazing History of the Early Church by Jet Witherspoon Toole
Christian Discipleship
Pastors and future pastors must also know how to disciple new converts and assist those who have been following Jesus for several years as they continue to grow. The following books will all be used to help students understand and grow in their ministry.
Following Jesus in this Digital Age by Jason Thacker; Spiritual Growth I by Dale R. Starks
Spiritual Formation
Pastors need to continue to grow after they assume the responsibility of a congregation. It is not just preaching that a pastor does, nor is it studying for sermons. One must study to become like Jesus in order to lead established Christ followers as well as new converts.
Book: More Like Him: The Process of Spiritual Formation by James A. Littles Jr.
Pastoral Counseling
How to Counsel Someone
When a person becomes a pastor, one of the many roles thrust upon him is counseling the people whom he is leading. Pastors need some sound practices and knowledge to equip themselves for this portion of pastoring.
Book: Ministerial Development-Pastoral Counseling-Lesson 21 by David K. Bernard
How to Help People Who are Hurt
This course helps pastors counsel people who have been deeply wounded thus hindering their walk with God and sometimes their relationships. There will always be hurt people in the church. Some of them were hurt long before you met them, by family members, by church people and sometimes by other preachers/pastors. A pastor acting in the role of a counselor must know how to deal with these people and their issues.
Book: Hurt People Hurt People by Dr. Sandra D. Wilson
Homiletics
There is more to pastoring than preaching but knowing how to prepare a good sermon is certainly a large part and the most public portion. To assist students with this very important part, some texts are used to acquaint themselves with some experienced and well respected pastors/preachers.
Books: Life Preaching: Practical Advice on Preaching God’s Word by Jonathan McClintock
Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis
There is More by Pastor Ron Macey
What Can I Preach Today?
This course offers sermon notes. Prayer and study are the best ways to find something to offer your congregation, but here is a book to help when you need it. The much loved and respected author also hosts Morning Devotions during the week.
Book: I’ll Love You Tomorrow by Ken Gurley