Joint Bachelor of Ministry (B.Min.) Degree with CIST
Earn Your Bachelor of Ministry Degree with Vision International University and Christian International School of Theology. Focus Your Studies in Apostolic/Prophetic Ministry or Business Leadership!
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Year One: Certfificate IV in Christian Ministry (CIST Emphasis)
- BI 100 Hermeneutics: Introduction to Bible Study
- BI 102 New Testament Survey
- CC 101 Sociology of Marriage and Family Life
- GE 103 English Composition
- GE 112 Introduction to Management
- RS 102 Christian Life
- RS 109 Spiritual Formation: Journey to Wholeness
- RS 219 Christian Character Development
Hermeneutics: Introduction to Bible Study
A study of the basic principles of hermeneutics and methods of Bible study. The course is designed to give the new student a solid foundation for the coming four years of intensive Bible study. The course presents the Bible as literature as well as the inspired word of God with emphasis on the importance of textual and historical context in interpreting biblical passages.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Joshua D. Reichard, D.Phil.
New Testament Survey
This course provides an overview of the New Testament, with a brief introduction to each of the 27 books of the Protestant canon, and a concise summary of their contents, enabling the learner to correctly relate the parts of the New Testament to each other, and to the Old Testament. The module allows the learners to enrich their knowledge of the Bible and their ability to read each part intelligently, with an understanding of the context in which each book occurs and of how doctrine evolved gradually over the centuries. Armed with this knowledge students are able to develop their ability to relate the Bible and its contents to daily life and to Christian witness.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Steven M. Mills, D.Min.
Sociology of Marriage and Family Life
The major focal point of this course will be upon the family as viewed as a social institution. We will be interested in the tacit dialogue between the institution of the family and that social situation of which the family is a part. This course provides a careful examination of the modern issues inherent in marital and family relationships; offers suggestions for treatment on an individual and church-wide basis; and provides numerous counseling resources. This course is specifically designed to encourage and help pastors, church workers and counseling students fully engage in the task of learning and growing in the knowledge of the development process of Christian families. A fundamental premise presented in this course is that the best kind of learning occurs when the student is actively involved in the process of learning. The best education consists not of simply knowing, but of becoming; that is, becoming all that God created us to be. The format of the course materials briefly examines the external structures of family life throughout the cycle of human existence, from a Christian perspective. It also teaches the student how to communicate and interact in more conscious, deliberate, and constructive ways. He or she can then become more fulfilled in his or her intimate relationships.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Sara Reichard, M.Litt., R.N.
English Composition
A study of the principles of composition with emphasis on language, the mechanics of writing, the types of discourse, and research and documentation. The course develops students' ability to write unified, well-developed and coherent expository essays that employ standard English usage and mechanics, and exposes the students to literary works that sharpen their critical-thinking and analytical skill necessary in college writing. The course also includes a study of rhetoric and short essay composition, and readings and responsive writing assignments. This is predominantly a skills course to develop the student's writing competency as a foundation for all future studies.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Brenda Thomas, M.A.
Introduction to Management
This course introduces the subject of management, identifies leadership positions, and stresses the importance of the role of leadership and management skills in Christian Ministry. Biblical principles of leading like a servant and shepherd and qualifications for leaders are also discussed. Major tasks of leaders are reviewed, with emphasis on decision-making and handling conflicts. Guidelines for training leaders and followers are given, and principles of success and reasons for failure examined. Emphasis is placed on the contex of Management in Community Service, preparing the student to support Community Leadership.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Joshua D. Reichard, D.Phil.
Christian Life
Paul stated that whenever possible we are to live our lives at peace, especially within the household of faith. In our day, we need to learn the pattern for gracious living. While fundamentalism is regarded to view social controversy and moral issues with judgementalism and/or mean-spiritedness, this course will explore social issues in the context of a balanced "sweet reasonableness". Submission in the family, church, and society will be explored in detail.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Prof. David Ward
Spiritual Formation: Journey to Wholeness
This course examines the biblical perspectives on God's plans and purposes for man and how God through his love and grace helps man to develop a believer's personality through stages of spiritual development.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Delores Horsman M.A.
Christian Character Development
This course examines the biblical perspectives on Christian Character and how God through his love and grace helps man to develop a right Christian character and personality through clearly established Biblical processes.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Delores Horsman M.A.
Year Two: Diploma of Christian Ministry (CIST Emphasis)
- BI 101 Old Testament Survey
- BI 202 The Book of Acts
- CC 201 Introduction to Psychology: Christian Counseling Perspectives
- ED 101 Dynamics of Teaching
- GE 220 Financial Integrity and Stewardship
- RS 105 Theology of Worship
- RS 209 Faith Dynamics
- RS 212 Speech and Communication: Homiletics
Old Testament Survey
This course provides an overview of the Old Testament, with a brief introduction to each of the 39 books, and a concise summary of their contents, enabling the learner to correctly relate the parts of the Old Testament to each other, and to the New Testament. The module allows the learners to enrich their knowledge of the Bible and their ability to read each part intelligently, with an understanding of the context in which each book occurs and of how doctrine evolved gradually over the centuries. Armed with this knowledge, students are able to develop their ability to relate the Bible and its contents to daily life and to Christian witness.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Prof. David Ward
The Book of Acts
A detailed study of the origin and development of the apostolic church and of the ministry of the ascended Christ as carried on through the church by the power of the Holy Spirit.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Rev. Frank Hodges, M.Div.
Introduction to Psychology: Christian Counseling Perspectives
This course proposes to help the student discover the basic concepts of Christian counseling and increase skill and competence in counseling situations. This introductory course in psychology covers many of the major ideas in contemporary psychology, but focuses mainly on psychology in the context of Christian Counseling. Examination of psychological phenomena from biobehavioral and sociobehavioral perspectives will be emphasized. The course will explore different approaches to counseling such as behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, biblical, and integrative Christian. In addition, the course describes different environments in which counseling is applied, especially in the context of the local church. The course will also explore the difference between counseling and other helping situations.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Prof. David Ward
Dynamics of Teaching
This course is designed to familiarize the student with the principles of teaching in a structured environment. Emphasis is placed upon the principles of organization and presentation methodology including, Stating Objectives, Lesson Planning, Evaluation, Curriculum Selection and Development, Teaching Illiterate Students, and Teacher Training.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Brenda Thomas, M.A.
Financial Integrity and Stewardship
This course is an overview of financial management issues, principles and tools. The course involves discussion, theoretical understanding, and practical applications of basic financial management. Understanding basic financial management issues is important for analyzing the current and future financial health of an organization, church, or ministry, leading to more informed decision-making. For all managers of churches and nonprofit organizations, understanding the basic concepts of funding streams, stewardship, budgeting and financial statement analysis is essential to building and maintaining a strong organization.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Steven M. Mills, D.Min.
Theology of Worship
Thanksgiving, praise and worship are vital for the New Testament Christian. Worship is dynamically illustrated and taught in this course. Emphasis on who we worship and why is maintained throughout.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Steven M. Mills, D.Min.
Faith Dynamics
Living a life of victory, power and sufficiency requires faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. This course discusses in detail the dynamics of faith and their relationship to the believer.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Prof. David Ward
Speech and Communication: Homiletics
This course will explore a variety of experiences that develop basic concepts of the oral communication process. The class includes communication theory as well as speech preparation and delivery. Basic techniques of the oral performance of literature with emphasis on content analysis and performance. Application of public speaking, oral interpretation and debate skills to competitive situations. This course also focuses on the fundamental methods of sermon preparation. It emphasizes both structure and delivery. Attention is given to the determination of audience type, the proper use of voice and other principles of public speaking.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Prof. David Ward
Year Three: Advanced Diploma of Christian Ministry (CIST Emphasis)
- BI 302 Major and Minor Prophets of the Old Testament
- CC 301 Self-Concept: Studies in Biblical Inner Healing
- GE 201 Cultural Anthropology: A Christian Perspective
- RS 200 History of Civilization I: Church History Perspectives
- RS 217 Introduction to Charismatic Theology
- RS 301 Pastoral Ministry
- RS 304 Introduction to Leadership
- RS 305 Introduction to World Missions
- RS 314 Principles and Philosophy of Church Growth
Major and Minor Prophets of the Old Testament
The ministry of the prophet and the gift and function of prophecy is explained from a historical and modern context. The place and environment of prophetic ministry, prophetic presbytery, and the office of the prophet is explained.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Prof. David Ward
Self-Concept: Studies in Biblical Inner Healing
This course contains the biblical bases for the concept of inner healing and healing of the memories. The student will be able to deal with issues in his or her own past that may be preventing them from being a "real person".Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Prof. Richard Y. Diaz
Cultural Anthropology: A Christian Perspective
Students will examine cultural anthropology from a Christian perspective, with particular emphasis on environmental analysis for missions. The students will gain a deeper understanding of different approaches to cultural anthropology and the applications of cultural theory for understanding cultural and religious diversity in the modern world. The importance of applied cultural anthropology to address the challenges of cross-cultural living and ministry will be emphasized.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Joshua D. Reichard, D.Phil.
History of Civilization I: Church History Perspectives
A study of church history during the Apostolic Age, the ante-Nicene period, and the post-Nicene period. Topics include the rise of orthodoxy, the many transformations that took place after the conversion of Constantine, the rise of the papacy, the many forms of medieval religious life, and the emergence of new forms of both lay and clerical piety. The developmental history of Western Civilization, in relation to the History of the Church, is noted in particular.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Prof. Samuel Frost
Introduction to Charismatic Theology
This course explores the fundamental foundation of Christian belief in the area of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Orthodox Christian truths will be taught in detail and are prerequisite for a dynamic Christian.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Joshua D. Reichard, D.Phil.
Pastoral Ministry
This is a study of the practical side of a minister's life and duties. It will include instruction in the proper manner of services, and a discussion of many of the problems a pastor faces.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Prof. David Ward
Introduction to Leadership
Essential elements of servant-leadership will be addressed, including a brief overview of what Scripture teaches about leadership. Students will be exposed to a number of different leaders and put their learning into practice via a comprehensive project. This will include the Dynamics of Leadership, Qualifications of Leadership, Counseling and Ethics, Church Administration and Government, etc.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Dr. Stan DeKoven
Introduction to World Missions
A study of the theology of missions from Pentecost to the present, culture, and the missionary, with special emphasis on the unreached people groups of the world.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Steven M. Mills, D.Min.
Principles and Philosophy of Church Growth
The Great Commission of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20) is the continuing mandate of the church. Though methods of evangelism and church planting have changed, the mandate remains the same. How to "grow the church" is the focus of this course.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Dr. Stan DeKoven
Year Four: Bachelor of Ministry Degree Completion Core (Required)
- BI 400 Advanced Hermeneutics
- BI 405 Authenticity & Authority of the Bible
- RS 435 Christian Theology
- RS 442 Church Growth and Development
- RS 444 Advanced Christian Worldview Studies
Advanced Hermeneutics
This course is an advanced study in hermeneutics and interpretation theory from pre-modern times to the present, with a focus on the interpretation and method of reading biblical texts. The course is designed to prepare the student for advanced interpretation of scripture and will investigate biblical interpretation in light of current theological, philosophical, ecclesiological, historical and social challenges. The student will be exposed to current scholarship on a variety of hermeneutical topics. The student will learn to be humble and open-minded when approaching the text, even those that seem familiar. A scholarly approach will be presented.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Joshua D. Reichard, D.Phil.
Authenticity & Authority of the Bible
This course explores the manuscript and archaeological evidence supporting and detracting from the reliability of the text of the Bible as an original ancient manuscript. The origins of the biblical texts, the establishment of the canon, and issues of higher criticism will be explored. The courses also introduces the student to unique perspectives concerning the authority of the Bible and its application in church and community life.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Joshua D. Reichard, D.Phil.
Christian Theology
In the church, we use words that are often not clearly understood by the new Christian or by the unchurched. In this course the student will study the meaning of each theological word and will be able to apply these words to their own life. An introduction to the basic teachings of the Christian faith, this course includes discussions of the nature and task of theology and of the Christian understanding of God, revelation, creation, spirituality, sin, and redemption.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Prof. David Ward
Church Growth and Development
A study of church growth and development with special emphasis on church health. Attention will be given to the skills of observation of the historical and contemporary roles of the church and society. Students will describe the socialization and dynamics of the church to culture, and develop skills for effective ministry. Common errors in church leadership and development will be explored. Leadership in the church and administration of church affairs are explored in detail. Methods of administration and forms of leadership style and responsibility are delineatedCredit Hours: 3
Instructor: Dr. Stan DeKoven
Advanced Christian Worldview Studies
In almost every field, apologists recognise that "proof" will convince people only when they are already disposed to believe. The deepest human need is emotional, not rational; human hearts must be stirred before our intellects will respond. Thus the "proofs" of God in the end are valuable mostly as adjuncts to the witness of scripture. For that reason, many people, whose faith is already simple, untroubled, and firm, find no use for these proofs. But others are not so fortunate, and for them the proofs are an encouragement to faith, and a stiller of doubts. This course contrasts the Biblical concept of apologetics with various alternative positions, both theistic and non-theistic. This course will insist upon an intellectually humble and reasonable approach to apologetics, opposing the bombastic certainty espoused by some approaches to apologetics. This course will propose an apologetic that accounts for the inadequacies of arguing faith-dependent issues in rationalistic or emperical terms. This course is designed to refine the student's Christian Worldview to engage a humbled perspective of science, religion, culture, and human existence. This course also considers major problem areas such as authority, miracles, evil and evolution and sets forth a basis for Christian apologetic which is theologically and historically sound.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Joshua D. Reichard, D.Phil.
Year Four: Bachelor of Ministry Degree Completion Emphasis (Apostolic/Prophetic Ministry)
Year Four: Bachelor of Ministry Degree Completion Emphasis (Business)