YWAM Sunshine Coast School of Biblical Studies Course Information Handbook Institute for the Nations, Australia School of Biblical Studies I, II, III Certificate IV in Bible Ministry (10516NAT) Please read this handbook prior to enrolment with any course with Institute for the Nations Effective 30 October 2008
The purpose of the SBS Course Information School of Biblical Studies I, II and III Certificate IV in Bible Ministry (10516NAT) "The BIBLE is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands; it lays hold of me" (Martin Luther) Foundations for Life and Ministry The School of Biblical Studies (SBS) is a nine-month course in which students study all 66 books of the Bible. An inductive approach is taught, in which students observe what the text says and then let it shape their beliefs. Personalized Teaching During the school, students survey each book and discover the big picture, while also digging into the details paragraph by paragraph. Emphasis is placed on understanding the cultural and historic background of each author and original reader of a book. The student interprets Scripture with the mindset of the original reader then takes the timeless truths and applies them personally. Students are given hands-on instruction in the principles of observation, interpretation, and application. SBS staff will meet weekly with the students to aid in their personal growth, understanding of Scripture, and application of the inductive method. The Calling God can use you to impact the Nations through His Word! The School of Biblical Studies will prepare you with the tools to give God s Word to others. Goals of the SBS School Our goals are to train Christians in the Word of God and to be a multiplier for missions following Paul s mandate in 2 Timothy 2:2 "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." To know and apply God s Word in your life and ministry To give God s Word to others The SBS outreach is focused on giving out the Word to developing nations. It will give you experience in missions and in how to give God s Word to others. Entry Requirements Pre-requisites - Completion of the Certificate III in Discipleship (Discipleship Training School) is a prerequisite for the Certificate IV in Bible Ministry (10516NAT) (SBS I, and SBS II a prerequisite of SBS III). Applicants must provide evidence of an ability to undertake studies at an appropriate tertiary level. Normally evidence would be graduation from secondary school or equivalent. If an applicant has not completed this education they are encouraged to complete appropriate schooling or undertake an equivalency program within YWAM to assist them to attain an appropriate level to undertake further study. This can be organised within YWAM Australia or overseas. Qualification / Accreditation At the end of the course and the successful completion of all required units - students will obtain a Certificate IV in Bible Ministry (10516NAT) which is a recognized qualification within Australia. Students will earn thirty-six (36) semester-equivalent cross credits upon successful completion of the School of Biblical Studies I, II, III (CCM 311/312/313). with the University of the Nations (UofN) - YWAM s international training body. Page 2
Outline of Course Structure The SBS is offered in a series of three-month phases. The phases must be taken sequentially, though they can be taken at different times. It is recommended that all three phases be done back to back. School of Biblical Studies I (12 weeks) This phase begins with a three-week seminar which introduces the principles of inductive Bible study. All of the New Testament books except the writings of John and some of the General Epistles are covered in this quarter. School of Biblical Studies II (12 weeks) In this second phase, students begin with finishing the remaining book of the New Testament, including the gospel and epistles of John and then proceed to the Old Testament historical narratives (Genesis to Samuels). SBS II also introduces some basic teaching skills. School of Biblical Studies III (12 weeks) In the third and last phase we complete the study of the Old Testament s historical narratives, and wisdom literature. Then we continue with the prophetic books ending with the Gospel of Matthew. Course Outcomes Certificate IV in Bible Ministry (10516NAT) All students must complete all units BBLMBK401A BBLMIN401A BBLFBD401A BBLCOA401A BSBCMM401A HLTHIR403C CMIFWK401A CMIPAW401A Maintain Bible Knowledge Partner with Christian groups or organisations in Bible ministry Facilitate Bible discussion Coach Christians in the use of Bible study methods and tools Make a presentation Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers Work within a Christian missions framework Incorporate prayer and worship into ministry activities Page 3
Delivery of Training The SBS will be delivered in a variety of ways to suit a variety of learning styles. There will be classroom lectures, guided group discussions, Bible studies and research projects, video, workshops and field training (which incorporate local and overseas ministry and outreach). It is anticipated that students will take responsibility for completing the work assigned to them in an appropriate time Besides lectures throughout the week, there will also be intercession and prayer, worship, morning devotions, small group discussion groups, individual mentoring times, general housekeeping responsibilities, personal studies and possibly some local outreach in the community. Weekends are normally free except for some minor duties and preparations of assignments. All scheduled activities are a part of the SBS training so all participants are expected to be a part of all activities. Assessment Methods F Worship & Intercession: (10%) Each student will be expected to participate fully in YWAM Sunshine Coast and SBS worship and intercession times. F Work Duty Participation: (10%) Each student will be expected to faithfully complete their assigned work duty tasks. F SBS Assignments: (80%) Each student will be evaluated on the charts, historical data, and application work that they prepare on each of the books studied. This will range from Written proof of understanding of the underlying principles, to involvement in ministry opportunities. School Schedule While undertaking a YWAM training school, you will be involved in lectures, worship, prayer, intercession, small group meetings, processing, fun and discussion, work duties, YWAM community activities (BBQs etc), various types of outreach ministry. Time will also be allotted for personal devotions, studies, reviewing lecture notes. 6.00-7:30 am Quiet Time 7.00-8.00 am Breakfast 8:00-10:00 am Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Base Worship & Intercession 10-12.00 pm Lectures 12.00-1.00 pm Lunch 1.00-4.00 pm Worship and Intercession Lectures Lectures Tracts 4.00-5.00 pm Work Duties Work Duties Work Duties Work Duties Work Duties 6.00 pm Dinner 7.00-10.00 pm The Schedule for the first three weeks of Term One are dedicated to the SBS Seminar. Lectures are morning and afternoon, plus some evening lectures. *Note: this is a very general schedule and specifics will be given at the start of the school. Page 4
Who are the teachers? Resident staff, local pastors and ministers and visiting lecturers from different parts of the world, will provide teaching. Training videos of reputable, international speakers are used as well. All our visiting lecturers are experienced in their field of ministry. Resources Resources you will be required to supply yourself include note and graph paper, pens and pencils. A laptop computer is recommended but not essential. We will provide you with an ESV Bible, the necessary books for book reports, and access to the internet. Classrooms, study rooms and equipment will vary depending on the week and topic of teaching. For example there may be use of class rooms, study rooms, data projectors and video machines, white boards, overhead projectors, teaching tools provided by the resources trainers, etc. Please speak with the Registrar for any other specific things you must bring for the course or for your living arrangements. Other Training Locations The Certificate IV in Biblical Studies / Biblical Core Course Elective is run in a number of locations around Australia and around the world. The accredited Certificate IV in Biblical Studies is a course offered by Institute for the Nations, Australia and delivered through partnerships in most Youth With Mission centres across Australia. These courses are seen with mutual recognition, meaning if you take the course in one location, it is also recognized in another YWAM base as the same course. The complete Diploma in Biblical Studies is offered through YWAM Canberra and YWAM Sunshine Coast in Australia. There are other locations internationally that offer the full School of Biblical Studies course. Course Expectations It is expected that students will uphold the requirements of the course, including the following expectations. If any issues arise we would prefer to address them casually and relationally. Under some circumstances, it is a requirement that we notify the department of Immigration if any behaviour goes uncorrected. Students will: - finish with at least 12 weeks of lectures to complete the SBS I - finish with an additional least 24 weeks of lectures to complete the SBS II and III / Certificate IV in Bible Ministry. - meet academic course requirements (including all assignments) - maintain Godly conduct in character and behaviour - meet attendance requirements- The SBS is a full-time, live in course. One week is made up of up to 50 hours of activities. Full attendance is required for the completion of this course. This includes all scheduled activities during lecture phase, as well as local and overseas outreach. - Meet participation requirements- We expect that each student will participate in all activities, not just with their presence but by contributing to the learning experience. This includes being a part of group discussions, completing assignments, discussing what God is doing in their life with their staff, etc. This is to take full advantage of the training and the learning environment Page 5