The Associate of Arts in Apologetics and Evangelism is a 60-credit hour academic degree. This program will improve your understanding and expression of the essential doctrines of the Christian faith and the evidence that undergirds those doctrines. With this knowledge, the program will prepare you with practical tools to be a witness to audiences from a diverse background of beliefs. The focus of this program is to provide students with the opportunity to combine their passion for the Bible with academics, deepening their understanding of Christian faith and strengthening their personal relationship with Christ.
Qualifications Needed to Enter This Program
A person must have a high school diploma or equivalent before beginning this program.
Courses To Be Completed
AEE 101 Ethics and Excellence
This course explores key biblical teachings on ethics, integrity, character, and excellence, emphasizing the importance of these principles in decision-making, relationships, and behaviors. Grounded in the teachings of the apostles and the broader biblical tradition, students will develop a deeper understanding of ethical integrity and excellence in various aspects of life. Textbook: “A God To Glorify” by Michael Mangum. (3 credit hour)
AEE 104 Evangelist and Evangelism: A Biblical Apostolic Perspective
This course explores the biblical and apostolic foundations of evangelism and the role of the evangelist in spreading the gospel message. Students will gain a deep understanding of evangelism as a divine calling and the importance of effective evangelistic practices. Textbook: “The Master Plan of Evangelism” by Robert E. Coleman. (Credit Hours: 3)
AFE 106 The Power of Faith in Evangelism
This course delves into the profound connection between faith and evangelism from a biblical apostolic perspective. It examines the significance of faith in driving successful evangelistic endeavors. Understanding how faith fuels evangelistic endeavors is essential for every Christian called to share the gospel message effectively. Through this course, students will explore the pivotal role of faith in evangelism and learn how to harness its power in their own ministry efforts. Textbook: “Evangelism: How To Share The Gospel Faithfully by John Stott. (3 Credit Hours)
AEP 107 The Power of Effective Prayer
This course explores the profound impact of prayer in the context of apologetics and evangelism from a biblical apostolic perspective. Understanding the role of prayer in these vital aspects of the Christian faith is essential for every believer seeking to effectively engage with others and share the gospel message. Through this course, students will learn how to harness the power of prayer to strengthen their apologetic arguments, enhance their evangelistic efforts, and deepen their personal relationship with God. Textbook: “The Power of Effective Prayer by Michael Mangum. (3 Credit Hours).
BEM 101 Empowering Media Ministry: Website Development and Maintenance
In today’s digital age, an effective online presence is crucial for churches and ministries to reach a wider audience and engage with their communities. This course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to create and manage impactful websites for their ministries. Textbook: “Communicating for a Change: Seven Keys to Irresistible Communication” by Andy Stanley and Lane Jones. (4 credit hours)
AAO 112 The Various Arms of Outreach
This course delves into the different methods and strategies of outreach from a biblical apostolic perspective. Understanding the diverse ways in which outreach can be conducted is crucial for effective evangelism and apologetics. Through this course, students will explore a range of outreach approaches, learn how to tailor outreach efforts to different audiences, and develop a holistic understanding of spreading the gospel message in various contexts. Textbook: “The Complete Book Of Evangelism: A Comprehensive Guide to Sharing Your Faith by Bill Bright. Publisher: Harvest House Publisher. (Credit Hours: 3)
ASW 115 Healing, Miracles, Signs, and Wonders
This course explores the biblical apostolic perspective on divine healing, miracles, signs, and wonders in the context of evangelism and apologetics. Understanding the role of supernatural manifestations in the spread of the gospel message is essential for every believer seeking to engage in effective ministry. Through this course, students will delve into the profound significance of healing, miracles, signs, and wonders in demonstrating God’s power and love to a watching world. Textbook: “Supernatural Demonstrations: The Power of God in Healing and Miracles” by Michael Mangum. (3 Credit Hours)
ASW 124 Spiritual Warfare I
This course is designed to equip students with the biblical understanding and practical skills necessary to engage in spiritual warfare. We will explore foundational principles from a biblical apostolic perspective, addressing the nature of spiritual battles, strategies for victory, and the role of the believer in overcoming spiritual opposition. Primary Textbook: “Victory in Spiritual Warfare: Outfitting Yourself for the Battle” by Tony Evans: Supplementary Readings: “The Bondage Breaker” by Neil T. Anderson. “The Armor of God” by Priscilla Shirer. (3 Credit Hours)
BTH 442 Spiritual Warfare II
This is a critical advanced course in the Apologetics and Evangelism Bachelor’s degree program. Building upon the foundational principles explored in Spiritual Warfare I, this course delves deeper into the complexities and nuances of spiritual battles from a biblical apostolic perspective. Students will engage in advanced study of spiritual warfare tactics, strategic intercession, and the integration of spiritual warfare principles in ministry and daily life. Primary Textbook: “The Rules of Engagement: The Art of Strategic Prayer and Spiritual Warfare” by Cindy Trimm. Supplementary Readings: “Spiritual Warfare: A Biblical and Balanced Perspective” by Brian Borgman and Rob Ventura. “The Three Battlegrounds” by Francis Frangipane. (3 credit hours)
AICI 101 Introduction to Christ and Islam: The Case for Christ in a Muslim Context
The Case for Christ in a Muslim Context is a foundational course in the Apologetics and Evangelism bachelor’s degree program. This course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively present the case for Christ within a Muslim context. From a biblical apostolic perspective, students will explore the similarities and differences between Christian and Islamic beliefs, develop a compassionate understanding of Muslim culture, and learn strategies for effective evangelism. Primary Textbook: “Answering Islam: The Crescent in Light of the Cross” by “The Quran and the Bible: Text and Commentary” by Gabriel Said Reynolds. (3 credit hours)
BTH 106 Bible Doctrines
This course delves into the fundamental doctrines of the Christian Faith from a Biblical apostolic perspective. Students will explore key theological concepts found in the bible, gaining a deeper understanding of the foundation beliefs that shape Christian Theology and practice. The Foundations of Christian Doctrine: by Kevin J. Conner. (3 Credit hours)
BITH 201 Introduction to Theology
This is a foundational course in the Apologetics and Evangelism bachelor’s degree program. This course provides an in-depth exploration of the major themes and concepts in Christian theology from a biblical apostolic perspective. Students will engage with the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith, learn to articulate their beliefs clearly, and understand how these doctrines shape their personal faith and ministry. Primary Textbook: “Introducing Christian Doctrine” by Millard J. Erickson. Supplementary Readings: “Systematic Theology” by Wayne Grudem. “Foundations of Pentecostal Theology” by Guy P. Duffield and Nathaniel M. Van Cleave. (3 credit hours)
BIB 111 Old Testament Survey
This is a foundational course in the Apologetics and Evangelism Bachelor’s degree program. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the Old Testament, exploring its historical context, literary structure, and theological significance. By studying the Old Testament from a biblical apostolic perspective, students will gain a deeper understanding of God’s revelation and his redemptive plan for humanity. Primary Textbook: “A Survey of the Old Testament” by Andrew E. Hill and John H. Walton. Supplementary Readings: “Encountering the Old Testament: A Christian Survey” by Bill T. Arnold and Bryan E. Beyer. “The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament” by Sandra L. Richter. (3 credit hours).
BIB 114 New Testament Survey
This is a key course in the Apologetics and Evangelism Bachelor’s degree program. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the New Testament, examining its historical context, literary structure, and theological significance from a biblical apostolic perspective. Through this study, students will gain a deeper understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, the development of the early church, and the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. Primary Textbook: “Encountering the New Testament: A Historical and Theological Survey” by Walter A. Elwell and Robert W. Yarbrough. Supplementary Readings: “The New Testament: Its Background and Message” by Thomas D. Lea and David Alan Black. “The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament” by Craig S. Keener. (3 credit hours).
PHL 315 World Religions and Systems of Belief
This is a pivotal course in the Apologetics and Evangelism Bachelor’s degree program. This course examines the major world religions and belief systems, comparing and contrasting them with the Christian faith from a biblical apostolic perspective. Students will gain a thorough understanding of different religious worldviews, enabling them to engage in meaningful dialogue and effectively share the gospel across diverse cultural and religious contexts. Primary Textbook: “Neighboring Faiths: A Christian Introduction to World Religions” by Winfried Corduan. Supplementary Readings: “The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog” by James W. Sire. “Christianity and World Religions: An Introduction to the World’s Major Faiths” by Derek Cooper. (3 credit hours).
COM 103 Public Speaking
This course is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to effectively communicate the truths of the Christian faith in a persuasive and engaging manner. As followers of Christ, it is crucial to be able to articulate and defend our beliefs with clarity and confidence. Through this course, you will learn how to engage in public speaking with a focus on apologetics and evangelism. Textbook: “Communicating for a Change: Seven Keys to Irresistible Communication” by Andy Stanley and Lane Jones. Publisher: Multnomah. ISBN: 978-1590525142. (3 credit hour).
HIS 185 Western Civilization
This course explores the historical development of Western culture and its impact on the spread of Christianity. In this course, we will delve into key events, figures, and movements that have shaped Western civilization from a biblical apostolic perspective. By understanding the cultural context in which Christianity has spread, we can better equip ourselves to engage with and evangelize the world around us. Textbook: “How the West Won: The Neglected Story of the Triumph of Modernity” by Rodney Stark. Publisher: Intercollegiate Studies Institute. ISBN: 978-1932236479. (3 credit hours)
BIB 230 Interpreting the Bible
This is a course that delves into the principles and methods of interpreting the Word of God from a biblical apostolic perspective. In this course, we will explore the importance of sound biblical interpretation for apologetics and evangelism, equipping you with the skills to accurately understand and communicate the Scriptures in a way that upholds the truth of the Gospel. Textbook: “Grasping God’s Word: A Hands-On Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays. Publisher: Zondervan Academic. ISBN: 978-0310492573. (3 credit hours).
BIB 341 Pentateuch
This is a course that explores the first five books of the Bible from a biblical apostolic perspective. In this course, we will delve into the foundational texts of the Old Testament, delving into the historical, theological, and literary aspects of the Pentateuch. By studying these foundational books, students will gain a deeper understanding of God’s redemptive plan and how to effectively share and defend the faith based on these foundational texts. Textbook: “The Pentateuch: Interpreting Biblical Texts Series”by Terence E. Fretheim. Publisher: Abingdon Press. ISBN: 978-0687008421. (3 credit hours).
BIB 352 Acts & Pauline Literature
This is a course that delves into the Book of Acts and the letters of the apostle Paul from a biblical apostolic perspective. In this course, we will explore the early history of the Christian church as recorded in the Book of Acts of the Apostles and gain insights into Paul’s teachings and missionary journeys as presented in his letters. By studying these foundational texts, students will deepen their understanding of early Christianity and learn valuable lessons for apologetics and evangelism in the contemporary world. Textbook: “Acts: An Exegetical Commentary” by Craig S. Keener. Publisher: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0801048373 (3 credit hours)