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Participate in Biblical Studies Research Theology and Biblical Truth Develop Mission and Leadership Strategy Sharing Our Faith Leadership and the Old Testament Developing Christian Character Practical Preaching Leadership and the Holy Spirit Faith Lifestyle
Apply Pastoral Care and Ministry Apply Charasmatic Ministry and Practice First Year Unit SubjectsSEMESTER ONE Work in Teams Interactive work groups are designed to foster students’ care and respect for one another, appreciation of each other’s differences and to offer students the opportunity to develop team ministry skills in practical ministry applications. The Character of God God desires that we know Him intimately. This subject looks at the attributes of God through His redemptive Names and His actions as revealed in Scripture. Commonly misunderstood passages are examined to confirm the consistency of God’s character. Prayer Workshop This is a weekly workshop firstly laying a biblical foundation for individual prayer with particular emphasis on the role of the Holy Spirit. Examples of prayer in Scripture are studied, a prayer journal is kept and students are encouraged to develop their own time of intimacy with God.
Secondly the workshop focuses on Scriptural prayer principles such as the prayer of agreement, binding and loosing and united prayer. Students move from praying as an individual to learning to pray in teams. Faith Lifestyle Students will not only learn the importance of faith, what faith is, how it is received and released, but also how it works. They will learn the basic Scriptures of faith while practicing how to apply the basic faith principles to everyday situations. This daily application will increase their confidence in God and also their ability to live and walk in faith, which pleases God.
Faith is contrasted with foolishness and presumption so a clear distinction can be made. This allows a correct and proper application of faith, thus ensuring a positive response from God. Examining the six principles of building strong faith reinforces the foundations of faith which have been imparted and allows a strengthening of the student’s faith in God so they can continue to please God. Leadership and the Holy Spirit This subject uses precept, example and a step-by-step scriptural basis to teach students how to link with the Holy Spirit and hear and recognise His voice so they can be confident of being led by the Holy Spirit in every area of life. Ministry and the Holy Spirit This is a time of ministry to the Lord and to one another in the Holy Spirit under the supervision of the VLBTC staff. Students will journal their experiences within ministry context and situations. It also includes guest ministry and DVD’s. New Creation Realities If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. This subject explains in detail the miracle of the New Birth, the fellowship we enjoy with the Father through Christ and the means of renewing our minds to the Word of God so that we may live in victory, enjoying all the benefits of this new relationship. Old Testament Survey This subject provides an overview of the Old Testament. It reveals how God worked out His redemptive purpose through godly men and women prior to the coming of Christ. It deals with the various dispensations in God’s purpose and seeks to give a clearer perspective of the events and people mentioned in the Old Testament. Praise This is a weekly workshop in which students study biblical examples of praise. They learn the different biblical words for thanksgiving, praise and worship and then utilise this knowledge in developing a lifestyle of thanksgiving, praise and worship in the presence of God.
It also takes an in-depth look at the various aspects of praise including restoration, the glory of God and the impact of praise and worship on the believer, both individually and corporately. The Power of Your Words Students learn the importance of the words they speak and come to understand that these words create the world they live in. They learn that to change their world they must change their confession. They will learn how to apply the Word of God in their speech, then practice this new confession to create a new future for themselves in God and His Word. Sharing Our Faith The students will learn that God has equipped all believers with the ministry gift of reconciliation. They will learn the basics of the gospel message and the many different ways it can be shared to be truly simple, effective, unique and powerful. Effective communication skills; presenting a personal testimony; prayer principles and developing relationships are also covered to resource the student with the skills necessary to share his faith confidently and boldly. Books of John Students examine the writings of the Apostle John, his Gospel and Epistles. Through them a revelation of the person and purpose of Jesus Christ as the Son of God is received. Through John’s intimate relationship with Jesus the love of God becomes very real and personal causing those who experience it to believe in Him. Christ the Healer A detailed study of the Bible to demonstrate that healing is a completed work of Redemption and is therefore God’s will and is available to all. This subject covers the scriptural methods to receive healing, as seen in the life of Jesus and in the life of the early Church. Common roadblocks to healing are also extensively covered to assist the student to further understand the principles that govern the operation of God’s healing provision. Developing Christian Character Learning from the Bible what Christian character is and how it can be developed in our lives in order for the student to be ‘conformed to the image of His dear Son’ - Jesus Christ. The development of this character requires the daily application of the personal and spiritual disciplines which students are trained to exercise in their lives. People Skills This subject teaches skills in listening, communicating and caring through precept and example. Students will learn more about themselves and what God is doing in their lives. Discovering Your Gifts This subject is designed to help students identify their God-given gifts as listed in Romans 12. The Theology of Righteousness A continuing consciousness of sin after the New Birth holds many Christians in bondage. The scriptures reveal that our righteousness (right standing) before God is not dependent on works, but is a result of our life in Christ. This subject enables students to establish themselves in righteousness, by faith. FIRST YEAR UNIT SUBJECTS
Certificate IV in Christian StudiesSEMESTER TWO The Authority of the Believer Students learn the biblical authority they have as believers over both the natural and the supernatural. They learn to exercise this authority and to use the spiritual weapons at their disposal over the strategies and plans of the enemy in re-enforcing his defeat until Jesus comes again. The Theology of the Atonement This subject examines the elements and principles of Blood Covenant and considers the operation of God’s Covenant with man from the Garden of Eden through to the New Covenant and how it applies to us today. Economics and Scriptures Financial prosperity is dependent upon faith and faithful application of God’s financial principles. The concepts of faith, wealth, stewardship, giving, receiving, sowing and reaping; tithing, offerings, alms, faithfulness and obedience are examined and applied on an everyday basis. This allows results to be seen which stimulates the students themselves and encourages them to share these truths with others.
The practical aspects of financial prosperity are explored; in particular the importance of a balanced or surplus budget in the lives of those desiring to operate in line with God’s financial principles. Understanding of the terms and application of income, expenses, deficit, balanced and surplus budgets are applied in the assembly of the student’s personal budget. This allows results to be seen which stimulates the students themselves and encourages them to share these truths with others. Leadership and the Old Testament A study of the lives of the faith heroes of Hebrews chapter 11 whose faith overcame adversity and impossible circumstances to inherit the promises given to them by God. It will examine their lives to determine the reason for their successes; their obtaining “a good report” and even their weaknesses to provide the student with a basis for how faith can or cannot work. The subject provides the student with a more comprehensive understanding of what faith is; what faith obtains and the type of faith that pleases God. Growing Up Spiritually This subject identifies the characteristics of the various levels of spiritual maturity. Students learn to locate themselves and apply in their own lives the principles leading to maturity, thus moving toward ‘the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ’. The Holy Spirit and His Gifts An in-depth study of the person, the character and the gifts of the Holy Spirit as revealed in the Word of God and the work of the Spirit in the church today. Opportunities are available for students to practice the operation of the gifts under mature supervision. New Testament Survey This subject gives a working understanding of the history, literary type authorship and theme of the books that make up the New Testament. It reveals the establishment of God’s New Covenant and explores the characters, events and teaching of the early New Testament church. Bible Doctrines Students gain a working knowledge of the major doctrines of the Bible. This will be accomplished by examining each doctrine separately and discussing the practical application of that truth in their lives. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians This is an in-depth study of the letter to the Ephesian church. This study will include the spiritual position of the Christian both individually and corporately. It includes practical instruction on how to live the Christian life in the family, business and the church. The Book of James Students learn the Godly wisdom found in the epistle of James which is the New Testament equivalent of the book of Proverbs. They learn to successfully apply this wisdom and the vital life principles to themselves so that they may live successful lives. Australian Christian Heritage Students will study our nation’s Christian heritage from the point of view of the early explorers, the Founding Fathers who wrote our constitution, the early church ministers and some prophetic words spoken over our nation. The role of Australia in world history as one of the emerging nations will be examined from the perspective of the plan of God. Work in Teams Interactive work groups are designed to foster students’ care and respect for one another, appreciation of each others differences and to offer students the opportunity to develop team ministry skills in practical ministry applications. Ministry and the Holy Spirit This is a time of ministry to the Lord and to one another in the Holy Spirit under the supervision of the VLBTC staff. Students will journal their experiences within ministry context and situations. It also includes guest ministry and DVDs. The Theology of Grace For by grace are you saved through faith. Students gain a full understanding of God’s grace as it applies to their everyday life and are encouraged to practice a walk of grace in their own lives. This foundational principle of grace sets students free from dead works and performance mentality. The Life of Christ Students study the life of Jesus to determine the pre-existence of Jesus as creator of all things and reveal the mystery of the Incarnation as a basic foundation for the Christian faith. The subject will study His earthly life; His birth, ministry, preparation, agony, death and glorious Resurrection to His current spiritual position and ministry at the Father’s right hand. It will establish Him as Redeemer, Saviour, Healer, High Priest and soon coming King by studying His role as Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Teacher and Pastor to perfectly fulfil the will of the Father and reveal the Kingdom of God. Practical Preaching Students are taught how to prepare their own personal testimony. This prepared testimony is publicly shared with their class. Walking in Love God is love and love is the characteristic by which all disciples of Christ are to be known. We must know the love of God in our own lives before we can live out the Lord’s command to impart that love to others. This subject covers the different kinds of love - God’s love for the believer and the world, as well as our love for God and for one another. Reaching Your Full Potential This subject is a precept and example examination of the student’s life in order for them to reach their full God-given potential. They will positively deal with their past so that it will not hold them back. They will look forward to the future by setting their personal mission statement and goals and will be encouraged to press toward these goals in order to reach their full potential.
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