COURSE LIST
MINISTRY LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE
2026–2027 Academic Year
Below are all the classes students take across Year 1 and Year 2 of the Ministry Leadership Certificate program, grouped by focus area.
AREAS OF STUDY
Our curriculum emphasizes three areas of study in an effort to develop students who are rooted in Scripture, formed in Christ-like character, and equipped to live out their faith and calling.
Servant Leadership
The Servant Leadership area of study explores what it means to lead from a foundation of Christlike character, putting others first to serve with humility and intention. Courses prepare students for effective leadership in ministry and everyday life.
Biblical Literacy
The Biblical Literacy area of study provides students with a broad foundation in the content, context, and overarching story of Scripture. Courses guide students in understanding God’s Word and applying its truth to their lives.
Practical Theology
The Practical Theology area of study focuses on applying biblical truths to the realities of everyday life. Courses enable students to deepen their relationship with God, cultivate biblical wisdom, and put their faith into practice through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
YEAR 1
Servant Leadership
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LEAD 101Kingdom Culture
Explores what it means to live with a Kingdom mindset, aligning every aspect of life with biblical principles and God’s divine purpose. Students will learn how to cultivate a Christ-centered perspective in their personal lives, relationships, leadership, and ministry. Through biblical study and practical application, this course will challenge students to embody Kingdom values such as faith, humility, servanthood, and spiritual authority. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to influence their world with a Kingdom-first mindset, bringing transformation to their churches, communities, and beyond.
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LEAD 102Communication IQ
Equips students with practical communication skills for navigating personal and professional challenges including conflict resolution, team leadership, collaboration, and empathy. Through the study of emotional intelligence and human behavior, students will gain insight into why people think, communicate, and respond differently. This course provides tools and strategies for leading effectively, fostering healthy relationships, and working successfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and communication styles.
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LEAD 103Servant Leadership
Introduces students to the biblical principles and practical application of servant leadership. Grounded in the teachings of Scripture, students will examine Christ's model of leadership as one characterized by humility, sacrifice, compassion, and service to others. This course challenges contemporary leadership models by presenting leadership as a calling to serve rather than to be served. Through biblical study, theological reflection, and ministry application, students will be encouraged to develop the character, skills, and mindset necessary to excel as leaders while modeling Christ’s example.
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LEAD 104Life Skills: Personal Stewardship
Prepares students for personal and professional success through the development of essential workplace and life skills. Students will gain foundational knowledge in financial literacy, budgeting, communications etiquette, time management, and workplace professionalism. Through practical application, students will develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate everyday responsibilities and pursue their God-given calling with excellence and integrity.
Biblical Literacy
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BIBL 101Bible Study Methods: Living Images of A Loving God
Introduces students to a foundational methodology for biblical study by teaching them how to ask meaningful interpretive questions and locate reliable answers. Each class unpacks a key aspect of biblical studies, presents resources to support personal Bible study, and models the interpretive process through practical examples. Using Living Images of A Loving God as a case study, students will apply the methods and tools of biblical studies to examine the character and heart of God as it is conveyed through biblical imagery, developing sound interpretive skills through guided practice.
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BIBL 102The Gospels
Introduces students to the four Gospels of the New Testament, analyzing their authorship, major themes, cultural, historical, and geographical contexts, and theological significance. Students will explore the life and ministry of Jesus through the distinctive perspectives of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John while considering the Gospels’ role within the biblical narrative. The course culminates in a reflective project that integrates biblical understanding with personal testimony, enabling students to thoughtfully articulate the work of God in their own lives.
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BIBL 103Old Testament Survey
Provides an introductory survey of the 39 books of the Old Testament, examining their historical, cultural, and geographical contexts, literary genres, major themes, and theological significance. Students will explore the nature and purpose of the Law and Prophets, key events and practices in Israel’s history, and the Old Testament’s contribution to the broader biblical narrative. Through this course, students will develop a framework for interpreting Old Testament Scripture and recognize its enduring relevance for Christian faith and practice.
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BIBL 104Arc of Redemption
Traces the Bible’s overarching redemptive narrative from Genesis to Revelation. Students will examine the major biblical covenants and their role in the unfolding story of Scripture. Special attention is given to exploring how the Old Testament establishes the foundation for the coming Messiah and how the New Testament presents the fulfillment of God’s redemptive work through Jesus and the early church. By evaluating the key theme of redemption in its historical and cultural contexts, students will develop an integrated understanding of the relationship between the Testaments, acknowledging the importance and value of the Bible as a whole.
Practical Theology
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THEO 101Non-Negotiables
Examines the essential practices and convictions that serve as foundational to Christian faith and spiritual formation. Students will assess the non-negotiable elements of a life devoted to following Christ, including the cultivation of spiritual disciplines, personal growth, and a sustained relationship with God. Through reflection and application, students will be encouraged to pursue a mature and resilient faith across every season of life.
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THEO 102The Victorious Mind
Based on the book, Victory Over the Darkness by Neil T. Anderson, this course explores the relationship between a believer’s identity in Christ, spiritual transformation, and the renewal of the mind through Scripture. Students will evaluate the internal and external influences that shape their understanding of themselves and God, learning to discern false beliefs and align their thinking with the truth of God’s Word. Through biblical study and personal application, students will develop a framework for embracing their identity in Christ, and living in the victory and freedom made possible through their new life in Him.
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THEO 103Thinking Rightly About God
Explores the biblical and theological truths that shape a proper understanding of the nature and attributes of God. Drawing from the themes presented in A.W. Tozer’s The Knowledge of the Holy, students will examine key aspects of God’s character including His holiness, sovereignty, self-existence, eternality, immutability, and love, while considering how these truths inform a biblical view of God.
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THEO 104Biblical Theology I
Surveys foundational topics in biblical theology, providing students with an introduction to essential Christian doctrines. Students will explore specific areas of theological study related to the authority of Scripture, salvation, sanctification, the Holy Spirit, the kingdom of God, and the hope of Christ’s return. Through focused study and reflection, students will develop a deeper understanding of these doctrines and their importance for Christian living.
YEAR 2
Servant Leadership
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LEAD 201Emotionally Healthy Spirituality
Provides students with an introduction to the principles of emotional and spiritual maturity. Students will evaluate the connection between emotional health and spiritual formation, identify unresolved wounds and unhealthy patterns, and develop a biblical framework for healing and growth that enables them to love God and others well. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with practical tools for ongoing personal development, empowering them to be more effective and authentic in their relationship with and service to God.
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LEAD 202Navigating Interpersonal Relationships
Explores biblical principles related to building and maintaining healthy relationships across a variety of contexts including friendships, family, workplace interactions, dating relationships, and marriage. By evaluating Scripture and engaging with real-life relational dynamics, students will navigate topics such as communication, conflict resolution, boundaries, forgiveness, empathy, and servant-hearted living. This course prepares students to cultivate Christ-centered relationships that reflect biblical wisdom and strengthen their effectiveness in life, work, and ministry.
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LEAD 203Community Leadership
Examines the principles and practices of effective leadership within churches and organization. Students will explore biblical models of leadership alongside foundational concepts in organizational dynamics, critical thinking, decision-making, team development, management, and strategic influence. Emphasis is placed on cultivating character-driven leadership skills that foster collaboration, inspire others toward a shared vision, and promote healthy, mission-focused communities in organizational settings.
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LEAD 204Capstone
Assesses the nature of the Church and the role of the believer, both within the local church and as a citizen of our communities, nation, and world. Provides students with an opportunity to collectively reflect on their first two years at Free Chapel College while developing a digital profile that summarizes the courses, events, and people that have shaped their experience. The course culminates in a Showcase Night where students present their website and selected “Pieces of Me” artifacts, representing their ongoing development as a disciple of Christ.
Biblical Literacy
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BIBL 200Proverbs: A Study on Biblical Wisdom
Equips students with a practical understanding of biblical wisdom by evaluating the book of Proverbs. Through an examination of key themes such as the fear of the Lord, character, relationships, stewardship, and wise decision-making, students will acquire an appreciation for the genre of wisdom literature in the Bible. By the end of the course, students will have a working knowledge of biblical wisdom, be able to recognize its presence throughout the Scriptures, and cultivate a desire to apply its principles to daily life.
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BIBL 201New Testament Survey
Provides an introductory survey of the 27 books of the New Testament, examining their historical, cultural, political, religious, and geographical contexts. Students will explore the major literary genres of the New Testament, the significance of the Intertestamental Period, and the cultural and historical backgrounds that shaped the first-century world. Through this course, students will develop an understanding of the principal themes and theological significance of the New Testament, gaining a greater appreciation for its place within the overall narrative of the Bible.
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BIBL 202Acts
Explores the book of Acts as the inspired account of the birth and expansion of the early church. The course examines the work of the Holy Spirit, the ministry of the apostles, and the spread of the gospel across diverse cultural and geographical settings. While tracking the expansion of the church from Jerusalem to the wider Mediterranean basin, students will evaluate the key people, places, events, and teachings that shaped the development of Christianity. Special attention is given to the continuing significance of Acts for Christian faith and practice today.
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BIBL 204Bible Seminar
Reviews the foundational methods for studying and interpreting Scripture that students have obtained throughout their participation in the biblical literacy concentration. Through integrative projects and guided reflection, students will demonstrate competency in biblical interpretation and application while cultivating a framework for continued engagement with Scripture. The course emphasizes thoughtful analysis, personal formation, and the practical integration of biblical truth.
Practical Theology
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THEO 200Spiritual Disciplines
Equips students to engage formative Christian spiritual disciplines as a means of deepening their relationship with God. Practices such as prayer, fasting, Scripture meditation, service, and generosity are explored in their biblical foundations and role in spiritual transformation. Emphasis is placed on cultivating a heart posture that seeks God rather than performative religious activities. Through intentional practice, students will develop rhythms that foster abiding in Christ and producing lasting spiritual fruit.
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THEO 201Biblical Theology II
Traces the development of Christianity from the early church to the present. Students will examine key moments in church history, including the formation of the biblical canon, ecumenical councils, and the rise of major denominational traditions. The course also addresses the distinction between theological disagreements and teachings considered heretical. Through historical and theological study, students develop tools for responsible interpretation, doctrinal discernment, and an enhanced understanding of the unity and diversity of the global church.
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THEO 202Operating in the Gifts
Equips students to understand and faithfully steward the gifts of the Holy Spirit as outlined in Scripture. Through biblical study, personal reflection, and guided application, students will explore the purpose and function of spiritual gifts, cultivate a deeper awareness of their role in God’s work, and examine how the gifts are intended to strengthen the believer and edify the local church.
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THEO 203Christian Life Issues: Paul’s Letters for Today
Investigates the historical and cultural backgrounds of the life issues addressed in Paul’s letters and their significance for Christian communities in the first century. Through examining the cultural practices, societal influences, and spiritual challenges that shaped Paul’s audiences, students will learn how to interpret his teachings within their original context and apply their enduring truths to similar issues common to modern Christianity.
All courses are 2 credit hours. Select a course to read its description.