Birmingham Bible Institute
Christian Workers Diploma
Additional Required Courses beyond the Bible Diploma

CW 211 & 212  BIBLE DOCTRINES 1  & 2

Basic tenets of conservative fundamental Christianity—God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, angels, Satan, man, sin, salvation, the Church, and last things—are discussed.

CW 220  PERSONAL EVANGELISM

This course is concerned with person-to-person evangelism. Techniques for effective soul-winning are analyzed and demonstrated.

CW 230  PUBLIC SPEAKING

The basic principles of public speaking are discussed and practiced. Emphasis is placed upon proper grammar and the building of confidence before the public.

CW 240  SONG LEADING

This course is designed to prepare the student to direct congregational music. Proper selection of hymns and Gospel songs for varied musical programs is discussed.

CW 251  THE CHRISTIAN WOMAN (Note 1)

(required for women only)

The proper roles of women in Christian work, the church, the home, and the world are studied in a practical way. Consideration is also given to relationships, etiquette, decorum, dress, hospitality, and similar matters.

CW 252  CHRISTIAN ETHICS  (required for men only)

Biblical principles underlying Christian conduct, morality, and spirituality are studied.

CW 260  BIBLE STUDY METHODS (Note 2)

Practical methods of Bible study are introduced, and principles of Bible interpretation are stressed. A foundation concerning God’s appraisal of His eternal Word is laid. Students develop skills in independent Bible study.

               Elective Courses

CH 001  AMERICA ’S CHRISTIAN HERITAGE

The Christian foundations of the United States and its fundamental documents are examined. Biblical principles underlying this nation, and their implications for today’s society, are identified and discussed.

MU 020  BEGINNING BAND & ORCHESTRA

Methods for developing a church band or orchestra are discussed. Students use their own instruments in class and need not have previous training in instrumental music.

CH 021-099  BIOGRAPHIES  OF GREAT CHRISTIANS

The life and writings of a noted Christian, from the post-apostolic age to the present, are made the focus of an in-depth study.

CW 024  CHILD EVANGELISM

Methods and materials that can be used to encourage the salvation and spiritual development of young people are emphasized.

ED 010-019  CHILDREN’S WORK

These courses provide an introduction to working with young people in the local church. Courses may focus on training children only or both children and teens in the local church.

MU 340  CHOIR DIRECTING

Prerequisite:  SONG LEADING

Students will develop more advanced skills in leading vocal music. Experience in vocal or instrumental music and knowledge of the music fundamentals is required. Use of the baton, vocal techniques, and problems of the local church music director are studied.

CW 021  CHRISTIAN EVIDENCES (APOLOGETICS)

Students will learn tools and techniques that will enable them to systematically defend their faith. Arguments supporting the divine origin and authority of Christianity and its major doctrines are discussed.

CL 064 THE CHRISTIAN'S FINANCES

This is a course in managing personal finances, from a Biblical perspective.   Topics include goal setting, record keeping, budgeting, and debt management.  Basic principles involved in saving and investing are addressed, as well as methods of protecting loved ones through insurance and estate planning.

CH 011  CHURCH HISTORY1: THE ANCIENT CHURCH

The history of the Church of Jesus Christ from the Apostolic Age to the first Pope is examined. The experiences and influence of great personalities and events are stressed.

CH 012  CHURCH HISTORY 2: THE MEDIEVAL CHURCH

The history of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Middle Ages is examined. The experiences and influence of great personalities and events are stressed.

CH 013  CHURCH HISTORY 3: THE MODERN CHURCH

The history of the Church of Jesus Christ from the Reformation to the present is examined. The experiences and influence of great personalities and events are stressed.

CW 061  CHURCH OFFICE PROCEDURES

The student is trained for a church office secretarial position. Topics such as personality development, proper dress, business etiquette, proper use of the telephone, and methods for systematizing work are discussed.

CL 030  COMMUNICATING WITH CLARITY & CONFIDENCE

Basic skills in oral and written communication are discussed and practiced. Principles of effective organization and style considerations are also covered.

CW 022  CONFIRMING THE NEW CONVERT

This class is designed to meet the needs of both new converts and those who wish to establish a similar class in their own churches.

CW 070  COUNSELING

Principles of Christian counseling are introduced and discussed. Applications of the basic principles are made.

CW 071-079  COUNSELING TOPICS

Periodically, a special topic or issue related to Christian counseling is made the focus of in-depth analysis. Past courses have focused on marriage, parenting, and preparing for marriage.

BE 041  CREATION SCIENCE 1 &  BE 042  CREATION SCIENCE 2

The “creation versus evolution” controversy is reviewed from a Biblical standpoint. Students may take either course or both.

MU 030  DEVELOPING SKILLS IN MUSIC

The basic elements of music are identified and described. Students practice rudimentary musical skills.

CL 080  DISCOVERING YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS

The gifts of the Holy Spirit to believers are carefully examined.  The purpose and use of spiritual gifts are stressed.

CW 062  ESTABLISHING THE CHURCH LIBRARY & MEDIA CENTER

This course deals with acquisition of books, library supplies, and media materials; classification of books; and promotion of the local church library and media center. Video resources will also be discussed.

CL 060  GETTING ORGANIZED FOR LIFE  (TIME MANAGEMENT)

Principles of effective time management are presented and discussed. Students analyze their own use of time and plan ways in which their lives and activities can be made more efficient.

BE 090  HISTORY OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE

The history of the Jewish people will be traced from the call of Abraham to modern-day Israel .  Contributions of major Jewish leaders of the past and present will be discussed.

CW 031  HOW TO PREPARE SERMONS & GOSPEL ADDRESSES

This course provides an introduction to homiletics—the science and art of preaching. It is designed primarily for Christian laymen who wish to develop skills in preparing and presenting sermons and Gospel addresses.

CW 032  HOW TO PREPARE GOSPEL LESSONS & DEVOTIONS

Emphasis is placed on preparing Bible lessons and messages that women present. Techniques for identifying and organizing material are discussed and practiced.

CW 063  LEADERSHIP TRAINING

Motivation, principles, characteristics, and attributes of leaders are studied. Qualities of successful people and causes of success, as well as characteristics and causes of failure, are carefully analyzed. Scriptural principles and promises are applied.

CL 050  MARRIAGE & FAMILY LIVING

Scriptural principles underlying the Christian home and their practical applications are studied. The Biblical roles of husband and wife, the discipline and training of children, and money management are discussed.

CW 023  MISSIONS

The many areas of Christian missionary activity are explored through media such as slides, filmstrips, and films. Present-day missionaries are spotlighted. Group participation is required.

MU 010  MUSIC APPRECIATION

Basic principles of music are examined and explained. Discussions are supplemented with listening examples and exercises that focus on each principle. The primary emphasis is on superior classical composers and their music, although sacred music is included.

MU 001-009  MUSIC LESSONS

The workshop format of this class is designed to enable each student in the group, whatever his/her skill level and experience, to progress in his/her understanding of and ability to perform on the instrument of his/her choice.

MU 031  MUSIC THEORY 1

Students with varying levels of musical knowledge and ability begin at a level that is comfortable for them. Music fundamentals, including note-reading, keys, scales, and rhythmic and simple melodic dictation, are presented, as are listening techniques intended to further the appreciation of good music.

MU 032  MUSIC THEORY 2

Prerequisite:  MUSIC THEORY 1

The student may elect to take a second semester of music theory for credit.

CL 040  PERSONAL COMPUTING

Fundamentals of PC hardware and software are presented in this introductory seminar.  Emphasis is placed on using the computer for keeping records, developing mailing lists, and word processing.

CL 020  PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN LIVING

Emphasis is placed on application of a number of important Scriptural principles to the daily lives and activities of Christians.

CL 021-029 PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN LIVING:  SPECIAL TOPICS

A specific area of Christian life is examined. Course titles have included “Understanding Your Emotions,” “Single Living,” “Managing Your Mind,” “Discipleship: Basics of Christian Growth,” and “Understanding the Times.”

CL 090  PRAYER

The role and significance of prayer in the Christian life are discussed. Bible prayers are examined as models for Christian intercession.

CL 010  SCRIPTURE MEMORY

This ten-week course focuses on reasons for, methods of, and rewards resulting from memorizing Scripture. Emphasis is placed on applying what is learned by selecting verses to memorize and embarking on a systematic program for “hiding His Word in your heart.”

SPECIAL TOPICS SEMINARS:

CL 001-099 CHRISTIAN LIVING

CW 001-099 CHRISTIAN WORK

Periodically, a special topic dealt with in Scripture or relevant to Christian life becomes the focus of an in-depth study. Past courses have included “Christian Financial Concepts,” “All the Prayers of the Bible,” “Study of Angels in the Bible,” “Contemporary Social Issues,” “Comparative Religions,” and “Systematic Theology.”

CL 070  STUDY OF SATAN & CULTS

This study provides a general background in Satan worship and the modern cults. Emphasis is placed on the founders, writings, development, characteristics, and false teachings of each.

ED 030  SUNDAY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

Principles and practices for the organization and administration of a Sunday School program within the local church are discussed.

ED 020  TEACHING TECHNIQUES & PRINCIPLES

This course is designed for Christian workers. It emphasizes development of goals, methods of teaching, lesson presentation, pupil involvement, and problem solving.

ED 040-049  YOUTH WORK

These courses provide an introduction to working with teens in the local church.  Methods for developing a youth ministry are discussed.

1. If this class is not offered, CW 252 Christian Ethics may be substituted.

2. Formerly BE 050.  Not required for students embarking on the Christian Worker’s Diploma before Fall 1998.

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