Course Offerings
Full Length Courses
BIB 111 Old Testament Survey (3 credits)
This ministry training course examines the historical writings of the Old Testament, focusing on the stories of God’s dealings with Israel in preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. The class also shows some applications for contemporary Christian living and preaching. (The Old Testament’s detailed laws, Psalms, wisdom writings, and prophets are featured in other classes.)
BIB 112 New Testament Survey (3 credits)
This class explores God’s Word in the New Testament, paying particular attention to literary, historical, and theological dimensions.
BIB 311 Biblical Interpretation I (4 credits)
This course explores Scripture in its original historical, cultural, and geographical context, focusing mainly on Old Testament people, places, and events. Professor Ray Vander Laan takes us to locations where biblical history unfolded and shows the relevance for contemporary cultures and people. You must complete Old Testament Survey before taking this course.
BIB 312 Biblical Interpretation II (4 credits)
This course looks at some major Biblical events, key persons, important Biblical archeological sites and themes in the history of the Biblical revelation. This class tends to highlight the New Testament, but also will jump back to Old Testament characters and themes. The Articles will mainly feature New Testament topics. Our noted professor Rev. Ray Vander Laan takes us to onsite locations where Biblical history unfolded. Such study helps us to see God’s faithfulness in the past and better to understand the church’s present challenges and opportunities. You must complete New Testament Survey before taking this course.
BIB 330 Old Testament Literature, History, and Theology (3 credits)
This class examines the literature of the Old Testament with careful attention to the historical, cultural, geographical, religious, and literary elements of ancient Near Eastern societies. This course will also show the influence of Old Testament literature on the New Testament and on Western culture.
BIB 340 Biblical Wisdom (4 credits)
This ministry training course examines the wisdom writings of Old Testament sages and poets: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and Lamentations. The class shows the relevance of Old Testament wisdom for knowing God’s wisdom in Christ and following Jesus today.
BIB 420 Hermeneutics and Exegesis (3 credits)
This ministry training course deals with key issues in how to interpret the Bible. Students learn basic elements for studying a passage and practice using methods to become more skilled in understanding biblical passages and preparing sermons.
BIB 455 The Book of Acts (3 Credits)
This course explores Acts, the Bible book that describes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the launching of the early church, and the international spread of the gospel. Students will engage with historical background, archeological findings, literary analysis, and major theological themes. Such in-depth study enables better understanding and involvement with the Spirit’s work in our own time and place.
BIB 456 Romans (3 Credits)
This class offers in-depth study of the book of Romans, exploring Paul’s meaning in the original context and the relevance of Romans for today.
BIB 464 Colossians and Philemon (3 Credits)
This class offers in-depth study of Paul’s letters to the Colossians and to Philemon, exploring their meaning in the original context and their contemporary relevance.
BIB 470 General Epistles (3 Credits)
This class offers in-depth study of the general epistles: James; 1 & 2 Peter; 1, 2, & 3 John; and Jude. Their meaning in the original context and their contemporary relevance are explored.
THE 101 Christian Basics: Introduction to Christian Doctrine (3 credits)
This foundational ministry training course focuses on some of the most basic truths in God’s Word, the Bible, for guiding Christian belief and behavior. Students will learn these truths, find where they are taught in Scripture, and grow in their ability to state Christian truths clearly and briefly to others.
THE 210 Theology I (4 credits)
This course considers doctrines about Scripture, God, creation, humanity, sin, and Christ.
THE 310 Theology II (4 credits)
This course considers doctrines about the Holy Spirit, the application of salvation, the church, and the future. (You must take Theology I before you may take Theology II.)
THE 315 Old Testament Theology (3 credits)
This course reveals the continuity of Scripture, focusing on the stories of the Old Testament and how they anticipate the life and work of Christ. Part 1 summarizes the redemptive-historical story that Jesus would have learned in his youth. Part 2 develops some Old Testament themes that continue to be very important for Christian faith and life today. Both the reflections in the book and the accompanying lectures will prove useful to those preparing to lead Bible Studies or write sermons based on the Scriptures of the Old Testament.
THE 320 Christian Apologetics (3 credits)
This ministry training course introduces students to basic issues in apologetics (defending and contending for the faith). Students learn biblical worldview, cultural analysis, and presenting the gospel in a way that shows its plausibility and addresses common objections.
THE 350 Prayer (3 credits)
This course explores what the Bible reveals about prayer and answers many questions about prayer. Students will grow in interacting with God, praying rightly, seeking God’s guidance, and training for godliness.
THE 390 Early Church History (3 credits)
This course looks at major events, key persons, and important trends in the first four centuries of the Christian church, the period from Jesus’ resurrection through Augustine of Hippo. Such study helps us to see God’s faithfulness in the past, to understand more clearly what some of the earliest Christians and churches were like, and to better understand the church’s present challenges and opportunities.
THE 395 Missions and Revivals (4 credits)
This class looks at mighty things the Holy Spirit has done at various times and places, causing the church to grow in holiness, power, and numbers. By examining major mission advances and revivals, we gain insights for mission and revival in our own time and place.
THE 470 Women and Leadership in the Early Church (3 credits)
This course surveys the historical data available concerning women in early Christianity starting from the ministry of Jesus through the first several centuries of the Catholic church. For a man, this course will help them see the Biblical role of women in ministry. For women called to ministry, this course will give confidence for their calling to ministry and minister ordination.
BUS 101 Christian Leaders Enterprise (3 credits)
The course is about Enterprise for Christian Leaders. This introductory class gives students a firm foundation of enterprising thinking for personal life, family, and ministry or business endeavors. This class is recommended for Christian Leaders in many situations. This class is inspired by the Apostle Paul. This Biblical person was completely fine with pastors getting paid, but he also realized the fact that bi-vocational leaders enjoy this posture as Christian leaders.
BUS 151 Financial Liberty (3 credits)
The purpose of this course is to transform the mindset of society so that each individual recognizes the great wealth that God endowed each person with at birth. We are all equal before God. We were all given the same gifts – a mind, a will, a heart, a conscience, a body and 24 hours every day – and thus each person has the same opportunity to generate wealth during his/her lifetime and live the life of his/her dreams. What we choose to do with each of these gifts is up to us.
BUS 230 Principles of Accounting I (3 credits)
Principles of Accounting I (3 credits) is an introduction to financial accounting concepts and financial reporting, with the focus being on how decision-makers analyze, interpret, and use accounting information. Emphasis is given to how accounting measures, records, and reports economic activities for corporations and on the relationship between accrual and cash flow measures in interpreting accounting information.
BUS 310 Business Management for Every Enterprise (4 credits)
A comprehensive survey of the principles of management as they are currently being applied in the United States and abroad. The two continuing themes throughout the course: (1) the never-ending effort by managers and organizations to meet or exceed the consumers needs (2) the need for effective leadership in organizations. Emphasis is placed on determining the role of a manager through the leadership process.
BUS 320 Business Finance for Every Enterprise (4 credits)
This course provides a brief introduction to the fundamentals of finance, emphasizing their application to a wide variety of real-world situations spanning personal finance, corporate decision-making, and financial intermediation. Key concepts and applications include: time value of money, risk-return trade-off, cost of capital, interest rates, retirement savings, capital budgeting, asset valuation, discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, net present value, internal rate of return, payback period, etc.
BUS 321 Management by the Book (3 credits)
This class integrates biblical insights on leadership with contemporary principles of management, applying best practices for ministry contexts. It includes in-depth study of leadership insights found in the book of Philemon.
BUS 325 Biblical Standards for Businesses (3 credits)
Marketplace Christians are called to “set the standard” in the business world, and our ultimate standard is Jesus Christ. By setting Christ-centered standards in every aspect of business, Christian business professionals can fulfill the Great Commission—that is, to “make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:16-20)—by making disciples of their companies, industries, and communities.
In this course, students will learn the biblical foundations and standards for each of the major disciplines of business in order to help them and their companies spread the awareness of God’s glory, Jesus Christ, in the marketplace.
BUS 330 Enterprise Marketing (4 credits)
This course is going to teach the techniques, skills, and tools needed to take a faith-based education and begin articulating it in ways that will make people respond.
People often confuse marketing with advertising and sales. In this course students will learn about the “real” nature and scope of marketing management of which advertising and sales are simply two facets.
BUS 360 International Business (3 credits)
This course explores important aspects of international business: the relationship between business and the global economy, analysis techniques and theories to understand the global environment, and analysis of different global companies.
BUS 410 Christian Entrepreneurship (3 credits)
Christian Entrepreneurship is foundational for bi-vocational ministers, new business leaders, church planters thinking like a business owner, business leaders, team members of a company, leaders of ministries, non-profits or churches.
If you are effective in your thinking as an Entrepreneur, you will likely thrive in whatever you do within our community.
BUS 415 Strategic Management (3 credits)
This course focuses on an overview of strategic management frameworks and tools that make an organization successful. Special emphasis is placed on understanding organizational analysis tools to develop a business strategy, the global context and how it impacts business strategy, the elements of the competitive environment, and organizational practices that make people successful in the organization. The course is an overview of many major strategic management principles and discusses major theories of strategic management in a practical way.
BUS 420 Enterprise Finances 1 (4 credits)
Christian leaders are called to take responsibility for the enterprises that fit their situations. Some will receive their support from a ministry, others will need to work at or start a business. All leaders need to know finances, whether they are leading a local ministry or supplying their own needs so they can lead at a local ministry.
This two-part class covers the essentials of finance as understood in a western globalized locale with many principles transferable in our global environment.
BUS 430 Online Enterprise Marketing (3 credits)
This course teaches the basics of online enterprise marketing. You will learn the essential principles that online marketers use. These skills are important for most enterprises.
COM 101 Introduction to Communications
This class shares insights on effective communication that will aid you in your communication skills as a Christian leader.
ECN 201 Economics (3 credits)
This class teaches principles of economics based on the Austrian school of economics and applies these principles to practical entrepreneurship. This gives ministry-minded leaders valuable skills for reaching more people for Christ and providing for their families.
ECN 301 Microeconomics (3 credits)
This course introduces economic analysis of individual, business, and industry choices in the market economy. Topics include the price mechanism, supply and demand, optimizing economic behavior, costs and revenue, market structures, factor markets, income distribution, market failure, and government intervention. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and evaluate consumer and business alternatives in order to achieve economic objectives efficiently.
ECN 302 Macroeconomics (3 credits)
This course focuses on the global economy and systems.
ENG 101 Basic Writing (2 credits)
Writers are needed for bringing more revival! We need better writers. Never before in history have so many people had access to publishing platforms. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of poor writing: poor in technical aspects, but also inhospitable, thoughtless, and even violent. This course will help students become better writers. It is not a course about understanding the building blocks of writing (words, sentences, and grammar) but about understanding the architecture and process required to turn those materials into a solid structure. Each lesson builds on the previous one, walking students through a specific writing process that will yield a publishable work, but which is repeatable for future projects.
ENG 120 English Comprehension (4 credits)
This class teaches basics of English grammar so that students can read English with clear comprehension, write English clearly, and do well in ministry studies. The class is especially helpful for those who speak English but still need to learn or review the rules of English grammar.
English 121 College Writing (3 credits)
This course provides training in college-level essay writing and research writing, rooted in critical and analytical reading. Degree-seeking students of CLI’s Leadership Excellence School should also enroll at the same time in College Writing Lab, a companion course to College Writing.
English 122 College Writing Lab (1 credit)
College Writing Lab is a companion course to College Writing. Degree-seeking students of CLI’s Leadership Excellence School should enroll in both classes at the same time. In this lab, students write and submit essays and research papers that apply the principles taught in College Writing. Together, these companion courses teach college-level essay writing and research writing, rooted in critical and analytical reading.
GRE 201 Biblical Greek I (4 credits)
This is the first in a sequence of three courses on basics of New Testament Greek, laying a foundation for studying the New Testament in its original language.
GRE 202 Biblical Greek II (4 credits)
This is the second in a sequence of three courses on basics of New Testament Greek, increasing the ability to study the New Testament in its original language. You must complete Greek I before taking this course.
GRE 301 Biblical Greek III (4 credits)
This is the third in a sequence of three courses on the basics of New Testament Greek, completing a study of essential language knowledge and online tools for studying the New Testament in its original language. You must complete Greek II before taking this course.
HIS 110 United States History (3 credits)
This class examines major developments in United States history since 1865.
HIS 220 World History (4 credits)
This World History class is an important part of your ministry training. This course is designed as an introduction to the rise and fall of various civilizations from about 3500 B.C. through 1500 A.D. You will study the major developments of peoples that lived long ago, but which shaped today’s world in significant ways. You will explore how cultures have come and gone, notice some common patterns in social development, and begin to sense the unique contributions of various societies.
HIS 240 History of World Christianity (4 credits)
This course looks at major events, key persons, and important trends in the history of the Christian church. Such study helps us to see God’s faithfulness in the past and to better understand the church’s present challenges and opportunities.
HIS 395 History of American Christianity (4 credits)
This course examines the history of Christianity in America. You will explore major events and movements, grasp the impact of key leaders, evaluate significant theological debates, develop your ability to see contemporary American Christianity in historical perspective, and integrate these insights into your ministry context.
INT 210 Total Fitness
This course teaches various life skills and shows how to become healthier and stronger as a total person. Biblical insights and practical knowledge are applied to spiritual, physical, financial, intellectual, emotional, relational, and vocational dimensions of life.
MAT 151 Practical Mathematics (3 credits)
This course aims to teach basic mathematical calculations, including those that are used in financial and business activities. It also aims to aid in building enough familiarity with spreadsheets to be able to build a spreadsheet that will track income and expenditures, produce invoices and purchase orders, and allow tracking of expenses by categories. This will all be done with an emphasis on what the Bible has to say about the issues involved, as well as some basic teaching in the area of economics. The material is intended to be basic, and more a platform on which to build as needed.
MAT 201 College Algebra (3 credits)
Some people say that “mathematics is the language of God” because the natural world is so beautifully described by mathematical relationships. This course explores the mathematics of algebra, a fundamental building block of all advanced mathematics. The course begins with a review of fundamentals and continues into the study of expressions, equations, inequalities, graphing, and applications to geometry.
PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
This class explores how psychologists try to study, understand, predict, and influence human experience and behavior. This class seeks to analyze and evaluate these psychological perspectives through a Christian worldview.
SCI 201 Astronomy (3 credits)
In this course, you will learn the science of astronomy, exploring many aspects of the universe ranging from the motion we observe in the night sky to the properties of the planets that make up our solar system to the surprising conclusions we can draw from the study of distant galaxies. At every turn, you will learn how the heavens are declaring the glory of God for us all to marvel at and enjoy.
SCI 210 Introduction to Biology (3 credits)
This class introduces basics of scientific method, biological organization, cell structures and functions, DNA and genetics, evolutionary theory, bacteria and viruses, ecology, and animal behavior.
SOC 201 Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
This class explores the academic discipline of sociology and evaluates claims of sociology from a biblical perspective.
MIN 010 Christian Leaders: Getting Started (0 credits)
MIN 015 CLI’s Leadership Excellence School Admissions (0 credits)
MIN 100 Getting Started: Christian Leaders Connections (3 credits)
Students enter CLI’s Leadership Excellence School (CLI) via this class, Getting Started: Christian Leaders Connection. This course explores their calling to ministry and their walk with God. This class also helps students develop a reproducible walk with God and gives them an orientation to CLI. Successful completion of this class grants students a scholarship to receive the free training for the unofficial awards.
MIN 101 Ministry Foundations (3 credits)
Ministry 101 gives you a great foundation for pursuing basic ministry and developing your Christian leadership. This course is foundational for those who want to serve in a voluntary (bi-vocational) or salary position in ministry.
MIN 151 People Smart for Ministry (3 credits)
This course discusses people intelligence for life and ministry. This class will help you identify common principles for effective communication and how to improve in your effectiveness. This course also will help you minister to people better as you learn to hear what they are really saying. This course is designed for you learn how to express your love in ways that people will understand.
MIN 210 Pastoral Care (3 credits)
This course discusses caring for others pastorally as well as strengthening your own marriage. Whether you are married or not, this course gets at the spiritual principles of what makes a powerful kingdom partnership as a husband and wife become one spiritually, emotionally and sexually. If you are married it is recommended that your spouse participate with you in going through this course.
MIN 220 Church and Ministry (3 credits)
This course explores some key aspects of pastoring a church including: Your Family and Ministry, Leading the Leaders, Helping People Through Grief, The Nine Facets of Training your Ministry and Small Group Volunteers (Carl George), Sharing the Gospel, Hospitality, and tools for pastors as they set up a discipleship culture in homes of those they influence. This course also offers guidance for dealing with important transitional events, such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals.
MIN 230 Introduction to Chaplaincy (3 credits)
This course is designed to give the student an introduction to the ministry of chaplaincy — with the additional idea that we can also, via the internet, be chatplains who bring healing to others by our presence in the Name of God.
While this course uses the term chaplain most of the time, keep in mind the idea of being a chatplain. Some of the material is specifically created for people who provide chaplaincy via the internet. It is by means of the chat function which is increasingly popular for businesses to use as a way to assist their customers that chaplains can bring the “product” – a new or closer relationship with God – to those encountered on the internet.
MIN 235 Ministry Care Conversations (3 credits)
This course looks at many of the human relational dynamics that occur in most families. These insights are very helpful for Christian Leaders to lead people into God-glorifying wholeness. The Ministry Care Conversations class will spur healthy dialogue resulting in specific ways you can help those in your care. President Henry Reyenga surveys many books of Dr. Kevin Leman in the lectures. President Reyenga also links to YouTube Videos of Dr. Leman.
MIN 237 Influence Smart (1 credits)
Have you ever been around a leader who makes it fun to accomplish something? Have you ever noticed that some leaders know how to influence others in their thinking or in a team setting?
Have you ever thought about becoming a person of influence or helping others become influencers?
The dictionary defines influence as “the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself.”
MIN 240 PeaceSmart Relationships (3 credits)
PeaceSmart Relationships teaches students how to bring Biblical peace culture to every relationship in their lives. This course is increasingly important for those in ministry or those who are pursuing enterprise-related activities. Professor Brian De Cook practiced law for over 25 years. In this practice, he saw how many families, churches and businesses suffered greatly because of conflict. This in-depth course will help you thrive in your bi-vocational or vocational calling!
MIN 245 Restoring Relationships – Transforming Justice (3 credits)
This course teaches you to think about justice and conflict in a new way. We all have conflict stories that mark our lives. This course examines the dynamics of conflict and offense from a restorative justice perspective. It presents a way of processing conflict that encourages redemptive conflict stories grounded in a relationship of relentless reliance on Jesus Christ.
MIN 250 Life Coaching Ministry (3 credits)
This course teaches you how to do life coaching ministry. Christian Leaders Institute is privileged to not only offer this Life Coaching Ministry class but also a minister ordination program, life coaching certification, and many specialized badges (increasing with time). This program is different from the traditional “life coaching certification” programs, which certify you in the general principles and practices of life coaching. The traditional approach certifies you as a “life coach” who may or not be a minister. This approach certifies “ministers” to be life coach ministers.
MIN 255 Self-Care and Recovery (formerly Domestic Tranquility) (3 credits)
This course provides students with a Biblical framework for learning and developing Godly, healthy living skills that promote self-care and community support. Students will learn the foundations of the 12-step recovery process, best practices of conflict management and how to manage one’s dark side. Students will also survey the fundamentals of healthy relationship skills in personal and professional sectors, learn and apply love languages, God-given temperament patterns and how to go from the self to community in the context of the church.
MIN 256 Anger Management (1 credit)
This course focuses on helping people to manage unchecked behaviors that lead to poor judgment, acting out, self-destructive behaviors, and feeling out of control. Instead, attitudes and behaviors can be cultivated that are conducive to long-term success and peace of mind.
MIN 260 Marriage Ministry (formerly Thriving Marriages) (4 credits)
Ministry leaders need more training on marriages. This advanced Marriage Ministry class surveys marriage from the pre-counseling phase all the way to finishing well in marriage. Professor Kristine Koetje-Balder brings over 25 years of experience to help ministry students know how to lead in their communities.
MIN 270 Youth Ministry (3 credits)
This course teaches you the foundations for youth ministry. One Hope Ministries has created this Youth Ministry foundation course to help you identify and learn some best practices in youth ministry. One Hope’s mission is to affect destiny by providing God’s eternal Word to all the children and youth of the world.
MIN 310 Evangelism: Presenting Grace (3 credits)
This class looks at mighty things the Holy Spirit does in the thought, work, and practice of presenting God’s grace to others through evangelism.
MIN 312 Multiplying Disciples (2 credits)
Multiplying Disciples is a course designed for ministers who are passionate about spreading the movement. The benefit of studying this course material is that you will be able to lead others with the same material.
MIN 313 Church Planting (4 credits)
This class takes many principles of marketing and integrates them with a biblical framework for planting sustainable, reproducible churches. (This class can be used as a marketing core requirement for the Degree program or as an elective in all programs. You can only use this course once in your program.)
MIN 318 Senior Adult Ministry (3 credits)
This course provides training for ministry among senior citizens. The class surveys various aspects of aging persons and their unique needs and opportunities for faith and service in God’s Kingdom. It explores life coaching for seniors, thus equipping ministers of all ages to benefit the seniors they are pastoring. It also examines current academic thought regarding seniors.
MIN 320 Leadership (3 credits)
This course explores how godly leaders, relying on the Holy Spirit, can help guide, motivate, mobilize, unify, and equip God’s people to pursue God’s mission for them.
MIN 340 Disability Smart (3 credits)
People with Down syndrome, autism, ADHD, learning differences, dementia, medical challenges, and other differences of ability are treasured by God and should be treasured in every church. This course provides the framework and practical tools to shape a congregation where people of varying abilities and disabilities can participate and belong.
Disability Smart refers to interacting wisely and well with people of differing abilities. The word “disability,” though widely used, can be misleading if understood negatively. God endows people with differences of ability. So the word “disability” is often less helpful than phrases such as “differences of ability” or “all abilities.” Although the course is titled “Disability Smart” to keep it short, the subtitle better expresses the purpose of this class: Creating Congregations of Belonging for People of All Abilities.
As church leaders oversee worship, education, fellowship, and service opportunities for people in their congregations, it’s important to recognize that the congregation consists of people of all abilities. Children’s programs may include a child with Down syndrome or autism spectrum disorder. Adult programs may include individuals who are struggling readers or a person diagnosed with dementia. When we worship as a community, there will be people gathered who represent a wide variety of abilities and disabilities. This course will equip you to make your congregation a community where each one can participate and belong. Pastors, worship leaders, children and youth leaders, and others involved in leading church programs will benefit from this course.
MIN 350 Breaking the Cycle of Addiction (3 credits)
This course teaches you how to help others break the cycle of addiction.
MIN 370 Youth Discipleship Ministry & Movement (3 credits)
This Youth Discipleship Ministry & Movement course empowers Youth leaders to not only learn how to disciple youth but also learn how to create local movements for raising up indigenous Youth leaders including young Christian leaders. The professor for this class is Dr. Ted Travis one of the world leaders in mobilizing youth leaders in Urban areas. This class is made possible from a grant from the DeVos Urban Youth Leadership Initiative.
This course is centered around reaching youth in urban environments, but the principles can be applied successfully to any youth ministry.
MIN 380 Sermon Construction and Presentation (4 credits)
This preaching class will strengthen your preaching as you learn basics of communication, study how to prepare and preach sermons, and watch a variety of preachers and teachers in action.
MIN 416 Developing House Churches (3 credits)
The early Christians set up house churches. They also had an operating system that made them work well. Professor Larry Keider, Dove International President leads this class. Dove International has been planting house churches and churches for over 30 years.
MIN 430 Church Revitalization (3 credits)
This course examines the necessity for church revitalization, the contributing factors that contribute to decline, and the biblical principles which lead to health and vitality.
MIN 475 Women’s Ministry (3 credits)
This course considers all general aspects of Women’s Ministry: Is there a need? Is it biblical? How to start and maintain a ministry?
MIN 480 Church Revitalization (3 credits)
This class cultivates the art and method of preparing and preaching effective sermons and/or formal Christian presentations. Drawing first upon the Bible and communion with the Spirit, students will deepen their calling as preachers, develop their skills in crafting and delivering powerful messages, and grapple with some practical challenges in preaching.
PHI 201 Logic and Critical Thinking (3 credits)
This course improves your God-given ability to think. You learn how to use logic and critical thinking to formulate clear, sound arguments, evaluate others’ reasoning and evidence, and detect fallacies in flawed arguments. You will learn key elements of argument structure, inductive reasoning, probability, deductive reasoning, formal logic, and categorical logic.
PHI 211 Introduction to Philosophy (3 credits)
This class examines big questions philosophers have asked about reality, being, God, cosmology, reason, mind, heart, human identity, time, and ethics. The class will explore various answers offered by secular and Christian thinkers in various cultures throughout history.
PHI 221 Ethics (3 credits)
The very idea that there can be such a thing as a Christian Philosophy has long been denied and seldom tried. This course will explain why some Christian philosophers of the 20th century concluded that a Christian philosophy is possible, and will end with a brief account of one proposal of such a theory, the Christian theory of reality developed by Herman Dooyeweerd (1894 – 1977).
Because the notion that there can be philosophy theories that are Christian is such an unusual one in the history of Christian thought, many of the 36 lectures will explain and expand that idea. Only then will it be possible to appreciate and assess the theory constructed by Dr. Dooyeweerd.
PHI 230 Ethics (3 credits)
This course focuses on living according to God’s pattern for us. We study biblical commands and their wise application to various life situations. We expose demonic strategies of temptation and learn about spiritual warfare. We seek ways to express the Christ-life within us by the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
PHI 330 Sexual Ethics (3 credits)
This course provides an overview of a biblical and theological approach to questions of marriage, sexuality, and gender. This includes questions of marriage and singleness, bioethical questions surrounding procreation, contraception, and assisted reproductive technologies, and questions surrounding sexual and gender identities. These matters are engaged from both an intellectual and pastoral standpoint with the goal of understanding both Scripture and our contemporary culture so that we can better minister in the present cultural moment.
PHI 340 Philosophy of Religion(3 credits)
This course uses philosophical dialogue to show that religious experience can produce self-evident knowledge of God.
Wedding Officiant Skills
The Wedding Officiant Skills class teaches you the skills to be a Christian Wedding Officiant Minister.
This course is required if your want to be licensed or ordained with the Christian Leaders Alliance. After you complete this course, you are invited to enroll in the Christian Wedding Officiant Recognition Course where you will need to be endorsed by one person attesting to your walk, and character.
Officiant Ministry Skills
If you are interested in the skills of ministry, this may be an ideal class to complete. This ministry skills class focuses on the specific skills needed by a minister or an officiant. This foundational class will equip you, whether you are interested in clergy recognition or just want to be equipped for ministry in your local church or community.
Matchmaking Ministry
The need for matching making is urgent. Many active Christians are struggling to find their spouses. Many parents are frustrated their children are not finding godly spouses. Many Christian singles whether they are divorced or widowed report they are stymied in frustration as they seek a Christian partner. Many have tried online dating, but more is needed with that resource!
The Bible has a worldview on this: 2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? This means that a Christian is called to marry other practicing Christians. It could also mean that the spouse actually needs to be a Christian before the marriage. What about marrying someone who is not a Christian? These types of issues are dealt with in this class.
Pre-Marriage Counseling Skills
Do you minister to people who are getting married? The Pre-marriage Counseling Skills Course was already developed as a skills course for the Life coach minister program. After they completed the content, the team realized that this course is formative for many areas of ministry.
This course features Rev. Steve Elzinga, one of our popular professors who served as a pastor for over 40 years, and Mitchell and Abby Dominiak. In the summer of 2019, Abby Reyenga and Mitch Dominiak were engaged to be married. Steve Elzinga was finishing this pre-marriage counseling course. Steve offered to teach this class while modeling to all of us a real pre-marriage situation. They filmed the pre-marriage sections as skill examples.
Parenting Skills
There are many approaches to parenting. As Christian leaders, ministers, or life coach ministers, we want to be competent in a Biblical approach that launches children and young people into a confident God-glorifying life.
Professor Elzinga shares this parenting skills course for you to apply to your own life and lead others into confident Christian parenting!
MinistryBiz Skills
This course focuses on helping you understand the MinistryBiz approach to tentmaking. After you take this course, you may consider using these skills to start a MinistryBiz. Professors Henry Reyenga and Steve Elzinga present this course.
This course is designed for those who seek to blur the lines in their understanding of ministry and business and how both may be combined for ministry impact.
Mini-Courses
Christian Leaders Institute’s mini-courses are short, targeted courses that do not award college credit. With a wide range of professors and topics, mini-courses are forum-focused to encourage reflection and student discussion.
Storyline of the Bible (40 Pts)
YouTube links: Dr. Dave Mathewson
Are you interested in getting a 30 thousand foot view of the entire Bible? Are you a Christian new Christian who wants to understand the basic message of the Bible so you feel more confident? Are you a ministry leader who wants to fill in some of the blanks in your Bible knowledge? The Storyline of the Bible mini-course may be a great fit for you.
Song of Songs (60 Pts)
YouTube links: Dr. Lloyd Carr
Have you ever studied the Song of Songs(Song of Solomon)? Maybe people are not aware of this marriage sex-positive book? Dr. Lloyd Carr brings us through this Biblical mini-course that will give encourage and surprise you.
Proverbs (40 Pts)
YouTube links: Dr. Fred Putnam
Have you ever studied the book of Proverbs? The book of proverbs is one of the wisdom books of the Old Testament. Dr. Fred Putnam brings us through this Biblical mini-course that will give you an understanding of the context and the teachings of this very interesting book.
Proverbs for Christian Living (40 Pts)
YouTube links: Dr. Daniel J. Treier
Have you ever studied the book of Proverbs from the perspective of Christian living? Seeing the book of Proverbs from the point of view of Christianity is what Dr. Daniel J. Treier is doing in this mini-course. Dr. Daniel J. Treier brings us through this Biblical mini-course that will give you an understanding of how proverbs is a life-changing book for Christians.
Ancient Places of Ministry Inspiration (40 Pts)
YouTube links: New Perspective Community
What can we learn from the historicity of archeology? The history of the early church is still alive through the study of ancient places. Your ministry will be enhanced are you learn about these New Testament places.
Miracles (42 Pts)
YouTube links: Dr. Robert C. Newman
Have you ever studied miracles? We read about the miracles in the Old and New Testaments. What can we learn for today? Dr. Robert C. Newman leads this mini-course.
God’s Design for Sex (45 Pts)
Professor: Ruth Buezis
Have you ever studied God’s Design for human sexuality? Even though our sexuality is one of the most important parts of being human, we hardly ever talk about it and the design God desired for it. The sinful world exploits sex as a means for making money. Pornography reduces sex to visual and sensual pleasure. Many Christians have reduced sex to a necessary duty. So, what is God’s Design for Sex?
Practical Apologetics With Dr. Tim Keller (45 Pts)
Professor: Dr. Tim Keller
How do you answer people when they confront your faith with questions? Are you able to give an answer?
Essential Christian Theology (65 Pts)
Professor: Dr. David Feddes
What is the essential theology of Christianity? This mini-course gets into the Biblical doctrines that have guided Christianity since the early church. This course would be an excellent course for conducting a Small Group or Bible study in your church.
Critical Grace Theory (45 Pts)
Professors: Henry Reyenga and Steve Elzinga
Critical Grace Theory evaluates seven central struggles that are being played out in the lives of people and cultures throughout the world from the perspective of the gospel. The topics are: 1. Race 2. Gender 3. Pleasure 4. Equality 5. Evolution 6. Blame 7. Conflict Gain insights on how the Grace of God addresses these problems and how it gives a Biblical road map for peace and joy.
Essential Philosophy (46 Pts)
Professors: Dr. Roy Clouser and Henry Reyenga
Are you interested in studying philosophy but do not have the time because of your other priorities? Do you want to have a “working” knowledge of philosophy? Having a working knowledge of philosophy is becoming increasingly important for an active Christian or someone called into ministry. After taking this mini-course, you will see how everyone and every media source promotes a philosophy or worldview.
Spotting Logical Fallacies (40 pts)
Professors: Dr. Roy Clouser and Henry Reyenga
As you read the Bible and communicate with others, you may want to avoid common logical fallacies. Professor Henry Reyenga interviews Philosopher Dr. Roy Clouser to go over 15 common logical fallacies.
How to Write a Non-Fiction Book for Beginners (50 Pts)
Professors: Cherrilynn Bisbano
Do you feel called as a writer? Are you interested in the creative process of composition? Writing can be an important skill in many aspects of life, including ministry! Join Cherrilynn Bisbano, an award-winning writer, coach, and editor as she equips you with the basics for writing a non-fiction book and encourages you in your journey.
How to be a Productive Board Member (45 Pts)
Professor: Brian DeCook
Whether you have been asked to serve on a board, are interested in doing so, or already have served on a board, this course will dive into the importance of the role. Board membership can change the life and path of the individual and of the organization as a whole. The world needs more productive board members. Join Professor DeCook in the process of becoming one!
Cleaning Skills and Cleaning as Ministry (42 Pts)
YouTube links: Melissa Maker and Professors: Henry Reyenga and Steve Elzinga
Do you need to learn how to clean your home? Do you want to study the skills of cleaning? Do you want to serve your wife or husband in these skills? Are you looking for a match and you want to be ready for marriage? Are you getting ready to leave home? Cleaning Skills are an important competency. But many know little about cleaning. Professor Steve Elzinga and Henry Reyenga begin this mini-course with the Biblical worldview of cleaning and how important cleaning is for our walk with God. They will also share some ideas about how Cleaning and a MinistryBiz connect later in the mini-course. You do not have to do a Cleaning MinistryBiz to benefit from this minicourse.
Live Decluttered (65 Pts)
YouTube links: Dana K. White
Have you tried to declutter your home, but instead failed? Do you avoid inviting people to your house because it is such a mess? Do you dread people just dropping in on you? Do you feel depressed by all the clutter in your life? Many Christian Leaders feel stymied because their home or personal space is out of control. There is hope for you. Dana K. White will take you on a journey of freedom from clutter. She is down-to-earth and will help you take control.
Nine Ways to Build People Up (40 Pts)
Professor: Henry Reyenga
Are you interested to learn how to build people up? Do you want to elevate your confidence in relating to others? If you are an active Christian or growing as a volunteer, part-time or full-time minister this course will enhance your ability to love and lead others.
How to Develop a Great Attitude (40 Pts)
Professor: Henry Reyenga
Do you want to be a more positive person? Do you want to bring an uplifting attitude to your life, courtship search, marriage, work, and ministry? What is meant by a great attitude? In English, it means a person who has learned how to see the positive and the uplifting. This person has a “can do” attitude and brings that attitude to everything he/she does.
Using the Christian Leaders Planner – Ministry Tools Edition (45 Pts)
Professors: Henry Reyenga and Steve Elzinga
Are you interested in a vital walk with God? Are you also using your gifts for ministry? Christian Leaders Institute has made the Christian Leaders Connection Planner – The Ministry Edition Available.
How To Be Interesting (45 Pts)
Professors: Steve Elzinga and Henry Reyenga
Being interesting helps you in ways you cannot even imagine yet. In life, people tend to want to be around you more. In ministry, being interesting helps your communication and your leadership. This mini-course will change your life and make you more effective in your service to Christ!
Dating Discernment (65 Pts)
YouTube links: Dr. Henry Cloud
Few areas of life bring such promise or disappointment than the hope and fulfillment of finding the love of your life. This mini-course will be helpful if you are an active Christian involved in the dating scene or you are a minister or life coach helping those in the dating scene.
Dating Discernment for Women (65 pts)
YouTube links: Karolyne Roberts
Are you an active Christian woman who sincerely seeks to honor God while you participate in the dating/courtship process? Are you a minister or life coach minister in the areas of dating, matching, or marriage? Do you want to look honestly at some of these issues? Are you called to encourage or coach others in the courting process? This mini-course will be helpful if you are an active Christian woman involved in the dating scene or you are a minister or life coach helping those in the dating scene. If you are a man seeking a wife, see a woman’s perspective.
Healthy Living (40 Pts)
YouTube links: Dr. James Markum
Do you need to focus on your health? What if you could find out some simple, but highly effective ways to improve your quality of life. Dr. James Markum is a Christian Cardiologist who has written several books and his team has put together a Bible Study you can use in your family or at your church. This Healthy Living mini-course may help you live a more healthy and satisfying life until the Lord takes you home.
Taking Control of Your Money (45 pts)
Professor: Steve Elzinga
The Bible often speaks into the concepts of money, finances, and giving. What is your relationship like with money? Do you want to take control of your finances? How can studying this topic help you in your walk with God? How can it help you in your ministry?
Writing a Vision Statement (60 Pts)
Professor: Steve Elzinga
Do you have a vision statement for your life? Do you have a mission or vision for your Ministry or Business? If not, this mini-course will guide you in the process of creating a statement. If you do have a vision, have you written it down and committed to it? Professor Steve Elzinga will guide you in assessing your values, personality, gifts, and more – all important ingredients in a Life Vision.
Indestructible Marriages (45 Pts)
YouTube links: Dr. Jim Evans
Are you interested in keeping your marriage growing? Does your marriage relationship need a tune-up? Are you a minister looking for a great resource for marriage ministry? Are you a Christian leader looking for help in how to communicate about marriage? Dr. Evans and his wife Karen are excellent role models. This Indestructible Marriage small group course can benefit your own marriage and your ministry to married couples.
The Care and Decluttering of the Soul (65 Pts)
Professor: Henry Reyenga
Are you aware of your soul? Are you aware that your soul needs special attention? Jesus said, What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26) This mini-course examines how the soul processes sinful clutter. The course also gives numerous Biblical suggestions on how to care for your soul.
Forgiveness (40 Pts)
Professor: Brian DeCook
Forgiveness is a powerful topic. From receiving God’s forgiveness to giving and receiving forgiveness from others, it is life-changing. This mini-course can be impactful in every area of ministry. How will this course strengthen your knowledge and practice of forgiveness?
Victory over Fear (40 pts)
Professors: Henry and Pam Reyenga
The word fear appears 252 times in the NIV. Everyone experiences fear. Mental health providers have created programs to help people overcome fear. How does the Bible help us overcome fear? How does a relationship with Jesus Christ help you overcome fear?
The Prayer of Serenity (45 pts)
Professors: Steve Elzinga
The Prayer of Serenity has been used in Alcoholic Anonymous for years. In addition to this community, how can it benefit others? Learn more with Professor Steve Elzinga about each phrase of the prayer and how they can benefit your faith walk.
Christian Discernment Skills (45 Pts)
Professors: Henry Reyenga and Steve Elzinga
What is Christian Discernment? Do you have the ability to discern truth from false? Have you made poor decisions in the past? Are you ready to learn the skill and art of Christian Discernment? This may be one of the most important courses you take at the Christian Leaders Insitute!
Becoming a Virtuous Woman of God (45 Pts)
Professors: Dr. Terri Krause
Regardless of where you are now, or what happened in the past, God promises you will become a new person when you receive Jesus as your Savior and Redeemer. To redeem means to buy back, or to free from that which causes distress or harm (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/redeem). Jesus bought us back and brought us home to live in the love and protection of God’s family. Sometimes, it seems like what we think of as being virtuous is gone forever. But, as virtuous women of God, we look to the Word of God to define us, rather than to human criteria. We can rely on the love and compassion Jesus displayed toward women to understand our value to God. And, we look to the precious Holy Spirit to help us respond to the questions and accusations raised by the current culture. The Holy Spirit will always point us to Jesus—the only way, the only truth, and the only life.
Growing as a Man of God (45 Pts)
Professor: Henry Reyenga
Christian Masculinity is being attacked. Most of the attackers do not even know what it is! Do you want to grow as a Christian man of God? What is meant by being a man of God??
Ministry Skills
Golf Evangelism (45 Points)
Professors: Henry Reyenga and Steve Elzinga
Are you a Christian called to do ministry in your community? Are you a golfer, or do you want to learn how to play golf? Do you want to integrate ministry with golfing? Are you looking for a golf evangelism course that will help you enjoy golf more and give you tips on ministering to others? Golf has been gaining popularity as a pastime over the last century. For those with the interest and the opportunity to play golf, it can not only be relaxing and fun but an opportunity for ministry. Few games have the networking opportunity that golf affords for you to build relationships and share ministry when invited to do so.
The Fundamentals of Church Planting (45 Pts)
Professor: Bruce Ballast
Are you considering planting a church? Are you part of a church that is launching a new church? Do you have a passion for your neighborhood or community in which you want to plant a church? How can an understanding of church planting strengthen your ministry? This mini-course will guide you through the basics of church planting.
Leading Bible Studies (65 Pts)
Professors: Henry Reyenga and Steve Elzinga
Do you want confidence in leading Bible Studies? Leading a Bible study is one of the core skills needed for most ministry roles, whether you are a commended minister, licensed minister, or ordained ministry. This is an important skill for starting a Bible reading movement in your church or your community!
Opening Up Conversations About Sex (45 Pts)
Professor: Ruth Buezis
Talking about sex-related topics in the church or in the Christian world is challenging. Many Christian parents have a difficult time talking about sex with their children. Many Christian married couples struggle to talk about sex with each other. Church leaders tend to shy away from this subject. Even though our sexuality is one of the most important parts of being human, we hardly ever talk about it. Opening Conversations About Sex is a mini-course that raises many important issues for discussion. In this mini-course Ruth Buezis, author of the Book, Awaken Love shares a Biblical understanding of human sexuality and the conversations the church may need to address.
Basic Ministry Speaking (45 Pts)
Professor: Bruce Ballast
So you have been asked to speak! Maybe you are asked to give a sermon because your pastor is on vacation. Maybe you are leading a ministry at your local church. Or you were asked to lead devotions at the marriage conference. Maybe you are planting a new church or house church in your neighborhood and you are going to need the basics of a ministry presentation. This class will get you to get going on giving a ministry presentation.
Fellowship and Hospitality Ministry (45 pts)
Professors: Henry and Pam Reyenga
The early church was a culture rich in fellowship and hospitality! Fellowship and hospitality are two important elements of the expansion of Christianity! Take this mini-course to learn more.
How to be an Ambassador of Jesus Christ (40 Pts)
Professor: Brian DeCook
Just as Jesus was an ambassador of Christ, we are ambassadors of Jesus. Just as Jesus was sent, we are sent. With this special calling, there are important priorities, forms of communication, and tasks. Are you an Ambassador of Jesus Christ? What does it mean to be an ambassador? How was Jesus Christ an ambassador to His Father? How can Christians serve their sending as ambassadors? Join Professor Brian DeCook in examining these questions and more in this mini-course.
Kingdom Ministers Program Course
Professors: Henry Reyenga and Steve Elzinga
Welcome to the Kingdom Minister Program Course. This Mini-course will function as a program capstone course. In this course, you will learn about the Kingdom Minister program and how this program may fit your calling. You will also lay the foundation for becoming a Kingdom Minister with the Christian Leaders Alliance. You will learn to be like Philemon, his wife, and his son. Philemon was a patron and leader in the early church who was a “fellow worker”, a Kingdom minister.
Commended Minister Program Class
Professors: Henry Reyenga and Steve Elzinga
Are you an active Christian who is called to minister in a specific area? Are you a church leader, a local elder or deacon, a layperson who senses a call to ministry? Are called to ministry? Are you looking for a ministering credential program that includes specific ministry training and minister credentials? A program that may take you less than two months of part-time study to complete or even less depending on how much time you have available? The commended minister program is a formal volunteer-suited (lay) minister training and endorsement-based credentialing program for local bi-vocational ministers. These ministers are often called lay ministers in many faith traditions.