Academic Catalog

General Information

The Department of Christian Education Academic Catalog is the official listing of courses and programs offered by the Defenders of the Christian Faith. Information on courses, curricula, fees, policies, regulations and other matters is subject to change during the period for which the Catalog is in effect.

The Department of Christian Education (DOCE) serves as the academic arm of the Defenders of the Christian Faith Movement, equipping disciples to serve both in and beyond the local church.

All courses are offered virtually via Zoom and are taught by credentialed instructors with real-world ministry experience. Programs are designed to support church planting, theological education, chaplaincy, and practical ministry.

About the Catalog

The online catalog is for informational purposes only, is considered an academic planning tool, and does not constitute a contract. The information was current at the time of publication and is subject to change. Individual academic units should be consulted for further information.

The online catalog is updated regularly as degree programs, courses, and requirements change.

About Department of Christian Education

DOCE is designed to help people grow in their faith and encourage them to apply and live out what they learn in local church ministry. Our focus is to strengthen, equip, and train pastors and members of the Defenders of the Christian Faith Movement, as well as students from other church organizations, to live as followers and disciples of Jesus Christ. The programs and courses encourage the learner to pass on what they have learned to others in such a way that they may serve the local church and our movement.

Mission

It is our mission to equip disciples of Jesus Christ to serve in the local church and beyond, through theological training, practical ministry instruction, and spiritual formation.

Vision

Our vision is to raise up biblically grounded, Spirit-empowered leaders who impact generations for the Kingdom of God.

Educational Philosophy

DOCE combines theological depth with practical ministry preparation. We believe education should be accessible, contextual, and mission-driven — empowering students to live out what they learn.

Academic Year

TBD

Programs

Academic Units

Courses of Instruction

Chaplaincy

CHAP 220 The Ministry of a Chaplain Credit: 3 hours.

Introduction to the principles and practices of volunteer chaplaincy. Explores the spiritual and pastoral responsibilities of chaplains and their role in providing counseling and care in diverse settings, including prisons, nursing homes, hospitals, and hospices. Emphasizes chaplaincy as a ministry grounded in service to God and community.
This course satisfies the required criteria for:
Chaplaincy – SOME

Counseling

CC 220 Effective Christian Counseling Credit: 3 hours.

Introduction to the principles and practices of Christian counseling. Explores the biblical foundations, techniques, and various types of counseling used within church and family contexts. Addresses the emotional and spiritual needs of individuals, couples, and families, while equipping students to respond to common challenges such as marital conflict, family dynamics, and personal crises. Emphasizes counseling as a ministry of care rooted in Scripture and the local church.
This course satisfies the required criteria for:
Christian Counseling – SOME

Defenders Bible Institute

DBI 101 Soteriology Credit: 3 hours.

Introduction to the doctrines of salvation within Christian theology. Examines the condition of humanity, the redemptive work of Christ, and the process by which individuals come to saving faith. Topics include depravity, redemption, propitiation, substitution, repentance, regeneration, faith, and the relationship between law and grace. Students will complete quizzes for each lesson and a final exam.
This course is the first of four modules in the Defenders Bible Institute.

DBI 103 Bibliology Credit: 3 hours.

Introduction to the doctrine of Scripture and its theological significance. Explores the Bible’s origin, authority, inspiration, and role within the broader framework of Christian doctrine. Topics include biblical doctrine, the history of the Bible’s transmission, translations, and interpretive symbols. Each lesson includes an assessment to reinforce key concepts.
This course is the second of four modules in the Defenders Bible Institute.

DBI 105 New Testament Theology Credit: 3 hours.

Study of the theological framework of the New Testament, focusing on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the apostle Paul, and the birth of the early Church. Analyzes key events, teachings, and themes that shaped the New Testament Church and its expansion. Topics include the acts of Jesus, the development of the New Testament Church, and Paul’s missionary journeys. Includes lesson-based assessments.
This course is the third of four modules in the Defenders Bible Institute.

DBI 107 History of the Church Credit: 3 hours.

Survey of major historical periods and events in the development of the Christian Church. Covers the Church’s first 500 years, the Great Schism, the Protestant Reformation, the American revival movements, and the Azusa Street Revival. Emphasizes the theological and cultural impact of each era. Assessments are administered at the end of each lesson.
This course is the fourth and final module in the Defenders Bible Institute.

Discipleship

DS 110 Biblical Overview Credit: 3 hours.

Provides a foundational understanding of the entire Bible, offering a clear overview of each book and how they collectively reveal God’s redemptive plan. Designed for self-paced or classroom study, this course helps students grasp the unity and purpose of Scripture.

DS 120 Abundant Life Credit: 3 hours.

DS 201 Ephesians: Union with Christ Credit: 3 hours.

A devotional and practical study of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Through 30 lessons, students learn to adopt a Christ-centered perspective and apply biblical truths to everyday life. Offered as a self-paced or classroom course to foster spiritual transformation and maturity.

Leadership

LEAD 301 Healthy Leadership Credit: 3 hours.

Introduces the foundations of emotionally healthy spirituality as a model for sustainable ministry leadership. Students develop self-awareness, emotional resilience, and a balanced approach to pastoral responsibilities rooted in spiritual health.

LEAD 302 Teaching To Change Lives Credit: 3 hours.

Explores seven core principles of effective teaching, beginning with the Law of the Teacher. This course emphasizes learner-centered instruction and equips students with practical tools to communicate biblical truth in transformative ways.

Ministry

MIN 101 The Life of Jesus Credit: 3 hours.

Explores the life and ministry of Jesus Christ through six modules rooted in the Gospel of Matthew. Focuses on the pastoral and theological implications of Christ’s teachings, miracles, and redemptive work.

MIN 102 The Life of Paul Credit: 3 hours.

Covers the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul across three modules, tracing his journey from early life through his missionary work, imprisonment, and death. Emphasizes Paul’s influence on the early Church and New Testament theology.

MIN 201 The Pentateuch Credit: 3 hours.

A two-module course examining the foundational books of the Bible. The first module focuses on the Book of Genesis; the second explores Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Highlights key themes in biblical law, covenant, and leadership.

MIN 310 The Associate Pastor Credit: 3 hours.

Examines the vital role of the associate pastor as a key leader within the local church. Emphasizes the distinct responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities of this position, highlighting its importance beyond a traditional “second chair” role.

MIN 320 Ministry Realities Credit: 3 hours.

Prepares pastoral leaders for real-world challenges not often addressed in formal theological training. Topics include core values, developing vision and mission, and the practical demands of leading in diverse ministry contexts.

MIN 330 Advanced Ministerial Practice Credit: 3 hours.

Explores the essential character, responsibilities, and realities of pastoral ministry through four key units. Topics include the formation of a godly heart, planning worship services, pastoral counseling, leadership development, financial stewardship, and ministry transitions. Emphasizes personal growth and practical skills for effective and sustainable ministry leadership.

Pastoral Support

PS 101 Feed My Lamb Credit: 3 hours.

Introduction to the principles and practices of teaching in Children’s Church and Sunday School settings. Combines theory and practical application to equip students with tools for engaging and biblically grounded instruction. Designed for volunteers and emerging leaders in children’s ministry.

PS 102 How to Declare & Worship Credit: 3 hours.

Explores the biblical foundations and practical skills necessary for leading corporate worship. Students will learn how to plan and guide dynamic, orderly, and Scripture-based worship services. This four-week course emphasizes joyful expression, theological integrity, and leadership development.

PS 103 How to Preach Credit: 3 hours.

Introduction to hermeneutics and homiletics for aspiring preachers and Christian workers. Covers methods for interpreting Scripture, preparing sermons, and delivering messages effectively. Emphasizes the preacher’s role in communicating the Word of God with clarity and conviction.

Specialized

SPEC 304 Unity Credit: 3 hours.

Focuses on the theological and practical call to unity within the Body of Christ. Addresses the relevance of church unity in a divided world and encourages students to cultivate community, reconciliation, and shared purpose in ministry.

SPEC 310 World Religions Credit: 3 hours.

Provides a comparative overview of the five major world religions, including foundational beliefs, practices, and cultural significance. Also explores variations within popular Christianity, offering tools for interfaith understanding and gospel engagement.