Charis Bible College offers a two-year program. The first-year program is the Bible Training Institute. The second-year program is the School of Practical Ministry. Both programs are divided into three terms: Autumn, Winter, and Spring. Classes are in session from 8:00am until 12:00 noon, Monday through Friday.


FIRST YEAR PROGRAM: BIBLE TRAINING INSTITUTE

This program includes instruction in Church History, Biblical Theology, Old Testament Survey, Christian Philosophy and many other classes that will give the students a solid Biblical foundation. Emphasis will be on the authority of the Word, the finished work of the cross and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, faith, grace and walking with the Holy Spirit.

Another aspect of the Bible Training Institute program is 'practical ministries'. Academics are important, but those who are going into ministry must know how to do the work of the ministry. We strive for a balance between a knowledge of the scriptures and practical ministry experience.

A student enrolled in the Bible Training Institute program will be required to volunteer 25 hours per term to perform practical ministry in either their local church, CBC, or any approved ministry in the area. There are many opportunities to serve depending on one's interests, talents, and available time.

Through the Bible Training Institute, a student will not only be prepared with a proper biblical understanding, but will be trained in practical application, to meet the needs of God's people and to bring unbelievers into the Kingdom of God. At the satisfactory completion of this program, a student will receive a Certificate of Completion.

NOTE: This program must be completed before entering the second year program.


First Year Courses

Foundational Bible Truths
A sixteen lesson study of four important truths about God and man's relationship to Him. 'The Nature of God' is a study of God, making a distinction between His character and His acts; contrasting the Old Testament with the New Testament. 'Hardness of Heart' deals with one of the major barriers to our accepting all of God's truth for us. 'Authority of the Believer' helps us to obtain the blessing God has for us and prevent Satan from robbing us. 'Spirit, Soul and Body' is a study of how our spirits are complete in Jesus if we are born again and how our soul and body should relate to our spirits.

Old Testament Survey
A two term class that surveys all the books of the Old Testament, studying the author, historical background, purpose of the book, historical events, and the main characters. Special attention will be given to the types and shadows that point forward to Christ and the church.

Church History
This course begins with a study of the conditions of the church in the 12th century. It covers the lives of the leaders of the Reformation Movement, the Great Awakenings in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the revival leaders of the 20th century. Special emphasis will be given to the lives of great leaders of revival during the last few centuries.


SECOND YEAR PROGRAM: SCHOOL OF PRACTICAL MINISTRY

This program offers on-the-job training, small interaction groups, class instruction, and mission work. It is a time of learning by doing, and a time for the student to gain valuable experience in their respective field of ministry. In the School of Practical Ministry program, students are divided into small interaction groups (IAG) which meet weekly. The small group setting allows each student to take part in the discussion and gain practical experience in ministry.

Instruction in the Word of God continues throughout the second year. Students will study courses such as New Testament Survey, Missions, Lifetime of Ministry, Leadership and many more. The importance of God's Word in our life is continually stressed as the areas of practical ministry are explored.

We also work in cooperation with local churches and ministries to augment our 'internship' program. Students are assigned to a church or ministry, in an area where they feel called. They may choose to work with the youth pastor, part of the praise and worship team, work in the children's department, etc. Students spend one day per week at their selected ministry.

There is a possibility of a mission trip during the second year program. We feel that mission work is a very valuable part of the student's training. The students learn how to function as a team often in a foreign culture and in unfamiliar surroundings. They can often learn how to share the gospel and give a sermon through an interpreter. These are life-changing experiences. Even if a person never plans to go on the mission field, it will give them a world vision and an understanding of how to help those who do.


Second Year Courses

New Testament Survey
An overview of the New Testament books noting their place in God's revelation to man. This class will study the author, historical settings, purpose, and the theme of each book, giving special attention to some of the key passages.

Topics Covered in Interaction Groups
The Evangelism Group discusses methods of personal evangelism, with and emphasis on discipleship. Each student has an opportunity to role play and encounter with a person who is lost and lead them to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

The Mission Group discusses the planning of evangelistic campaigns, planting churches and Bible schools in this or other countries. The practical experience comes when students actually work out detailed plans for one of the projects, present it to the whole class, and have it evaluated.

The Teacher Group discusses many aspects of ministering the Word of God. Each student is given a subject and time to prepare a teaching. At another time, the students draw subjects and must present a teaching at that time. Both of the teaching presentations are video taped and the teachings critiqued by the group.

The Pastor Group discusses many aspects of a pastor's responsibilities along with ministerial ethics. Each student has an opportunity to perform (mock) funerals, weddings, baby dedications, etc.

Additional courses are also presented during the year.