Ministry > Our Daily Bread Christian University
Urban Missiology
The large cities of the world present enormous challenges and opportunities to the church of Christ. The purpose of this course is to develop a relevant evangelical practice for the church within the urban context, understood as contextual, or local theology. This course will expose the student to various dimensions of post-modernity as examined by several contemporary authors. The goal of the course is to help learners develop pertinent theological, missiological, and strategic initiatives for urban settings that can be applied to their own ministry.
Karl Barth and Neo-Orthodoxy
Through the years, the church has been greatly influenced by theologians. Augustine shaped the church’s understanding of orthodoxy. Aquinas brought philosophy and theology together. Luther reclaimed salvation by faith alone; and Calvin reminded believers of God’s sovereignty over all things. In a postmodern world, the church continues the process of knowing God in the wake of the teachings of Karl Barth. In this course, Dr. Lubbertus Oostendorp explores the impact of Barth’s influence on Neo-Orthodoxy. Developed shortly after the Age of Enlightenment, Neo-Orthodoxy provided the springboard for today’s theologians as believers seek to be both biblically true and culturally relevant.
Ministering to Women in the Church
Often overlooked or misunderstood are the vital roles of women in the home, society, and the church. Learners will study ministry to and by women, including biblical foundations for women and principles for evangelizing, discipling, and counseling women. Lectures focus on the history of women’s ministries in the church, the role of women’s ministries in the New Testament, and the contemporary cultural context for women’s ministries. In addition, students will learn how to minister to the needs of specific women’s groups, such as singles, homemakers, those in the workplace, and those who are hurting.
Doctrine of Salvation
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” No question is more important or more debated than this one posed by the Philippian jailer. This course presents a critical and historical overview of the message, plan, and components of salvation. The lectures trace each element of the salvation process, from God’s decree to our final glorification and union with Christ. Topics such as the order of salvation, the nature of justification, and the possibility of perfection are given in-depth treatment. The course emphasizes a Reformed view of salvation, while offering fair treatment to all sides.
Urban Mission and Ministry
As the cities go, the world goes – politically, intellectually, economically, socially, and religiously. This course addresses Christian mission and ministry in the world’s growing cities. A biblical basis for urban ministry is presented and case studies of effective urban strategies worldwide are examined. The course provides key logistics, strategies, models, and insights from one of today’s leading experts in urban missiology. Throughout the lessons the instructor emphasizes holistic ministry, i.e., meeting all needs: social, civil, and political, as well as the spiritual.
A History of the Church in China Since 1949
With almost twenty percent of our world’s population, China is a large mission field. This course presents a history of Protestant Christianity in China since 1949, tracing the development of the church within the context of modern Chinese history. Learners examine the influence of politics on religious and church life, and study the Party’s influence upon both the Three-Self Patriotic Movement and the independent house churches. The course begins with a discussion of church and state relations and concludes with spiritual lessons learned from Chinese history. Students are encouraged to appreciate the tremendous needs and opportunities in China, and to…
Reformation Church History
The Reformation changed the world spiritually, socially, and even politically. In this course, learners trace the historic development of the Protestant Reformation from its 16th century background to its impact on the world and church today. The course examines the lives and teachings of the leading Reformers (Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, and Knox) and traces the Reformation movement in various nations. In addition, students study the rise of the major Protestant movements (Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anabaptism, and Puritanism) and the Roman Catholic reactions to those movements. The goal of the course is to apply the Reformation battle cries of faith alone, grace…
Doctrine of the Trinity
To know God and to make Him known is our highest calling. By studying the historic, classic, and orthodox doctrine of the Holy Trinity, learners discover how and why the doctrine emerged in the fourth century, as well as the various and progressive ways this doctrine has been understood throughout history. Throughout the course, Dr. Toon demonstrates that a right understanding of the Trinity is essential to a right understanding of God’s relation to man and man’s relation to God.
The Christian Life: An Evangelical Spiritual Theology
With the contemporary interest in spirituality, it is imperative that the Church establish a comprehensive theology of Christian spirituality that can inform the life and witness of Christian believers. This course presents such a theology of spirituality: a theology that is biblical, practical, and contemporary, accounting for and enabling spiritual formation and nurture in a post-modern, pluralistic, materialistic society. In addition, the course provides a theological foundation for a life of prayer that will empower and sustain the believer in life and ministry.
The Ancient Church
We are indebted to the church fathers for the lasting influence of their lives and their works. This course covers the history of the ancient church (Pentecost to AD 500) and the men and writings of that era. Following a historical progression, the course covers the development of doctrine and the main figures in the Patristic Age. Lectures focus on influential men like Irenaeus, Origen, Chrysostom, Athanasius, and Augustine. Significant creeds are also analyzed for their intentions, influence, and correctness. Throughout the course, students are prompted to evaluate their own beliefs as they begin to understand historical orthodoxy.
African Theology and Religions
With the broad expansion of Christianity in Africa, the African Church and African theology should be understood by us all. This course examines Christian theological formation in Africa against the background of African cultures and religions, and in light of its contemporary context. Also considered are how to study and understand Africa, and the factors that led to the debate on Christian theologizing in Africa. Throughout the course, descriptions and analyses of African religions are provided.
Christian Evidences
Christians are told to give an explanation for the hope they have in Christ and believers through the ages have prepared themselves accordingly for such a task. In this course, Dr. Victor Matthews introduces learners to apologetics as he shows the solid evidences for the Christian faith. Students will grapple with the relationship between faith and facts and understand the role that apologetics has played in the meaning of biblical Christianity.
The History of Christianity in America
“It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.” So said George Washington, reflecting early America’s regard for divine providence. This course examines the church in America from its continental beginnings to the current day, emphasizing the influences that have forged the contemporary religious scene. Starting with the nature of Christianity in British colonies prior to the Revolution, the course traces the development of Christianity throughout its tumultuous history in America, including the effects of the Civil War and the Great Awakenings. The goal of the course is to see the workings of God throughout American…
Encountering Islam: Understanding & Sharing with Muslims
The nature and practices of Islam draw worldwide intrigue. What do Muslims believe? Why do they defend their beliefs as they do? How do we present the gospel to them? This course examines Islam from both a Christian and a Muslim perspective, covering the history and validity of the Koran, Muslim theology, the role of women, and the places of Christ, the Bible, and the Trinity within Islam. The goal of the course is to understand the Muslim mindset, and to learn how to share Christ from within that mindset.
Exploring Approaches to Apologetics
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (I Peter 3:15). Peter’s words ring true in today’s world. In this course, learners compare biblical, historical, and recent approaches to defending faith in God, Christ, and Scripture. The course emphasizes the apologetics of Peter among Jews in Jerusalem (Acts 2), and Paul among the Gentiles in Athens (Acts 17). It compares the influential approaches of Augustine and Aquinas, but focuses primarily on the approaches of six apologists who led in the resurgence of evangelicalism during the last…
