AIM Course Descriptions
Last Updated on Monday, 29 June 2009 15:47
ATHENS INSTITUTE OF MINISTRY
AIM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
1. NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY
Bible study—with an emphasis on careful teaching (2 Timothy 2:15)—constitutes nearly 40% of the AIM course. This survey course introduces the student to the world of the New Testament, from the historical and geographical background to the culture of the first century to the formation of the New Testament itself. Units: Synoptic Gospels, John, Acts, the Letters of Paul, the General Epistles, Revelation, and N.T. chronology. In addition to studying a conservative N.T. textbook, the student will read the entire N.T. He will also learn how to deploy 100 useful N.T. passages.
The goal: to comprehend the “big picture” of the NT and its world.
2. NEW TESTAMENT INTERPRETATION
What many of us were never taught… Exegesis and hermeneutics—interpreting what a N.T. passage meant to those to whom it was written, and making a proper application to our situation today—are vital areas of theological training. There are units on exegesis of the Synoptic Gospels, Parables, Acts, Epistles, Revelation, and more. 20 useful passages and several books will be studied, including Gordon Fee’s How to Read the Bible For All Its Worth.
The goal: to overhaul how the scriptures are explored (respecting context) and learning how to read the NT genre by genre.
3. CHURCH-BUILDING SERIES: ROLES / MISSIONARY FAITH / MUSIC & WORSHIP / PASTORAL COUNSELING / RACE ISSUES AND PASTORAL MINISTRY / AND MORE
Keep it practical! This course introduces the student to principles making churches strong. The need for strong evangelists, elders, and teachers—and their working together—is addressed, as well as the sensitive issues surrounding autonomy and cooperation. Music and worship comprise another of the units. Hear practicing psychologists speak about men’s, women’s, and children’s needs in the local congregation, and how church leaders can better meet those needs. Hear firsthand accounts from the mission field, and grow through exposure to international perspectives. Guest speakers include Mike Taliaferro, Scott Green, Alonzo Welch, Greg Garcia, Steve Kinnard, Gordon Ferguson, Steve Staten, Sherwin Mackintosh, Ed Anton, Tom Brown, Chuck Lucas, and Drs. Mike and Mary Shapiro. A number of spiritual and business books are studied in a course spanning two years and taught on an ongoing basis in eight parts, each with an examination.
The goal: application of practical ministry principles in eight crucial areas.
4. HOMILETICS: PREACHING AND TEACHING
Preaching is far, far more than constructing a three-point message, and a sermon is so much more than anecdotes, stories, and personal sharing. Expository sermons have punch and the full authority of the word of God. Without careful exposition, sermons are easily forgotten by the congregation; the preacher does not cause the word of Christ to dwell richly in the congregation (Colossians 3:16). Robinson, Stott, Goldsworthy, and Edwards (through their books) will be some of our instructors. Indeed, biblical preaching has a powerful impact (Matthew 7:28-29)!
The goal: to learn the expository method of how to teach the scriptures, moving from the typical approach to embracing the historical critical method.
5. APOLOGETICS
This course introduces the student to Christian evidences, from the Creation/Evolution debate to Archaeology to Theodicy (the problem of suffering)—and much more! You will learn how to put together convincing presentations for unbelievers, and make apologetics a part of your own personal ministry. (Also valuable in campus ministry, teen ministry.)
The goal: exposure to the major areas of Christian apologetics, with mastery of basic evidences arguments.
6. THE HOLY SPIRIT
Pneumatology (the study of the Spirit) is a fascinating and much needed area of theology. The course focuses not only on the excesses of the charismatic movement, but also in the work of the Holy Spirit on our lives and churches today. 50 useful passages will be learned. Field trip: a visit to a neo-pentecostal congregation.
The goal: understanding of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit and neopentecostalism, its classic misunderstanding.
7. SPIRITUAL LIFE
The Bible places far more emphasis on who we are inside than on how we behave or appear to others. We have all seen too many comrades-in-arms fall, not rebounding but remaining fallen, due to a weak walk with the Lord—while others continue to go forward to do great things despite formidable obstacles. The course covers character, sexual issues, financial responsibility (guest speaker), and so much more. The secret of God’s preacher: the inner spiritual life.
The goal: to shift the focus of ministerial training from personality and performance to true Christian character.
8. OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY
Fewer than 10% of Christians have read the entire Old Testament. This is due largely to unfamiliarity with the O.T. world and lack of much-needed training. This survey course introduces the student to the world of the Old Testament, from the historical and geographical background to the formation of the Old Testament itself. Units: Law, Prophets, Wisdom Literature, Psalms, Historical Books, Chronology, the Apocrypha, and more. We will study ancient Hebrew and Aramaic manuscripts in a special workshop, diving into the complex world of manuscript copying. A powerpoint presentation will colorfully illustrate the amazing history of the transmission of the O.T. through the ages. Learn the story of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Learn also about an upcoming opportunity to visit Israel with your congregation. In addition to studying a conservative O.T. textbook, the student will have read the entire O.T. by the time he or she graduates from AIM—as well as the location of 100 useful passages. Field trip: synagogue visit / lecture by Rabbi.
The goal: to comprehend the “big picture” of the OT and its world.
9. OLD TESTAMENT INTERPRETATION
Exegesis and hermeneutics of the Old Testament. Units on interpretation of: Narratives, Law, Psalms, Prophets, Wisdom Literature, and more. Text: Douglas Stuart’s How to Read the Bible For All Its Worth. Learn to preach or teach confidently from the Old Testament. This course has the potential to radically change how you read and interact with God’s word.
The goal: redefine how the Bible is read (context) and learn how to read the OT genre by genre.
10. COUNSELING & PSYCHOLOGY
Christian Counseling is a much neglected discipline. And yet everyone looks to church leaders for guidance and counsel. This means that the leader must be well equipped and prudent—especially in this day and age. Study the classical personality types (choleric, phlegmatic, sanguine, melancholic). Also learn the ABCs of pastoral counseling—when to advise and when to refer, working with professionals when necessary. Learn about Family Systems and other invaluable approaches. This short course aims to equip us to equip the body of Christ to be “competent to counsel.” When is a condition a medical matter, and when is the issue “unrepented sin”? Should we ever advise church members to come off their medication? What should we do when the thin line between responsibility and victimization seems tenuous at best? Learn from Drs. Mike and Mary Shapiro, clinical psychologists with extensive experience in counseling and forensic psychology. Counseling is not an option; it is a crucial area of ministerial training.
The goal: to come to view persons, in the context of counseling and evangelism, as whole persons—spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.
11. CHURCH HISTORY
As one wise person said, “Those who ignore the lessons of history are bound to repeat them.” There is so much to learn from two millennia of church history—a valuable course indeed. Includes sections on the early church, Patristics, Restoration Movement, Crossroads/Campus Ministry, ICOC, and more. 20 church history dates will be learned.
The goal: to develop a broad grasp of church history century by century, as well as understanding the Restoration Movement and its children, including the Crossroads and Boston movements.
12. WORLDVIEWS
Major denominational doctrines will be examined—Catholicism, Calvinism, premillennialism, evangelicalism, and different views on baptism, for example—as well as such sects as Mormonism and the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Further, the major world religions will be introduced: Islam (900 million adherents), Hinduism (800 million adherents), Buddhism (300 million adherents)—so much of the world is living in darkness and clinging to error. As Jonah lamented, “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” A serious look at the major religions of the world, including their scriptures. 40 useful passages will be learned. Field trip: visit to Mosque / Temple.
The goal: to learn the importance of worldview apologetics in “pre-evangelism,” and begin to implement new strategies for connecting with outsiders.
13. FAMILY LIFE
According to 1 Timothy 3, how we build our own family is how we tend to build the church family. This course covers everything the Bible teaches about parenting, marriage, and family. How to keep our priorities straight despite the heavy pressures of ministry. A vital subject—and one we ignore at our peril.
The goal: to ensure that family focus receives the priority it must have if leaders are to build healthy churches.
