2011 CATALOG zoebiblecollege.com Bringing Bible College to You

Transcription

1 2011 CATALOG zoebiblecollege.com Bringing Bible College to You

2 T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT OVERVIEW OF ZOE THE ZOE EXPERIENCE ABOUT ZOE WHAT ZOE OFFERS ACADEMIC PROGRAMS ASSOCIATES PROGRAM BACHELORS PROGRAM ONE-YEAR CERTIFICATES ARMOR BEARER INTERNSHIP CLASS CATALOG FINANCIAL INFORMATION TUITION AND FEES REFUND POLICY BECOME A ZOE STUDENT ADMISSION INFO ZOE FACULTY AND STAFF THEOLOGY STATEMENT OF BELIEFS FROM THE DEAN Page 2 of 18

3 Letter from our President: Dear Prospective Student, Thank you for your interest in Zoe Bible College. A person seeking to enroll in Bible College is generally a focused person whose purpose is to know and experience God and his Word. Bible study on any level is beneficial but an in-depth systematic approach is best. Zoe's purpose is to provide you the student with an orthodox, comprehensive, and foundational theological education that will equip you to rightly divide the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15) in the midst of an increasingly confused culture. Zoe Bible College holds to the perspective that Christianity is a faith that is divinely inspired and sustained, but best expressed through responsible Christian community. We emphasize the New Testament church and its ministries as established by Christ s disciples in the first century. Zoe Bible College seeks to lay out a course that will equip the student with the necessary Bible knowledge and interpretative disciplines to serve in and or establish a local Church as well as engage with the culture in whatever arena they find themselves. Zoe isn't just for those seeking full time Christian ministry though. We believe that every believer has a call to be an ambassador of Christ and seek to provide a relevant and foundational Biblical education for everyone. Zoe Bible College is for pastors, teachers, missionaries, and others already serving in full or part time ministry capacities. It is for Intern groups and those preparing to commence on a life of Christian service. Zoe is for housewives, businessmen, students, and best of all, Zoe is for you! We invite you to partner with Zoe to engage your calling in the body of Christ and to develop your full capacity as a difference maker in your generation. Sincerely yours, Pastor Steve Schmelzer Founder and President of Zoe Bible College Page 3 of 18

4 The Zoe Experience The Zoe Bible College experience is unique among bible colleges. Most often students must leave their ministry, work, or life context to attend a brick and mortar school. While this experience can be enriching and rewarding, not every person has this opportunity. At Zoe, we believe that we can deliver the same great Bible College education as a traditional school through our online platform. What may be lost in personal interaction is made up for in convenience and accessibility. At Zoe, your classes start and end when you want them to. You complete your assignments when you have the time to do so. You work at your own pace and on your own schedule. The Zoe experience is not a cookie cutter model. At Zoe we know that every person s calling and gifting is unique. Because of that, Zoe has developed a wide range of courses covering various ministry and philosophical studies. At Zoe you will have the ability to choose your own academic focus. The Zoe experience allows you to fulfill your dream of attending Bible College while continuing to function in your current context. What are you waiting for? Page 4 of 18

5 About Zoe Zoe Bible College began under the name Siskiyou Bible College in SBC was started by Pastors Steve and Kim Schmelzer to provide the opportunity for solid Biblical higher education to the members of their church and community. In 2009 God gave a vision to the SBC staff to expand the school and make it available online for the purpose of reaching more people with Bible College training. With the fresh vision came a new name and Siskiyou Bible College was renamed Zoe Bible College. At Zoe our mission is to give you the opportunity to attend Bible College without leaving your ministry, work, or life context. Through our online platform we are able to bring Bible College to you! Zoe strives to provide a high quality Bible College experience to you wherever you are. We know that many people are not able to leave their work, ministry, or life context to attend a traditional Bible College. At Zoe we don t feel that your physical location should stop you from being able to connect with the tools necessary to help further your life and ministry. Our pledge is to equip the body of Christ by educating individuals in the Word of God and ministry. At Zoe we have a full range of courses available to help you be salt and light in a darkened generation. Thank you for taking the time to find out more about Zoe. We hope that we can assist you in accomplishing your personal and ministry goals. Page 5 of 18

6 What Zoe Offers: Zoe Bible College is designed for believers who are serious about fruitfully working in the ministry as a volunteer or full time Christian worker. We are structured to provide a flexible method of obtaining college level courses with hands on training and ministry experience. Zoe offers a two year Associates degree program as well as a four year Bachelors degree program in theology. Zoe also offers one year certificates in four focuses: Biblical Studies, Theology, Apologetics, and Pastoral Ministry. Academic programs explained: Academic Programs: Each academic program that Zoe offers is unique and flexible with the intention of meeting the student s desired focus within the broader context of a theological education. Each program has a required core of classes specific to the chosen focus e.g., Apologetics, Pastoral Ministry, etc with the remaining classes being electives chosen by the student. Two-Year Associates Degree: Core Classes: 16 Classes 64 Credits 8 Core Classes and 8 Electives NT 101 New Testament Survey OT 101 Old Testament Survey TH 101 Bible Doctrines NT 103 Jesus and the Gospels HS 201 History of the Church AP 205 Introduction to Worldview Thinking BI 250 Hermeneutics BI 150 Bible Research Page 6 of 18

7 Bachelors Core (In Addition to Associates Core): Core Classes: 32 Classes 128 Credits 6 Core Classes and 10 Electives MU 101 Biblical Foundations of Worship OT 203 Pentateuch TH 350 New Testament Theology TH 410 Ecclesiology AP 210 Understanding the Christian Worldview LD 201 Effective Leadership One Year Certificates: 8 Classes 32 Credits 4 Core Classes and 4 Electives Biblical Studies Focus: Hermenuetics, Bible Research, New Testament Survey, and Old Testament Survey. + 4 electives. Apologetics Focus: Introduction to Worldview Thinking, Understanding the Christian Worldview, Foundational Apologetics I and II. + 4 electives. Theology Focus: Bible Doctrines, New Testament Theology, Ecclesiology, and Church History. + 4 electives. Pastoral Ministry: Pastoral Epistles, Effective Leadership, Hermeneutics, and Pauline Epistles. + 4 electives. **Note to Students: Credits earned at Zoe Bible College may or may not be transferable to other colleges. Credit acceptance is at the discretion of the receiving institution. Page 7 of 18

8 Armor Bearer Internship In addition to our online bible college classes we offer an on campus internship program called Armor Bearers at Joy Christian Fellowship in Medford, OR. This course covers many practical areas of life in a hands-on, discipleproducing format. Armor Bearer students receive unlimited access to Zoe classes each year in the program. There are also many practical areas of ministry available to the student within the local church setting. This enables the student to put into practice the things they are learning. Children s ministry, worship ministry, youth ministry, education and counseling are just a few of the many possible areas of involvement. We award ministry credits for this involvement. The desired result for each and every student that completes the internship is a fruitful and rewarding lifetime of service to fulfill God s purpose in the earth of spreading the kingdom of God and fulfilling the Great Commission. Get more info at Page 8 of 18

9 Zoe 2011 Class Catalog NEW TESTAMENT: NT 101 New Testament Survey (4) This course surveys the New Testament as a whole, and covers the historical background and basic content of each book. Included is a survey of the life of Christ as seen in the Gospels, the beginning and expansion of the church, the inclusion of the Gentile believers, and the ministries of Peter and Paul. NT 103 Jesus and the Gospels (4) This course examines the life of Christ, from the time of His transfiguration until His death, resurrection, and ascension. Attention will be given to Jesus' theology as it regards Old Testament literature, as well as the trustworthiness, style, and content of the Gospels themselves. NT 104 The Book of Acts (4) This course covers the development of the early church, the dispensation of the Holy Spirit, and the general pattern of the early church and how they were regarded by the Jewish and Roman institutions. Special attention is given to Peter and Paul, and how their ministries affected the expansion of the church to the Gentiles. NT 201 General Epistles (4) This course study's the non-pauline epistles and their instructions to newly established churches. Each book is examined for its historical background, authorship, unique message and theme. Upon study, students will gain an understanding of the Apostles' view of a healthily functioning church body, how members are to treat one another, and how to recognize false doctrine. NT 202 Pauline Epistles (4) This course will lead students in an overview of the Pauline Epistles (excluding the Pastoral Epistles) including their historical perspective, major themes and practical application for the present day. The material studied represents most of the major doctrines of Orthodox Christianity; Paul's letters to the early churches explain key elements such as: Grace, Law, Election, Faith, Atonement, etc. NT 203 Pastoral Epistles (4) This course will focus on the books of I & II Timothy, Titus and Philemon. Students will observe the young pastor s personal conduct, mentoring methodology, ministerial work, duties, and doctrine. Additionally, the background and authorship of each book will be examined alongside methods for instituting effective mentoring today. THEOLOGY: TH 101 Bible Doctrines (4) This course examines the basic foundations of Christian doctrine: God, Man, Sin, Salvation, the Holy Spirit, etc. The importance of Christian doctrine and will be explored, and each doctrine will be defined and explained in its Biblical context, so that each student will be able to clearly articulate the essential elements of that doctrine. TH 310 Pneumatology (4) In this course students will study the doctrine of the Holy Spirit from both a theological and practical perspective. Students will learn who the Holy Spirit is, what His relationship is to the believer, and how the ministry and gifts of the Holy Spirit are to be used in today s church. Page 9 of 18

10 TH 350 New Testament Theology (4) New Testament Theology seeks to explore the origins, development, and fulfillment of major Old Testament themes, their culmination in Jesus life and ministry, and the New Testament institutional Church s doctrine and tradition. Additionally, the student will learn contextual N.T. history regarding Jewish religious culture and Greco-Roman culture, and how they apply to understanding and relating N.T. material. TH 410 Ecclesiology: Understanding the Church (4) Hebrews 10:25 says, "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." Students in TH 410 will learn to articulate a biblical ecclesiology and be equipped to defend the church from those who seek to slander her and defeat her mission. Also, students will survey various historical and modern ecclesiologic models from both a theological and practical perspective. WORSHIP AND MUSIC: MU 101 Biblical Foundations of Worship (4) This course is an overview of music and worship in both the Old and New Testaments. Study will include the worship methodologies of Moses and David s Tabernacles and the role of worship in the New Testament. This course seeks to provide a Biblical philosophy of worship, and explain the origins and purpose of early worship expressions. MU 102 Contemporary Expressions of Worship (4) This course is an overview of the purpose and power of worship in the modern church. The student will study various worship expressions from history as well as in contemporary settings and how to properly implement Biblical worship that is culturally relevant and doctrinally sound, in a current setting. LEADERSHIP: LD 201 Effective Leadership (4) The focus of this class is to lead students in the study of effective leadership and to offer a more thorough understanding of the elements that are necessary for ministerial leadership: discipline, sacrifice, attitude, and practical action. LD 202 Life Management (4) The purpose of this class is to help each student determine a successful life mission and strategy. Students will examine their life direction, establish better time management habits, and identify personal strengths and non-strengths in order to become stronger leaders. Page 10 of 18

11 OLD TESTAMENT: OT 101 Old Testament Survey (4) The focus of this class is to lead students in a general overview of the Old Testament. Students will gain an overall understanding of the historical settings, various divisions of the books, and history of the nation of Israel, and the role of Christ in the Old Testament. OT 202 Joshua and the Judges Period (4) The focus of this class is an historical examination of the nation of Israel during a specific time period, exploring the books of Joshua, Judges and Ruth to gain a fuller understanding of Israel's character and governance as they entered the promised land. OT 203 The Kingdom Period (4) The focus of this class is on the kingdom period of Israel and Judah. Special attention will be given to the reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon who ruled the united kingdom of Israel. Students will study the historical context of the kingdom period as well as the lives of its key figures. OT 204 The Post-Exilic Period (4) In this class students will study the historical context of the return of the Jewish people to their homeland following the Babylonian exile. The social and spiritual condition of the time was unique and special attention will be given to the rebuilding of the Temple and the restoration of the Law which took place during this period. Nehemiah, Ezra, Esther, and other key figures of this time period will also be examined at great depth. OT 205 Books of Wisdom and Poetry (4) This course takes an in depth look at the books of: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. Students will examine various types of Psalms, the writings of King Solomon, study the life of Job, and the poetic and wisdom literature. This class explores some of life's deepest philosophical questions, and how godly people have found meaning in suffering, loss, history, and captivity. OT 206 Major and Minor Prophets I (4) This course is designed to lead students in an overview of the Major and Minor Prophets, and to provide a thorough understanding of the heart, purpose, and ministry of Old Testament prophets, and God's heart toward His chosen people. OT 207 Major and Minor Prophets II (4) This course explores the motive, manner and desire of God towards the nations of the earth as well as His chosen people; the nations of Israel and Judah. Included are their historical and spiritual settings and the relationship of the Old Testament prophecies to the New Testament believer. OT 301 Pentateuch (4) The Pentateuch is one of the most well read, oft-quoted collections of religious literature, and was regarded as inspired Scripture by both Jesus and the New Testament authors. The course focus is to lead students in an overview of the first five books of the Old Testament to familiarize them with both the Biblical narrative and the historical settings of these books and how they relate to the New Testament. Page 11 of 18

12 HISTORY: HS 201 History of the Church (4) The purpose of this class is to lead students in an overview of Church History from the inception of the Early Church and to observe it from its formation until the present time. The significant events, movements, and people will be studied with an emphasis on their contributions and relevance for today. HS 210 History of Modern Revivals (4) This course offers students an overall understanding of revival in the Christian church, and how it has impacted church ministry and activity from the 18th century until today. HS 320 The Life and Theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer (4) The focus of this class is to introduce the student to the life and work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, his role in establishing a strong Christian community in Nazi Germany, and his theological method. APOLOGETICS AND WORLDVIEW: AP 205 Introduction to Worldview Thinking (4) This class will introduce students to the concept of worldview, the contrast of the Christian and non-christian worldviews, and how to effectively approach and challenge those worldviews that contend with Christianity. Students will learn to recognize the philosophical underpinnings that shape worldviews and the premises on which they are built. AP 210 Understanding the Christian Worldview (4) The focus of this class is to give students a foundational understanding of the Christian worldview from both a historical and philosophical perspective, and to show how the Christian worldview has positively affected society throughout history. AP 350 Foundational Apologetics I (4) This class is designed to introduce students to the study and use of Apologetics. Students will learn the definition and history of apologetics, various apologetic methodologies, and study some of the leading Christian Apologists of the 20th and 21st century. AP 351 Foundational Apologetics II (4) This class is designed to introduce students to some of the most relevant issues of apologetics in the 21st century; issues such as God's existence, morality, atheism, and evolution are covered, as well as apologetic methods for evangelizing those with differing worldviews. Page 12 of 18

13 TUITION AND FEES All courses at Zoe are four credits at the cost of $75 a credit. This works out to $300 for an individual course. Zoe offers a substantial discount to students who pre-pay for the one, two, or four year programs. Our goal is to make tuition as affordable as possible while still offering flexibility for those who may only desire to take a single course. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. Single Class $ One-Year Certificate $2, Two -Year Associates Program $3, Four-Year Bachelors Program $6, All Zoe Bible College courses require prepayment. Students can either pay for individual courses or for degree/certificate programs. Payment in full is required at the time of enrollment. Payments may be made directly at Zoe Bible College in cash, with check or Visa/MasterCard. Payments can also be made at our website via PayPal. Flexible payment options can be arranged with Zoe Staff upon student request. REFUND POLICY Students wishing to drop a course must do so in writing and submit their request to the college registration office. The date of withdrawal from a course will be the date of receipt of the student s request. No additional fees will be charged to add or drop a course. REFUND ALLOCATION Start date calculated by day enrollment key is given to student. 1 st Week of Course 90% of tuition paid will be refunded. 2 nd Week of Course 50% of tuition paid will be refunded. 3 rd Week of Course 25% of tuition paid will be refunded. After 4 weeks 0% of tuition paid will be refunded. Page 13 of 18

14 Admission Information Become a Zoe Student! Complete the ZBC application for enrollment located at Upon completion of the application a ZBC staff member will contact you to put together your customized academic program. *A High School diploma or General Equivalency Diploma is required for admission into ZBC. Page 14 of 18

15 Zoe Faculty and Staff Stephen Schmelzer President Maryann West Registrar and Instructor Jenn Wood Administration and Finances Kimberly Schmelzer Instructor Jacob Schmelzer Dean and Instructor Jess Strickland Adjunct Instructor Bethany Schmelzer Student Services and Instructor Melanie Odom Administration Natalie Schmelzer Web Design and Instructor Pam Plumb Administration Jerushah Tanner Adjunct Instructor Aaron Martinez Instructor Page 15 of 18

16 Theology: Zoe Bible College is a non-denominational school that welcomes everyone to attend. At Zoe one of our core values is biblical faithfulness. While times do change the truth does not. Zoe s faculty and staff believe that teaching the timeless truth of God s Word while engaging the relevant issues of our culture is the right course of action. At Zoe each student will be able to select the classes that will most assist them in accomplishing their God given ministry mandate. At Zoe we welcome dialogue between diverse theological perspectives but we always seek to affirm the foundational truth of God s Word expressed in the life of the New Testament church. We speak with confidence the ancient words of the Apostle s creed: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell. The third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen Page 16 of 18

17 1.) We believe in the plenary-verbal inspiration of the accepted canon of the scriptures as originally given (II Timothy 3:16; I Corinthians 2:13). 2.) We believe in the Eternal Godhead who has revealed Himself as ONE God existing in THREE persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; but indivisible, (Matthew 28:19; II Corinthians 13-14). 3.) We believe in the creation, test and fall of man as recorded in Genesis; his total spiritual depravity and inability to attain to divine righteousness, (Romans 5:12, 18). 4.) We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour of man conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, very God and very man, (Luke 1:26-35; John 1:18; Isaiah 7:14 & 9:16). 5.) We believe Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day, and personally appeared to His disciples (I Corinthians 15:1-4; Rom. 4:15). 6.) We believe in the bodily ascension of Jesus to Statement of Beliefs: heaven, His exaltation and personal, literal and bodily coming again the second time for the Church (John 14:2-3; I Thessalonians 4:13-18). 7.) We believe in the salvation of sinners by grace, through repentance and faith in the perfect and sufficient work of the cross of Calvary by which we obtain remission of sins (Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 9:2; Romans 5:11). 8.) We believe in the necessity of water baptism by immersion in the name of the Eternal God head in order to fulfill the command of Christ (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:34 & 19:1-6). 9.) We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit as an experience subsequent to salvation, with the scriptural evidence, namely speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance (Acts 2:1-4; 8:14-17; 10:44-46; Galatians 3:14-15). 10.) We believe in the operation of the gifts of the Spirit as enumerated in I Corinthians 12-14, as manifest in the Early Church. 11.) We believe in the Spirit-filled life, a life of separation from the world and perfecting of holiness in the fear of God as an expression of Christian faith, (Ephesians 5:18; II Corinthians 6:15; 7:1). 12.) We believe in the healing of the body by Divine Power, or Divine Healing in its varied aspects as practiced in the Early church (Acts 4:30; Romans 8:11; I Corinthians 12:9). 13.) We believe in eternal life for believers (John 3:16: 5:24) and eternal punishment for unbelievers, (Mark 9:43-58; Thess. 1:9; Revelation 20:10-15). 14.) We believe in the Table of the Lord, commonly called Communion of the Lord s Supper, for believers, (I Corinthians 11:28-32). 15.) We believe in the reality and personality of Satan and eternal judgment of Satan and his angels, (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10-15). Page 17 of 18

18 From the Dean Thank you for your interest in Zoe Bible College. We sincerely hope that we can partner with you in making an impact on this generation. Our mission at Zoe is to equip believers with the tools necessary to engage their culture with the foundational truth of the Christian faith in a relevant way. John Wesley once said, Give me one hundred men who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not whether they be clergyman or laymen, they alone will shake the gates of Hell and set up the kingdom of Heaven upon the earth. At Zoe we believe that a strong theological education is a great place to start for every believer seeking to be a part of the move of God in their time. At Zoe we seek to align ourselves with 2,000 years of historic Christianity while focusing on the future purposes and plans of God. Zoe provides you with the opportunity to invest in your knowledge and communication of the gospel so that you can effectively fulfill the great commission in your generation. What are you waiting for? Jacob Schmelzer M.A. Dean Come experience Page 18 of 18