Teens For Christ Ministering To and Through America s Youth Institute for Teen Evangelism 2014-15 Catalog Toward Excellence in Youth Ministry Teens For Christ Institute for Teen Evangelism PO Box 920 Hudson, WI. 54016 715-386-2549 staff@teens4christ.com www.teens4christ.com The Teens For Christ Institute for Teen Evangelism (ITE) is a nine-month Bible and Ministry Training course designed to give you college-transferrable credits, a solid knowledge of the Word of God, and a basic foundation for life and ministry.
History and Vision Why ITE? Teens For Christ has, for more than 35 years, trained 6th through 12th grade young people to follow Christ and to live godly lives of service. We are blessed to have made an impact on hundreds of thousands of teens during that time. It is an automatic extension of our vision that we would want to see teens continue to grow and deepen their faith and their walk with Christ after they graduate from High School. It is a natural choice for teens to continue their spiritual growth within the ministry of TFC. The high cost of college cripples many graduates For a high school graduate, college can require up to 5 1/2 years, and cost in excess of $25,000 per year. This can result in a student with a four year degree, a desire to serve God, and a heavy debt load. Regardless of what you plan to do after graduation, this kind of debt load can severely restrict the choices available in career, life and ministry. We believe there is a better way. In ITE, we have designed a program that can give a student up to 36 semester credits of college-transferrable* classes for less than $4,000. All classes are taught by experts and professionals who either volunteer their time or raise support as missionaries to America s teenagers to keep our expenses low. If a graduate transfers to one of several area colleges, he or she can begin with a full year s credits achieved at a much lower cost. Internships during ITE for youth ministry students allow you to directly and immediately apply what you are learning. If a graduate desires to continue in youth ministry, he or she can graduate with all the skills and Bible training needed to be effective and very little college debt so that more job and career options are available. If a graduate desires to work in a ministry like Teens For Christ, he or she can continue on as a staff intern, raising missionary support, without a crippling college debt. Small class sizes allow for very individualized training and close supervision by senior TFC staff. You will receive essential training for life and ministry *See page seven of the catalog for a list of area colleges that currently accept credit transfers from ITE. In ITE, students will receive all the Bible classes normally taught during four years at a typical Christian college. Classes are taught from a solid foundation of belief in the reliability and authority of Scripture. Classes are taught so that anyone who agrees with the statement of faith of Teens For Christ can successfully study and learn basic theological principles. Youth ministry classes are taught with the added benefit of hands on training in one of the TFC Bible Clubs, and each student in this program is also a staff intern with Teens For Christ. Youth ministry classes are taught by professionals who, when added together, have more than 100 years of ministry experience.
Your Instructors Rev. James Cicchese Executive Director, Teens For Christ Bible and Youth Ministry Instructor Twenty-five years of youth ministry experience Graduate of Christ Unlimited Bible Institute BS in Church and Educational Ministries, Liberty University BS in Journalism, UW-River Falls MDiv., Liberty University Rev. Paul Martin Dr. J.E. Harvey Martin, Ph.D. Dean, Institute for Teen Evangelism 4 years Youth Pastor experience Twenty- six years Pastoral experience BA Political Science/History, Wheaton College MDiv., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Thirty-five total years in ministry Ph.D., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary; Th.B., Multnomah School of the Bible; Elem. Teach. Cert., London Teacher s College You will also hear from other national and local youth ministry experts, depending on availability.
Your Coursework The Curriculum At ITE, we have a fixed, nine-month curriculum. The 30 credits of Bible Classes are required for all graduation certificates. Students who wish to receive the Essentials for Success in Youth Ministry certificate also must complete the six credits of Youth Ministry Tactics 1 & 2. Most students take classes full time, and classes are scheduled so that a full-time student can complete all 36 credits in nine months. However, some students, including some high school juniors and seniors, elect to take one or two classes each semester. These classes are scheduled on a rotating basis so that students can complete them one at a time by taking classes only one day each week. Call TFC for more information: 715-386-2549. Classes Offered ARCHAEOLOGY This course covers the entire Biblical period, acquainting the student with archaeological discoveries and the culture surrounding major Bible events. Special attention will be given to recent discoveries, so that the students will be able to better understand the motivations and purposes of the Biblical characters. 3 Credits BIBLE STUDY METHODS This course is designed to acquaint students with the principles of Inductive Bible Study through theory and practice. Methods of interpretation, laws of structure, and the study of the various genre are emphasized. The student will be trained to study the Bible by utilizing a ten step process combined with twelve approaches to deepen his or her understanding of biblical truth. The student will examine how to communicate the Bible to various age groups. 3 Credits BIBLICAL COUNSELING This course will examine the following aspects of biblical counseling: definitions, history, biblical and theological implications, models and theories, characteristics and qualities of counselors, personality disorders, major difficulties facing the different age groups and biblical solutions. 3 Credits CHRISTIAN EVIDENCES This course is designed to train students to give a solid, logical defense for their faith. Emphasis is placed on the use of evidence, God s existence, the Scriptures, Bible prophecy, the life and work of Christ, assorted objections to Christianity, the Bible s relationship to science, the Great Flood, and Evolution/Creation. 3 Credits GEOGRAPHY This course covers the entire Biblical period, teaching the student about the geography and sites of interest involved in major Bible events. Students will learn how geography impacted the events in the Bible, and will gain new understanding of Bible events by visualizing the places where those events took place. 3 Credits
INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY This course will allow the student to apply the principles of interpretation. Through step by step analysis of the book of Mark, the student will learn the procedures for analyzing paragraphs, discerning meaning, discovering author s purposes, and relating paragraph to paragraph and chapter to chapter. This inductive study process can be applied to every book of the Bible and even to secular literature. 3 Credits PRINCIPLES OF WORSHIP This course will train the student in the process of leading worship, and improve the student s personal habits of worship. Special emphasis will be placed on the nature of God as revealed in the names given Him in the Old Testament, and to the process of prayer as taught in the Scriptures. 3 Credits SURVEY OF BIBLE DOCTRINE This course will provide the student with a basic overview of Christian Theology. Special emphasis will be given to Doctrines such as; the Scriptures, the nature of God, the plan of God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, man, sin, salvation, prayer, the church, angels and last things. 3 Credits SURVEY OF NEW TESTAMENT LITERATURE This course surveys the entire New Testament with special emphasis on the life of Christ and the growth of the early church. Special attention is given to the historical and cultural background of the first century and its influence on the teachings of Christ and the church. Evangelism and the principles of Christian living are emphasized in the epistles of Paul, John and Peter. 3 credits SURVEY OF OLD TESTAMENT LITERATURE This course provides an overview of every book of the Old Testament and gives attention to special issues such as Creation, the covenants, and the prophecies that lead to Christ s first and second comings. The student is taught how to apply the practical principles of the Old Testament to Youth Ministry and practical Christian living. 3 Credits YOUTH MINISTRY TACTICS 1 &2 This six credit course will provide the student with a working knowledge of public speaking, advanced counseling for teens, philosophy of youth ministry, basic standards for life and ministry, and an assortment of programs for youth such as camp ministry, mission trips and leadership training. In addition, the student will learn some basic skills necessary for continuing in ministry such as fundraising and newsletters. 3 Credits each section, total 6 credits TOTAL CREDITS 36 In Addition, we may offer a Summer Semester Class in mid-may: BIBLICAL SYNTHESIS This is a systematic study of the Old and New Testament Books with consideration given to chronology, geography, culture, history, doctrine, and practical implications. This course will put the Bible together in such a way that the student will understand how all the pieces fit together to make up the whole. This study will provide an overview of the Bible that will create a Christian world view. 3 Credits
The details Who can attend? The Institute for Teen Evangelism does not discriminate based on race or gender. We welcome adult students of any age who have a heart for the Word of God. To be accepted into the Bible Certificate program, you must be: Either a High School graduate or a current Junior or Senior in High School. A growing Christian with a love for the Word of God. To be accepted into the Youth Ministry Track, you must also: Be a high school graduate Have a car and driver s license so you can travel to Bible Clubs and other events Have a laptop computer Have completed an employment application and be accepted as a staff intern at Teens For Christ Be available Thursdays to participate in TFC staff meetings Be available for most regular TFC events including Bible Quiz Meets, Bible Quiz Nationals, Rallies, and your regular weekly evening Club meeting Be able to pass a criminal background check How much does it cost? The cost for the entire, 9-month program is $3,500, which includes: Tuition for all 30 or 36 credits Cost of all textbooks required for classes Cost of all required TFC events in which you participate during the school year, including Lock-ins, COCE conference, Rallies and Bible Quiz Nationals. Students may elect to pay the $3,500 tuition in two installments for a minor fee, which would result in two installments of $1,800 each. The payments are due before the first day of class each semester, and there is no extra cost for required conferences or textbooks. Students taking one class at a time may attend at a cost of $120 per credit (most classes are 3 credits), but must also pay the cost of any textbooks needed, and any TFC events in which they participate. What will I be required to do? Students in the Bible Certificate program must attend classes on time and regularly, and turn in all assignments as required by the professors. Students in the Youth Ministry Track must also: Attend all TFC staff meetings Thursdays from 9am 2pm unless excused Intern as a Bible Club Director at an assigned TFC Bible Club Participate in all TFC Rallies unless excused Coach or officiate in the TFC Bible Quiz program during the regular season Regularly attend a Bible believing church in the area (in addition to the attendance required at a variety of churches as an assignment for the Worship class) Serve as a member of the staff of TFC, and fulfill all duties as assigned by a supervisor or director Read and abide by the policies outlined in the TFC Staff Handbook
Where is ITE located? All our classroom instruction takes place at the Teens For Christ Ministry Center. The 8 acre facility and property is located at 538 Old Highway 35, Hudson, Wisconsin, 54016. Youth Ministry students will also be assigned to a variety of tasks, events and ministries which can occur anywhere in the Minnesota/Western Wisconsin area in which we serve. Where will I live? Teens For Christ/ITE does not maintain dormitories for students. Students will be responsible for arranging their own housing. On occasion, area families offer rooms at lower rates for students, but these are on an as-available basis. Students may contact the Student Dean of ITE for the latest information about what is available for housing. Our staff will work with you to try to help you find affordable housing. What degree will I receive? Students in the Biblical Studies track will receive the Certificate of Biblical Studies diploma, which represents 30 semester credits of college-level Bible study. Students in the Youth Ministry track will receive the Essentials for Success in Youth Ministry diploma, which represents 36 semester credits of college-level Bible and youth studies. ITE has Credit- Transfer agreements with several area colleges and universities for students wishing to continue their education after ITE. Credit transfer agreements mean that those colleges have agreed to accept some or all of the classes offered at ITE for transfer into their degree programs. Students should check with any college they hope to attend to determine which classes will transfer for the degree program they intend to pursue. Teens For Christ Ministry Center Currently, ITE has Credit-Transfer Agreements with the following schools: Northwestern College, Roseville, MN Crown College, St Bonifacius, MN Crossroads College, Rochester, MN Oak Hills Christian College, Bemidji, MN Maranatha Bible College, Watertown, WI *Up to 12 credits per student. Northland Int l. University, Dunbar, WI Central Bible College, Springfield, MO If you plan to attend a college not listed above, and hope to transfer credits, contact chadp@teens4christ.com.
Teens For Christ The Institute for Teen Evangelism is a ministry of Teens For Christ. Teens for Christ is a non-denominational youth ministry with our headquarters located in Hudson, Wisconsin. We minister to teens in the St. Croix Valley, Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We are dedicated to four major purposes: 1. Reaching teens with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 2. Helping teens to grow spiritually. 3. Guiding teens into discipleship with Christ. 4. Involving teens in local church congregations. These purposes are accomplished through weekly Bible Clubs, Bible Quizzing, Rallies, teen leadership training, Preachers Of the Word fishing trips and much more. Teens For Christ runs weekly meetings in many area communities. Statement of Faith We believe the Bible to be the only inspired, infallible and authoritative Word of God. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal, tangible return in power and glory. We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful men regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a Godly life. We believe in the resurrection of the body for the saved and lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life, and they that are lost into the resurrection of damnation. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in Christ. Legal description and IRS information Teens For Christ is a nondenominational youth ministry. We are tax-exempt under IRS guidelines for 501C3 organizations. All finances are raised locally, spent locally, and governed by an unpaid Board of Directors from a variety of local churches. For more information about the ministries of Teens For Christ: www.teens4christ.com