The Certificate Programs at Agape College are designed to be completed in two years if the student takes one course per semester. They consist of detailed Scriptural studies coupled with practical applications that help prepare graduates to become leaders in their personal and public lives. They are derived from our highly sought-after diploma program, which trained hundreds of people who are serving not only in ministry, but also in many walks of life. As they continue to practice the principles taught in the program's many excellent courses, our graduates are recognized as people of integrity, character, wisdom, and success.

The need for Godly leaders has become increasingly acute as our society slides deeper into secular humanism. The mission of Agape College is to educate Christian leaders to meet this need--in ministry, government, community, business, and even in families. We offer a specialized curriculum designed to build a lifelong spiritual foundation.

The program objectives include:
* To assist students in discovering their purpose and train and equip them for spiritual leadership in their jobs and businesses, their families, their communities, and their church.
* To enrich students' knowledge and understanding of sound Biblical doctrine.
* To provide a curriculum and atmosphere that promotes spiritual and personal growth and provides a foundation for life-long change and enrichment.
* To provide an environment that challenges students to think proactively and form a generational, Christian worldview.

CURRENT COURSES IN THE AGAPE COLLEGE CURRICULUM:

Study of the End Times
Marriage and the Family
Study of Salvation
Faith and Human Development
Old and New Testament Survey
Bible Interpretation
Study of Salvation
Study of the Holy Spirit
History of Christianity
End Time Events
Christian Leadership
Practical Ministry
Christian Counseling
Business Leadership
History of Christianity
Others to be added

Classes for each course typically meet one evening a week from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. An exception is the 10 week summer term when classes are offered more than once per week for selected weeks. In special cases, pre-arranged courses may be offered on an intensive basis at specially arranged times, for example whole day Saturday sessions for several weeks. The certificate programs require a minimum of 19 credits for completion, which is a t least 6 courses plus a 1 hour Practicum.

The Certificate in Biblical Studies:

This 19-hour program is for students who want to learn more about the Bible. It is recommended for all committed Christians who want to grow in the Lord, learn who they are in Christ, and become established in the Word. It includes six college-quality semester courses and a 1-hour Ministry Practicum. Credits earned may be applied toward the Advanced Certificate and the Diploma of Theological Studies.

Courses in the Certificate in Biblical Studies:
Old Testament Survey *
End Time Events
New Testament Survey *
Life of Christ
Luke/Acts
Bible Interpretation
Study of Salvation
Life and Teachings of Paul
Study of the Holy Spirit
History of Christianity
(* Required)

The Certificate in Christian Caregiving:

This 19-hour program is for students who want to serve as lay counselors or ministers in the church (not to be a certified counselor). It is recommended for all ministerial staff and volunteers who want a better understanding of the needs and methods of caring for people to whom they minister. It includes six college-equivalent semester courses and a 1-hour Ministry Practicum. Credits earned may be applied toward the Advanced Certificate and the Diploma of Theological Studies.

Courses in the Certificate in Christian Caregiving:
Intro to Christian Caregiving *
Christian Counseling
Faith and Human Development *
Marriage and Family
Principles of Biblical Counseling *
Spiritual Issues in Substance Abuse
Premarital Counseling
Crisis Intervention
Group Dynamics and Counseling
Intro To Codependency Counseling
(* Required)

Agape College Certificate Programs
On-Campus Course Schedule 2010-2011:

Summer 2010

Christian Counseling

Fall 2010

Study of the End Times
Marriage and the Family (Includes special mini-course on Christian Parenting)

Spring 2011 (tentative)

Study of Salvation
Faith and Human Development

Certificate Program Tuition and Fees: On Campus Program

Application, registration, and certain other fees are due prior to the beginning of a semester. Tuition for the Diploma Program may be paid in one of three ways: 1) one lump sum payment of $2200 for the entire 2 year program paid in full at the time of registration (least expensive); 2) per semester; or 3) regular installments may be arranged. No refunds will be made on the application fee. Only $100.00 of the registration fee is refundable prior to the first class and receiving Agape College student materials. Students with a record of habitual late payment may be asked to withdraw from school until such time as their financial situation allows them to continue.

Applicants who cannot afford full tuition and/or registration fees may apply for a partial scholarship/sponsorship. For details, please contact the Agape College office at 501-223-2793 or e-mail us at info@agapecollege.com.

Certificate students (taking an entire certificate program)

Non-Certificate students (taking only one course):

*Students who begin in the Non-Certificate format and who wish to transfer into a Certificate Program may pick up a pro-rated share of the full Registration Fee based on the number of courses remaining for completion. For example, if 2 courses are completed in the Non-Certificate format, 4 courses would be required to complete the Certificate Program. In this case, the remaining Registration Fee would be 4/6 of $220, or $147 total.

Common Fees for All Programs:

On Campus Certificate Programs

Certificate Course Descriptions (19 credit hours required for completion):

DBIB110 Old Testament Survey
A historical survey of the Old Testament. Special attention will be given to the cultural background, to the theological and contextual perspectives, and to the practical application of major Old Testament themes.

DBIB120 New Testament Survey
An examination of the New Testament and of the historical, social, economic, and religious background out of which Christianity arose.

DBIB 302 Historical Geography of the Holy Land
A study of the geography and history of Palestine since antiquity, especially in relation to the nation of Israel and the Early Church.

DBIB 362 Life of Christ
A study of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as presented in the Gospels and early Christian literature.

DBIB 363 Study of End-Time Events
A study of Old and New Testament teachings on eschatology, including those aspects of the Kingdom of God that are already present and those yet to be fulfilled. Specific attention is given to concepts such as Messiah, resurrection, tribulation, millennium, judgment, signs of the times, and Kingdom of God.

DBIB 364 Life and Teachings of Paul
A study of the life and teachings of the Apostle Paul as recorded in the Book of Acts and the Pauline epistles. Special attention is given to the beginnings and growth of the church.

DBIB 374 Romans: Your Path to Victory
A basic study surveying the great truths found in Paul's letter to the Romans. Key passages are dealt with in great detail. Particular attention is given to the major doctrinal and exhortative sections of the book with an application to Christian faith and practice.

DBIB 400 Biblical Interpretation
A study of the problems and methods of Biblical interpretation, including the factors of presuppositions, grammar, literary and historical context, and the appropriate handling of the various kinds of literature found in the Bible.

DBIB 401 Study of Salvation
Based on the theological concepts of redemption and reconciliation through the Cross of Christ, this course explores the steps involved in ancient blood covenant ceremonies, major covenants throughout the Bible, the old and new covenant of God to assist in the understanding of the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of believers. The power of the blood covenant and consequent responsibilities of believers to the Lord are explored, with special emphasis on the process of on-going sanctification.

DBIB 455 Luke/Acts
A study of the Gospel of Luke and its accompanying text, the Book of Acts. Emphasis is placed on the historical and cultural milieu of these books, with special focus on how the Holy Spirit speaks to the church today.

DTHE101 Study of the Holy Spirit
This study of the third person of the Trinity from Genesis to modern times delineates how the Holy Spirit allows individuals to develop an intimate relationship with Him. In addition to the normal scholastic pursuits students are encouraged to spend time in prayer and meditation in the development of personal sensitivity to the voice of the Spirit. Topics covered in this course include: the person of the Holy Spirit, Baptism of the Holy Spirit, the gifts of the Spirit, The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Church Today and the anointing.

DTHE 453 History of Christianity I
A study of the development of the Christian church from its birth to the Reformation, with emphasis upon the major historical movements, leaders, and theological issues of the period.

DTHE 454 History of Christianity II
Survey of expression from the Reformation era with emphasis on the reformers and the impact made politically and economically. Special reference is made to the great missionary expansion.

DPRM 301 Introduction to Christian Caregiving
A study designed to examine the "caring" aspect of the Christian life from theoretical, theological, and practical perspectives. The integration of the theoretical and theological perspectives with practical experiences is implemented and evaluated.

DPRM 312 Faith and Human Development
A study of "whole-person" development and a wide range of practical Christian ministry in the local church context. Includes physical, intellectual, social, moral, and faith development for all ages.

DPRM 317 Principles of Biblical Counseling
An introduction to basic concepts and procedures of Biblical counseling. Its purpose is to acquaint the student with a biblically oriented approach to people-helping. The knowledge and skills gained may then be integrated into the student's personal counseling style.

DPRM 320 Ministry Practicum
The purpose of this ministry practicum is to provide the student with practical experience in ministerial responsibilities and in a broad range of roles performed in ministry. Trainees gain competence in essential areas of local church ministry. Three one-credit semesters of this practicum are required for a Diploma. One one-credit semester is required for an Advanced Certificate and for a Certificate.

DPRM 321 Christian Approaches to Counseling
This course examines three aspects of counseling within the Christian context: (1) a theological foundation for Christian counseling, (2) communication and relationship-building skills necessary for being an effective helper, and (3) helping theories and their application for the Christian counselor.

DPRM 325 Introduction to Christian Missions
A study designed to provide an overview of God's eternal purpose—the preparation of a people for Himself from all the nations of the earth. By examining the Biblical foundation, the historical development, the cultural considerations, and the strategic demands of God's work in the world, the student is challenged to the primary role of missions in the church.

DPRM 333 Ministry and Leadership Development
A study of Biblical principles and methods of training believers for ministry and leadership in the church. Attention is given to spiritual growth, development, and equipping needed for effective ministry and leadership.

DPRM 397 Ministry Internship
A study designed to provide the student with practical exposure to the missionary enterprise. It allows the student to experience the administrative, home-base operation that is essential to any missionary endeavor, to develop ministry skills through evangelism and church ministry, and to participate in a short-term, cross-cultural mission.

DPRM418 Marriage and Family
This course is a study to explore the dynamics of family relationships, particularly from the viewpoint of family counseling and therapy. The course focuses on knowledge and skills such as the theology of marriage and the family/ problems of divorce and remarriage, courtship and mate selection, and the theory and technique of family therapy. This course includes a special mini-course on Christian Parenting. Focusing on the theme of “parenting God’s way,” the mini-course is designed for parents who want to improve their parenting knowledge and skills by applying Christian principles and practices. Interaction between parents and the rest of the Marriage and the Family students is fostered. Credit is not awarded for participants who take this mini-course, but a certificate of completion is given at its conclusion.

DPRM 449 Spiritual Issues in Substance Abuse
Most self-help programs refer to a higher power. This course identifies the spiritual issues associated with seeking a higher power from a uniquely Christian perspective.