The Agape College/ORU Certificate Program is designed to be completed in two years if the student takes one course per semester. It consists of detailed scriptural studies coupled with practical applications that help prepare graduates to become leaders in their personal and public lives. The certificate program is derived from our highly sought-after diploma program, which has 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.

Classes for many courses typically meet one evening per week from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. during each 15 week semester. In the 10 week summer term, classes are longer or taught more frequently per week for selected weeks. Other 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 program requires a minimum of 19-credit-hours for completion, which includes six courses and a one-credit-hour practicum.

The 19-credit-hour Certificate in Theological Studies program is recommended for all committed Christians who desire to know more about the Bible, learn who they are in Christ, become established in the Word, and apply their giftings in ministry to others. Credits earned may be applied toward the Advanced Certificate and the Diploma of Theological Studies at ORU, and credits may be applied toward advanced standing in one of several ORU bachelor degree programs.

The ORU Theological Studies Certificate through Agape College requires:
a. A one-credit-hour Ministry Practicum

b. Electives totaling 18-credit-hours, choose at least one, preferably two of each of the following areas of concentration

     1) Biblical Studies
          Old Testament Survey
          New Testament Survey
          Luke/Acts
          Study of End Time Events

     2) Theological and Historical Studies
          Study of the Holy Spirit
          Christian Faith and Ministry
          History of Christianity II (Reformation-Present)

     3) Practices of Ministry
          Christian Counseling
          Ministry and Leadership Development
          Marriage and the Family
          Faith and Human Development
          Spiritual Issues in Substance Abuse
          Introduction to Christian Missions

Courses in the ORU Certificate Program will conform to the requirements of: 1) 37.5-45.0 contact hours per three-credit-hour course, 2) taught by a qualified instructor, and 3) use of ORU-approved course materials. The content of some courses also will include the topics offered in other Agape College programs, and the total contact hours may be accumulated from several topics along with group or individualized study in an intensive studies framework.

Note: ORU offers certificates in other topics, toward which some of the courses in the Certificate in Theological Studies may be applied. These other Certificates (Christian Caregiving and Biblical Studies) may be completed at ORU or through the ORU distance learning program.

Certificate in Theological Studies 2012 Course Schedule (Planned)

Spring 2012

Study of the Holy Spirit

Summer 2012

Christian Counseling

Fall 2012

End Time Events
Introduction to Christian Missions

Certificate Program Tuition and Fees

Application, registration, and certain other fees are due prior to the beginning of a semester. Tuition may be paid in one of three ways: 1) one lump sum payment for the entire program paid in full at the time of registration; 2) per semester if paid at the beginning of the semester; or 3) regular installments through the semester may be arranged. No refunds can be made on the application or registration fees. 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.

It is important that Agape College students recognize the value of their educational experience as well as the extent to which their studies are underwritten. Agape College tuition and fees are equal to, or less than that of comparable courses elsewhere.

One of the most important characteristics of a Godly person is that they walk in integrity, and one of many measurable standards includes financial responsibility. Students at Agape College are expected to honor their responsibility to pay their tuition and fees in a timely way.

Applicants who cannot afford full tuition and/or registration fees may apply for a partial scholarship/ sponsorship after the Application for Admission has been approved. Scholarships or sponsorships are available only for three-credit-hour courses. For details, please contact the Agape College office at (501) 223-2793 or e-mail us at info@agapecollege.com

See the schedule of fees, below, which is based on monthly installment payments (for complete costs of all programs, see the Catalog & Student Handbook). Students can save on costs of tuition if they pay for the semester in one lump sum, and can save further if they pay for the program in one lump sum. For more information on these cost savings options, please contact the Agape College Business Office or info@agapecollege.com

Agape College/ORU Certificate Program Tuition and Fees*
Per Course Payment (If paid in installments during the semester)

*Lower costs for tuition and fees are available for students who pay in one lump sum at the beginning of the program or at the beginning of each semester. Inquire with the Agape College Business Office at 501-223-2793 or write to info@agapecollege.com for these rates.

Certificate Program Course Descriptions

DBIB 110 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.

DBIB 120 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 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 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 230 Christian Faith and Ministry
A cursory exploration of the Biblical truths and teachings of the Christian church. Emphasis is placed on the charismatic interpretation of these truths.

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 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 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.