English Curriculum

ANDREWS UNIVERSITY

Hispanic Institute
Lay Training Seminary (SAL)

History and Purpose

SAL (Seminario Adventista Laico—Adventist Lay Seminary) was founded in 2005 by the Andrews University Institute of Hispanic Ministry (IHM) to instruct church members in the theory and practice of ministry. The disproportionate growth of the Non-Adventist world population and the sluggish growth of the Seventh-day Adventist church in some regions is an alarming fact that deserves attention. A solution to the evangelization challenge we face resides in the development of a professional lay training program, to equip church members to join fulltime pastoral forces in disseminating the Adventist message. Churches will not survive for long if their operations rely solely on the pastor’s work. “The idea that the minister must carry all the burdens and do all the work is a great mistake” (Christian Service, 68).

Jesus’ appeal to be “the SALt of the earth” (Matt 5:13) and his dedication to recruiting and equipping His disciples for ministry set the tone for the mission and establishment of this training school. Ellen White suggests that every Seventh-day Adventist church “should be a training school” where “experienced instructors” should teach members the theory and practice of ministry (Christian Service, 59). The involvement and equipping of church members for ministry is fundamental to preaching the gospel to “every creature” on our planet (Mark 16:15). To this effect, SAL offers a variety of professional certificates in key areas of ministry to prepare church members for evangelism and for the various leadership roles needed in the church. This document describes the nature of the program, the requirements for participants to obtain each of the certificates, and the suggested curriculum for each certificate available. More classes and certificates can be added to meet the immediate needs of the field.

Certificates

Bible Instructor Certificate

The completion of this certificate prepares participants to become effective Bible instructors. Students receive instruction regarding the canon of the Scriptures, biblical theology, the history and doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and how to disseminate successfully our beliefs. Jesus’ words: “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few” (Matt 9:37) underline the need for such a program. The dissemination of the gospel cannot depend on the efforts of the minister alone. The biblical doctrine of the priesthood of all believers teaches that every church member has the responsibility to be involved as a witness for Christ.

Church Leadership Certificate

The purpose of this certificate is to train lay leaders in the various leadership roles of the local church and to share the responsibilities of the local church pastor. The Christian church began as a lay movement, and only with the involvement of lay leaders the church will be able to disseminate the gospel throughout the world. “There should be a well-organized plan for the employment of workers to go into all our churches, large and small, to instruct the members how to labor for the up building of the church and also for unbelievers. It is training, education, that is needed” (9T 117—1909). This statement by Ellen White, as well as Jethro’s counsel to Moses (Exo 18:1-12) underscores the importance of a leadership program for lay leaders.

Small Group Leadership Certificate

Some of the fastest growing Christian churches in the world use small groups as the basis for their growth strategy. The Bible and the Seventh-day Adventist Church provide biblical and historical principles concerning successful small groups. This professional certificate aims to prepare participants in the theory and practice of small groups. At the end of the instructional seminars, students will be able to establish and lead a small group. To graduate, participants need to attend to all lectures and develop a new small group in their home or community.

Marriage and Family Certificate

The growing high rate of divorce and family problems in the Western World, including the Seventh-day Adventist church, elicits the need for a program to strengthen nuclear families in the local church and their communities. This certificate program begins with the application of tests and surveys among participants, to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of their families. The curriculum for this program is contextualized to the results of the tests and surveys. Requirements for the program include the completion of the course Theological Foundations for Marriage and Family, and reading Ellen G. White’s book: The Adventist Home. Some statements from this book lay down the importance of the family as a foundational unit in society and the church, here on earth and on the kingdom of God. “Marriage is something that will influence and affect your life both in this world and in the world to come” (White. Elena. The Adventist Home, pp. 15, 43).

Lay Preacher Certificate

This certificate is very useful for ministers in multi-church districts where attending multiple church-districts require the aid of lay preachers. Ministers in multi-church districts cannot simultaneously be in all churches they lead and therefore they need the support of capable lay preachers to nurture the grey and to evangelize the community. This certificates aims to instruct lay members in the art of preparing and delivering solid Adventist messages.

The church enjoys the blessing of having preachers who, endowed with natural charisma and public appeal, attract audiences to hear the gospel. However, other members of the body of Christ can also learn to be effective evangelists. Paul invites Christian followers to seek those gifts they may not have, which can benefit the church (1 Corinthians 12:31). Jesus’ mandate to go into “all the world and preach the good news to all” (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; Matthew 24:14) it is not confined to fulltime preachers alone, it applies to every Christian believer. This certificate is designed for church members, men and women, who want to be involved in preaching the word from the church pulpit. The certificate reviews theological foundations for preaching and the art of preparing and delivering effective biblical sermons.

Sabbath School Teachers and Superintendents

This certificate aims to instruct adult Sabbath School leaders in the preparation of attractive Sabbath School programs. The course also prepares participants in the theory and practice of teaching adults. The certificate exposes participants to the history and purpose of the Sabbath School program and to concepts such as andragogy, teaching methods, and communicating the gospel effectively.

Church Planting Certificate

Church planting has long been considered “the single most effective evangelistic methodology under heaven.” ^[1] Jesus’ great commission as well as an array of biblical statements to “preach the gospel in all the world” and to “make disciples” imply the formation of churches (Matt 24:14; 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; 13:46-48). Students who register to this certificate will receive instruction regarding the biblical meaning and nature of the church, how church planting has been implemented in the Adventist church as well as by other denominations, and church planting models and strategies. In addition, students will understand the importance of the church as an organic whole possessing the structures necessary for the spiritual sustenance and development of each member of the body. To graduate, participant will need to plant a small group with the goal to convert it into a healthy church.

Community Chaplain Certification

This certification is aimed at instructing church members in the basic principles of chaplaincy and in how to apply such principles to their task as lay leaders. Also, the courses in this certification provide the tools that are necessary in order to share the gospel with people who are in a hospital and in crisis.

Youth Ministry

It is a historical fact that the younger generation replaces its parents’ generation in the social, political, and religious world. As a consequence, the future of our society in general and our church in particular depends upon the ability of current leaders to raise a generation of young people dedicated to serving society and the church. The challenge of educating young people has been discussed since the times before Jesus Christ was born. The youth ministry certification focuses on preparing participants in the theology and practice of youth ministry. The curriculum includes theological studies related to youth ministry, offers solutions to the most common problems young people face in our society, and suggests models for an effective ministry to Adventist youth.

History and Challenges of the SDA Church

This certificate prepares participants in important areas related to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The course reviews the denomination’s history and the development of its doctrines. It also explores some challenges related to separatist movements, and it explores how to deal with false doctrines. Participants will receive ideas from theory and practice regarding the dissemination of conventional Adventism.

Health and Nutrition Certificate

Human beings’ physical and mental are closely related to their spiritual health. A healthy mind and a healthy body are necessary for a healthy relationship with God and with our neighbors, and for the fulfilment of the church’s mission. Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and the dwelling of the “living God.” We must present our bodies unto Him as acceptable, and worthy of His presence (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 6:16).

This health and nutrition certificate prepares participants in a balanced knowledge of both the theory and the practice of human health, aiming at improving the participant’s physical, mental, and spiritual health, and aiming at integrating these principles in evangelism as well.

Urban Ministry Certificate

This certification studies the biblical theology of urban ministry, analyzing the origins of the first urban centers in biblical history, as well as some outstanding theological principles for urban evangelism. It also analyzes the anatomy of cities and their most common challenges. Also, the certification shares with participants basic principles for evangelizing urban communities.

Certification in Discipleship

As long as we continue to live in this world affected by the consequences of sin, the message about a coming restored world will continue to be a necessary subject, welcomed by people who are suffering because of the present situation of our planet. This reality calls for recruiting and continuous formation of new disciples who can dedicate themselves to spreading the message. This certification aims at preparing participants in the theory and practice of biblical discipleship.

Leadership and Patient Care for Hospitals

Jesus’s words, “I was sick…and you visited me” (Matt 25:36) are a fitting example of what Christian hospitals must do in the communities where they serve. This certification instructs participants in the theory and practice of patient care. Christian hospitals are complexed organizations designed to provide holistic patient and community care. This certificate is designed for hospital leaders and personnel to serve hospital patients physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Program Curriculum and Delivery

SAL is committed to serve the local field in their particular context and is open to the creation of new certificates and classes. New courses and certificates can be added in consultation with the IHM director. The courses can be offered on weekends on a monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly basis. So far, the most effective mode of delivery has been one weekend a month for a minimum of six months. Adding a seventh month is convenient to accommodate emergencies participants may have, which may impede attendance to one of the classes. Normally, the IHM director is present for the first and last course modules, introducing the program, teaching a class, and officiating during the graduation ceremony.

Certification Requirements

SAL certificates can be offered at any site by just contacting the IHM office at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary (SDATS) <www.andrews.edu/ihm>. Each professional certificate requires the attendance to 40 hours of lectures and 60 hours of practical work, that may include, preaching, giving Bible studies, teaching a Sabbath School class, or serving as a leader in the local church (e.g., small group, Sabbath School, youth, or outreach leadership). Participants do not need any type of academic background, unless they want to obtain graduate credits from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary.

Several requirements are needed before a certificate from SAL can be granted at any of the sites where the school is adopted:

1) A written petition by site coordinator with the following information

a) Site where the certificate will be offered
b) Name of the certificate (Bible instructor, leadership, etc.)
c) List of classes to be taught
d) Dates and professors for each of the classes
e) Graduation date

2) Participants’ registration

The site coordinator needs to create a registration form in which participants agree to meet all certification requirements. Currently, most sites charge a reasonable fee to cover for expenses such as food, handouts, certificates, graduation regalia, and instructors’ expenses.

3) Attendance and assignment control

Field coordinators need to keep attendance and monthly-assignment completion records of all students. This requirement is necessary to give the program the seriousness that it deserves. Before signing the certificates, there should be a report including attendance and number of hours.

4) Diplomas

Local site coordinators need to design a diploma for each student with the official Andrews University logo assigned to the Institute of Hispanic Ministry (IHM). A sample of the certificate with the official logo is available to local field coordinators after they provide the list of graduates’ names, the classes they received, and the names of the professors who taught each class. The diplomas are generally signed by SAL director at the graduation ceremony.

Accreditation

Two semester graduate credits per certificate may be earned through the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary [SDATS] at Andrews University upon the successful completion of all certificate requirements. Students who wish to receive these graduate credits must have a bachelor’s degree and must complete a “Permission to Take Classes” form and register for GSEM648 Workshop–2 credits, with the director of the Institute of Hispanic Ministry. The form must be completed and submitted with a copy of Bachelors degree, the recording fee, and a letter from the local SAL coordinator ascertaining the student completed all certificate requirements at the award ceremony. Workshop credits require the approval of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Dean’s office.

Financial Information

Host organizations—Local churches, Conferences, Unions or Divisions‑‑are responsible for the operating cost associated with the delivery of all certificate courses. Some operating costs include travel expenses for instructors, duplication of materials, food, securing a meeting place, cost of certificate received by each student, promoting the program among church members, and other expenses. Host organizations may recover all or part of the expenses by asking participant for a reasonable registration fee. The IHM counts with limited funds to help local fields covering for the traveling expenses of the program director for the beginning of the certification and for the graduation ceremony.

Award Ceremony

An award ceremony for each certificate program will be organized for those who successfully complete the program’s requirements. Local Conference, Union, or division officials may be invited to take part in the ceremony. The attire used by students for the award ceremony will be determined by local field administrators.

BIBLE INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATE

Purpose

The completion of this certificate prepares participants to become effective Bible instructors. Students receive instruction regarding the canon of the Scriptures, biblical theology, the history and doctrines of the SDA Church, and how to disseminate successfully our beliefs. Jesus’ words: “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few” (Matt 9:37) underline the need for such a program. The dissemination of the gospel cannot depend on the efforts of the minister alone. The biblical doctrine of the priesthood of all believers teaches that every church member has the responsibility to be involved as a witness for Christ. To graduate, students to attend to all lectures and witness a minimum of 10 hours a month, with people in the community.

Curriculum for Bible Instructor

BIB101 Introduction to the Bible

Course Objective‑‑To provide participants with overall knowledge about the history, nature, and chronology of the Bible. Students will learn about the history of both canons, about the background and times in with the writers of the Scriptures lived and other important facts about the Word of God. He who teaches the Word needs to be acquainted with the Word. Sample course topics include:

The Old Testament Canon (History; Jewish, protestant, catholic canons; manuscripts; Bible versions; etc.)
The Intertestamental Period (History, writings, etc.)
The New Testament Canon
Bible chronology

BIB102 Introduction to Theology

Course objective—To establish the divine origin of the Scriptures and to teach students the principles for the interpretation of the Bible and the writings of Ellen G. White. Students will also learn how to teach the main Biblical prophecies. Sample course topics include:

Revelation and Inspiration
Hermeneutics—principles for interpreting the Bible and EGW
Prophecies—study of the main biblical prophecies

BIB103 The Adventist Church in History and Prophecy

Course objective—To instruct students in the history and organization of the prophetic Seventh-day Adventist Movement. The course begins with a brief history of the Christian movement and then the Seventh-day Adventist Church is introduced in the context of biblical prophecy. The course includes remarks about the structure and scope of Remnant Church. Sample course topics include:

Brief history of the Christian Church
The Adventist church in prophecy and history
The ministry and writings of Ellen White
The organization and growth of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

BIB104 Seventh-day Adventist Doctrines

Course objective—Students study selected Seventh-day Adventist doctrines to become knowledgeable and prepared to share them with the non- Seventh-day Adventist community. The doctrines for this course are selected in consultation with local church leaders and administrators. Sample doctrines may include:

The Sanctuary
The Sabbath
The Trinity
The Spiritual Gifts
Christian norms
Stewardship

BIB105 Principles and Practice of Teaching

Course objective— This course analyses teaching principles to help students become effective agents of the Word of God. Insights on teaching from the Bible as well as from current Christian literature on the subject are presented to provide students with the knowledge they need to become effective Bible instructors. Sample course topics include:

Teaching principles from the Bible
Philosophy of Education
Teaching methods
Pedagogy and andragogy

BIB106 Bible Difficulties and Apparent Contradictions

Course objective— The study of Bible verses and controversial topics used by unbelievers to question the inspiration of the Scriptures and to undermine the Seventh-day Adventist beliefs. Sample course topics include:

“Eat anything sold in the meat market” (1Cor 10:25).
“The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking” (Rom 14:17).
“Did all species of animals fit in Noah’s Ark?
“The Sabbath day as the seventh day was lost in the day of Joshua when God stop the sun for almost an entire day.”

BIB107 Principles and Practice of Personal Evangelism

Course objective—This course analyses the basic principles associated with personal evangelism and reviews different methods to evangelize the community. Sample course topics include:

Evangelism made personal
Jesus and personal evangelism
Principles for successful personal evangelism
Friendship evangelism
Ellen White and personal evangelism

BIB108 Comparative Religions

Course objective— This course aims to teach church members how to defend our doctrines against the attacks of world religious movements. Opposing beliefs of different religions and Christian denominations are analyzed and ready-to-use answers are provided to students. Sample course topics include:

The main world religions (Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, etc.)
The Jehovah Witnesses
The Mormons
The Pentecostals
The Catholics
New Age and Post-modernism

BIB109 Christian Persuasion

Course objective— Persuading people to accept the good news of Jesus is fundamental to personal evangelism. This required course prepares participants in the art of leading people to accept Christ as their personal Savior and to join the Seventh-day Adventist church. Sample course topics include:

Persuasion in the Bible
Persuasion in the writings of Ellen G. White
Persuasion in history
Persuasion in marketing, today
How to prepare and make persuasive appeals

CHURCH LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE

Purpose

The purpose of this program is to prepare lay leaders to assume leadership roles in the local church. The Christian church began as a lay movement and only with the involvement of lay leaders the church will it be able to finish the task of disseminating the gospel throughout the world.

Participants receive instruction on the theological foundations for Christian leadership, how to manage conflict in the church context, how to instill change, and on other basic topics related to church leadership. “The minister should not feel that it is his duty to do all the talking and all the laboring and all the praying; but he should make it a part of his work to educate workers in every church” (RH Nov. 6, 1888). This declaration as well as Jethro’s counsel to Moses (Exo 18:1-12), underline the importance of a leadership program to train lay leaders.

“There should be a well-organized plan for the employment of workers to go into all our churches, large and small, to instruct the members how to labor for the up building of the church and also for unbelievers. It is training, education, that is needed” (9T 117—1909). To graduate, participants need to attend to all lectures and become involve in leadership activities in the local church—small group leadership is highly recommended.

Curriculum for Church Leadership

LID101 Leadership in the Bible and EGW writings

Course objective— The purpose for this course is to lay the theological foundation for Christian leadership. Christian leadership differs from secular leadership in that church leaders depend on the work of volunteers, not paid workers, to accomplish their responsibilities. Sample course topics include:

Biblical terminology on leadership
Theology of leadership
Leadership insights from Jesus
Servant leadership
Spirituality in leadership
The traits of the Christian leader

Spiritual Gifts and Leadership

Course objective— Effective church leaders and volunteers are more efficient if they work in areas in which they are gifted. This course instructs students in the nature and purpose of Spiritual Gifts, and helps church member discover and enhance their personal gifts. Sample course topics include:

The Bible and the gifts of the Spirit
The gift of leadership
The importance of leading according to gifts
Gift discovery and development

LID103 Conflict Management

Course objective— Conflict is everywhere, and churches are not immune to conflict. This course studies conflict from a Christian perspective, and provides the knowledge and skills to manage conflict in the church setting. Sample course topics include:

Biblical perspectives on conflict
Types of conflict
Conflict and culture
Approaches to conflict management
Steps to conflict management
Dealing with ineffective volunteers

LID 104 Strategic Planning for the local church

Course objective— Planning, setting goals, organizing, and motivating are fundamental steps in leading any church department. Jesus said: “Which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” (Luke 14:28). This course prepares church members in the art of strategic planning. Sample course topics include:

Goal setting
Recruitment
Organizing for goal achievement
Motivation
Evaluation
Budgeting

LID105 Dealing with Change

Course objective— We live in an evolving society that constantly challenges the Christian church with new paradigms. This course teaches church leaders how to adapt ministry to a changing society without compromising the Christian moral principles. Sample course topics include:

The nature of our changing society
Factors affecting change
Steps to change
Dealing with criticism

LID 106 Leadership Models and Styles

Course objective— The successful church leader needs to know which leadership style is more appropriate for the group he or she is leading. This course studies different leadership models and styles in the light of the Word of God and provides insights on the factors that influence the way decisions are made. Sample course topics include:

Leadership models in history
Leadership styles
Factor affecting the style
Servant leadership

LID107 Leadership Authority and Accountability

Course objective— The purpose of this course is to study biblical sources of authority for the church leader, and the importance to be accountable to God, the family, and the church. Sample course topics include:

The Bible and authority
Power and authority
Sources of authority
Accountability in leadership

LID108 Spirituality and Leadership

Course objective— This spiritual formation course is designed to underline the role of the Trinity in ministry and to teach students about prayer, meditation, and personal devotion. Sample course topics include:

The meaning of spirituality
The role of the Holy Spirit in ministry
Theology of prayer
Praying for the sick
Practical spirituality

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY CERTIFICATE

Purpose

The growing high rate of divorce and family problems in the Western World, including the Seventh-day Adventist church, elicits the need for a program to strengthen nuclear families in the local church and their communities. This certificate program begins with the application of tests and surveys among participants, to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of their families. The curriculum for this program is contextualized to the results of the tests and surveys. Requirements for the program include the completion of the course, theological Foundations for Marriage and Family, and reading Ellen White’s book: The Adventist Home. Some statements from this book lay down the importance of the family as a foundational unit in society and the church, here on earth and on the kingdom of God. “Marriage is something that will influence and affect your life both in this world and in the world to come” (White, Elena. Adventist Home, pp. 15, 43).

Curriculum for Marriage and Family

FAM101 Theological Foundations for Marriage and Family

Biblical foundations
Insights from Ellen White
Foundations for a Strong Family
Family Models and Theories

FAM102 Life Cycle of the Family

Individual life cycle
Family life cycle
The evolution of the family
Approaches to marriage
Marriage types
The family system

FAM103 Family Challenges

Modernity and the nuclear family
Power struggles
Gender roles
Abuse and violence
Pain and stress
Divorce and remarriage

FAM104 Managing Conflict in the Family

Biblical teachings
Types of conflict
Sources/factors leading to conflict in the family
Levels of conflict
Constructive responses to conflict
Self-conflict management
Approaches to conflict
Problem solving

FAM105 Work and Money

Biblical insights
Finances in the nuclear family
Dual earner marriages
Unemployment and poverty

FAM106 Marriage, Love and Communication

Communication insights from the Bible
Communication concepts
Gender differences in communication
Communication skills

FAM107 Family Ministry

Steps to family ministry
Women’s ministries
Men’s ministries
Family encounters

SMALL GROUP LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE

Purpose

It is a known fact that small groups constitute a successful strategy for church growth. Jesus began the largest known religious church movement with a small group of twelve, which in a few decades managed to proclaime the gospel “to every creature under heaven” (Col 1:15, 23). There is in every church member sufficient evangelistic energy, that well channeled, has the potential to inundate an entire community with the edifying gospel of Three Angels Message.

The purpose of this certificate is to instruct local church members in the theological, historical, and empirical foundations of small group ministry. Well-organized small-church groups not only have the potential to share pastoral ministerial tasks, but have the capacity to involve inactive church members in ministry. Small groups create new structures of participation and offer opportunity for the development of lay leaders. SAL is designed for baptized Adventist church members who have Adventism in their hearts and would like to use their individual homes as beacons of light to illuminate their neighborhoods with the light of the gospel.

Curriculum for Small Group Leadership

GRUP101 Theological Foundations for Small Groups

Course Objective— Teach participants theological foundations for small groups. The course includes foundations from the Bible, the writings of Ellen White, and foundations from other theological books on the subject. It is important to teach this course as early as possible so students can have from the beginning a solid foundation of the nature and theology of the small group theory. Some subjects to be studied are:

Theological foundations from the Old Testament Canon
Theological foundations from the New Testament
Theological foundations from the writings of Ellen White

GRUP102 Historical Foundations for Small Groups

Course Objective— This course aims to provide students with denominational and non-denominational evidence related to the history and practice small groups.

The origin of the synagogue
Small group during the Roman and Chinese governments
John Wesley’s class meetings
Small groups in the history of the Seventh-day Adventist church
Branch Sabbath Schools
Bible Sabbath Schools
The twentieth century awakening
Practical foundation for small groups

GRUP103 Small Groups Types and Models

Course Objective— The purpose of this course is to discuss with participants the different small group types and models used in the practice of ministry in the Adventist church as well as outside the church.

Difference between small groups and teams
Small group types
Small group models
A comparative study of types and models
The Sabbath School classes as the bases for small group ministry
Current small group models: David Cho, César Castellanos, etc.

GRUP104 The Development of Small Groups

Course Objective— The course offers specific steps for the formation of small groups that follows established denominational protocols.

Steps for the formation of small groups
The dangers associated with the formation of small groups (Separatists)
The importance of following established denominational policies.
Requirement: Students should write a one-page report on how they would proceed in the development of a small group.

GRUP105 The Formation of Small Group Leaders

Course Objective— The key to the success of small groups is the recruitment and preparation of the leaders. This course builds on the curriculum for the certificate in leadership and adds the element of commitment to the task.

The recruitment of leaders according to spiritual gifts
The characteristics of successful small group leaders
The tasks and functions of small group leaders.
Principles for small group leadership
Teaching principles for small group leaders

GRUP106 The Preparation of Small Group Sessions

Course Objective— The longevity of small groups depends largely on the dialogue and fellowship that participants develop during the weekly meetings. Dialogue and fellowship is enhanced by fostering participative sessions, rather than by sermons. This course offers students practical instructions for the preparations of interactive group sessions.

Suggestions for the group program
Principles for the preparation of interactive Bible lessons
Small group questions to foster fellowship

LAY PREACHER CERTIFICATE

Purpose

This certificate is very useful for ministers in multi-church districts where attending multiple church-districts require the aid of lay preachers. Ministers in multi-church districts cannot be simultaneously be in all churches they lead and thus need the support of capable lay preachers to nurture the grey and to evangelize the community. This certificates aims to prepared lay in the art of preparing and delivering solid Adventist messages.

Curriculum for the Lay Preacher Certificate

PREACH101 Principles and Practice of Preaching

Course Objective— Students learn the principles and practice that regulate effective preaching. The knowledge and skills learned in this course are especially useful in multi-church districts where pastors cannot be in all their churches for worship and depend on the help of able lay preachers. Sample course topics include

Theology of preaching
Sermon anatomy
Homiletics
Types of sermons and preaching
Persuasion in preaching

PREACH102 Preaching Types and Styles

Course Objective— Students are exposed to different types of preaching, including narrative and didactic. Jesus was a master of narrative preaching who frequently used parables and other metaphors to convey the truth of the gospel.

Narrative preaching
Didactic preaching
Principles to preaching from the parables

PREACH103 Biblical Preaching

Course Objective— This course provides participants with information regarding the history, theology, and practice of preaching, biblical mandates to preach, biblical terminology, and how to select and analyze potential biblical texts for preaching.

Brief history of preaching
Preaching terminology from the Bible
The mandate to preach “preacherhood of all believers”
The selection and analysis of biblical texts for preaching

PREACH104 Homiletics

Course Objective— Homiletics is defined as the art of preaching. Preaching is an art regulated by theoretical and practical principles. This course instructs participant in how to prepare sermons, the anatomy and structure of sermons (introduction, body, conclusion), diction, and the sermon delivery.

Sermon structure
Duration and nature of each sermon part
Articulating the word (pitch, volume, rate, pauses, speed, eye contact, and body language).

PREACH 105 Christocentric Preaching

Course Objective— Ellen White states that it is Christ who melts the hearts of sinners and that every presentation of the gospel; therefore, should have Him as the center. This course studies what Christ means to the gospel and to the Christian Church, and instructs students on how to prepare and deliver Christ-centered sermons. Some topics suggested for this seminar are:

The Christocentric centrality of the gospel
The role of Christ in the salvation of sinners
Christ as the motivation source for Christian action
The preparation of Christ-centered messages

PREACH106 Incarnational Preaching

Course Objective— The life of the messenger must be aligned with the contents to the message. The preacher, to be effective, needs to live in harmony with the contents of his/her message. The success of preachers depends on the measure that the Holy Spirit uses them; after all, it is the third person of the Trinity that convict people of sin, not the eloquence of the preacher. The lives of Jesus and Paul are examples of preachers who lived what they preached (Jn 13:15; 1Tim 4:12; 1P 2:21). Some topics relevant for this class may be:

The life of the preacher
The role of the Holy Spirit in the success of the sermon
Incarnational preaching and preaching lessons from Jesus
People benefit more from “seeing a sermon” (incarnated) than “listening” to a sermon. (EGW and incarnational preaching).

PREACH 107 Evangelistic Preaching

Course Objective— The purpose of this course is to teach participants how to make and deliver evangelistic sermons. The class also makes a distinction between evangelistic preaching and other types of preaching. Preaching to church members during the main Sabbath sermon differs to preaching to non-church goers in contents and style. The evangelistic sermon to be effective needs to be relevant to the needs and style of the listeners. Some topics suggested for this course are:

The preparation of evangelistic sermons (inductive, deductive, abductive)
The delivery of effective sermons (style, volume, pauses, pitch, etc.)
Preparing the manuscript or the sermon outline
Sermon duration and ensuring the audience’s attention
Appeals in public evangelism

PREACH 108 Theological Foundations for Public Evangelism

Course Objective— This course studies the meaning of the word “evangelism” as is presented in the Bible and the writings of Ellen G. White. The course also studies the traits of the evangelist and how the message should be lived by the messenger before it can be preached effectively to the listeners. Some topics suggested for this course are:

Public evangelism in the Old Testament Canon
Public evangelism in the New Testament
Public evangelism in the writings of Ellen White
The traits of the successful evangelist

PREACH 109 Principles of Practice of Public Evangelism

Course Objective— This course underlines some of the basic principles related to public evangelism. Evangelism is a process regulated by universal principles which find roots in the Bible. Each principle is explained and theoretical samples on how they can be implemented are shared. The principles elucidated during the course are:

Preparation
Penetration
Attraction
Persuasion
Assimilation
Retention

PREACH 110 Evangelism and the Holy Spirit

Course Objective— The Holy Spirit is the person of the Trinity that convicts sinners of sin; thus, successful evangelism rests on the work of the Spirit through God’s messengers. True evangelists emulate the fruits of the Spirit and are impelled by the Spirit to preach and persuade sinner for Christ. Some topics suggested for this seminar are:

The person of the Holy Spirit
How to be baptized by the Holy Spirit
Spirituality and how to be spiritual
The reception of the Holy Spirit

PREACH 111 Urban Evangelism

Course Objective— A great number of Hispanics live in urban areas where citizens face challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and crime. These challenges often make people receptive to programs and activities designed to meet their needs. Public evangelism to be successful in these areas should be relevant to the pressing necessities people experience in urban areas. The establishment of urban centers as attraction places to meet the needs of citizens can be a magnet to bring prospects to the church. Some topics suggested for this seminar are:

The origin and challenges of urban communities
The evangelistic opportunities provided by urban communities
Contextualizing the gospel to urban citizens
The development of urban centers

PREACH 112 Public Evangelism Practicum

Course Objective— One of the main goals of SAL is to involve students in active ministry. The purpose of this certificate requirement is to organize members for the execution of an evangelistic campaign. This campaign can be organized and presented by members or participants may be organized to help in a major effort where an evangelist is invited for a massive evangelistic program. Some of the areas that may be included in this course requirement may be:

The organization of commissions for the evangelism (Music, ushers, sound, publicity, etc.)
The training for each commission
Preparation of the church (es) for the evangelistic effort
Design and distribution of the flyers
Etc.

SABBATH SCHOOL TEACHERS AND SUPERINTENDENTS

This certificate aims to instruct adult Sabbath School (SS) leaders in the preparation of attractive SS programs. The course also prepares participants in the theory and practice of teaching adults. The certificate exposes participants to the history and purpose of the SS program and to concepts such as andragogy, teaching methods, and communicating the gospel effectively. To graduate, participants need to attend to all lectures and become involve in the teaching ministry—Bible studies, Sabbath School, etc.

ESAB101 Sabbath School Leadership

Course Objective— This course reviews the origins of Sabbath School in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and the purpose behind the creation of that program. It also offers practical ideas related to organizing, leading and creating attractive and meaningful Sabbath School programs.

ESAB102 Andragogy—How Adults Learn

Course Objective — Attempting to teach adults as if they were children would be a mistake. This course distinguishes between pedagogy and andragogy, studies best-known learning theories, and exposes participants to practical concepts.

ESAB103 Methods and Models of Teaching

Course Objective — A good teacher uses different methods in order to highlight his teaching and in order to facilitate the student’s learning. This course suggests several methods for teaching Sabbath School, including methods such as collaboration, demonstration, direct lecturing, and participation.

ESAB104 The Bible—Authority and Interpretation

Course Objective — The Seventh-day Adventist Church accepts the Bible as the infallible Word of God, and bases its 28 fundamental beliefs in the writings of this sacred book. Those who study the Bible, including Sabbath School teachers, sometimes build biblical knowledge based upon presuppositions and personal criteria. This course aims at emphasizing the authority of the Bible, and it studies hermeneutical principles that help the teacher to understand Bible teachings.

ESAB105 Communication and Teaching

Course Objective — Teaching and communication are closely related. This course discusses theories, models, and challenges of teaching. It also emphasizes the benefits of a good sense of humor in learning.

ESAB106 Teaching and relationships

Course Objective — In the context of Sabbath School, teaching is an activity that involves relationships between participants, as well as between the teacher and other participants. This course studies the importance of relationships in learning, and it showcases Jesus as the model Teacher.

ESAB107 Foundations and principles of teaching

Course Objective — This course reviews philosophical and theological foundations of teaching. Also, it studies the cycle, styles, and principles of learning.

CHURCH PLANTING CERTIFICATE

Purpose

Church planting has long been considered “the single most effective evangelistic methodology under heaven.”^[2] Jesus’ great commission as well as an array of biblical statements to “preach the gospel in all the world” and to “make disciples” imply the formation of churches (Matt 24:14; 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; 13:46-48). Students who register to this certificate will receive instruction regarding the biblical meaning and nature of the church, how church planting has been implemented in the Adventist church as well as by other denominations, and church planting models and strategies. In addition, students will understand the importance of the church as an organic whole possessing the structures necessary for the spiritual sustenance and development of each member of the body. To graduate, participant will need to plant a small group with the goal to convert it into a healthy church.

Curriculum for Church Planting

CHP101 Theological Foundations for Church Planting

Course Objective— This course prepares students in the theological aspects of church planting. The course reviews biblical foundations for church planting and provides a list of church planting principles from the Word of God. Furthermore, participants review key church planting statements from writing of Ellen G. White. Sample course topics include:

Biblical concepts, nature, and assumptions regarding church planting.
Church planting and God’s plan for Israel in the Old Testament to reach the world.
The church as a body of believers.
The church as a living organism. Unity and synergism among each member.
Church planting insights from Jesus.
Biblical principles for church planting.
Church planting insights from the writings of Ellen White.

CHP102 Church Planting Principles

Course Objective— In depth study of the best-known church planting principles. Principles such as expansion and extension growth, the church as a reproductive entity, preaching, knowing the context, Christian responsibility, fostering change in a conformist environment, involving members in ministry, prayer, vision, mission, etc.^[3]

The church as a reproductive body.
Expansion and extension growth.
Fostering Christian responsibility.
Discipleship and church planting.
Training and motivation church members for extension growth.

CHP103 Church Planting Strategies and Methods

Course Objective— This course aims to instruct participants in church planting strategies and methods. Effective church planting strategies and methods considers the context and the available resources. The following are some of the church planting strategies to be studied:

Branch church planting—Spinning off members from a mother church. As Church in Jerusalem grew, they met in house (Acts 2).
Colonization church planting—Intentionally or unintentionally relocating a core group from another church to plant a new community. The church at Antioch (Acts 11:19-21) sprang from those “transplanted” believers.
Pioneer (missionary) church planting—Starting a new church from scratch (Acts 13:1-3)
Adopting—A larger church is approached by a group who wants to begin a church and needs assistance.
Partnering—Several churches and/or denominational or mission agencies cooperate in starting a new church
Revitalizing—A larger church assists a struggling older church to get on its feet again. ^[4]

CHP104 Church Planting Stages

Course Objective— Successful church planting requires an intentional and organized process that includes church protocols, demographic research, and a place to begin the new congregation. This class prepares participants in the ABCs of church planting. Following are some church planting stages based on a botanical metaphor.^[5]

Preparation stage—Preparing the soil. Resources, type of church, target group, goals, recruiting founding members, etc.
Finding a barn—Finding a suitable meeting place is very important. If the place is too small, relocation will be imminent. Some people begin with a temporary meeting place which may affect attendance if meeting too far from the place.
Planting the seed—Recruiting and attracting people to the meeting place
Seedling stage—The inauguration stage should be done with a splash. The new church needs all elements of a healthy church—children’s classroom, etc.
Sapling stage—The young church should show signs of health and growth within the first year. Requires watering and feeding.

CHP105 Planting Churches Thought Small Groups

Course Objective— The small group as the basis for church planting is one of the most effective strategies for church develop new churches. The key is not to hold regular church services on Sabbath until the group is large enough to have all Sabbath School classes and an appropriate worship place is secured.^[6]

Biblical foundations for small group ministry
The synagogue in the context of the small group
Small groups models
The house-church in the New Testament
The cell church
The small group as the basis for church planting

CHP106 Leadership for Church Planters

Course Objective— Good leadership is the key to success in church planting. This course lays the foundation for small group leadership. Some of the areas studied for this class include:^[7]

Leadership insights from Bible
Great leaders of the Bible: Moses, Joseph, Nehemiah, etc.
Leadership insight from Jesus
Servant leadership
The importance of teamwork
Leadership for small group leaders

CHP107 Nurturing and Growing the Church Plant

Course Objective—New churches as newborn babies require lots of time and tender care to maintain steady growth. This class prepares participants on how to foster church health and growth once the church has been planted. ^[8]

The church as a healthy living organism
The marks of a healthy church
How to detect and cure church diseases
Becoming a healthy church

YOUTH MINISTRY

Curriculum for Youth Ministry

JOV101 Theological Foundations for Youth Ministry

Course Objective— This course analyzes theological matters related to youth ministry. It studies biblical concepts that emphasize the importance of ministerial work among the youth, as well as the role of family in the process of spiritual formation for young people. Youth ministry will never be able to replace the role of the family in the formation of youth. Ellen White’s counsels on youth ministry receive special attention in this course. Suggested instructor: Allan Machado

Biblical mandates for youth ministry
The youth as an indispensable part of the body of Christ (1 Chorintians 12).
The family and the spiritual formation of youth
Outstanding young people in the Bible
Ellen White’s counsels to young people

JOV102 The youth and their challenges—practical counsels

Course Objective— We live in an ever-changing society, which presents countless challenges for the youth. This course aims at identifying the most outstanding problems youth faces, and it also identifies viable solutions that might help young people face their day-to-day challenges and their spiritual challenges. Some of the challenges the course explores include drug consumption, the cost of education, premarital sex, materialism, obesity, peer pressure, unemployment, divorce, and discrimination. Suggested teacher: Alfonso Valenzuela.

Social problems among the youth—courtship and premarital sex
Education—importance and challenges
Religion: antagonist philosophies—post-modernism
The issue of drugs and narcotics

JOV103 Youth Leadership—Principles and practice

Course Objective— This course aims at contextualizing a leadership model that is applicable to youth in the context where the participant might be ministering. The behavior and style of young people in our society are shaped by intellectual, social, cultural, and civil philosophies in the context in which people live. The successful Christian leader should use a leadership style and model that can galvanize young people in the church’s mission. The course studies biblical concepts and theories on leadership. Through inductive leadership, the course leads participants to identify the most compelling issues young people face in the church and in society. Once they have identified these issues, participants will be instructed in the best way to diagnose and prescribe a contextualized action plan. Suggested teacher:

Leadership through the lens of the Bible
Successful leaders in the Bible (Joseph, Timothy, etc.)
Leadership styles
Leadership theories
Inductive Leadership

JOV104 How to Reach Today’s Youth

Course Objective— Through the centuries, many philosophies have emerged that militate against the integrity of God’s Word and the morality of human beings. Philosophies such as humanism, modernism and postmodernism have opposed many of the Bible’s cardinal teachings, successfully derailing myriads of young and old with relativistic, pluralistic, and secularistic ideas. This course exposes contemporary philosophies in the light of truth, and presents a practical evangelism strategy to reach today’s youth. Suggested teacher: Ricardo Norton.

Philosophies and movements that challenge the Gospel
The Bible and truth
Faith, reason, and truth
In defense of truth
How to reach today’s people—a strategy

JOV105 Youth Ministry among Second and Third Generation Immigrants

Course Objective— It is estimated that by 2020 most Hispanics in the United States will be children of immigrants. Second and third generation Hispanics constitute a different culture, known as “the third culture,” with challenges and peculiarities that should be considered in evangelistic efforts towards them. This course aims at preparing participants for youth ministry among second and third generation Hispanics. Suggested teacher: Ricardo Norton

A brief history of immigration in the United States
Evangelism among Hispanic immigrants in the second half of the XXth Century.
The explosive growth of second generation Hispanics—the fertility of Latinas
Evangelistic challenges among second generation Hispanics
Ministry among second generation Hispanics

JOV106 Counsels for Young People on Courtship and Marriage

Course Objective— Social relationships between young people often lead to premarital sexual relationships. Statistics among young people in the United States indicate that only 3% of married people have abstained from premarital sex. Statistics among evangelicals inform that 80% of churchgoers in the United States have been engaged in premarital sex. This course also presents important counsels for the formation of social relationships that could lead to a happy marriage. Suggested teacher: Jorge Mayer

Statistics and issues related to premarital relationships
The Bible and friendships
Friendship and courtship
Guiding principles for courtship and marriage

JOV107 Youth Sabbath: A model to Engage Young People in the Church

Course Objective— This course presents different models to minister and engage young people within the local church, focusing on the model created by Dr. Luis Fernando Ortiz. This model dedicates one Sabbath for young people every month, and they organize a worship service for the entire church. Dr. Luis F. Ortiz teaches this course, which requires two days: Sabbath afternoon and all day Sunday.

Christian models to minister young people
Origin and nature of the Youth Sabbath
Specific steps for the development and implementation of this program

JOV108 Discipleship for Young People

Course Objective— Youth ministry is more than gathering young people for social activities. It includes the formation of disciples. This course studies biblical discipleship and introduces youth discipleship models that are appropriate for the local church. Suggested teacher: Ricardo Norton

Biblical discipleship
Challenges of discipleship among young people
Biblical models of discipleship
Recruiting and formation of young disciples

HISTORY AND CHALLENGES OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

Curriculum for History and Challenges of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

IASD101 History and Development of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in history and prophecy
The Millerite Movement
The Great Disappointment—October 22, 1844
Organization of the church
Worldwide church statistics (members, churches, schools, etc.).

IASD102 Fundamental Beliefs

History of doctrinal formation within the church
Distinctive beliefs—Investigative judgment, heavenly sanctuary, foot-washing ceremony, the three-angels’ message.
The development of the 28 beliefs

IASD103 Independent Movements

Independent movements which support the church
Separatist movements
The Reformists
The Sheperd’s Rod
Hartland Institute
Other separatist movements
Ellen White and independent movements

IASD104 Controversial doctrines

Anti-Trinitarian theories
Secular music, music in the church, instruments, subliminal messages, etc.
Vegetarianism

IASD105 Theology of the Sabbath and the Practice of Keeping the Sabbath

The Sabbath in the Bible
The Sabbath in history
The Sabbath in the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
Keeping the Sabbath
The Sabbath in prophecy

IASD106 The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the global scene

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the global Christian scene
The impact of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the world
The challenge of evangelizing all people
Strategy to impact the world

HEALTH AND NUTRITION CERTIFICATE

Curriculum for Health and Nutrition

SAL101 Theological Principles of Health

Course Objective— God wants his followers to prosper in everything, and to be healthy (3 Jn. 2). This course analyzes the subject of health and nutrition through the lens of the Bible and the writings of Ellen White. The focus will be on the following subjects, among others:

Eden’s original diet
The effect of sin and flood on human diet
The ceremonial system and meat consumption
Difficult texts: quails, Elijah’s food, Cornelius, Genesis 18, etc.
Ellen White, vegetarianism and salvation

SAL102 Natural Remedies

Course Objective— This course studies the 8 natural remedies historically promoted by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, giving special attention to water, rest, sunlight, and pure air. Other natural remedies will be further studied in other classes.

Water—Importance, pollution, consumption, biblical symbol of cleanliness
Rest—The need for physical rest, habits that interfere with sleep, the Sabbath as a physical and spiritual rest, etc.
Sunlight—Benefits and dangers of sunlight. Introducing Christ as the Sun of Righteousness, and as the source of true light.
Pure air—Importance of breathin clean, pure air. Introducing the Holy Spirit as the soul’s Ruah.

SAL103 Nutrition and Performance

Course Objective— Quality and quantity in terms of food affects health and performance in human beings. This course studies the characteristics and dangers of different types of food that are available for human consumption in supermarkets. Subjects of study:

Food groups—Fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, dairy.
Carbohydrates and amino acids—Characteristics, and how to identify them
Basic vitamins for the body— Characteristics, and how to identify them
Saturated fats—Dangers, and how to identify them

SAL104 Mental Health

Course Objective— Mental health issues are rising dramatically around the world. It is estimated that United States has 44,3 million people with mental disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental health disorders. Mental health disorders constitute a major cause of disability in North America. Subjects of study:

Anatomy and physiology of the mind
Common mental disorders—Identifying them and analyzing their causes and treatment.
Diet and mental disorders—Recent studies link certain dietary habits with mental disorders.
Religion and mental health—How God and the church can strengthen our mental health.

SAL105 Spirituality and Health

Course Objective— This course underlines the importance of faith and hope as essential elements of human health. It includes practical ideas to develop faith and hope, including personal devotion and family worship.

The Bible and spirituality—Meaning. Who is a spiritual person?
The search for spirituality—A historical perspective on how human beings have pursued spirituality through solitude, monasticism, mysticism, etc.
Disciplines associated to spirituality—Scripture reading, prayer, worship, etc.
Practical counsels on spiritual formation—Family worship, personal devotion, etc.

SAL106 Health and Work

Course Objective— God provided work as a blessing for human beings to develop physical, mental, and spiritual capabilities (PP 31; Ed. 18). This course analyzes the importance of work as a means to keep the mind busy in beneficial things and as a source of income for obtaining healthy food and adequate medical services.

Work and physical health—The work that requires using muscles strengthens the body in general, and the heart in particular. It helps people with arthritis.
Work and mental health—Working keeps the mind away from problems and concerns.
Work as a protection from idleness—Biblical references on the subject
Work, money, and healthcare—The necessity of money for food, education, and appropriate medical attention.

SAL107 Health Evangelism

Course Objective— Historically, health and medical work have been one of the most effective means to take the three angels’ message to non-Adventists. This course presents principles and practical ideas to integrate health with the Gospel (for instance, cooking classes, 5-day-plans for smoking cessation, seminars, personal witness, etc.).

SAL108 Drugs, Narcotics

Course Objective— To enable the student to identify issues related to drugs and narcotics, and analyzing the harmful effects they cause, as well as the necessary preventative measures and pertinent treatments.

SAL109 Preventive Medicine

Identifying diseases that are often linked to inadequate diet and lifestyle (cancer, diabetes, anxiety, etc.). Invitation to avoid products that are harmful on health.

URBAN MINISTRY CERTIFICATE

Curriculum for Urban Ministry

URBAN101 Biblical Foundations for Urban Ministry

Urbanization in the Bible
Urban centers in the Bible—Archaeology
The mandate to reach urban centers
Foundations of urbanization in the Old Testament
Foundations of urbanization in the New Testament

URBAN102 Ellen White and Urban Ministry

An essential work
Evangelism in cities
The work within cities
The work in specific cities
The message: Centered in Christ, and contextualized

URBAN103 Social stratification—anatomy and evangelism

Urban anatomy—Neighborhoods, suburbs, ghettos, exclusive zones, etc.
The upper class
The middle class
The upper-middle class
The working poor
Racial communities—ethnic groups
Mixed communities

URBAN104 Urban challenges and solutions

The influence of globalization
Cultural barriers
Poverty
Crime
Illiteracy
Drug addiction
Prostitution
Divorce
Abuse: to children and others

URBAN105 The urban evangelist

Every member as an evangelist
The knowledge of truth
Preaching by example
Spiritual preparation
Mission discipline

URBAN106 Urban Ministries

Food—Food banks
Education—Marriage, parenthood, etc.
Service—painting, cleaning, washing cars, etc.
Prison ministry
Hospital ministry
Health programs
Festivities—Christmas dinner and gifts, etc.
Inviting firemen, the Red Cross, etc.
Financial lessons

URBAN107 Strategy for Urban Evangelism

Identification
Penetration
Attraction
Proclamation
Persuasion
Assimilation

URBAN108 Small Groups in Urban Evangelism

Small groups to reach the rich
Small groups to reach the youth
Small groups to reach the poor
Small groups to reach college students
Small groups to reach professionals

CERTIFICATION IN DISCIPLESHIP

Curriculum for the Certification in Discipleship

In order to complete this certification, students should complete a minimum of 36 contact hours with the instructors who will be teaching these classes, plus 60 hours of ministerial practice. Our Website (www.sal-andrews.com) offers details about other certificates and about academic credits for this certification.

DISC101 Discipleship: Terminology and related concepts

Course content—This course aims at instructing participants in the importance of discipleship as essential identity of the new believer. It also studies terms and concepts related to the work of disciples. The subjects of study in this course include:

Importance and meaning of discipleship
Obstacles and benefits
Discipleship and preaching
Discipleship and teaching
Discipleship and evangelism
Discipleship and apologetics (1 Peter 3:14-18)
The disciple as an ambassador

DISC102 Ellen White and Discipleship

Course content—Ellen White wrote abundantly about discipleship. The authority of her writings in the Seventh-day Adventist Church makes it necessary to carefully analyze the concepts she articulated on the subject. The following bullets represent some of the subjects White linked to discipleship.

Christ’s method to win souls (Ministry of Healing, 143)
Important teachings in discipleship—See index of her writings
Discipleship and mission stupor within the church
Duties and responsibilities of disciples

DISC103 Discipleship: Lessons from Christ

Course content—Christi s the model for Christian discipleship. Both His teachings and His experiences with some of His most renowned disciples offer valuable lessons for discipleship at the present time. Subjects of study:

Discipleship and the Great Commission
The widow of Nain
Zacchaeus
The lepers
The Samaritan woman
Nicodemus
The Gadarene
The rich young man

DISC104 Discipleship and the Holy Spirit

Course content—The study of the Holy Spirit is essential in the subject of discipleship, because it is that person of the Trinity who reproves the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. Also, He guides us to divine truth, and grants us the gifts of the Spirit, thus enriching disciples with special ministerial qualities.

The need for the Holy Spirit in discipleship
The disciple and spirituality
The fruits of the Holy Spirit
The gifts of the Spirit and discipleship
The Holy Spirit and Trinity

DISC105 Discipleship: Role models

Course content —The Christian disciple-maker is an experienced mentor who provides guidance to a person who wants to follow Christ. This course analyzes the work and the example of some of the most outstanding mentors in sacred history. Subjects of study:

Discipleship and mentorship
Moses and Joshua
Paul and Timothy
Jesus and His disciples

DISC106 Discipleship and witnessing

Course content —Witnessing is one of the most important duties in discipleship. The subject of witnessing as a Christian duty appears very clearly in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. This course studies the subject of witnessing in the context of discipleship.

The universality of witnessing
Components of witnessing: witness, recipient, message
Christ as the center of the message
The faithfulness of the witness
Knowing the context
Receptivity and witnessing

DISC107 Challenges of Discipleship

Course content —Discipleship as the key for evangelization faces many obstacles. Satan is against the formation of disciples who expose his delusions and against forming disciples who proclaim the Gospel of Christ. This course studies some of the most common challenges of discipleship.

Clericalism
Consumerism
Dogmatism
Scientism
Postmodernism, etc.

DISC108 Practical Principles for Discipleship

Course content —Discipleship will never be successful unless we carefully apply its principles. This course presents practical counsels for discipleship.

Be centered in Christ
Avoid arguing
Share your testimony
Adapt to the context
The power of persistence
Prayer
Additional practical advice

DISC109 Discipleship, teaching, and learning

Course content—The Great Commission features teaching as one of the main tasks of the disciple. Jesus gave His disciples the specific instruction to “teach” all the things He had commanded (Mt. 28:20). This course offers participants specific instruction about teaching and learning.

Principles of teaching
Models for teaching
Characteristics of Christian teaching
Presuppositions in learning
Stages of learning
The witness as a facilitator and teacher
Bloom’s taxonomy of learning

COMMUNITY CHAPLAIN CERTIFICATION

Curriculum for the Community Chaplain Certification

In order to complete this certification, students must complete a minimum of 36 contact hours with the instructors who will teach these courses, plus 60 hour of chaplaincy practice in the community where they minister as church members.

CAP101 The chaplain and visitation

Course content—The goal of this course is for students to learn to listen to the people they visit, and to identify the problems they face. The student will receive the tools necessary to dig deeper into the crises of individuals, and at the same time the lay member will be enabled to help people to overcome that moment of tension with the very elements they already have, such as their own faith, hope, spirituality, and confidence. At the end of the course, students will be able to minister people from different beliefs, providing them peace and hope. The following subjects will be analyzed during the course:

Importance of and principles for visitation
Helping people in crisis
Ministering with tact, with respect to different beliefs

CAP102 The chaplain and intervention with people in crisis

Course content—This course enables the student to minister people who go through personal crises. The student will receive tools for him or her to be able to minister using theological, universal, and experiential principles. The student will be able to listen attentively to those who go through moments of crisis, and to help them find options for healing, on the basis of universal principles and also taking into account the experience of those they are ministering to. Also, the student will learn to make questions which will help people to identify the nature of their own crisis, so they find the solution to their own problems. These are the subjects to be analyzed during the course:

Importance of and principles for visitation
Helping people in crisis
Ministering with tact, with respect to different beliefs

CAP103 The chaplain and terminal illnesses

Course content—At the end of this course, students should be able to minister people who are dealing with terminal illnesses. They will know how to show empathy and sympathy not only to those who are sick but also to their relatives. They will able to prepare the sick so they can face death, and they will be able to minister relatives in case of death. This course will help students understand what the Ministry of Presence means. These are the subjects to be analyzed during the course:

Terminal illnesses
Approaching the sick and hospital personnel in terminal conditions
Empathy and sympathy

CAP104 The chaplain and professional ethics

Course content—This course connects the students with the universal principles of ethics and their implications in order to successfully minister patients and relatives in crisis. The student will learn the importance of not imposing upon them his or her own value systems or ethical perspective. This course will help the student appreciate the need to be respectful of the worldview and values system held by those he or she is ministering to. Also, the student will learn to keep confidentiality in any matters people share with chaplains. The student will understand that different institutions (hospitals, jails, etc.) have their own ethical standards, and will learn to respect them. These are the subjects to be analyzed during the course:

Christian ethics
A biblical worldview of life
Legal issues related to professional secrecy
The ethics of institutions

CAP105 The chaplain’s health

Course content—It is of vital importance that a person in crisis be served by somebody who enjoys an optimal mental, emotional, and spiritual health. This course will help the student to find strength and peace when their own mind and emotional state are overwhelmed by issues related to the challenges of daily life and the suffering he or she has seen and heard when ministering others. The course provides tools so that the participant is able to have some catharsis, instead of allowing problems and suffering from other people to affect his or her own life and that of their loved ones. These are the subjects to be analyzed during the course:

Catharsis in chaplaincy
Handling other people’s problems

CAP106 Chaplaincy and the use of the Bible

Course content—This course will prepare the student to use the Bible when ministering to the sick, their relatives, and others. At the end of the course, the student will know how to introduce the Bible without imposing it to the people he or she serves. The student will use universal principles that will help his or her audience to develop and experience a deeper spirituality, so that God will manifest in the lives and experiences of those he or she is ministering to. These are the subjects to be analyzed during the course:

The therapeutic value of God’s word
Selected biblical texts for every situation
The use of Psalms for emotional illnesses

CAP107 The chaplain and discipleship

Course content—The goal of this course is to help students connect chaplaincy with discipleship in the church. This is intended for the students to make their work much more effective as disciples of Jesus Christ in the area of counseling, providing them with tools in the area of counseling. These are the subjects to be analyzed during the course:

Biblical discipleship
The disciple and the art of helping those in emotional need
Principles of basic counseling

CAP108 The human being as a living document

Course content—The goal of this course is to help students to be good listeners, in order to minister to people who go through moments of crisis. The students will also learn that every human being is a living document and we need to know how to interpret it in order to provide them with a better service. This course will provide students with the necessary tools in order to apply the universal existential principles of experience. These are the subjects to be analyzed during the course:

The art of listening
The psychological windows in a conversation
Universal existential principles in practice
Theological principles in practice

LEADERSHIP AND PATIENT CARE FOR HOSPITALS

Curriculum

In order to complete this certification, participants must invest a minimum of 36 contact hours with qualified instructors, plus 60 hours of practice associated with the courses’ contents. The curriculum for this certification includes the following topics.

HOSP 101 History and Purpose of SDA Hospitals

Course content—The medical ministry in the SDA church goes back to the forth session of the General Conference, which convened in Battle Creek Michigan, in May 1866. During the meetings, the need of a health institution, was advocated on health principles newly presented by Ellen G. White. That year, the Western Health Reform Institute was organized as a stock market company.

Health knowledge and practice during the Victorian Age
Health and patient care at the beginning of the SDA Church
The health reform message
The Western Health Institute
The Battle Creek Hospital
Etc.

HOSP 102 Leading Christian Hospitals

Course content—Opposite to secular institutions, that focus on financial gain; Adventist Hospitals’ leaders plan for financial sustainability, but their main focus is community service and the dissemination of SDA beliefs. Topics for this course include:

Theological foundations for Christian leadership
Christian leadership principles
Leadership theories and models
Inductive leadership
5 Way Hospital Administrators can Improve Patient Care

HOSP 103 Spiritual leadership

Course content—The work and fruits of the Holy Spirit must form part of institutions that foster Christian beliefs and aim to witness among patients and the communities where they are stablished.

Spiritual leadership concepts and principles
Leadership and the fruits of the Spirit
The spiritual leader
Jesus—the model for spiritual leadership
Fostering spiritual disciples
Nurturing a personal relationship with God

HOSP 104 Patient visitation

Course content—In the hospital context, patients with various needs, are frequently visited and cared by doctors, nurses, chaplains, and other personnel. The goal of this course is to prepare health-care personnel on how to listen to patients in a way that they feel heard. Listening to identify patients’ problems is the first step to healing. The following subjects will be analyzed during the course:

Importance of and principles for visitation
Witnessing to patients is OK
Practical insights on patient visitation
Sowing the seed of the gospel with tact and love
Cultivating relationships
Leading people to life transformation

HOSP 105 The Ministry of Healing

Course content—This course consists of an interdisciplinary study of the nature and function of ministry and medicine as they relate to the integration of the work of the healing agencies of the church and community with the traditional forms of pastoral ministry.

Integration of hospital and church ministry
Improving lines of communication between hospital and local Conference
Intentional planning and coordination
Fostering pastoral visitation with receptive patients

HOSP 106 Patient Care—Philosophy and Ethics

Course content—This course provides an introduction to the role of the care giver in healthcare philosophy and ethics. It aims at increasing familiarity with the concepts, theories, and distinctions of healthcare ethics as well as fostering moral decision-making and justification. The course addresses a wide variety of ethics topics in healthcare and in other institutional chaplaincy environments.

The ethics of patient care
Metaphysics and worldview development
Dealing with patients’ worldviews
Respect to patients’ beliefs
10 Guiding Principles for Patient-Centered Care

HOSP 107 Trauma and Crisis Itervention

Course content—This course is designed to enhance understanding of the nature of a trauma. The course further considers how traumatic experiences may influence the person’s life and provides insights on how help critical patients. Focus on the impact of trauma provides a foundation for assessment, crisis intervention, and planning. Such planning provides effective services reflecting the unique needs.

Assessment of traumatic experiences
Evaluation of patients in crisis
Crisis intervention principles and practice
Contextualize planning and treatment

HOSP 108 Holistic Small Groups

Course content—A thorough examination of small groups models as they apply to the hospital context, for galvanizing the staff for service, for witnessing, and for formation of disciples.

Theological foundations for Small groups
Small-group theory and practice
Insight on the formation of small groups
Leading interactive small groups

[1] Wagner, Church Planting for a Greater Harvest (Ventura: Regal, 1990), p. 11.

[2] Wagner, Church Planting for a Greater Harvest (Ventura: Regal, 1990), 11.

[3]Recommended books: Malphurs, Aubrey. (1998). Planting Growing Churches for the 21st Century. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House. Chapter 3—pp. 119-248. See also Craig Ott and Gene Wilson. (2011). Global Church Planting: Biblical Principles and Best Practices for Multiplication. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Acadecmics.

[4]Adapted from Getz, Gene & Wall, Joe (2000). Effective church growth strategies. Nashville, TN: Word Publishing, pp. 122-123.

[5]Recommended books: J. D. Payne and David Hesselgrave. (2009). Discovering Church Planting: An Introduction to the Whats, Whys, and Hows of Global Church Planting. Colorado Springs, CO: Patemoster Larry Lewis (1992). The church planters handbook. Nashville TN: Broadman & Holdman Publishers.

[6]Recommended books: Jeffrey Arnold. (2004). The Big Book on Small Groups. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. George Barna. (2009). The house church book: Rediscover the dynamic, organic, relational, vital community Jesus started. Tyndale.

[7]Recommended books: Comiskey (2002). Cómo dirigir un grupo celular con éxito. Barcelona: CLIE. Dave Earley. (2001). The 8 Habits of Effective Small Group Leaders. Houston, TX: Small Group Resources.

[8]Recommended books: Mark Dever. (2004). Nine Marks of a Healthy Church. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books. Stephen Macchia. (1999). Becoming a Healthy Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books. C. Peter Wagner (1996). The Healthy Church: Avoiding and Curing the 9 diseases that can Afflict any Church. Ventura, CA: Regal.

English Curriculum

ANDREWS UNIVERSITY

Hispanic Institute Lay Training Seminary (SAL)

History and Purpose

Certificates

Bible Instructor Certificate

Church Leadership Certificate

Small Group Leadership Certificate

Marriage and Family Certificate

Lay Preacher Certificate

Sabbath School Teachers and Superintendents

Church Planting Certificate

Community Chaplain Certification

Youth Ministry

History and Challenges of the SDA Church

Health and Nutrition Certificate

Urban Ministry Certificate

Certification in Discipleship

Leadership and Patient Care for Hospitals

Program Curriculum and Delivery

Certification Requirements

Accreditation

Financial Information

Award Ceremony

BIBLE INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATE

Purpose

Curriculum for Bible Instructor

BIB101 Introduction to the Bible

BIB102 Introduction to Theology

BIB103 The Adventist Church in History and Prophecy

BIB104 Seventh-day Adventist Doctrines

BIB105 Principles and Practice of Teaching

BIB106 Bible Difficulties and Apparent Contradictions

BIB107 Principles and Practice of Personal Evangelism

BIB108 Comparative Religions

BIB109 Christian Persuasion

CHURCH LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE

Purpose

Curriculum for Church Leadership

LID101 Leadership in the Bible and EGW writings

Spiritual Gifts and Leadership

LID103 Conflict Management

LID 104 Strategic Planning for the local church

LID105 Dealing with Change

LID 106 Leadership Models and Styles

LID107 Leadership Authority and Accountability

LID108 Spirituality and Leadership

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY CERTIFICATE

Purpose

Curriculum for Marriage and Family

FAM101 Theological Foundations for Marriage and Family

FAM102 Life Cycle of the Family

FAM103 Family Challenges

FAM104 Managing Conflict in the Family

FAM105 Work and Money

FAM106 Marriage, Love and Communication

FAM107 Family Ministry

SMALL GROUP LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE

Purpose

Curriculum for Small Group Leadership

GRUP101 Theological Foundations for Small Groups

GRUP102 Historical Foundations for Small Groups

GRUP103 Small Groups Types and Models

GRUP104 The Development of Small Groups

GRUP105 The Formation of Small Group Leaders

GRUP106 The Preparation of Small Group Sessions

LAY PREACHER CERTIFICATE

Purpose

Curriculum for the Lay Preacher Certificate

PREACH101 Principles and Practice of Preaching

PREACH102 Preaching Types and Styles

PREACH103 Biblical Preaching

PREACH104 Homiletics

PREACH 105 Christocentric Preaching

PREACH106 Incarnational Preaching

PREACH 107 Evangelistic Preaching

PREACH 108 Theological Foundations for Public Evangelism

PREACH 109 Principles of Practice of Public Evangelism

PREACH 110 Evangelism and the Holy Spirit

PREACH 111 Urban Evangelism

Hispanic Institute
Lay Training Seminary (SAL)