Milwaukee Institute of Christian Studies

Core Curriculum

 

101 Life of Christ

Study of the person, life and meaning of Jesus Christ for mankind using a harmony of the four Gospel accounts. TEXT: The Life of Christ, W. Kessel

 

102 New Testament

Overview of the early history of the Christian Church as described in the New Testament, concentrating on the Apostles, the letters written by Paul, Peter, John, and others, and the book of Revelation. TEXT: The Living Church: The New Testament, W. Kessel

 

103 Old Testament

Introductory course ranging from creation to the end of the Old Testament. Emphasizes the promises of God, faith in those promises, and their ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

TEXT: God and His People, B. Keller/ K. Wessel

 

104 Small Catechism

Examination of Luther's famous writing that summarizes and explains the 10 Commandments, the Apostle's Creed, the Lord's Prayer, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper.

TEXT: Luther's Small Catechism, and Small Catechism Study Questions, D. Kuske

 

105 Law and Gospel

Concentration on the purpose, meaning, and use of the two great doctrines of Scripture -- the Law and the Gospel. Emphasis given to identifying and properly applying both Law and Gospel.

TEXT: Law and Gospel, P. Prange

 

106 Life of Luther

Life, times, writings, and impact of the great Reformer, Martin Luther. Emphasis given to his understanding of salvation by grace alone, by faith alone, and by scripture alone.

TEXT: The Monk Who Conquered Rome, J. Moldenhauer Educational History

 

107 Church & Ministry

Study of what the church is and how it accomplishes its work through the public and private ministry of its members.

TEXT: Church and Ministry, K. Wessel and Church-Mission-Ministry, A. Schuetze

 

108 Christian Family

Examination of the Biblical teachings concerning marriage, roles of husbands and wives, roles of parents and children. Discussion of social problems threatening the Christian family.

TEXT: The Christian Family, L. Olsen

 

109 Christian Leadership

The biblical teaching about leadership and its applications to the lives of leaders today using the letters to Titus and case studies of Steven, Peter, and Paul.

TEXT: Christian Leadership, P. Prange

 

110 Biblical Worship

Biblical principles of Christian worship. Discussions of how to apply the principles to one's own cultural situation.

TEXT: Introduction to Biblical Worship, G. Thompson

 

Evangelist Certificate Program

 

Core Curriculum Plus:

 

201 Evangelism 1

Theology and practice of Christian evangelism. Includes training in sharing the Law and Gospel of salvation.

TEXT: God's Great Exchange

 

202 Evangelism 2

Continuation of evangelism principals--diagnosing the spiritual status of prospects, removing obstacles, and meeting objections.

 

203 Evangelism 3

Continuation of evangelism. Follow-up calls and getting converts into the congregation.

 

204 Teaching a Bible Class 1

Covers educational principals in 3 broad areas: setting a curriculum, teaching methodologies, and evaluation methods.

TEXT: Teaching a Bible Class, Glen L. Thompson and David Kuske

 

205 Teaching a Bible Class 2

Students practice the principles of teaching by observing a Bible class, assisting in teaching a class, and teaching a class under supervision.

 

206 Christian Doctrine

An in-depth topical presentation of Bible teachings concentrating on teachings not covered in the core courses.

 

207 Other Churches and Religions

Comparison of our church and others. Study may include examination of traditional religions, non-Lutheran Christian churches, non-Christian churches, and cults.

 

208 Communicating Christ Across Cultures

The important role that culture has for humans, how to learn about other cultures using ethnographic interviewing, and how to communicate the Gospel to people of other cultures.

TEXT: Change: Mission and Ministry Across Cultures, E. A. Sorum.

 

209 Biblical Interpretation

Interpreting the Bible properly. Common errors of interpretation as well as rules for proper interpretation will be discussed.

TEXT: Biblical Interpretation, David Kuske.

 

210 WELS History and Structure

An overview of the history of the WELS and how it is structured to carry out God's work. Includes visits to the synod administration building and seminary. This course will be conducted by the WELS Congregational Evangelist Program.

 

[ Courses 208, 209, and 210 are conducted regularly in New Ulm, MN as a combined summer course by the WELS Congregational Evangelist Program.]

 

 

Deacon/Deaconess Certificate Program

 

Core Curriculum Plus

 

201 Evangelism 1

See description above.

 

204 Teaching a Bible Class 1

See description above.

 

205 Teaching a Bible Class 2

See description above.

 

208 Communicating Christ Across Cultures

See description above.

 

251 Personal Bible Study Methods

Various techniques and tools for maximizing a Christian's personal growth by the study of Scripture.

 

252 Visitation Ministry

The purpose and methods of Christian visitation to the sick, those fallen away, those living in sin, and others.

 

253 Christian Prayer

What the Bible teaches about prayer, types of prayers, and the proper place of prayer in personal and congregational life.

 

254 Addictions and Ministry

The psychological, physiological, and theological bases for addictive behavior of all kinds, and how to apply Law and Gospel properly in ministering to addicts and their families.