God-Centered Leadership Track

Created by Bethlehem

About this Learning Track

At Bethlehem Institute Online, we offer two learning tracks designed to equip students in theology, Bible study, and Biblical leadership. Each track is designed to highlight Bethlehem’s theological distinctives, promote Biblical knowledge and fidelity, and equip students for leadership positions in their local church.

The God-Centered Leadership track is designed to equip students with proficiency in the Scriptures as well as the Biblical perspective on leadership in the local church. Students will study theology, biblical interpretation, living the Christian life, and biblical eldership in relationship to the local church all from a God-Centered perspective. Those who complete this learning track will be significant candidates for lay-leadership positions in the local church.

Courses

Course 1 :
Systematic Theology 1

Take Course
6 Month Access ($50.00 USD)

About this Course

The Systematic Theology 1 course is an attempt to systematically present what the Apostle Paul called “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). Students will study biblical topics by examining particular biblical passages, reading through Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology, and inspecting the Bethlehem Affirmation of Faith. The student’s learning will be solidified through discussion questions and various homework assignments. This course is the first of two semesters, progressing through roughly the first half of a systematic theology, including the doctrines of Scripture, the Trinity, God’s sovereignty, election, creation, sin, Christology, and soteriology.

Course Overview
  • A doctrine of Scripture
  • The Trinity
  • God’s eternal purpose and election
  • Creation: the universe and man
  • A doctrine of sin
  • Jesus Christ and his saving work
Course Format

A series of 12 lessons that each include an introduction, lesson objectives, inductive Bible study, critical interaction with secondary sources, comprehension questions, video and audio content, and discussion questions if studying with a group.

Course 2 :
Systematic Theology 2

Take Course
6 Month Access ($50.00 USD)

About this Course

The Systematic Theology 2 course is an attempt to systematically present what the Apostle Paul called “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). Students will study biblical topics by examin­ing particular biblical passages, reading through Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology, and inspecting the Bethlehem Affirmation of Faith. The student’s learning will be solidified through discussion questions and various homework assignments. This course is the second of two semesters, progressing through roughly the second half of a systematic theology, including the doctrines pneumatology, justification, sanctification, ecclesiology, the ordinances, and last things.

Course Overview
  • A doctrine of the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts
  • The doctrines of justification and sanctification
  • God’s perseverance of the saints
  • A doctrine of ecclesiology
  • The doctrines of baptism and the Lord’s Supper
  • Global mission and Christ’s return
Course Format

A series of 12 lessons that each include an introduction, lesson objectives, inductive Bible study, critical interaction with secondary sources, comprehension questions, video and audio content, and discussion questions if studying in a group.

Course 3 :
Christian Hedonism and the Life of Faith

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6 Month Access ($50.00 USD)

About this Course

The Christian Hedonism and the Life of Faith course is an introduction to Christian Hedonism, a philosophy of life that is built on the God of the Bible. The course unfolds two key assertions: 1) the God-centeredness of God informs every aspect of the Christian life; 2) the pursuit of God’s glory and the pursuit of our joy is the same pursuit. Therefore, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” In this course students will examine key biblical passages and then thoughtfully interact with some of the central writings of John Piper: Desiring God, God Is the Gospel, and Future Grace. Biblical study, critical reflection, and application are all important components of this course.

Course Overview
  • The God-centered God and gospel
  • A God-centered conversion and faith
  • God-centered worship and love
  • Being God-centered in reading Scripture and prayer
  • Being God-centered with money and in suffering
  • The God-centered vision of Jonathan Edwards
Course Format

A series of 12 lessons that each include an introduction, lesson objectives, inductive Bible study, critical interaction with secondary sources, comprehension questions, video and audio content, and discussion questions if studying with a group.

Course 4 :
Principles of Biblical Interpretation

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6 Month Access ($50.00 USD)

About this Course

The course Principles of Biblical Interpretation is an introduction to the methodology of inductive study of the Bible. Inductive study consists of careful observation of the text leading to sound interpretation and appro­priate application. Students will learn study strategies, principles of interpretation, and principles of application throughout the course and apply them to the book of Philippians. Although the book of Philippians will serve as the primary “training grounds,” the course aims at imparting study skills that are applicable to the entire Bible. The course also aims at fostering sensitivity to literary genre and at cultivating inductive Bible study as a lifelong habit.

Course Overview
  • The Treasure Mine of God’s Word
  • Making Observations and Asking Questions
  • Scripture Interpreting Scripture
  • Grasping the Flow of Thought and the Use of Words
  • Using Different Translations
  • Genre and Interpretation
  • Applying and Studying the Word
Course Format

A series of 12 lessons that each include an introduction, lesson objectives, inductive Bible study training, critical interaction with secondary sources, comprehension questions, video and audio content, and discussion questions if studying with a group.

Course 5 :
Introduction to Biblical Eldership

Take Course
6 Month Access ($50.00 USD)

About this Course

Introduction to Biblical Eldership is a 12 lesson course that examines the Bible’s teaching on the presence, responsibilities, qualifications, and importance of elders in the local church. The course is especially designed for the training of current and prospective elders, though any student of this course will gain insight into Biblical leadership. It aims to refresh and challenge each student’s vision of godly church leadership and their relationship to that leadership through inductive study of the Word, careful reflection on ministerial practice, and thoughtful interaction with Alexander Strauch’s Biblical Eldership, the teaching of John Piper, and various other pastors and theologians. The course concludes with a consideration of pragmatic issues, seeking to apply biblical wisdom to contemporary church life.

Course Overview
  • Overview of Biblical Eldership and Leadership within the Local Church
  • Biblical Pattern and Precedent for Eldership
  • Role of the Elders in Governing, Teaching, and Training the Church
  • Elders Serving as Examples
  • Qualifications for Eldership in the Home and World
  • Elders and the Congregation
  • Elders in the Modern Church
  • The Significance of Biblical Eldership under God
Course Format

A series of 12 lessons that each include an introduction, lesson objectives, inductive Bible study training, critical interaction with secondary sources, comprehension questions, video and audio content, and discussion questions if studying with a group.

Certificate : Obtain My Certificate of Completion

About the Certificate of Completion

When you have completed this learning track on BibleMesh.com, you will need to enroll here to apply for your certificate of completion. This enrollment will be activated when you have successfully finished all the courses in this track.

Instructors

  • Dr. Brian Tabb
    Dr. Brian Tabb

    Bethlehem College & Seminary
    Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies.


How It Works / FAQs

What is a learning track?

A track is a group of courses that provide a guided program of study in a specific subject area.

Why should I work to complete a track?

You should work to complete a track if you desire to build greater proficiency and a more comprehensive understanding within a particular area of study. Completing a track successfully will give you a sense of satisfaction in a job well done and BibleMesh or one of our partners will acknowledge your work through a track.

Can I go at my own pace?

Although a course subscription only provides access to a given course for a set time period, you may take as long as you wish to complete a learning track.

Can I skip certain courses?

In order to complete a learning track, you must complete every course within that track. Some tracks, like the Biblical Languages tracks, also require courses to be completed in a specific sequence, though this is not true of all tracks.

Can anyone receive a certificate of completion?

Yes. Anyone who enrolls in a course on BibleMesh can work toward earning a certificate of completion.

How do I receive a certificate of completion?

Upon finishing all the courses in a track, you may apply for and receive a certificate of completion.

Is this certificate of completion recognized for credit by colleges and seminaries?

Several colleges and seminaries do accept BibleMesh Biblical Language courses as a pre-requisite or advance placement option. But, if you are interested in earning a credit-bearing certificate that provides degree pathway opportunities to partner academic institutions, you will need to enroll in the BibleMesh Institute. For more information go here.