One of the ways that students are equipped for ministry is by the inspired Word of God which is useful for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness, that the servant of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17). At CBI, the two main ways that we equip our students are through prayer (Heb. 13:20-21) and the Holy Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
What are our objectives?
- To teach students how to read, analyze, synthesize and articulate Biblical truth.
- To instruct students to ask thoughtful questions from the Bible and listen attentively to what the Bible and the Holy Spirit say.
- To teach students how to do Biblical and Systematic theology by tracing out the main Biblical themes and by exposing our students to great theologians.
- To teach students how to put together worksheets that can be used for sermons and lessons.
- To teach students how to think critically from a Biblical worldview.
- To encourage students to mature in Christian discipleship and grow in their faith.
- To prepare students for Christian service in the home, the church, and the community.
- To strengthen the students’ ministry skills by helping them better use their spiritual gifts more effectively.
What are our course requirements?
- Students are to complete reading and project assignments.
- Students are expected to be on time (our courses begin at 7:00 p.m. and end at 9:00 p.m.) and they cannot be more than thirty minutes late.
- Students must stay for at least one hour and a half in order to receive credit for attendance at any given class.
- Students must attend at least eleven out of thirteen sessions to receive credit for the course.
- Students must attend all workshops to receive credit (5 weeks).
- Students are expected to bring a Bible, notebook and writing materials to class.
What are our graduation requirements?
- To receive a diploma in Biblical Studies, a student must complete fifteen credits (Each course during the Fall and Winter Semester is one credit and all of our workshops are ½ credit).
- Graduation candidates must pass a major comprehensive exam.
- All graduation fees must be paid.
What are some of the courses that we offer?
| Bible | Theology | Ministry | Communication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Testament (Pentateuch, Psalms, Proverbs, History books, Major and Minor Prophets) | God/Man/Christ and the Holy Spirit | Apologetics | Writing Skills |
| Johannine Literature (Gospel of John, 1,2,3 John and Revelation | Sin and Salvation | Evangelism | Christian Literature |
| Pauline Epistles (Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, etc.) | Kingdom of God | Discipleship | Logic |
| Gospels (Mathew, Mark, Luke) | Christian Ethics | Spiritual Warfare | Public Speaking |
| The Acts of the Apostles | The Doctrine of the Word of God | Experiencing God | Rhetoric |
| Petrine Literature (1 & 2 Peter) | Unity of the Bible | Care of the Soul | Preaching Classes |
| General Letters (Hebrews, James, and Jude) | Old and New Testament Theology | Worship | Creative Writing |
| Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy, Titus, 2 Timothy) | Ecclesiology & Eschatology | Cultural Exegesis | Sermon Outlines |
| Philemon | Biblical Justice | Biblical Counseling Issues | Teaching Workshops |
Course Grid Description
To fulfill CBI’s purpose statement and provide a well-rounded Christian Educational experience, Chicago Bible Institute has four grids:
Grid 1 – Bible Courses
These courses focus on specific books of the Bible. The main objectives are: to teach the students how to be active readers, how to understand the Bible in its historical/grammatical context, and how to apply the Bible to their daily life. Our methodology is inductive. Students learn the art of asking questions from the text to discover the author’s intent. Students are also encouraged to use good Biblical commentaries.
Grid 2 – Theology Courses
These courses look at the Bible as a whole and allow the student to discover what the Bible says on various subjects. Students learn how to evaluate cultural ideas, and address ethical concerns and lifestyle issues from a Biblical standpoint. Our courses are designed to teach and encourage students to think from a Christian Worldview. Our goal in these courses is to declare “the whole counsel of God” (c.f., Acts 20:27).
Grid 3 – Ministry Courses
Our ministry courses are designed to strengthen leadership skills so that students will effectively carry out the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. They are also designed to encourage and teach students to use their gifts to care for the souls of women and men in the power of the Holy Spirit. In these courses, students discover that the foundation of all ministry is intimacy with Christ and to be containers of God’s glory.
Grid 4 – Communication Courses
Our communication courses sharpen the students’ writing and speaking skills and include courses such as: Creative Writing, Public Speaking, and Preaching. We believe that there is a direct correlation between a student’s ability to write and speak. We believe that if the student’s written skills are improved, their verbal skills will be enhanced as well.
In regards to preaching and teaching, students are taught to keep their finger on the text as they communicate God’s Word. * They are encouraged to preach the Gospel in creative ways. We exhort our students to teach sound doctrine. Finally, we urge our students to seek the sacred anointing of the Holy Spirit so that the hearers’ “faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God!” (1 Cor. 2:3-5).
*I first heard this insight from Dr. Walter Kaiser.
