IISOM Course Descriptions
DEPARTMENT OF BIBLICAL STUDIES
BS 101 CREATION (3h) is an in-depth study of the first three chapters of Genesis and an overview up to chapter eleven that correlates the similarities between proven scientific fact and the Biblical account of creation, the dividing of the continents and other crucial scientific data.
Required reading: The Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel
BS 102 GENESIS (3h) is an essential verse-by-verse study revealing eternal principles of God and man. This foundational book provides understanding of all the struggles and issues in the human race. Topics discussed include: the fall of man, the flood, and God’s faith-covenant dealings with the patriarchs, which introduce the covenant, that enabled Jesus to come into the earth.
Required reading: Show Me God by Fred Herring
BS 103 EXODUS (3h) is an exciting verse-by-verse study of God’s eternal principles of faith, deliverance and provision. An analysis of the struggles of the people and God’s continual effort to deliver them provides examples and insights into the nature of God. A special emphasis is placed on how one man overcomes his limitations and insecurities through personal obedience which leads to an entire nation coming out of bondage.
Required reading: Exodus in NIV Bible
BS 104 LEVITICUS (3h) is a verse-by-verse study that makes this book explode with exciting principles for daily life. This class examines the Old Testament types and shadows seen in the sacrifices, feasts and the priesthood. Special emphasis is placed on how these were fulfilled in Jesus and what that means for the New Testament believer. This class does not leave you longing to live under the Old Covenant; instead, it focuses all your faith and attention on Jesus, the reality and fulfillment of all Old Testament types.
Required reading: The Tabernacle, The Priesthood and The Offerings by Henry W. Soltau
BS 105 NUMBERS (3h) is a verse-by-verse study that causes this book to come alive with purpose and value. God’s principles of leadership, authority and delegation are clarified. It provides a close look at the reasons for failure and defeat as demonstrated in the individual and corporate people of Israel. Special emphasis is placed on Israel’s reaction to personal accountability and what that teaches us for living in victory.
Required reading: Numbers in the NIV Bible
BS 106 DEUTERONOMY (3h) is a verse-by-verse study that looks at the practical application of the law and its basis for the New Testament believer’s inheritance in Jesus. This book also provides a basis for relating to the promises of God from a New Covenant perspective. There is special attention given to God’s intention and effort for man to always have the best! This Old Testament study will not leave you laboring under the law for righteousness. It will reveal Jesus and His qualifications for all the promises, while providing practical insight into the law and its present day applications.
Required reading: Deuteronomy in the NIV Bible
BS 107 OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY (3h) is a thorough overview of the history of Israel from the time of the Judges until Esther. This study reveals crucial insights into God’s ability to develop and work with leaders. This course will analyze the struggles of Israel and emphasize the continual mercy founded in God’s promises. Special attention is given to the character traits of the people of the Old Testament and how God was able to use them despite their weaknesses.
BS 108 JOHN (3h) provides a comprehensive, verse-by-verse revelation of the life and ministry of Jesus. Special attention is given to the gifts of the Holy Spirit as they operated in Him as a man and what that means to believers today. Special attention is given to the many aspects this Gospel reveals about the “Zoë” life of God. You will see Jesus as you have never seen Him!
Required reading: The Book of John in The Message Bible by Eugene Peterson
BS 109 ACTS (3h) is a verse-by-verse study of the first century church. An honest look at the weaknesses of the church and its leaders removes the idealism and mysticism that has paralyzed and disqualified potential leaders for centuries. The ministry of the Holy Spirit in early leaders and lay believers, the missionary journeys, their personal experiences and principles of church growth are brought into a modern context. You will have more confidence in God’s willingness to use you in a mighty way as you take a new look at this honest portrayal of the early church.
Required reading: The Book of Acts in The Message by Eugene Peterson
BS 110 ROMANS/GALATIANS (3h) reveals the cornerstone of New Testament theology. An in-depth, verse-by-verse study with a detailed analysis of the doctrines of grace, faith righteousness and salvation available exclusively apart from the law, frees the believer from law and empowers them with righteousness. You will overcome all tendencies to minister law and bondage as a result of grasping these incredible truths.
Required reading: Traveling Light by Eugene Peterson
Romans and Galations in The Message by Eugene Peterson
BS 111 I CORINTHIANS (3h) exposes that early church problems were not very different than those we face today. This verse-by-verse study reveals some of the problems of the early church and how they were handled. Issues such as super spirituality, misuse of spiritual gifts, apostolic authority, immorality problems, giving and resurrection from the dead are brought to light. You will learn how Paul corrected the problems without destroying the church. You will see that his message of grace was not a license for sin, but an empowerment for righteousness.
BS 112 NEW TESTAMENT REALITIES (3h) is a verse-by-verse study of Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians. These books contain revelations concerning the unique position of the church and the believer, in the Lord Jesus. Special attention is given to the reality of the believer’s new identity in Jesus. No other books reveal God’s eternal plan like these. This was the mystery hidden from all generations and revealed to us.
Required Reading: The Books of Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians in The Message Bible, KJV, NIV and The Amplified Bible
BS 113 HEBREWS (3h) portrays the absolute sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice and proclaims the freedom from the two greatest enemies of faith: legalism and ritualism. This is a verse-by-verse study showing the supremacy of Christ over the law, the priesthood, and every other religious idealism created by man. Jesus is revealed as the fulfillment of all the Levitical, sacrificial types. This course will free you from the need for empty religious ritualism and move you to the realities we have in Jesus.
Required Reading: Hebrews in the NIV
BS 114 GENERAL EPISTLES (3h) is a verse-by-verse study that covers the epistles of I and II Thessalonians, Philemon, James, I and II Peter, I, II and III John, and Jude. Special attention is given to the promises and the New Covenant provisions for the believer. Many hard-to-answer questions are addressed in the books.
Required Reading: Breaking the Cycle by James B. Richards
I & II Thessalonians, Philemon, I & II Peter, James, I, II & III John, and
Jude in The Message Bible by Eugene Peterson
BS 115 PASTORAL EPISTLES (3h) shows how Paul mentored Timothy to develop him into a man of character and faith. This verse-by-verse study of I and II Timothy and Titus is supplemented with selected pastoral instruction from other New Testament epistles. Learn the principles that Paul used to select and develop leaders. This class will help you avoid some of the most common pitfalls in developing yourself as a leader.
Required Reading: Leadership that Builds People vol.2 by James B. Richards
My Church My Family by James B. Richards
I & II Timothy and Titus in The Message by Eugene Peterson
BS 116 ESCHATOLOGY (3h) will remove the mysticism of the end times through a comprehensive verse-by-verse study of Daniel and Revelation. Course content will describe the end-times and the events that will usher in the return of Jesus and God’s future plans for Planet Earth. Through an open, unbiased presentation of the Word, the major end-time doctrines will be discussed. You will be freed from the dogmas that blind and separate Christians concerning the end times. You will gain peace and confidence to face the end, regardless of how it happens.
Required Reading: The Gospel of Peace by Dr. James B. Richards
BS 117 II CORINTHIANS (3H) is Paul’s follow-up letter to the church that had so many problems. Discover many aspects of grace and personal development though this verse-by-verse study with a detailed analysis of the promises of God through the exchange of Jesus Christ on the Cross. Special attention is given to “Paul’s thorn.” You will gain an insight that few people ever discover about experiencing God’s grace.
DEPARTMENT OF SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
ST 201 PRAYER (3h) studies the major concepts of prayer in the Old and New Testaments. Learn how to make prayer a personal, powerful time of transformation. Special instruction is given to affect your heart through prayer and worship, thereby avoiding boredom and vain repetition. This class will give you the tools to write the truth of God’s Word on your heart.
Required Reading: The Prayer Organizer by James B. Richards
Communing with the Heart tape/CD
ST 202 FAMILY RELATIONS (3h) is a study of God’s plan, structure and framework for fulfilling the marital relationship. Special attention is devoted to Scriptural principles for dating, marriage and child raising. This class will break the antiquated stereotypes that have destroyed the intimacy and fulfillment of marriage.
Required Reading: We Still Kiss by James B. Richards
The Mastery of Love by Miguel Ruiz
ST 203 KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL LIVING (3h) is an in-depth study into God’s plan for man’s success through the operation and application of New Testament principles of faith and grace. This course embodies some of the most world renowned, Bible-based principles of success. Through this course you will de-mystify the faith walk of the believer. You will have the keys for success and the confidence to use them.
Required Reading: Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey
Proverbs in The Amplified Bible
ST 204 HOLY SPIRIT (3h) draws a clear distinction between the way the Holy Spirit worked in the Old Testament versus the New. This detailed study of the Person and work of the third Member of the Godhead and His relationship to the believer opens the door for transformation and supernatural empowerment for ministry. Walking in the Spirit will take on a new, refreshing meaning as you yield to the work of the Spirit of Grace in your life.
ST 205 DEMONOLOGY AND DELIVERANCE (3h) is a confusing doctrine that tends to build fear instead of faith in the heart of the average believer. This is an in-depth study in the origin and activity of the devil and demons in Planet Earth. This class will strip away every fear and every myth you have held about the devil and his power. The goal of the class is to train the student to successfully minister to those oppressed or possessed by spirits and bring them into absolute victory. You will never fear the devil again!
Required Reading: Satan Unmasked by James B. Richards
ST 206 BIBLE DOCTRINES (3h) provides a proper foundation in the faith as prescribed by the apostle Paul. Failure to build on these foundational doctrines results in all doctrine leading to a departure from the faith. This comprehensive study of the foundational doctrines of the New Covenant forms the basis for all New Testament beliefs. You will never be led into error again.
Required Reading: Grace the Power to Change by James B. Richards
The Gospel of Peace by James B. Richards
ST 207 FAITH (3h) is an extremely misunderstood topic. What is supposed to be a place of rest and peace has become a den of torment. Faith has been turned to dead works as we have tried to get enough faith to move God. This fundamental, spiritual law is exhaustively researched and analyzed due to its importance as the only basis for taking hold of the promises of God. Special attention is given to the Gospel of Peace as the basis for faith. This class will prevent you from turning faith into a destructive law of “dead works.” You will find the place of rest.
Required Reading: The Gospel of Peace by James B. Richards
Belief tape/cd by Learning Strategies
ST 208 PRAISE & WORSHIP (3h) this class is designed to provide a theological basis for praise and worship. Additionally, this class will provide an introduction to the practical and spiritual principles that are involved in leading a praise and worship service. Special emphasis will be placed on learning to experience God in praise and worship.
Required Reading: Worship His Majesty by Jack Hayford
ST 209 FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH (3h) these are the doctrines that comprise the foundation for all New Testament theology. Paul identified these as the basic foundations for faith. Apart from this foundation, the New Testament believers find themselves drowning in a sea of conflicting beliefs that mix Old Testament legalism with New Testament promises.
Required Reading: The Gospel of Peace by James B. Richards
Foundations of Faith tape/CD teaching set by James B. Richards
DEPARTMENT OF PASTORAL MINISTRIES
PM 301 COUNSELING I (DISC Profile) (3h) is the basis from which all our counseling programs will be understood. This is a comprehensive introduction into motivational behavior. The number one reason for failure in business and ministry is a lack of people skills. This class provides an academic and experiential look into basic behavioral patterns. The model for this study, based on the theory and application of the DISC behavioral profile developed by Dr. John Geir of the University of Minnesota, will provide a foundation for understanding yourself and others. This is key for basic communication, negotiation, counseling and walking in love. You will understand yourself and others better than you ever believed possible.
Required Reading: DISC profile (included in cost of course)
Understanding How Others Misunderstand You By: Ken Vogues & Ron Braund
How to Read a Person Like a Book by Gerald I. Nierenberg
PM 302 COUNSELING II (3h) provides an introduction into the fundamentals of psychology and counseling with special attention devoted to the nine modalities of counseling. The strengths and weaknesses of these approaches will be openly discussed. Special emphasis will be given on using this information in light of biblical principles. From this class the student will begin to form his basic approach to counseling techniques.
Required Reading: Competent To Counsel by Jay Adams
How to Stop the Pain by James B. Richards
PM 303 COUNSELING III (3h) is an in-depth look at human behavior and motivational beliefs. This advanced study focuses on the role of beliefs and their effect on subsequent behavior. Special emphasis is placed on various methodologies which are able to influence the deep-seated beliefs of the heart. You will learn how to establishing new behavior that emerges from heartfelt beliefs. You will acquire the tools to change any behavior through modifying beliefs.
Required Reading: The Heartmath Solution by Doc Lew Childre and Howard Martin
PM 304 CHURCH HISTORY I (3h) provides an overview of the history of the church from its birth to present day. See how the church has evolved to its present form. Come to understand the doctrines and practices that continually recycle through the church to make it powerless. Learn to avoid the mistakes of those who have gone before us.
Required Reading: Church History in Plain Language by Bruce L. Shelley
PM 305 ADMINISTRATION I (3h) provides an objective and experiential look at the basic elements of administration. Through personal assessment and unique assignments you will learn the first step to corporate administration: taking control of your oown life. You will learn the spiritual and practical elements that are essential to success as you are enabled to identify and avoid the most common failures in both ministry and business. You will be able to develop the skills and acquire the tools for personal and corporate time-management.
Required Reading: Time Mastery Profile (Included in cost of course)
First Things First by Steven Covey
PM 306 ADMINISTRATION II (3h) TEAM BUILDING involves each student in the process of identifying and understanding the necessary personnel essential for building an innovative team. This is an advanced people-skills course implementing that which is essential to developing successful leadership. This course will show how to take an idea from conception to completion and how to build the team that can make it happen. You will learn at what stages a project should be handed off to each team member and to which member it should go next.
Required Reading: Building Effective Leadership Teams by George Barna
101 Ways to Reach your community by Steve Sjogren
PM 307 ADMINISTRATION III (3h) provides the tools for establishing and leading a dream team. There will be lectures by the heads of principal departments of Impact of Huntsville and/or other successful ministries. They will give unique insight to problems and solutions of everyday departmental issues they face. This is practical information essential for starting and managing a successful church or ministry. You will discover how to develop synergy and congruence in every department, thereby optimizing your every effort. This is an advanced study in team building.
Required Reading: Principle Centered Leadership by Stephen R. Covey
DEPARTMENT OF MISSIONS
MI 401 WORLD OUTREACH (3h) is designed as an introduction to missions. In this class, the student will learn the effective methods for selecting and leading missions projects and outreach teams.
Required Reading: Supernatural Ministry by James B. Richards
MI 402 BOOT CAMP is a supervised trip to a foreign mission field. This is an available elective to all programs except for those called to the mission field, where it is a requirement. You will have the opportunity to learn from seasoned missionaries and nationals. National pastors say that most missionaries are not a blessing. They come to the field knowing nothing about what is involved in real missions work. This gives you real experience before making lifetime decisions.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION
CM 501 EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION 1 (ENGLISH 1) (3h) Communication is essential to successful ministry. It doesn’t matter what you have to say if you cannot make it understandable to the hearer. This study of the basic parts of speech and syntax of the English sentence is the starting place for learning effective communication.
Required Reading: Barron's Painless Grammar by Rebecca Elliot, Ph.D
Writing WIth Power by Peter Elbow
CM 502 EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION 2 (ENGLISH II) (3h) With the advent of e-mail and computer technology, it is once again essential to know how to communicate through writing. God chose speaking and writing as the two tools used to communicate the Gospel to the world. The effective minister must be skilled at both. In this class you will apply the grammatical principles of CM 501 to composition and writing skills and learn to express yourself effectively.
NOTE: Special arrangments for speech and homiletics will be arranged based on the students opportunity to speak. Lectures will be download, speeches must be video recorded and sent in for evaluation. Call registrar for detailed instructions.
CM 503 SPEECH (3h) is an introduction to organizing, developing and communicating your thoughts. You will begin to develop your communication skills in a relaxed, non-threatening environment that will greatly enhance your ability to teach, preach and communicate.
Required Reading: How To Read a Person Like a Book by by Gerald I. Nierenberg
The following three courses all require:
Strongs Concordance, Thayers Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament & Gesenius Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon of the Old Testament
CM 504 HOMILETICS I (3h) is an introduction to pulpit speaking and preaching skills. This class prepares you to do effective, responsible research. You will learn to use basic translation tools and continue to develop your ability to organize and outline your thoughts. In this class you will develop effective study and research habits and methodology. Jesus prepared many of His messages, how much more should we?
CM 505 HOMILETICS II (3h) is a class of practical application. On a regular basis, each student will prepare and deliver messages orally while being reviewed by faculty members and peers. The special emphasis of this course is on developing “pulpit” skills. You will face and overcome your fears of speaking in public. In a safe, positive environment you will become aware of and deal with the small annoyances in your delivery style that would prevent people from hearing and receiving your message. This is the starting place for becoming a master communicator.
CM 506 HOMILETICS III (3h) is a refinement of oral communication and presentation skills using topical messages from the book of Proverbs relating to “Ethics and Success” in ministry. While developing your preaching style you will gain awareness of essential ethical traits relating to success. In this class you begin to develop more of your personal style of presentation.
CM 507 MEDIA MINISTRY (3h) - is an introduction to the world of drama, television and special effects that can be used to facilitate communication that is more meaningful. This course focuses on using various media tools to make the presentation more effective in a “media driven” world.
Required Reading: Out on the Edge by Michael Slaughter
CM 508 CHARACTER, MANNERS, ETHICS AND INFLUENCE (3hr) This course outlines the practical lifestyle of the believer and minister that gives credibility and influence to all they do. “When your gift exceeds your character, the gift becomes a reproach” (JBR). We want your life to be as appealing as your ministry gift. A life of character is the only assurance of a life of ministry success. This is a personal development course that makes your testimony believable.
Required Reading: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
DEPARTMENT OF RELEVANT MINISTRY
RM 601 DYNAMICS OF SMALL GROUPS - RELEVANT MINISTRY I (3h) looks at the need for small group ministry. All people need personal support groups of some kind. Having overlooked this need, the church has left people without the essential support for victorious living and personal development. The result has been an over emphasis on professional ministers meeting needs that should be met through healthy communication and supportive relations. This is a study in the dynamics of small group ministry and facilitating. Special attention is given to the development of a new believer and the activation of the laity to service. Additional emphasis is placed on the small group as a place of processing and personalizing the message to which it is exposed.
Required Reading: Effective Small Groups by James B. Richards
NOTE: Special instructions wil be given for the participation aspect of small groups. Call registrar for instructions.
RM 602 SUBSTANCE ABUSE & DETOX -RELEVENT MINISTRY II (3h) is a study in the dynamics of detox treatment utilizing methodology that is holistic in nature and more consistent with the biblical model of man as a spirit, soul and body. Special emphasis is placed on the connection between emotions and physiological functions of the body, especially the progression of negative emotions that accompany substance abuse. This class will prepare you to minister to one of the most crucial needs in our society. This class, along with clinical training, will qualify you for national certification as a Detox Specialist.
Required Reading: Transformation and Recovery by Alex G. Brumbaugh
RM 603 ADDICTIONS COUNSELING I - RELEVANT MINISTRY IV (3h) is a course of study designed to provide a general introduction to Substance Abuse Counseling. This course introduces the student to the 12 core functions, 12-Step Program, pharmacology, ethics, rules and regulations, referrals and theory and dynamics of counseling. This course not only prepares the student for certification as an Addictions Counselor, but equips him/her to deal with the real issues of life which have traditionally been avoided or mishandled by mainstream Christian counselors.
Required Reading: Escape from Codependent Christianity by James B. Richards
RM 604 CHURCH GROWTH – RELEVANT MINISTRY VI (3h) gives a practical look into the principles and methods essential for reaching your community. We are called to reach the world. Many have been told to “just preach the Word and people will come,” but, it is not that simple. Even Jesus planned, organized, trained and sent out pre-crusade teams. If we are to reach the world, we must know how to reach them and keep them. We must understand their needs. We must speak their language. Even Jesus applied these simple principles.
This class will review the New Testament principles of church growth as presented in the book of Acts. It will also examine the current trends of church growth including the advantages of multi-sensory imaging. Special attention will be given to involving lay ministry and proper functioning of the house-to-house meeting.
Required Reading: The Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren
DEPARTMENT OF BIBLICAL LANGUAGES
The following two courses all require:
Strongs Concordance, Thayers Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament & Gesenius Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon of the Old Testament
BL 701 GREEK I (3h) is an introduction to orthography, the parts of speech and syntax of the Greek noun (cases, adjectives, definite article, preposition) and the syntax of the Greek verb (person, number, voice, mood, tense, infinitive, participle, adverb, conjunction and particle). Instruction in the use of the Greek Interlinear New Testament and the Analytical Greek Lexicon. This class will give you the skills needed to do biblical research as well as develop your language skills.
BL 702 GREEK II (3h) is a continuation of the study of syntax of the Greek sentence structure with emphasis on translation applications. This is a continuation in the refinement of your language skills.