Mission of the Bible Training Center - The First Baptist Church Bible Training Center (BTC) exists to

extend basic non-formal theological training to church leaders.

Purpose - The BTC concept and curriculum is designed for the specific purpose of providing basic Bible
training for church leaders that will adequately and effectively equip them with the necessary
knowledge and practical skills for the work of local church ministry. Most Bible Training Center students
have not been to Bible college or seminary. The focus of the training is on church leaders becoming
more like Jesus Christ by learning to think and live Biblically.
Objectives of the BTC
educating church leaders in basic Bible knowledge and practical ministry skills.
equipping and training pastors and church leaders to handle and use the Word of God properly
and productively in their exhortation, teaching, and counseling ministry.
encouraging the personal spiritual growth of church leaders toward maturity in Christ.
enabling church leaders to equip and train others to do the work of ministry.
exhorting church leaders to personal obedience and application of Gods word.
Philosophy The BTC is designed as a church-based equipping and training ministry, not a formal
educational institution. The training we provide can be described as nonformal equipping for local
church ministry. Practical understanding and implementation of Bible knowledge and ministry skills is
the objectivenot academic knowledge or credentials.
The basic teaching/learning process utilized in the BTC is best described as an ongoing process of
assimilation of knowledge and skills in a relational/ interactive context without the use of traditional
testing/measuring devices (i.e. exams, term papers, etc.). The students hear, see, study and personally
practice what they are learning via class time, review and re-statement, the study/reading periods and
their ministry involvements. Question and answer times at the end of individual class sessions are often

used to confirm learning. Student motivation comes from a personal desire to be biblically equipped and
trained for effective church ministry.
Curriculum - The curriculum of the BTC is uniquely Bible-centered, using an approved Study Bible as its
main textbook along with 10 custom designed, self-contained, and comprehensive course manuals
providing the equivalent of a foundational level Bible college/seminary education. The courses are
interrelated and integrated. The 10 course manuals and an approved Study Bible will provide an ongoing
resource library for ministry.

The ESV Study Bible Copyright 2008 by Crossway Bibles is the approved study Bible for the BTC
* In addition to the class curriculum students are required to serve in a church ministry during BTC
training.

BTC Courses
Course Title
Manual
Classroom Hours
1. Bible Study Methods
Manual #1
40
2. Old Testament Survey
Manual #2
60
3. New Testament Survey
Manual #3
60
4. Communicating Biblical Messages
Manual #4*
40
5. Bible Doctrine Survey
Manual #5
60
6. Personal and Corporate Spiritual Life
Manual #6 (& portion of #7)
55
7. Church Ministry/Administration/Education
Manual #7
40
8. Missions/Evangelism/Discipleship
Manual #10
60
9. Teaching Principles/Methods
Manual #8
40
10. Church History
Manual #9
60
* Communicating Biblical Messages uses pages 1-84 of manual 4.
Bible Study Methods (40 in class hours)
An introduction to basic Bible study methods and rules of interpretation with emphasis on accurately
understanding and obeying Gods Word and the development of practical skills. Students will learn to
determine what Scripture says, what it means, and how it can be applied.
Old Testament Survey (60 in class hours)
A broad overview and survey of the Old Testament designed to emphasize the structure, theme and
message of the Old Testament and each of its 39 individual books in order to provide understanding of
Gods self-revelation and His plan of redemption.
New Testament Survey (60 in class hours)
A broad overview and survey of the New Testament focusing on the theme, purpose, structure and basic
content of each individual New Testament book and how it relates to each book to the whole Bible.
Strong emphasis is also given to the practical application of the message of each New Testament book.
2

Communicating Biblical Messages (40 in class hours)

Designed to equip and train Bible teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare and
deliver expository messages from Gods Word which are biblically sound and responsive to the needs of
people. Much emphasis is placed on practical preparation of the speaker and the message with
numerous examples and practice assignments.
Bible Doctrine Survey (60 in class hours)
A survey and summary of the ten major doctrines of the Bible with an emphasis on knowing God more
fully while understanding and practicing sound theology.
Personal and Corporate Spiritual Life (55 in class hours)
This course is designed to teach the basic concepts and principles of the spiritual life so that they can
personally grow to spiritual maturity and live a life that is pleasing to God.
Church Ministry/Administration/Education (40 in class hours)
This course is designed to introduce pastors and church leaders to the basic principles related to the
nature, structure and function of the church and to teach them the practical knowledge and skills
necessary for the local church to effectively carry out its functional roles in the areas of ministry,
administration and education.
Missions/Evangelism/Discipleship (60 in class hours)
This three-part course is designed to ground pastors and church leaders in the basic biblical principles of
missions, evangelism, and discipleship so that the church can accomplish its God-given task of bringing
lost people to Christ and building them up in Christ.
Teaching Principles/Methods (40 in class hours)
This course is designed to equip pastors and church leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to
teach Gods Word effectively. Much emphasis is placed on the pastors role as teacher and the biblical
goal of teaching.
Church History (60 in class hours)
This course is designed to introduce pastors and church leaders to the principal people; the major
political, historical, and cultural developments; the main religious movements; and the doctrinal issues
which have influenced and shaped the Christian church throughout its 2000 year
BTC Programs
5 Course Certificate
Bible Study Methods
Old Testament Survey
New Testament Survey
Bible Doctrine Survey
Personal and Corporate Spiritual
Life

Elective Courses
Communicating Biblical Messages
Church
Ministry/Administration/Education
Missions/Evangelism/Discipleship
Teaching Principles/Methods
Church History

2017-2018 - Schedule of Classes

Classes meet on Mondays from 6-9pm from Feb 2017 Nov. 2018 275 classroom hours of instruction
Course 1
Bible Study Methods and Rules of Interpretation
Classes will meet on Mondays from 6-9pm beginning February 13th and end May 8th.

40 hrs

Course 2
Old Testament Survey
Classes will meet on Mondays from 6-9pm beginning May 15 and end Sept. 25.

60 hrs

Course 3
New Testament Survey
Classes will meet on Mondays from 6-9pm beginning Oct. 2 and end Feb. 26, 2018.

60 hrs

Course 4
Bible Doctrine Survey
Classes will meet on Mondays from 6-9pm beginning March 5 and end July 9.

60 hrs

Course 5
Personal and Corporate Spiritual Life
Classes will meet on Mondays from 6-9pm beginning July 16 and end Nov. 19.

55 hrs

BIBLE TRAINING CENTER - APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION

Date __________________
Name _________________________________________________________ (D.O.B.) _______________
Address ______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Phone ______________________________ E-mail ___________________________________________
Citizenship __________________________
Family Status: Spouses Name _________________________________________ No. of Children _____
Church ______________________________________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________________________
Denomination ____________________ Pastors Name _______________________________________
Bible Training to-date:__________________________________________________________________
Ministry Experience: (Present involvement)
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Practical Assignment during Training:
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Ministry Assignment after Training:
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Comments: __________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

BIBLE TRAINING CENTER STUDENT REFERENCE FORM

_________________________________________ has applied for BTC training and has
given your name as a reference. Please answer the following questions honestly and accurately, sign and
date this form, and return this confidential form in the included self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Thank you very much for your kind assistance.
(Applicants name)

1. How long have you personally known this applicant? ______________________________________

2. In what ways does the applicant show definite signs of spiritual maturity?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. What characteristics qualify him for this training and the ministry?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
4. How would you describe his ministry skills, experience and spiritual gifts?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
5. Do you know of any reason why this person should not serve as a church leader?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
6. Can you recommend this applicant without any conditions? __________________________________

Signed: ________________________________________

Date: _____________________

Address:______________________________________________________________________________
Phone: _______________________________________________________________________________