Core Curriculum and Optional studies for Certification Programs*

**Note: The difference between ODB certifications studies and ODB Bible Institute Studies, although the same materials are used, the certification studies are self directed, where the Bible Institute offers a more hands on approach. These studies are subsidized by donations and from association fees to make the studies and certification more affordable. You will have from 6 months to 1 year maximum to complete the studies and certification process. 

Certification studies are for those with some basic experience in ministry. These studies are less expensive, but designed for those that can work independently outside of a normal classroom experience. For the certification studies, what is required is a two page paper, with each study of what the Holy Spirit has shown you and how you are going to use the information in your ministry. In addition, at the end of the certification studies a Ministry Plan is due for certification to be complete. The ministry plan will outline your mission, purpose, what it will take to accomplish your calling, what help you will need from others and ODB.

*(Description of on-line basic certifications studies. Each program has different requirements and all are not required for certification, however they can be opted in if the student desires. Please inform the Help Desk if you wish, to add optional studies to your program. Pricing varies per course. Manuals in print are available for $36 each US plus S&H plus tuition fees, however as a part of the studies you may download them at no charge if they are a part of your program.)

Transitions: The Body of Christ in Transition. Learning were the body is and we are in the scope of things and how to get to where we are supposed to be as individuals and the body of Christ. This course serves as an introduction to ODB and it's mission globally.

Cognitive Restructuring: The first is Cognitive Restructuring, which basically is a study of how we humans learn by using our natural senses, see, touch smell, etc. The study looks at why things happen the way they do and what we can do about what does happen. It is a lesson of how to walk after the Spirit and not the flesh as we are admonished to. Part of the lesson is directed to helping believers find their calling and their gifts and purpose in life. This is an important tool in helping people as the focus then becomes who we are in Him instead of our current problems. The focus is what we dwell on we become. If we learn to focus on who we are in Him, our calling and gifts and learn to speak in line with scripture then most problems can be deal with. It is a long term solution and takes walking with the people that we are helping.

Can Two Walk Together?   The Power of God in Life and Ministry in Agreement in His Covenants! The Power of non-agreement is Division, Failure and Destruction! The Power of God in His Covenants and Covenant Promises If things are not working well it is because we do not honor His Covenants (II Chronicles 7:14) A House divided shall fall. "My house is a house of prayer." The power of God in agreement, prayer, praise and thanksgiving! A Manual of "How to bring love and unity (agreement) & His Covenant Promises!" The problems in life happen because God's People have not understood His Covenant Provision! Understand the Covenants, Honor them (His ways) & Situations will turn around! God Guarantees it! They are Covenants of Love so we can overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the words of our Testimony and get through life! Do things His Way, He Tabernacles with us, Do things our way, we are left with ourselves and He leaves! God gave us His ways in His love for us, to be blessed so we would be cared for. To go against Him or His ways, we receive the curses. What we seek, we will find. What we seek is a result of a condition of the heart. What we focus on in life, we become, good or bad.

 Discipleship 101: Basic starter study on God's ways, will for the body, His Statutes, Commandments for people to receive His Covenant blessings. In understanding and walking in the basics, will solve many problems in society. The point of this manual is for all believers to be on the same page as far as beliefs are concerned. The manual is tool for new believers and parts of it can be used in outreach.

Starting a Home Church, Fellowship House, Counseling Center or Home School, Training Manual. A Manual for all Believers, God’s Plan to reach all globally. Information in how to start in ministry and what is needed to get started and how we all as one body can and should help to accomplish His will. The study shows the difference between religious works and works of the flesh and God's true work in what we seek we will find. We are all called to be leaders and pillars not just of the church, but in our communities and how we can reach all and care for all needs through Christ.

What to do... When you don't know what to do! Biblical Strategies for Confronting Crisis; This is a basic study provided by Harvest Ministries which is a good representation of where to find answers in scripture to problems in life. The focus of Course is Based on His Word and learning to walk in His Word and the power and authority we all have been given. Pastoral Counseling is not about psychology it is about helping people find God and how to walk in His blessings and not curses. Premise is that God has answers for all of our problems no matter how big the problem. What is difficult often unless one is a Bible scholar is to know where to find this information in scripture and how to apply what is found to every day life. This studies focus is based on where to find it and how to stand on what God has provided for us.

Old Testament Survey: This study does give a brie overview of the Old Testament and some of the covenants that we have access to. Although it is the Old Testament the principles given are still valid today. Most of the New Testament Covenant does not do away with the Old Testament Covenant but is foundational to being able to learn how to stand on what we have been given.

New Testament Survey: The New testament Survey is a brief overview of the New Testament as the title implies but the New Covenant is based on understanding the Old Covenant and understanding the Old Covenant in what they had to lay a foundation to how much better a covenant that we have in the New Covenant. Every time we speak and give an oath in the New Testament we are giving a blood oath which is based on Jesus blood. In the OT only a chosen few were ordained as kings prophets and priests and in the NT all are called and have access. We are grafted in not to just have a covering, but the infilling of the Holy Spirit. In understanding that there is great power when we speak scripture and not what we see. All results in life are a condition of the heart and through the heart man speaks. We either speak life and liberty or we speak death and destruction.

Teaching Tactics:  The basic for all teachers. Study includes information on how to develop and use different teaching tactics. The subject of this course is "Teaching Tactics". "Teaching" is the act of instructing another person. Biblical teaching includes imparting knowledge and demonstrating how to apply that knowledge to personal life and ministry. "Tactics" are methods used to achieve a goal, purpose, or objective. In the military, the subject of "tactics" teaches soldiers how to use their weapons to achieve an advantage over the enemy. The same is true in the spiritual world. If we apply God's methods or "tactics", we can conquer spiritual enemies that include the world, the flesh and Satan with all his powers. In "Teaching Tactics" you will learn how to use a great spiritual weapon. That weapon is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). You will learn tactics of preaching and teaching God's Word for the purpose of defeating the enemy. This course uses God's Word, the Holy Bible, as the revelation upon which all teaching is based. In Biblical teaching the teacher, subject, and methods must all be in harmony with the Bible.

Strategies for Harvest:  Study shows how to reach out to local communities, plant seeds, cultivate and prepare for the harvest. Focus is on a plan of how to establish and outreach in the community. The Bible states in Proverbs 29:18, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." All over the world there are born-again believers who are perishing. No, they are not perishing in sin. They have accepted salvation through Jesus Christ. They attend church services, read the Bible, and may even be leaders in the church. But they are dying spiritually. Their lives as believers are routine. There is no spiritual excitement. They have no goal or purpose. They have no vision. The vision of which we speak is not what is visibly seen in a trance. It is not natural vision. It is a spiritual vision.
-If you feel empty spiritually...
-If you long to be used of God, but do not understand your part in His plan...
-If you feel there is something more to Christianity than the routine into which your life has fallen... The vision is your answer!

Biblical Management  "Management By Objectives" is a method for conducting Christian ministry in an orderly, effective manner. It is not enough to just know God's will for your life and ministry. You must make definite plans to fulfill your spiritual calling. You must learn to work with God to fulfill His purpose and plans. A serious problem with many Christian leaders is that of organizing and managing spiritual resources God has given them. If laborers for spiritual harvest are few, as the Bible indicates, then they should be effectively organized and managed.

 Evangelism   Almost two-thirds of the world's population has never heard the Gospel message. 
-Over a thousand people groups have never been penetrated for the Lord Jesus Christ.
-Many tribes have never received their first missionary.
-There are approximately 1,700 languages without the written Word of God.
-The world's population will double in less than 50 years.
When we think of statistics like these in terms of fulfilling the Great Commission of Jesus Christ to take the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to every creature, we realize we are faced with a great task. This course is written to mobilize and equip believers to fulfill this great challenge. It is a tremendous task, but it is not impossible. Most courses on evangelism focus only on the command to "go" into all the world with the Gospel. They emphasize preaching and teaching the Gospel message. This course differs because it also focuses on what Jesus said to do "as you go" and the New Testament Church pattern of what to do "while you are there."

Principles of Multiplication:  The Bible records the creation of the world and the first man and woman (Genesis 1). The  first command given by God to these newly created people was to multiply: So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it...(Genesis 1:27-28) This process was not only to be physical multiplication, it was also to be spiritual. As Adam and Eve multiplied physically they would fill the earth with others like themselves; people who knew God and walked in fellowship with Him. They would be reproducing spiritually as well as physically.

Jail & Prison Ministry  You hold in your hands the key to a great treasure box. Inside the box are gold, silver, and precious jewels. The box in which these treasures are contained is rather unusual--not really very appealing. It is surrounded by razor wire, electrified fences, and armed guard towers. But inside there is great treasure . . . men and women, precious to God, who are waiting for YOU. The manual you hold in your hands--“You Came Unto Me”--is a training guide for jail and prison ministry. This manual provides instruction for every level of involvement:
• The minimal level of corresponding with an inmate.
• Visiting one-on-one with inmates.
• Ministering in group worship services, special programs, or Bible studies inside an
institution.
• Assisting inmate’s families.
• Providing post-prison ministry upon an inmate’s release from a penal institution.
It includes instruction on dress and safety codes, institution and inmate typology, and how to relate to inmates in such a way that they will be attracted to the Gospel message and receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

Power Principles  Jesus told the religious leaders of New Testament times. . . Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. (Matthew 22:29) The truth of the Gospel is two-fold. First, it is the Word of God as revealed in the Holy Bible. To know the Scriptures you must study, understand, and apply them. But the truth of the Gospel is more than the Scriptures. It is also the power of God. To know the power of God you must understand and apply power principles. The power of God must become a reality in your life through experience.  

Battle for the Body:  The early Church viewed their spiritual experience in terms of warfare. Military terminology is used throughout the New Testament. Protection was seen in the armor of God. The Word of God was compared to a sword. Satan's attacks were called fiery darts. Faith was the "good fight" and believers were told to "war a good warfare.” The early Church knew they were engaged in intense spiritual struggle. The Bible states that God's people are destroyed because of lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). One of the areas in which believers are defeated due to lack of knowledge is in this invisible warfare. There is a great war being waged in the world today. It is not a conflict between nations, tribes, or government leaders. It is not a rebellion or coup. It is an important invisible battle in the spirit world. The Christian life is war. The sooner we recognize and prepare for it, the sooner we will experience victory. One aspect of this invisible war targets the soul and spirit of man.

Foundations of Faith:  The basic doctrines of the Christian faith are the subject of this course. Doctrines are a collection of teachings on a certain subject. The basic doctrines of the Christian faith are the teachings of Jesus Christ recorded in the Bible. These doctrines are listed in the Bible in the book of Hebrews: Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. (Hebrews 6:1-3) Two spiritual objectives are set forth in this verse: The first objective is that of building your spiritual life on the right foundation. This foundation is the doctrine of Jesus Christ. The second objective is to go on to perfection. Perfection means spiritual maturity. There are two reasons for failure to live a victorious Christian life. The first reason is that some who are trying to live like Christians have never been born again. They do not understand the basic doctrines of Jesus Christ. Because of this lack of understanding they have failed to make a proper response to God. The second reason for failure is not going on to spiritual maturity. The first purpose of this course is to present the basic doctrines of the Christian faith necessary for a proper spiritual foundation.

The Ministry of the Holy Spirit: During one of his missionary trips the Apostle Paul questioned a group of believers about the Holy Spirit. He asked if they had received the Holy Spirit since they believed. Their answer was, "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost" (Acts 19:2).* Paul shared the message of the ministry of the Holy Spirit with these Christians (Acts 19). Today it is equally important that believers understand the ministry of the Holy Spirit. God promised: And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh... (Acts 2:17) The fact that God is willing at this time to pour out His Spirit upon us makes this study important. We must understand the ministry of the Holy Spirit in order to be part of this special revelation of the power of God. The study of the Holy Spirit is one of the major doctrines of the Bible. A doctrine is all the teachings which relate to a particular subject. Paul said: ...give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. (I Timothy 4:13) It is not through the natural powers of man that God moves in our world. It is through the ministry of the Holy Spirit: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit saith the Lord. (Zechariah 4:6)

Intercessory Prayer:
Upon conclusion of this course you will be able to:
• Define prayer and explain how prayer is answered.
• Summarize the role of prayer in the life of Jesus Christ.
• Identify the levels of prayer and the different types of prayer.
• Define intercessory prayer. Explain the Biblical basis of the believer's ministry as an intercessor. Identify Jesus as our model for intercession. Describe how intercession is done. Explain why intercession is important.
• Use spiritual resources for intercession, including delegated power and authority, binding and loosing, the Name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus, and fasting.
• Explain how to intercede. Summarize principles for effective intercession. Identify what to intercede for.
• Use the promises of God to intercede.
• Identify and eliminate hindrances to effective intercession.
• Know when not to pray.
• Provide Scriptural references for both versions of the model prayer. Explain why the Lord's prayer is actually a prayer of intercession. Use the model prayer as a guide for intercession.
• Define revival and how we can prepare for revival. Recognize when revival is needed. Identify evidences of a backslidden condition. Summarize Biblical principles of revival. Identify obstacles to revival.
• Explain how to use "God's revival plan" to intercede for revival.
• Make a plan for organized prayer. Create a personal prayer manual. Engage in international intercession.
• Identify problems in getting started and keeping going.
• Commit yourself to the ministry of intercession.

Spiritual Warfare: There is a great war being waged in the world today. It is not a conflict between nations, tribes, or government leaders. It is not a rebellion or coup. It is an important invisible battle taking place in the spirit world. The Bible states that God's people are destroyed because of lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). One of the main areas in which believers are being defeated due to lack of knowledge is in spiritual warfare. The early Church viewed their spiritual experience in terms of warfare. Military terminology is used throughout the New Testament. Protection was seen in the armor of God. The Word of God was compared to a sword. Satan's attacks were called fiery darts. Faith was the "good fight" and believers were told to "war a good warfare." The early Church knew they were engaged in an intense spiritual struggle. The same spiritual battle continues today but instead of fighting the enemy, believers are often building great church buildings, producing musical dramas, holding fellowship meetings, and fighting one another while this great spiritual battle wages around them. Satan has even intensified his attacks against a church that has withdrawn from the front lines of battle.

Women's Ministry: There are many voices in the world today speaking on behalf of women.
• We have heard the voice of what has been termed in some nations "women's liberation" calling for equal rights for all women everywhere.
• In other nations, the voice of tradition has been raised demanding that women be kept in subjection.
• Theologians have debated extensively regarding the role of women in the Church.
• We have heard the voices of psychologists, educators, and philosophers with their various views on womanhood.
In general, concern with the subject of women has focused on their purpose and position in society. Many modern movements promoting liberation for women have overreacted to the problems and concerns faced by women.

Biblical Prophecy: In a world shattered by terrorism, wars, famines, and natural disasters, people everywhere are greatly concerned about the future...
...What lies ahead for this world?
...What does the future hold for me as a child of God?
...How can I properly prepare to face the future?
The good news is that you do not have to be fearful about the future because God has a divine plan He is working out in this world. Nothing can alter it. Nothing can abort it. You do not have to be confused about the future because through this study you will receive the keys to understanding biblical prophecy as you study the New Testament book of Revelation. This study is an exciting spiritual journey into the future. On the island of Patmos, John didn't receive a dry, dead, theological explanation of future events. He received a powerful, dynamic, life-changing prophetic revelation. He received a revelation of Christ in all His glory, he saw into the throne room of Heaven, and he received a supernatural unveiling of God’s end-time plan. You will receive the same exciting revelation as you study this manual.

Mobilization Methodologies: To "mobilize" means to "put in a state of readiness for active service, to use one's energies for action". A "methodology" is a system of "methods", a clearly defined way of accomplishing a plan or vision. Worldly strategies of motivation focus on manipulation of people and other resources for the purpose of greed and selfish gain. To "motivate" others, appeals are centered on things pleasing to the flesh or achieved by guilt, pressure, and force. Mobilization differs, in that it is grounded in Biblical principles and the motivation comes from God rather than man. Mobilization results from the sovereign touch of God rather than cheap emotional appeals to the flesh. In this course you will learn the difference between mobilization and manipulation. You will study the Biblical basis of mobilization and learn how the fire, glory, and worship of God are involved in mobilizing God's people. You will study Biblical principles of revival and learn their importance in maintaining the motivation necessary for achieving spiritual vision.

Knowing God's Voice: "What is God's will for me?" This question is perhaps the one most often asked by believers. It is also a question that frequently confronts Christian leaders as men and women turn to them for guidance in decision-making. In everyday situations of life, believers are constantly making choices that determine whether or not they will do the perfect will of God. It is essential to know God's voice, understand His will, and make right decisions each day. It is important because each minor decision affects the finding of God's will for a lifetime.

Kingdom Living: All men live in a natural kingdom of this world. They live in a city or village that is part of a nation. That nation is a kingdom of the world. In addition to the natural kingdoms of this world there are two spiritual kingdoms that exist. Every person alive is a resident of one of these two kingdoms: The kingdom of Satan or the Kingdom of God. This course concerns the Kingdom of God. It introduces the two spiritual kingdoms, their rulers, and residents. It provides spiritual keys for gaining access to the Kingdom of God and warns of things that result in being cast out of the Kingdom. The past, present, and future of this Kingdom are examined, Kingdom parables are explained, and its patterns and principles of living are stressed.

Alter Counselors Guide: Serving as an altar counselor can be an exciting and rewarding spiritual experience: You have the opportunity to "reap" spiritual fruit for the Kingdom of God. As a minister shares God's Word, he is actually "sowing" it in the hearts of those who listen. At the conclusion of the service when he provides opportunity for listeners to respond to his challenge, a great spiritual "harvest" is ready to be reaped. As an altar worker, you serve as a counselor to those who respond to the altar call made by the minister. You are working with the minister to "reap" the spiritual fruit of men, women, boys, and girls who have received and acted upon the Word of God.

Developing a Biblical World View: This course is the first in the Third Module of training.  Module One, entitled "Visualizing," communicates the vision of spiritual harvest. The Module Two courses on "Deputizing" provide basic training to equip you to fulfill this vision. Module Three courses explain how to expand the vision you have received by sharing with others what you have learned. You will learn how to train laborers for spiritual harvest who will be able to train others also: And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (II Timothy 2:2) This continuing cycle of training is called "multiplying" because it multiplies the spiritual labor force.

Environmental Analysis: This course introduces principles of environmental analysis necessary for organizing and mobilizing spiritual resources for evangelizing. This study stresses the importance of environmental analysis in planning strategies to reach the world with the Gospel. "Environmental analysis" is defined and reviewed in the Old and New Testament records. Instructions are given for doing a personal environmental analysis and analyzing people groups, geographic areas, nations, regions of the world, and Christian organizations. This course is second in a series of three in the "Organizing Module" of training offered.

Equipping the Saints for the Work of the Ministry, Parts 1 & 2 Studies show how to start in ministry to build a strong base so the work can grow fully to become what it is called to become. Part 1 deals with small ministries and ministries and home churches and Part 2 helps organize a church.  Based on the book of Ephesians the studies lead in a step by step procedure to build a healthy work in working with the five-fold gift ministry and the gifts. Jesus gave us the raw tools but it is up to each of us to understand the tools and use the tools and work as one body to accomplish His will locally and globally.