What Courses are Available?

The College offers the following courses:

Diploma in Biblical Studies - Two year full-time course
This course is accredited with the National Open College Network at levels 2 & 3. A minimum of 96 Credits are required to achieve the full diploma. Each subject accrues either 6 or 9 credits. Four subjects are studied each term and are selected from the accredited units listed below. .

Diploma in Biblical Studies - Part-time course
This course can also be studied on a unit by unit part-time basis alongside the full-time students. The student has the option to attend one, two or three days each week to accrue credits. A minimum of 96 Credits are required to achieve the full diploma. Overseas students are not eligible for part time courses due to Home Office regulations.

Degree Programme - Bachelor of Theology
A tutor led, 2 year full-time programme consisting of 36 classroom units and 4 ministry units. Accreditted prior learning for graduates of the HBC diploma in biblical studies. Accreditted by the International College of Excellence. More information upon request.

Distance Learning Audio Programme
The Twelve modules of the Distance Learning Programme include a selection of subjects from the Full Time Course. This is not an accredited course but is suitable for those unable to attend classes. A Certificate is issued on completion.


Church Leadership & Management
These three accredited modules are taught as part of the full time course (one day per week for one year, term time only). There is also the option to take three workshops, held on Saturdays, once a month, (10am to 4pm) at a nominal fee. Please telephone for the annual schedule and fees.

HBC Academy - Full-time  and part-time Computer Courses
All details of these courses can be found on the Academy website: www.hbcacademy.org.uk

Accredited Units - Diploma in Biblical Studies

Old Testament

Themes and Structures of the Old Testament – This unit is divided into six sections: The Pentateuch, the Pre-exilic historical books, the exilic and post-exilic historical books, the Poetical books, the pre-exilic prophetical books and the exilic and post-exilic prophetical books. Each section covers the immediate purpose of the books, if and where they portray Christ, the Hebrew thought, typology and outline. Each looks at the main events and the main characters featured.

Isaiah – This prophetic book is a must for students of the bible. Divided into three distinct sections, the book of Isaiah plays a major part in prophesying the coming Messiah. The theme of Isaiah is ‘The salvation of God’. The class will look at the six woes of Isaiah; the four servant songs; the intercession of the prophet Isaiah and the Messianic prophecies. Isaiah prophesies the end times and the millennium with Christ as Prince of Peace and the new heavens and new earth. There are more messianic prophecies in Isaiah than in any other book of the bible concerning both the first and second comings of Christ.

Psalms – This is the largest book of the bible and the most often quoted in the New Testament. It was the hymnal and devotional guide for Jewish believers. The Psalms enjoy an almost universal appeal because they centre, to a great part, upon human emotions in all realms. They are termed ‘lyrical poetry’. While some of the lyrical qualities have, unfortunately, been lost in the translation from Hebrew, they still stand unequalled for beauty of expression in any language.

New Testament

Themes and Structures of the New Testament - The class will identify and clearly explain the main themes, outline and summary of each of the books of the New Testament with a clear understanding of the immediate purpose of each. It gives an overview of the Gospels, Acts; An introduction to the Epistles of Paul and others as well as to the book of Revelation.

Matthew’s Gospel – This class examines closely the beginnings of the book of Matthew. It reveals that it is a very Jewish book in nature, showing Jesus as the Messiah. Students will learn about the immediate purpose for the writing of the gospel and study in depth some of the main features, such as the birth of Jesus, the Beatitudes, the Sermon on the Mount and some of the miracles performed by Jesus.

Mark’s Gospel – The theme of Mark is Jesus as the divine servant. Students will study Jesus’ early Galilean ministry as well as the extensive use of parables in His teaching. This class will evaluate the eschatological sermons given in Mark’s gospel and look at the events that led to the final conflict with the Pharisees and Sadducees that preceded Jesus’ arrest. The crucifixion events and the implications of Judgement are also included.

The Gospel of John – This Gospel outlines the public revelation of the Son of God, the private revelation of the Son of God and the vindication of the Son of God. This class includes an in-depth study of the ‘Logos’ theme of the first chapter of John and its significance; the work of John the Baptist; the relevance and import of the discourse between Jesus and Nicodemus; the seven signs of John and the seven ‘I am’ statements of Jesus. The import of the actions and teachings of Jesus in the upper room, his trials before both Annas and Pilate, and Peter’s denial of Christ are also discussed. Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, together with his post-resurrection appearances and their significance to the Christian Faith, are studied.

Acts – This book details the history of the beginning of the church. The main theme is the work of the Holy Spirit in and through the church. Beginning with the last words of Jesus and His promised return, the book then moves to the day of Pentecost, Peter’s sermon and the beginning of the church in Jerusalem and its growth into Judea, Samaria and finally to the uttermost parts of the earth. It explores the ministries of Peter and Paul and Paul’s missionary journeys.

Romans – This book contains the foundational doctrines of the church and compares the doctrines of law and grace. It also includes teaching regarding the unrighteous state of the human race and looks at the doctrine of righteousness and justification by faith rather than by works. Romans forms the basis of Christian belief and the student will understand what Paul taught concerning Israel and the future of Israel with reference to the prophecies of the Old Testament.

1st & 2nd Corinthians – Corinth was a strategic centre of influence for the gospel and in this class students will learn about the strengths and weaknesses of the church there and the concerns that Paul had for her. These letters contain reprimands for the lack of discipline in the church and students consider how we can avoid the same problems in the church today. The danger of false prophets and how Paul established his apostolic authority is included, together with his teachings regarding the importance of reconciliation, both with God and man.

Galatians – This class looks at the doctrine of grace and the importance of holding on to the freedom we have in Christ. This letter proves more than any other the doctrine of justification by faith rather than by works. The interference of the Judaizers and how they consistently tried to undermine the gospel of grace is discussed, together with how Paul established his own apostolic authority in the face of their false accusations. The fruit of the spirit manifest in the believer’s life is included.

Ephesians – Students will understand the main themes of the letter, freedom in Christ and walking with Christ, including the blessings of redemption, salvation from sin, reconciliation and how the believer is no longer a stranger in the Kingdom of God. This class examines the plan of God for the church and Paul’s famous prayer for the Ephesians that can be easily related to the church today. This class looks at the doctrine of unity and oneness in Christ and teaches a new way of thinking and living. It looks at the marriage relationship and the relationship between parents and children, clearly teaching what Paul feels should be a response to the gospel. It also looks at the very important teaching concerning spiritual warfare.

Philippians – This class examines the themes of joy and partnership, examining how believers can have profound contentment and peace no matter what the circumstances, as well as how joy may be found in suffering, serving, believing and giving. The humility of Christ laying aside His deity to become human; His self-sacrifice, suffering and death so that we might have eternal life are discussed. Christian living and the outworking of the scriptures in our daily lives and how one can mature in Christ are examined.

James & 1&2 Peter – Students learn the main themes of each of these letters as well as the arguments concerning the authorship of James. James is called the Proverbs of the New Testament because it contains such wisdom. It examines the prayer of faith and how faith and works go hand in hand. James teaches respect for others and shows how a person of faith is seen by his actions, including controlling the tongue and how dangerous our words can be. Peter’s letters were written to encourage believers during a time of intense persecution and are to prepare the believer for tough times ahead. He exhorts believers to a life of holiness and gives good advice for life, warning against licentious behaviour. Peter exhorts the reader to steadfastness to the word of God and explains why heaven is worth suffering for.

Hebrews – This class examines the main themes of this book including the contrasts between the old and new covenants; law and grace; the old and new priesthood; faith; the better covenant and the priesthood of Christ. It also covers the six fundamental doctrines of chapter six, i.e. teaching on the foolishness of trying to be saved by good works, the necessity of faith in God, the doctrine of baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgement.

Topics

Biblical Economics – This class looks at the scriptural teaching throughout both the Old and New Testament concerning finances and the way in which the early church dealt with the issue of money. Practical issues of budgeting and stewardship are discussed. The student will study the important issue of tithing and the controversy in today’s church concerning money.

Covenant Theology - .Students learn about the fundamental covenants that have been made throughout scripture, beginning with Adam and Eve and then those made with Noah, David, Moses and, more especially, Abraham. God is a covenant God and students compare the old and new covenants and discuss why the differences are of major importance to the church today. Students examine the New Covenant and learn how the Lord’s Supper was derived from the Passover meal. The importance of this to today’s church and how covenant promises affect the position of every believer in Christ is also examined.

Homiletics – Student learn how to prepare a sermon and all the processes required to present a good sermon, from gathering the right materials to structuring a message, whether textual, topical or expository. It also shows the students the rudiments of research and study so that they are able to research, arrange, write and deliver a sermon. This class shows the importance of self-assessment when writing and delivering a sermon and helps the student to develop good skills of both presentation and note taking.

Motivational Gifts – This class examines the gifts listed in Romans chapter twelve and how the student can recognise his or her own motivational gift and investigate the negative and positive aspects of each gift. This teaching helps to explain why different people act in certain ways and helps the students to understand those around them.

New Creation Realities – This class is fundamental to all Christian belief and examines in detail what the scriptures teach concerning the status of the believer. The believer’s position in Christ and the believer’s standing in righteousness are discussed, showing how righteousness is a state of being rather than a position to be attained. This subject solidifies the understanding that salvation is not obtained through works; neither is it retained through works, but by faith, believing what the bible says. This class looks in detail at the workings of the Spirit, Soul and Body and discusses the importance of understanding the legal and vital aspects of our redemption. The student will also learn about the original nature of man, the change in man’s situation after the fall and how the Godly nature has been restored in Christ. The fruits of righteousness and the reality of the outworking of fruit in the life of a believer are contrasted with the gifts of the Spirit. This class looks at the reality of our substitutionary sacrifice in Christ and what it means to us to be identified with Him.

New Testament Ministries – This class studies the biblical basis of ministry in the New Testament, including the qualifications and functions of Bishop, Overseer, Elder and Deacon. The function and relevance of the ‘five-fold ministry’ outlined in Ephesians chapter four and the other ministries in the church are discussed; also how the life and work of Jesus reflects some of these New Testament Ministries and how key New Testament figures ministered in at least three of the five-fold ministries. The student will discuss church government as seen in the book of Acts and the Epistles and compare this with church governments today.

Prayer – This class examines various types of prayer. Steps to answered prayer are discussed and the various reasons why some prayers are seemingly not answered. Students discuss scriptural teaching concerning praying and speaking with other tongues and the issues that have arisen in today’s church over this subject. Jesus’ teaching on prayer and both Old & New Testament teachings concerning intercession are examined.

Spiritual Gifts in the Church – Paul’s letter to the Corinthians is the main text for this subject. The class examines in detail the functions of each of the nine spiritual gifts and the outworking of each in the church today. It also studies the benefits and pitfalls of the prophetic voice in today’s church and the application of the gifts in intercessory prayer, both in a personal and corporate setting.

The Application of Basic Christian Doctrine – This class examines the fundamental doctrines accepted and taught by the Christian Church as understood from the scriptures and their importance both corporately and individually. The student will explore the teaching of the nature of God, the Trinity, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The class will also look at the church today and the ordinances held by the church world-wide. The mission of the church, as detailed in Mark’s gospel and its application to today’s church, is included.

The Biblical Foundations for Christian Family – Some of the topics covered in this subject will be: the differences between men and women and how this affects our communication in relationships; the biblical teaching on marriage and some of the major reasons for marriage break up; divorce and remarriage. Students discuss the raising of children, including how the biblical teaching on discipline compares to today’s culture. Students will examine the church’s view of women today, paying particular attention to the teaching on love and submission, and look at both secular and church teaching on a variety of controversial subjects, especially those concerning relationships both inside and outside the church.

The End Times – This class examines the eschatological teachings of scripture, paying particular attention to the book of Revelation and the contrasting opinions of various theologians as to the events of the last days. This course looks at the Rapture, its timing and the eventual return of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Judge of the living and the dead. The student will learn about the Great Tribulation and the rise of the Antichrist. Touching the book of Daniel, Old Testament prophesies concerning the events of the seven years of Tribulation are discussed. The course also covers the Pre-Millennial, Post-Millennial and Amillennial teachings and examines the final state of mankind.

The Tabernacle – This class examines the construction of the tabernacle as outlined in scripture, together with the furnishings. Students look at the journeying of the Ark throughout its history, including in the Wilderness, in Canaan and in Philistia. They also look at the return of the Ark to Canaan as well as the Tabernacle of David.

Women and Ministry – This class examines the role of women throughout scripture, beginning in Genesis with Eve in the Garden of Eden and going on to look at various women of note in scripture and how their roles were far from being subservient. Students discuss how the Talmud, the Oral Law, differs from actual scripture and how the exile into Babylon affected the way in which the Torah was understood. Also how the role of women today has been affected by the misunderstanding and mis-translation of scripture. Jesus’ treatment of women and Paul’s attitude to them are studied. Students discuss the controversial subject of Headship and discover how some of the misunderstandings are perpetuated in today’s church.

Church Leadership and Management

Church Administration – This class teaches the student church administration from the basics to the advanced. It includes clarifying the roles that a Pastor or church leader must take. Students will learn how to operate business principles in a ministerial setting without compromising the spiritual aspects of the work. The importance of vision and ministry structure will also be discussed. Students will also learn how to arrange and administer small groups.

Church Leadership – This class teaches the student about vision. It examines the Pastor’s role and job description. The student will also learn about the different kinds of church government and be able to identify them. Change is something that does not come about easily, whether in a church or a business, and the student will learn some principles to help them initiate change with the least resistance. Most ministries are run with volunteers so it is more important than ever to be able to motivate them and students learn the necessary skills to both motivate people and to keep them motivated.

Church Organisation – This class teaches the student the basic principles of decision-making, an important part of leadership. Planning is an important aspect of every venture and the student will learn some sound principles for this. Students will learn how important organisation is in any ministry and how to write policies and procedures to enable the smooth running of Christian organisations.