Courses and Preparation

Preparing for your Classes

We're looking forward to seeing you in in person in June. Our prayer is that God would use these courses to expand your view of God, deepen your understanding of the gospel, strengthen your ability to study and communicate God's word, and fuel your vision to bring Christ to the nations. 

Everything you need to know about Intro to Christian Theology and Bible Study Methods is posted below. Here's what you can do to prepare: 

  1. Order your books for ICT and BSM (see links below)
  2. For Intro to Christian Theology, download the syllabus and watch the video posted below. (We would strongly encourage you to finish as much of the ICT reading as possible before classes start.  Staff who read ahead always tell us they are glad they did.)
  3. For Bible Study Methods, all the information you need can be found in the Syllabus, Required Texts, and Pre-Course Assignments.
  4. Complete this Getting to Know You Survey before June 1.

Bible Study Methods – J. Scott, B.T. Straughn, and coaching team

Using the book of Ephesians as a guide, you will learn the skills necessary to open the Scriptures for yourself. You will do this working in small groups along with a coach, so you can get the practical help you need to handle the word accurately.

Syllabus, Required Texts, and Pre-Course Assignments

 

Intro to Christian Theology – Dr. Keith Johnson

Good theology is vital to the life and health of the church.  Theology helps us answer questions like, ‘What is God like?’ ‘How does God speak to us?’ ‘Why did God create the world?’  ‘What does it mean to be human?’ ‘What’s wrong in the world?’ ‘Who is Jesus Christ and what did he do for us?’ ‘What is the good news of the gospel?’  ‘Who is the Holy Spirit?’ ‘What is a church?’ ‘How will God’s story end?’  This course will introduce you to the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith (God, Bible, creation, fall, Christ, Holy Spirit, salvation, Christian growth, Church and future things) affirmed in the Cru Statement of Faith.  Not only will you gain a deeper understanding of these doctrines but you will also discover how these doctrines should practically shape our lives and ministries. 

Amazon Links for Required Books (Intro to Christian Theology)
Note: You are only reading select portions from these books.  Be sure to consult the course syllabus for specific readings.  The links below are for the "print" versions of these books.  Kindle versions are available as well.

 

Required Reading: Articles
(Note: The reading schedule can be found on pp. 7-9 of the course syllabus.  Any article with the phrase "online" after it will be found below.  If it says "notebook," it will be found in the sturctured notes you will receive at registration on site.)

 

Additional Resources (these will be referenced in class but are not required reading)