NET BIBLE ACADEMY
Two Year Diploma in Christian Ministry Course Information
Net Bible Academy has a clear vision – to equip you for service! (Ephesians 4:12) It offers three streams of
teaching, which form part of a wider Christian ministry and leadership focus. The three streams are:
Theology, Application, and Bible.
This two year course offers a Diploma in Christian Ministry, and is divided into three terms each year. Each
term is over an 8 week period on Monday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. A 1,000‐word assessment is set
for each of the six modules.
Course modules and dates
Year One (2015 – 2016)
Foundational Doctrine
Term One (8 weeks)
Theology stream: Foundational Doctrine
Lecturer: Dr Glenn Balfour
Dates: 2015 – September 14th, 21st, 28th ; October: 5th, 12th, 19th ; November: 2nd, 9th.
Module description
This module begins by looking at the importance of foundational doctrine (also known as systematic
theology), and from where and how Christians should build it. It then looks at thirteen particular foundational
elements of Christian doctrine. These are: The Bible; God (the Trinity); Jesus Christ; Humanity; Atonement;
Salvation; Baptism in Water; Baptism in the Holy Spirit; Spiritual Gifts and Ministry Gifts; A Holy Life; Divine
Healing; Breaking of Bread; Resurrection and the After-Life.
We also look at how these areas of theology are important to the life and the understanding of both the
individual believer and the local church.
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Introduction to Christian Ministry
Term Two (8 weeks)
Application stream: Introduction to Christian Ministry
Lecturer: Pastor Roy Morley and Dr Glenn Balfour
Dates: 2016 – January: 11th, 18th, 25th ; February: 1st, 8th, 22nd, 29th ; March: 7th
Module description
This module begins by examining the biblical basis for ministry and servant-leadership. It also looks at
different styles of recognised ministry roles, and how these operate at local church context. Various other
topics will also be covered, including: self-leadership; ministry within a team context; spiritual formation;
character development; developing and releasing ministries (reflecting the whole church); conflict
management; organisational management.
During this module the student will learn what authentic Christian ministry look like, and how it may operate
within a range of contemporary contexts (including the local church context). They will also develop an
understanding of themselves as a servant of Christ, and they will consider a range of practical issues relates
to Christian ministry.
Mark’s Gospel
Term Three (8 weeks)
Bible stream: Mark's Gospel
Lecturer: Dr Glenn Balfour
Dates: 2016 – April: 18th, 25th ; May: 23rd ; June: 6th, 13th, 20th ; 27th ; July: 4th
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Module description
This module begins by looking at the New Testament itself, and how the four Gospels fit into the canon. It
also examines the structure of Mark’s Gospel, and looks at two theological emphases in it. It then works
through the Gospel, chapter by chapter, paying particular attention to a number of selected passages. In the
process of this, the student will build up an understanding and appreciation of the writer’s purpose and
theology. You will also examine how the message and theology of the Gospel can be applied to both the
local church and the individual believer today.
At the end of this module, you should be able to demonstrate a good knowledge of the content of Mark’s
Gospel. This will include an understanding of the message and theological emphases in the Gospel. You
should also be able to apply the Gospel meaningfully to the contemporary context. You should also be able
to understand how a number of scholars handle the Gospel.
Year Two (2016 – 2017)
Trinity, Incarnation and Atonement
Term Four (8 weeks)
Theology stream: Trinity, Incarnation, Atonement
Lecturer: Dr Glenn Balfour
Dates: 2016 – September: 12th, 19th, 26th; October: 3rd, 10th, 17th, 31st; November: 7th
Module description
In this module we will be looking at the three fundamental pillars of Systematic Theology with Christian
thinking. These are Trinity, Incarnation and Atonement. The student will gain a mature understanding of each
of these areas of doctrine, the implications they have for Christian life and a Christian world-view, and how
they may be applied to the contemporary context (both local church, and wider society).
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The uniqueness and significance of each of these doctrines to the Christian faith will be examined in turn.
We will begin with Trinity – the doctrine that the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are all distinct, yet all are
the One God. We move on to the Incarnation – the doctrine that God became fully human in the person of
Jesus Christ, without undermining his deity. We finish with the Atonement – the doctrine that the work and
person of Jesus Christ (especially in his death and resurrection) restores relationship with God.
Church Growth
Term Five (8 weeks)
Application stream: Church Growth
Lecturer: Pastor Roy Morley and Dr Glenn Balfour
Dates: 2017 – January: 16th, 23rd, 30th; February: 6th, 20th, 27th; March: 6th, 13th
Module description
This module begins by looking at the definition, nature and fundamental characteristics of the local church. It
also looks at various styles of local church – including traditional, attractional, and emergent. It offers a
critique of what we mean by properly functioning local church. It then examines a number of factors involved
in growing, developing and sustaining a local church. This includes various elements including leadership,
mission, and discipling; various dynamics within local church (including full gathering and small group);
spiritual development; justice and mercy ministries; church planting (including multisite and congregation
planting). We will also examine a range of practical, financial, safeguarding and legal matters related to
church growth and development.
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John’s Gospel
Term Six (8 weeks)
Bible stream: John's Gospel
Lecturer: Dr Glenn Balfour
Dates: 2017 – April: 17th, 24th; May: 1st, 22nd; June: 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
Module description
This module begins by looking at the structure of John’s Gospel and offering an overview of it. It then works
through the Gospel, chapter by chapter, paying particular attention to a number of selected passages. In the
process of this, the student will build up an understanding and appreciation of the writer’s purpose and
theology. You will also examine how the message and theology of the Gospel can be applied to both the
local church and the individual believer today.
At the end of this module, you should be able to demonstrate a good knowledge of the content of John’s
Gospel. This will include an understanding of the message and theological emphases in the Gospel. You
should also be able to apply the Gospel meaningfully to the contemporary context. You should also be able
to understand how a number of scholars handle the Gospel.
Finance
All courses must be paid for in advance and upon booking. The cost of the two year Diploma course is £500.
Alternatively, modules may be taken individually, at a cost of £120 each. Further biblical language modules,
(taught on Wednesday evenings), are also available, again at an individual cost of £120 each.
For more details on these courses go to our website www.thenetchurch.co.uk.
Optional trip to Israel:
Monday 9th May to Thursday 19th May 2016
(Or Monday 8th May to Thursday 18th May 2017)
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FAQs
Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?
This course is recommended for 17 years and above. If you believe you have a strong case for us to make
an exception please email netchurchdartford@aol.com outlining your request and it will be considered.
What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?
Please check out our website www.thenetchurch.co.uk and click Dartford for the full venue address and car
parking information. This page also contains bus links and lists the nearest train station.
What can/can't I bring to the event?
We will provide a full set of notes but it is not permissable to record lectures via mobile phones or other
devices.
Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?
You can either call the office 01322 272649 and ask to speak to a member of staff regarding the Bible
Academy or email netchurchdartford@aol.com.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
Yes please but only for the initial registration night which will be the first night of the course.
What is the refund policy?
This course is non-refundable but in extreme circumstances we will postpone your start date until the
following year or transfer your place into the name of a person of your choice.
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