NewHope DTS – Discipleship Training School
First Trimester “Preparing for the Road Ahead”
Course Syllabus
.
Instructor’s Name: Pastor Christopher Officer
Email: pastorchris@newhoperedbluff.org
Program Director: Pastor Scott Plumb
Email: Splumb2002@msn.com
Mentor Coordinator: Ken Ogle
Email: keno@newhoperedbluff.org
Class Location: 925 Walnut Street – Conference Rm
Program Data: www.newhoperedbluff.org
I.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This first trimester of the program focuses on two primary tracks. They are Biblical Knowledge and Personal
Development. Under Biblical Knowledge the science of Biblical interpretation (Hermeneutics) will explored.
The students will learn the process by which we bridge the gap that separates us from the original audience
of Scripture. They will also learn to appreciate the distinction between getting at the meaning of the Biblical
text and the application of that meaning in a contemporary sense.
Under Personal Development the inward life of the servant leader will be privately examined and openly
discussed. The students will address the matters of how the inward life spills over into the outward, and
press toward a deeper understanding of motives, calling, personal drive and balance.
II.
STUDENT PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course the student should be able to demonstrate competencies in applying basic
interpretive principles. They will have a grasp of the nature and scope of Biblical literature and have a
functional understanding of the overarching approach one should take in reading various types of Biblical
literature. They will be able to demonstrate the skills necessary in using primary research and resource
tools.
They will have acquired a better-refined capacity to assess their own heart in terms of ministry motives and
personal health. They will have advanced their ability to read the Scriptures reflectively and deepened their
ability to express their spiritual journey through a consistent journaling discipline.
III.
EVALUATION AND REQUIREMENTS:
Attendance Policy: Students are expected to attend each of the ten weekly class times and the trimesterending seminar. Allowances are made for illness and unforeseen events, however, an assessment will be
made when non-attendance reaches 30% of the total class hours. (3 absences in a 10 week session). Nonattendance at the trimester-ending seminar may be made-up through the completion of a written
assignment.
Grade Determination:
Grading Scale: Overall grades are not awarded to students in DTS. Each homework assignment is
evaluated on a 25 point scale covering areas such as completion of all work assigned, and the clarity and
thoroughness of answers. Students will be provided a trimester-end evaluation that summarizes homework
scores, attendance, along with classroom and mentor-relationship participation. This evaluation will
suggest areas of improvement which will help the student to glean all that they can as they continue in the
program.
Revised 1/11
Gradable Content:
Homework = 40% or 400 points
Mentoring Participation = 20% or 200 points
Classroom Participation = 10% or 100 points
Attendance = 30% or 300 points
TOTAL = 100% or 1000 points
IV.
STUDENT PRESENTATIONS:
Students are encouraged to develop their communication skills by voluntary participation in presenting a 1012 minute message which will be openly and anonymously evaluated by students and staff. A total of nine
openings are available in this trimester. The dates are as follows: 2/15, 3/8 & 3/22.
V.
TEXTS:
“Ordering Your Private World” by Gordon MacDonald - Nelson Press - 228 pages
“Grasping God’s Word” by J. S. Duvall & J. D. Hays - Zondervan – 462 pages
“Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance” James Strong – Hendrickson Pub. (Reference)
“Vines Complete Bible Dictionary” W.E. Vine – Nelson Press (Reference)
VI. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:
All outlines, homework guides and classroom materials are supplied at each class. Students are expected
to bring personal Bibles, course binders and text books to class from week to week. Resource texts will
only be required on class times that include “Application/Lab Work” in the weekly descriptions.
VII. CLASS SCHEDULE AND SEQUENCE OF INSTRUCTION:
COURSE
Chapter to be Reviewed
Chapter to be Reviewed
WEEK
“Ordering Your P W”
“Grasping God’s Word”
(OYPW)
(GGW)
None
Chapter 1-2
Week 1:
Homework Assignment
GGW = Ch 1:1-1, 1-2, 1-3; Ch 2: 2-2, 2-4
1/18/11
Week 2:
Preface & Chapters 1-2
1/25/11
Week 3:
Chapter 3
(Application/Lab Work)
Chapters 3-4
Chapter 4
2/1/11
Week 4:
Chapters 5-6
Chapter 5
(Application/Lab Work)
Chapters 7-8
Chapter 6
2/15/11
Week 6:
Chapters 9-10
Chapters 11-12
GGW = Ch 6:6-1, 6-4
(Application/Lab Work)
OYPW = Ch 9:#6; Ch 10: #7
Chapter 9 & Appendix 1
GGW = Ch 9:9-2c
OYPW = Ch 11:#3; Ch 12:#5
Chapters 13-14
Chapters 10-11
GGW = Ch 10:10-1; Ch 11:11-1
OYPW = Ch 13:#8
Text Complete
3/15/11
Week 10:
OYPW = Ch 5: #6; Ch 6:#5
GGW = Ch 7: 7-1; Ch 8:8-1
3/8/11
Week 9:
GGW = Ch 5: 5-1
Chapter 7-8
3/1/11
Week 8:
GGW = Ch 4:4-3
OYPW = Ch 7: #1
2/22/11
Week 7:
OYPW = Preface: #4, Ch 1: #6
OYPW = Ch 3: #9-10, Ch 4: #4
2/8/11
Week 5:
GGW = Ch 3:3-3, 3-4
Chapters 12-13
GGW = Ch 13:13-2
(Application/Lab Work)
Text Complete
Text Complete
3/22/11
Revised 1/11
VIII.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Important Dates for Winter 2011 (10 Week Session)
IV.
Event
Date
Registration
12/15/10 – 1/2/11
New Student Interviews
1/4/11
New Student Orientation
1/11/11
Classes Begin
1/18/11
Classes End
3/22/11
Trimester-ending Seminar
4/1-2/11
ONLINE RESOURCES:
Students can access missed outlines, weekly assignments and listen to audio recordings of
classes by logging onto www.newhoperedbluff.org/get-involved/discipleship-training and clicking
on “Student’s Login.” This page is password protected. The password is: “NewHope.”
Revised 1/11