Methods of Study (Methodologies)

Interactive Group
[STUDY GROUP AT CHURCH]

The Method of Study for the INTERACTIVE GROUP is utilized at four levels of the Programs: Formal Bible Institute Level and University Level: Diploma, Associate, and Bachelor in Theology of Practical Ministry. A self-paced textbook is used as the basis of study. Each student member of the group must study on their own time and before attending classes, when the students meet together with their Tutor, who will lead the classes and will be in charge of taking the pre-printed exams and contacting the offices of Hope International Seminary of Theology. By affiliating an INTERACTIVE GROUP, the church or Tutor must gather the students and provide a space for the class to meet. The church will not only not incur expenses, but will also receive a credit as a percentage discount depending on the amount of students who study and purchase their textbooks through their INTERACTIVE GROUP.
Hope International Seminary of Theology will mail all the necessary materials for each class and a Seminary textbook for each student. If you are a Pastor, leader of a denomination or movement, Director of a Bible Institute, and would like to start an Interactive Group, send us the Application to begin right away.

[REQUEST AN APPLICATION ACCORDING TO YOUR LOCATION]


Correspondence
[INDIVIDUAL STUDY SENT BY MAIL]

The Method of Study by CORRESPONDENCE is utilized at six levels of the Programs:

[Formal Bible Institute Program]
The Method of Study for the STUDENT BY CORRESPONDENCE for this Program is carried out through a self-paced book as the basis of study. Each student must study on their own, setting aside time for reflection and learning of the topics explained in each lesson. The student must take 3 exams per course subject, which will be mailed to him together with the textbook and Answer Guide. The student by correspondence has the privilege of preparing himself to serve the Lord and at the same time be working or performing other activities. The length of study for the entire course is three years, but in practice it will depend on your effort and dedication.

[University Programs:]
Diploma in Theology of Practical Ministry, Associate in Theology of Practical Ministry, and Bachelor in Theology of Practical Ministry:


The Method of Study for the STUDENT BY CORRESPONDENCE for these Programs is carried out through a self-paced book as the basis of study. Each student must study on their own, setting aside time for reflection and learning of the topics explained in each lesson. The student must take 3 exams per course subject, which will be mailed to him together with the textbook and Answer Guide. The student by correspondence has the privilege of preparing himself to serve the Lord and at the same time be working or performing other activities. The length of study for a Diploma is one year; for an Associate degree two years, and for a Bachelor’s degree three years (one year for each Program Level), but in practice it will depend on your effort and dedication.

[University Programs:]
Masters in Theology of Practical Ministry and Doctorate in Theology of Practical Ministry:


The Method of Study for the STUDENT BY CORRESPONDENCE for these Programs is carried out through Educational Videos recorded by Professors who are duly accredited academically. Each student must study on their own, setting aside time to prepare for the classes through a Topical Guide that includes the upcoming lectures. Afterwards he will take only one exam and then mail it to the offices of Hope International Seminary of Theology in Orange, California. The student by correspondence has the privilege of preparing himself to serve the Lord and at the same time be working or performing other activities. The length of study for the entire course is nine months for a Masters, and the same amount for a Doctorate, but in practice it will depend on your effort and dedication. If you would like to begin your studies by Correspondence in one of the previously mentioned Programs, send us the Application to begin right away.

[REQUEST AN APPLICATION ACCORDING TO YOUR LOCATION]


Online
[INDIVIDUAL STUDY ONLINE]

The Method of Study ONLINE is currently utilized for the Bachelor Program:

The Method of Study for the ONLINE STUDENT is carried out through a self-paced book (in PDF format) as the basis of study . Each student must study on their own, setting aside time for reflection and learning of the topics explained in each lesson. In addition, the student must take 3 exams per course subject, which will be completed online after completing the study of the material. By studying online, the student has the privilege of preparing himself to serve the Lord and at the same time be working or performing other activities. The length of study for a Bachelor is three years, but in practice it will depend on your effort and dedication. If you would like to begin your studies online, you can begin right away by completing an application.

[COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION ONLINE]


Campus
[STUDY GROUP AT A CHURCH AT THE MASTERS AND DOCTORATE LEVELS]

The Method of Study of CAMPUS is utilized at two levels of University Programs: Masters in Theology of Practical Ministry and Doctorate in Theology of Practical Ministry.
The Method of Study for at a CAMPUS is carried out through a Professor who is duly accredited academically, whether in person or through Educational Videos as the basis of study. Each student member of the Campus must study on their own, setting aside time to prepare for the classes through a Topical Guide that includes the upcoming lectures. Afterwards, the students will meet with the Professor, who will teach each course subject and will be in charge of collecting the exams and mailing them to the offices of Hope International Seminary of Theology. By affiliating CAMPUS, the Host Church (and associated Churches) will appoint a Regional Director, who must gather the students and provide a space for the class to meet. The Regional Director and/or the Host Church will not only not incur expenses, but will also receive a credit as a percentage discount depending on the amount of students who study and purchase their educational materials at their CAMPUS. If you are a Pastor, leader of a denomination or movement, Director of a Bible Institute, and would like to start a CAMPUS, send us the Application to begin right away.

[REQUEST AN APPLICATION ACCORDING TO YOUR LOCATION]


Study programs

Diploma de Instituto Biblico Formal


Candidates:
All laypersons who wish to prepare themselves to better serve the Lord, as well as all pastors, evangelists, teachers, and missionaries who wish to achieve a greater level of knowledge and experience for ministry. The student who studies for a Formal Bible Institute Diploma does not have the option of continuing on in other higher levels of study. But the option is always available of switching to a University Level Program.

Academic Credits:
The program is set up for the student to complete 7 (seven) course subjects per year until completing all 21 (twenty-one) in order to receive a Formal Bible Institute Diploma.

Course Length:
The Program of the Formal Bible Institute Diploma is geared for completing seven course subjects per year, and finishing it in three years, but without the option of continuing on in higher levels of study.

(*) This Diploma is certified by the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel.

Diploma in Practical Ministry Theology


Candidates:
All laypersons who wish to prepare themselves to better serve the Lord, as well as all pastors, evangelists, teachers, and missionaries who wish to achieve a greater level of knowledge and experience for ministry. The student who graduates with a Diploma in Theology of Practical Ministry has the option of continuing to study at the next level, which would be the Associate Level. This will allow him to continue to study in our Seminary at a university level towards a Masters and afterwards towards a Doctorate.

Academic credits:
Diploma in Theology of Practical Ministry, includes 7 (seven) course subjects in one year.

Course lenght:
The Program is geared for completing seven course subjects in one year.

Associate in Practical Ministry Theology


Candidates:
All laypersons who wish to prepare themselves to better serve the Lord, as well as all pastors, evangelists, teachers, and missionaries who wish to achieve a greater level of knowledge and experience for ministry. The candidate who wishes to enroll after having graduated from a traditional Bible Institute, must send a Transcript to the Academic Council, who will then determine how many course subjects he must take in order to graduate, on the basis of the approved transfer credits. The student must possess a Diploma in Theology of Practical Ministry or its equivalent in order to be admitted into this program. The student who graduates with an Associate Degree in Theology of Practical Ministry has the option of continuing to study at the next level, which would be the Bachelor Level. This will allow him to continue to study in our Seminary at a university level towards a Masters and afterwards towards a Doctorate.

Academic credits:
Associate in Theology of Practical Ministry, includes 14 (fourteen) course subjects, plus an Undergraduate Studies Thesis Paper.

Course length:
The Program is set up to complete 7 (seven) courses per year until all 14 (fourteen) course subjects are completed in two years, in order to receive the degree of Associate in Theology of Practical Ministry.

 Bachelor in Practical Ministry Theology


Candidates:
All laypersons who wish to prepare themselves to better serve the Lord, as well as all pastors, evangelists, teachers, and missionaries who wish to achieve a greater level of knowledge and experience for ministry. The student must possess an Associate in Theology of Practical Ministry or its equivalent in order to be admitted into this program. The candidate who wishes to enroll after having graduated from a traditional Bible Institute, must send a Transcript to the Academic Council, who will then determine how many course subjects he must take in order to graduate, on the basis of the approved transfer credits. In Latin America, United States, and other countries, there are Bible Institutes that offer more advanced levels than are typically seen in a regular Bible Institute; agreements can be made between these institutions and Hope International Seminary of Theology in order to accept transfer credits from these students without needing to retake all the course subjects included in our Program. Contact our Offices in Orange, California, or send us an email (this agreement is only between institutions, not with individual students).
The student who graduates with a Bachelors Degree in Theology of Practical Ministry has the option of continuing to study at the next level, which would be the Masters Level. This will allow him to continue to study in our Seminary at a university level towards a Doctorate.

Academic credits:
Bachelors in Theology of Practical Ministry, includes 21 (twenty-one) course subjects, plus a Research Project.

Length of the course:
The Program is set up to complete 7 (seven) courses per year until all 21 (twenty-one) course subjects are completed in three years, in order to receive the degree of Bachelors in Theology of Practical Ministry. The Accelerated Program is set up to study 15 consecutive courses in order to graduate with a Bachelors in Theology of Practical Ministry in fifteen months.

Master in Practical Ministry Theology


Candidates:
They must possess a Bachelors Degree or its equivalent in order to be admitted into this program. Those students who have transferred with a secular degree or title must complete 15 hours of biblical studies through a supervised reading program as part of the admissions programs for the Masters in Theology of Practical Ministry. The candidates who wish to enroll after graduating from a traditional Bible Institute, must send in a Transcript to the Academic Council, who will then determine how many course subjects they must complete in order to first graduate from the Bachelors in Theology of Practical Ministry Program of Hope International Seminary of Theology, depending upon the number of approved transfer credits.

Academic credits:
The student can receive a Masters in Theology of Practical Ministry after completing 7 course subjects (plus a Field Project), which will allow him to continue studying in our Seminary at the university level towards a Doctorate. Yes! Now you can receive a Doctorate in Theology of Practical Ministry!

Length of course:
Nine months of study in order to graduate with a Masters in Theology of Practical Ministry.

Doctorate in Practical Ministry Theology


Candidates:
They must possess a Masters Degree in Theology of Practical Ministry or its equivalent in order to be admitted into this program. Those students who have transferred with a secular degree or title must complete 30 hours of biblical studies through a supervised reading program as part of the admissions programs for the Doctorate in Theology of Practical Ministry.

Theological courses offered:
Univesity program of Doctorate in Theology of Practical Ministry includes seven course subjects, plus a Doctoral Thesis.

Length of course:
Nine months of study in order to graduate with a Doctorate in Theology of Practical Ministry.


Course subjects by program

Hope International Seminary of Theology


[Shining as Lights in the World]
Practical principles for Christian life: the new birth, Christian conduct, stewardship, relationship with God, the fruit of the Spirit, relationships of the Christian, missionary work, and the call to service. An essential subject for achieving success in ministry, the personal life of the servant.

[New Testament Survey]
Study of the Bible. The Intertestamental Period and the Apocryphal books. Distribution of the Bible, materials used and different versions. Provides knowledge of the Sacred Scriptures in a general manner applying it to today’s reality. Presents an overview of the New Testament.

[Theology I: Man, Sin, Salvation and Angels]
The study of angels. Their nature, classification, and characteristics. Angelic activity. Satan and demons. Their origin, destiny, and activity. The doctrine of man, his origin, nature, and destiny. Connects the doctrine of man with the doctrine of sin and salvation.

[Old Testament Survey: Study of the Bible]
Its historical, literary, moral, legal, and philosophical importance. The nature of the Bible. Emphasizes the concepts of inspiration, revelation, and illumination. Evidence for the inspiration of the Bible. The formation of the Canon of the Old and New Testaments. Presents an overview of the Old Testament.

[The Acts of the Church: Study of the Book of Acts]
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The rise of the apostles. The conversion of Paul. Early persecutions. An analysis of the Gentile church, its rise and spread. Looks at the start of the work of the Spirit in the church from its beginnings, applying it up to the present.

[Transformative Leadership]
Discusses the importance of transformative leadership. Clarifies the goals or objectives of modern leadership within the church. The differences that exist among the various leadership styles. Becoming a leader is the dream of many. The leader, is he born or made? In this course you will find essential foundations for success in the formation of a new generation of leaders.

[Preaching Today]
Introduction to homiletics. Definition of the term and history.The person of the preacher. The preliminary steps for the formulation of sermons: the biblical text, the theme, the structure and organization of the outline. Different types of sermons, the variety and use of supplementary materials. The complete development of a sermon according to today’s demands.

[The Christian Home]
A study about the family: single life, dating, wedding, and children. The plan of God for marriage. The rolls of husband and wife. Conflict in marriage, the biblical pattern for parents. Discipline. Communication within the family and the spiritual edification of the home.

[Winning Evangelism and Discipleship]
Includes an in-depth study of the need for evangelism with an emphasis on theology of evangelism. It also covers the various areas of evangelistic work, as well as the objectives and methods of evangelism and discipleship of new believers. It joins personal evangelism to church-sponsored evangelism and it also includes an approach to different cults and religions.

[A Modern Study of the Pentateuch]
Introduction to the study of the Pentateuch. Its history and geography, covering its five books. Creation. The origins of the people of God. Its principal figures. Passover. The tabernacle and the establishing of a system of worship. The laws that order the life of the people of God. The key of a people chosen by God as a teaching for today’s church.

[Pastoral Ministry]
A study of the Life of Ministry. Includes the study of the life of the minister. His personality and character. His relationship with God. The general calling and the specific calling. Dangers that surround him. The price of serving. The life in the home. Principles of administration and organization of the church. Presents the foundations for an effective ministry.

[Theology II: The Church, Healing, Divine Healing, and Eschatology.]
His church, rules, government, the role of the Holy Spirit since the foundation of the church until our time. The baptism of the Holy Spirit. The spiritual gifts and ministries of the church. The work of God in healing the human body and soul. We enter into the Biblical world of the end times, events that are described according to the biblical prophecies and from a theological perspective.

[The Missionary Ministry]
Foundations for the study of missiology. The call and preparation for cross-cultural ministry. Also includes practical aspects for support from the local church. The potential of the indigenous church. Goals and methods for missions. Discusses the topic of missions in a concrete and useful way for the church of the new millennium.

[Educational Ministry: Children and Adult Education]
Discusses the importance of Christian education. The objectives of Christian education. The phases of growth in the believer. The agents of education. Its biblical basis. The characteristics of the child and the adult separately, and the effective teacher for each level. The effective way to communicate what is being taught. The selection of material. Methods and aids for the classroom. Motivation and discipline. Although they are two different fields, this book highlights the need of training teachers specifically for children and for adults in the modern world. The key foundations for success in the formation of a new generation of believers.

[A Modern Study of Galatians and Romans]
A study of the books of Galatians and Romans. The author. The recipients and the historical situation. Giving special importance to the problems arising from legalism. Teachings on Christian freedom in the Book of Galatians. The great doctrines of salvation in the Letter to the Romans. How to apply the teachings of these letters to the needs of today’s church.

[Theology III: God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit]
Covers the doctrines of God. His revelation. His purposes with man. The names of God. Divine attributes. The mystery of the Trinity. Includes a study of Jesus Christ. His name. The incarnation. His perfect deity and perfect humanity. Christ in the books of the Old and New Testaments. His birth, ministry, death, and resurrection. His most important sermons and the wisdom of His message. Covers the study of the person of the Holy Spirit, His work, participation since the foundations of the world up until the modern time. The baptism in the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit. The diverse sins against His person.

[Advanced Bibliology (Biblical Studies)]
A study of the Bible. This study introduces the student to a general knowledge of the Holy Bible. It will allow him to have a clear, deep, and practical understanding of the formation of the biblical canon, its authors, as well as important aspects of God’s care for His Word that allowed it to be preserved until the present time. This material will be very useful for teaching and preaching.

[An Advanced Study of the Pastoral Epistles]
An advanced study of the books of the Pastoral Epistles. The author. The recipients and the historical background of each book, giving special importance to the central themes of these letters. The great doctrines that can be drawn from these texts. Applies the teachings of these letters to the need of the church today and the pastoral care of a spiritual father to his spiritual children.

[Interpretation of the Historical Books of Israel]
Study of the Ancient History of Israel/ An updated interpretive study of the history of the people of Israel, going into depth regarding the historical line of kings during this period in the nation of Israel, as well as the appearance and influence of the prophets, as it relates to secular history. The interpretation focuses on the application of the historical truths to the contemporary church.

[Comparative Religions]
A comparative study of religions for evangelistic purposes. An essential study of the major religions today, confronting them with the Word of God and suggesting steps to counteract their influence in our churches, and also how to affect their followers in order to win them to Christ.

[Theology of Worship]
A study of biblical theology and the practice of giving worship to God. Characteristics, purposes, and biblical arguments for true worship. With a special emphasis on the exaltation of Christ. True forms of worship from the Old and the New Testament are studied. The study goes into depth regarding the current application of biblical principles. Practical aspects for the life of the church are considered in light of the Word for today’s church in need of exalting Christ.

[Research Project]
Requirement to graduate with a Bachelors in Theology of Practical Ministry.


Hope International Seminary of Theology


[An advanced study of the Major Epistles]
An advanced study of the books of the Major Epistles. The authors of these epistles. The recipients and the historical situation of each book, giving special importance to the central themes of these letters. The great doctrines that can be drawn from these texts. Applies the teachings of these letters to the need of the church today.

[History of the Christian Church]
Presents a basic summary of the main events in the history of the church, from its foundation to the present. Completely focused on revitalizing the life of today’s church based on the teachings from history, highlighting figures who played a major role and changed the course of the history of the church.

[An advanced study of the Synoptic Gospels]
An advanced study of the writings about the life of Jesus Christ. A study of the authors of these Gospels. The recipients and the historical situation of each book, giving special importance to the central themes. The eternal and practical teachings for daily life that can be drawn from these texts. Applies the teachings of these Gospels to the need of the church today, renewing a passion to apply the teachings of Jesus Christ to daily life.

[Principles for Biblical Hermeneutics]
Covers the importance of a biblical interpretation with recognized foundations. A study of the different tools of interpretation. The study of words, their context, parallel passages, and an analysis of the historical context. Basic understanding of figurative language, typology, symbolism. Special literary genres and modern applications. Provides a foundation for the correct interpretation of the Sacred Scriptures necessary for teaching and preaching.

[Foundations of Pastoral Care]
Studies the necessary foundations for the proper care by the Pastor of those persons who are under his ministerial supervision. Learn about different biblical and psychological methods and options for pastoral counseling. Become familiar with the different warning signs in believers, in order to be able to offer preventive care. Learn about the means given by the Holy Spirit to properly carry out the task of spiritual covering.

[An advanced study of the Major Prophets]
An advanced study of the books of the writings of the prophets of the Old Testament called: “The Major Prophets.” Study of the authors of these prophetic books. The recipients and the historical situation of each book, giving special importance to the central themes. The practical doctrines that can be applied to daily life from these texts. Applies the teachings of the Major Prophets to the need of the church today.

[Ministry Ethics]
Covers the basic principles of Christian ethics, its points of conflict with the world today. The students are brought to a basic knowledge of ministry ethics, respect and dealing with authority; confronting differences between ministers and the Divine call to build a solid team as the church of Christ upon the earth.

[Field Work]
This project will be carried out by the student among the people of his choosing, for the purpose of learning about the aspects that the student has chosen to study and examine. This is carried out through surveys of different individuals. Finally, a report must be presented of the surveys together with the student’s conclusions based strictly upon the data collected. The Field Work Projects that receive an outstanding grade will be published in the Seminary website.

Hope International Seminary of Theology


[A theological interpretation of Christology]
Includes a study of Jesus Christ with a theological focus. The transcendence of the incarnation. The doctrinal importance of His perfect deity and perfect humanity. A study of Christ through the books of the Old and New Testaments. An analysis of the eternal truths about His birth, ministry, death, and resurrection. The transcendence of His teachings, miracles, and of His discipleship up to the present.

[Foundations of Communication]
Focuses on the importance of the correct use of the science of communications. A study of the different methods and means of communication. A study of the proper use of verbal and non-verbal language. Basic knowledge of the practical use of the tools of communication for preaching, teaching, and for mass media.

[Theory and Practice of Family Counseling]
This course focuses on giving the student a wide theoretical set of tools for the support of Christian family life and to enable the practice of biblical counseling for families in crisis. The student will study different variations of the current problems facing the institution that has been created by God, which is the “family,” discussing the biblical foundations for the family just as God intended it.

[Prophetic Perspective on the Book of Revelation]
An advanced study of the prophetic writings of the Prophet Daniel and the Apostle John. Study of the authors of these prophetic books. The recipients and the historical situation of each book, giving special importance to the central themes. The practical doctrines that can be applied to daily life from these texts. Become familiar with the timeline of end time events in the light of these books. Applies the teachings of the prophetic books of Daniel and Revelation to the need of the church and the world today.

[Practical Pastoral Psychology]
Studies the necessary foundations of psychology for pastoral use. Learn about different biblical and psychological methods and options for pastoral counseling. Become familiar with the different psychological situations that can present themselves in the lives of believers. Learn about some useful tools that can be used in pastoral counseling.

[Modern interpretation of the Epistle to the Hebrews]
An advanced study of the Epistle to the Hebrews. Study of the author of this Epistle. The recipients and the historical situation of each book, giving special importance to the central themes of this letter. The great doctrines that can be drawn from these texts. Applies the glorious teachings of this letter to the needs of the contemporary church.

[Theology of the Church, Mission, and Revival]
A study with a biblical basis regarding the historical, social, cultural, and spiritual place of the Church in the 21st century. Offers a detailed analysis of the church of today in the light of the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ. Will motivate every Pastor or leader to find the true mission of his ministry or church in fulfillment of the mandate given to the Church. Provides a true picture of the church under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, in order to reach and impact the world with a new revival.

[Doctoral Thesis]
The Doctoral Thesis is the final project that crowns the student’s entire educational achievement. For the correct completion of this work, the student will follow the instructions provided by the Seminary. He will choose an appropriate topic, conduct research through books, articles, Field Work, or whatever means he believes are appropriate to confirm his thesis or main idea. The selected topic must teach something not only to the author, but to the church and the contemporary world. Doctoral Theses that receive an outstanding grade will be published in the Seminary’s website.