SBS – School of Biblical Studies – A 9 month Bible study course
12 to 36 U of N credits
Some times the Bibles seems to some people as that essential and yet hard tool that God has given us to live by as Christians. That ought not be any more!
The School of Biblical Studies - SBS is what you need!!
The primary goal of the SBS is to equip you with the basic tools for a life time of in-depth Bible study so that you may know God more clearly and serve him more effectively.
The course is divided into 3 separate semesters in which you will survey the entire bible using the inductive approach to Bible study, observing, interpreting and applying the scriptures to your own life and letting them shape you beliefs.
In SBS you learn to study scriptures without undue influence and help from other people’s opinion rather you investigate the scriptures based on the actual original historical, cultural and geo-political setting that prevailed during the first writing of each individual book of the Bible.
Each book of the Bible is thus studied thoroughly as a unit with the minimal help from lecturers, workshops and group discussions and many hours of research the end of which is a true enlightment of the heart and a changed life to go with!
Certainly the SBS is not for the fainthearted but its for the seekers who want to know God and in all honesty make him know appropriately to each nation, tribe and people group on earth.
SBS I –
This is first semester that teaches the basic methods of bible study, inductive study is introduced and about 2 third of the New Testament books are studied.
During this time you learn Hebrew Poetry and study the beautiful psalms each week.
SBSII-
This is the second semester that completes the study of the New Testament books including the book of Revelation and crosses over to start with the Old Testament beginning with the Pentateuch – the 5 books of Moses also called the law of moses and the Historical books from Joshua through to Samuel alongside the continuation of studying Psalms several of them each week.
SBSIII-
This is the 3rd and final leg of this beautiful journey of going through the Holy Scriptures. In this semester you study the remaining Old Testament historical books beginning with the Kings and move on to dig deep into the prophetic books and the writings to complete the SBS Diploma.
Once again psalms are studied several each week to complete the work on the beautiful songs from the bible lands that expressed the heart of God’s people as they poured it all plainly to him.
NB: Since each semester stands alone as complete part of the course a student may do all the 9 months at a go (recommended) or may do one semester at a time even in different Ywam locations.
We accept students who have done part of their SBS in other places or those who have completed a Biblical core course to complete the SBS diploma by doing the 2nd and 3rd SBS semester.
BIBLICAL CORE COURSE – (BCC) A 3 months Bible study course
12 U of N credits
Following the same strain on School of biblical studies is the Biblical studies core course which is really a shortened form of the SBS that however is unique and stands on its feet.
For those who wonder how the different books of the Bible fit into each other and how to unravel the jargons of interpretation for a layman then BCC is the way to go.
The Scriptures are examined and studied in-depth using the time tested and proven inductive study method that lead each student to know the scriptures in a personal and applicable manner. The work of surveying the scriptures both in details and in big picture is done using various creative methods that makes the study not only foundational but also enjoyable.
The course takes you through every major literature type in the bible from the Gospels, epistles and apocalypses of the New testament to the Law, the prophets and writings of the old testament
You also learn how to be able to integrate the study and understanding of scriptures in ministry through weeks of learning how to teach the Bible, preach and lead others in group Bible studies. Learning Methods and skills of good communication are integrated as part of the school and also proclaiming the scriptures as part of spiritual warfare.
In this course you get to study inductively about a third of the books of the Bible picked from each major literary category and also you get to read through the entire bible within the 3 months of the course.
NB: A student may want to complete their SBS diploma by moving on to semester 2 of the longer SBS since the two course are compatible generally and at Ywam Arusha we accept and encourage student who wish to go on and join SBS semester 2 and 3.
School of Biblical studies Field Assignment – 8-12 weeks field assignment
8-12 U of N credits
Having completed either the SBS 9 month diploma or any of the 3 semesters offered therein or having completed the 3 month Biblical core course its time to pour out what you have learnt and share the treasures of His word with the world.
The SBS Field assignment is designed first to equip you with the methods and skills of communication necessary for effective bible ministry.
Even if you are not a preacher by profession God still holds you responsible to share what you know about him with others and the field assignment gives you that chance.
The course begins with 2 weeks of being equipped with the skills how to teach, preach and lead bible studies. Various materials from leading Bible scholars and communicators are used and thereafter the students moves on to do the actual ministry either as an individual or in a group traveling to various places sharing the word of God.
The course takes between 8 to 12 weeks depending on the time that the person wishes to spend on actual ministry besides the initial 2 weeks of on campus studies.
Its also possible to do this course by correspondence without having to physically travel to Ywam Arusha for the first 2 weeks. We can help you complete your field assignment from wherever you are.
DIRECTED READINGS IN BIBLICAL STUDIES – DRBS A 3 months course
8-12 U of N credits
Sometimes there is so much to the Bible and the history surrounding it that one wonders when will ever get to put all this together in one perspective and see how all the pieces of the puzzle fits together. Well there is an answer for you in Arusha:
The Directed readings course gives you the opportunity to read and study a wide range of materials on historical Bible interpretation schemes, Church history, culture and customs of ancient Biblical times. You also get to study the various aspects of philosophy and Biblical world view, theology and a selection of materials of specific interest from contemporary Bible scholars. There is also an opportunity to do research on contemporary issues that affect the spread, growth and development of Christianity today.
This is a self tutored course that involves a lot of personal study and reading through materials while cataloging and filing materials of specific interest for the growth of your personal ministry, future reference.