Christian Beliefs

This course provides an understanding of the basic doctrines in each of the major categories of Christian theology, such as God, Christ, sin, salvation, and other major doctrines. The student will learn how to avoid errors in doctrine. The student will be equipped to teach Christian doctrine to others.

Directions for Class Leaders

We estimate that a lesson will take 90 minutes or more. It may be best for a group to meet twice for each lesson. If a group meets twice, some directions must be adapted. For example, there would not be a test both times.

Each student needs a copy of this book.

Notes to class leaders are included throughout the course with directions for specific parts of the lessons. They are italicized.

At the beginning of the class session, give the test over the previous lesson. Each student must write the answers from memory with no help. If a student is unable to pass the test, you can let him try again another time (estimated time: 10 minutes). A test answer key is available for download from ShepherdsGlobal.org.

After the test, use the list of objectives from the previous lesson as review questions. Ask a question for each objective and allow the students to explain (estimated time: 15 minutes).

Begin the new lesson by having a student read the passage provided. Let students discuss briefly what the passage says about the subject of the lesson (estimated time: 10 minutes).

Go through the lesson material by reading and explaining each section. Members of the class may be able to teach some sections (estimated time: 45 minutes).

Much scripture is used in the course. Scripture references given in parentheses with the word read should be read aloud in class. Other scripture references simply provide support for the statements in the text. It is not always necessary to look up or read those passages in class.

Discussion questions and in-class activities are indicated by the symbol ►. Sometimes discussion questions introduce the section; sometimes they review the section just covered. The class leader should ask the question and give students time to discuss the answer. It is not necessary to completely explain the answer at that time, especially if the question is introducing a section.

The class should read the “Statement of Beliefs” together twice at the end of each lesson.

At the end of each lesson, each student should be assigned a scripture passage from the list provided. Before the next class session, they should read the passage and write a paragraph about what the passage says about the subject. They should show this paragraph to the class leader at the next session.

At least three times during this course, the student should teach a lesson or part of a lesson to people not in the class. This can be done in a class at church, a home Bible study group, or another setting. At the end of each class session, remind the students of this assignment, and give them the chance to report if they have done any teaching since the last class session.

At the end of class, remind students to read the next lesson’s material before the next class session (estimated time for announcements and assignments: 10 minutes).

Students should attend the class sessions and complete the assignments. If a student misses a class, he should study the lesson missed, take the test, and do the writing assignment. A form is provided at the end of the course for recording the assignments completed.

Directions for Students

You should read the material for each lesson before the class meets, so you can participate in the discussion with better understanding.

At the beginning of each class session, be prepared to take a test over the previous lesson. Study the test questions provided.

Always bring a Bible, the printed copy of the lesson, and a pen for adding your own notes to the material.

Be prepared to look up scripture references, answer discussion questions, and participate as the class leader directs.

At the end of each lesson, you will be assigned a scripture passage. Before the next class session, read the passage and write a paragraph about what the passage says about the subject of the lesson. Show the paragraph to the class leader.

At least three times during this course you should teach a lesson or part of a lesson to people who are not in the class. This teaching can be done in a class at church, a home Bible study group, or another setting. Report to the class leader each time you teach someone.