Biblical Studies & Ministry

Want to better understand faith and religion, sharpen your Bible studies skills and bring scripture to life? Take the next step in your professional or personal development with our online Biblical studies courses.

These learning programmes can be a stepping stone towards pastoral work or teaching, and they are also designed for those who wish to enhance their understanding of faith and religion at a personal level.

Explore our course breakdown below or enroll now to get started.

Course Outline

When you enroll in our online theology courses, you will complete the following units of study:

1	Introduction to the Bible

The meaning and books of the Bible
History of authorship
History of the Old Testament

Inspiration of the New Testament
Development of the Canon of the New Testament

2	Major Religions in the World

Concepts of comparative religion
Christianity
Judaism

Islam
Baha’ism

3	Christian Ethics

Definition of Christian ethics
The Sources of Christian ethics
The ethics of Jesus
Christian character
The nature of sin
The Christian and the family

The ethics of interpersonal relations
The Christian duties to self
Duties to the society
The Christian family
The Christian and the problem of divorce

4	Christian Counselling

The meaning of counselling
The importance of counselling
The ethics of Christian counselling
The counselling process
Character of a counsellor
The need for your best attention
The value of discussion
Accepting the counsellee

Patience in counselling
The therapeutic process
Addressing the basic problems in counselling
Problems and their settings
Tracing the origin of problems
Physical causes of problems
Motives and perspectives for discussion
Focusing on the problem of self-reliance

5	Christian Doctrines

Names and attributes of God
Transcendence and immanence of God
Theodicy: The problem of Evil
God-head (Trinity)
The doctrine of humanity
The doctrine of sin

Various conceptions of salvation
Introduction to ecclesiology
The initiatory rite of the church
Government of the church
Three views on the Millennium

6	Old Testament Theology

Meaning, history and methodology of Old Testament
God I – existence and nature
God II – names and manifestations
God III – attributes
Divine revelation
Creation, providence and theodicy
Humankind – designation, origin and nature

Election and covenant
Theocracy and the law
Sacrifice and worship
The problem of sin
Redemption and mission
Human destiny and hope

7	The New Testament

Name
Description
Origin

Transmission of the text
Contents, history, and doctrine

How Will You Benefit?
There are many benefits associated with studying our online pastoral courses. For example, you will:
- Further your personal knowledge of faith and religion
- Expedite your career in pastoral work
- Save time and money by learning remotely
- Work through the course material at your own pace
- Have a personal tutor to assist you in your studies
- Receive a 10% discount on your course fees by paying upfront, or opt for our interest-free weekly payment plan
Start reaping the benefits by enrolling in our Biblical studies course today!
Career Prospects
People study the ICI Biblical Studies & Christian Ministry course for a variety of reasons. Some do so to achieve a greater understanding of faith and religion at a personal level. Many, however, enroll in the learning programme to help their realise their career goals in roles such as:
- Pastor / Priest
- Theologian
- Preacher
- Chaplain
- Teacher
- Writer / Editor
- Missionary
- Evangelist
- Counsellor
- Non-profit / charity worker
For many people, getting in touch with their inner spirituality, faith and beliefs is hugely important. And for some, spreading Christian beliefs and philosophy is much more than a pastime or hobby; it’s a calling.

Many of the students who enroll in this course feel passionate about helping others to lead more rewarding and spiritual lives. Our learning programme can help to fast track you into a career focused on these goals. This professional development will help you to reach out to others as a spiritual leader and educator.
Course Levels Explained

Diploma

Our online Biblical studies course leads to the awarding of a Diploma. This qualification recognizes the graduate’s capacity for initiative and judgement across a broad range of technical and management functions. Graduates typically have personal responsibility and autonomy (semi-independence) in performing technical operations or organizing others in the workplace.
Prerequisites

There are NO previous work or education requirements for entry into our Biblical studies course.

So if you want to enhance your understanding of faith and religion, simply enroll in this learning programme today.
Course Length

Students typically complete this course within 24 weeks.

Enrolling on an ICI Biblical studies course puts you in control of your timetable. With no assignment deadlines to worry about, you dictate how quickly you graduate. You can complete the course in a matter of months if you want to work through the material quickly. Alternatively, you can take your time. At ICI, we allow students up to three years to finish our learning programmes.
Study Mode: Online Learning

Our entire Biblical studies course is conducted online via distance learning. Also called correspondence learning, this approach to studying puts you in the driving seat. You can work whenever and wherever you wish, allowing you to comfortably fit your studies around professional and personal commitments.

Because our course is carried out online, you can work through the learning material anywhere in the world, and you won’t have to travel to attend classes. To ensure you are supported for the duration of the course, you will have your own personal tutor to provide guidance and answer questions.

Like all ICI learning programmes, it has been crafted to be highly engaging, motivational and rewarding.
Recognition & Accreditation

Our Biblical studies course is recognised and accredited by the International Association of Private Career Colleges (IAPCC).

It takes a highly practical approach to the subject matter, providing you with knowledge and skills you can use in both your personal and professional lives.
Already in the Profession or Industry?

Already involved in pastoral work, religious education or a related discipline? This course is for you. It will help you to advance your knowledge and skills and is one of the most practical steps you can take to develop your understanding of this broad and fascinating subject.

Note that course fees can be claimed as a tax deduction as long as the learning programme is sufficiently connected to your work activities.
What Do I Get?
All the materials you need to complete our Biblical studies course are included in the course fee. Once you enroll, you will receive:
- All required study materials and course notes
- Assignment projects with constructive tutor feedback
- A tutor who will answer all your course and career questions and provide guidance.
Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive:
- A graduation certificate officially recognising your completion of studies and qualifications
- Transcripts indicating the units completed
- A letter of recommendation and validation for current and future employers
- Post-nominal letters placed after your name which indicate that you hold the relevant qualification (for example: John Smith, BStMin)
- Job search assistance: discover more about our Graduate Career Service Programme
Cut Off Date

Friday, 6th December 2024 is the next enrollment cut off date. Places are limited, in demand and entry into the course is on a first come first served basis.

Your enrollment is processed and acknowledged within 24 hours of the Institute receiving your application. You can expect to receive your course within days of enrolling. When you start your ICI course it’s at your own pace and you determine when you finish.

Don’t miss out. Enroll today!