The Word

This is an introductory course to help young believers know the importance of the Bible, which is the word of God, in their new lives in Christ. The first half of the course is devoted to a study of the nature of the Word of God and its practical benefits in a believer’s life. The second-half deals with the devotional aspects of study and the application of the Word of God. Included in this second section are lessons that instruct students in the different methods of Bible study. The desired outcome of this course is that students will commit themselves to a habit of studying the Word of God daily.

Prayer

This course complements the course on “The Word”. These two courses should be taken together in the same quarter. This study on ‘Prayer’ introduces new believers to the importance of prayer and the different aspects in which prayer may be expressed in their lives. The objectives of this course are not only to inculcate a habit of prayer, but also to move a believer’s prayer life from one of desire to discipline and finally to one of joy and delight.

Life of Christ

This course seeks to provide students with an understanding of the times and settings of the world that Jesus lived and ministered in as described in the four Gospels. The highlight of the course is a detailed study of the Lord’s ministry from its early days to the final climax of His arrest, trial, sufferings and crucifixion in Jerusalem. Other important aspects of the course include a study of the central message and mission of the Lord, His teachings and the miracles that accompanied and confirmed what He preached and taught.

Principles of Stewardship

Once a person is saved and born-again, he begins to realise that his life does not belong to him. He has been bought with a price. Even though he retains the ability to make choices, the true believer must know that all that God has placed in his hands is for him to take care or manage on God’s behalf. In this course, the student will be introduced to the whole concept of biblical stewardship and the means by which believers can ensure they continually experience the blessings of God.

Principles of Love

The Bible declares that God is love and we, as His children, must exhibit the same nature of love both individually and corporately as His Church. This course seeks to impart the knowledge of the principles of love as taught in the Word of God. We will study extensively from selected Bible characters how they demonstrated these principles in and through the challenging circumstances of their lives. The last part of this course seeks to help students understand and apply the principles of love in their commitment to a spirit of unity with all members in the Body of Christ.

Strategy for Living

Getting the most out of life. Making time work for you. Preventing mental breakdown and moral failure. Choosing the right vocation and the right life partner. Establishing friendships. These are some of the vital and practical issues that will be dealt with from a Biblical perspective in this course. The purpose of this course is to help Christians develop a wholesome lifestyle in a world where we are expected to perform and produce results under intense pressure.

Faith and the Supernatural

Based on the Book of Acts, the student will be introduced to the work of the Holy Spirit in empowering the apostles and believers in the Early Church to fulfil Christ’s Great Commission. We will see how their faith resulted in supernatural signs and wonders, so that the proclaiming of the Gospel “to the ends of the earth” could go on unhindered. The lives and ministries of Peter, Stephen (the first Christian martyr), Paul and others will be used to illustrate our study on this subject. With this background, the student will receive a proper context to exercise faith and the supernatural in our present times.

Church Planting Training Programme 1

The CPTP 1 is a preparatory class to introduce participants to life in missions. This course is intended to present a practical overview of the different aspects of VFC’s missions programme. You will be adequately informed on the main aspects of becoming a member of a missions team.

Asian Religion

Knowledge of the religious world-view of our non-Christian friends and neighbours is essential if we want to win them to Christ. This course will equip you with an understanding of religion, its origins and its expressions through some of the major religions of the world. We will focus our studies on a comparative study of the major Asian religions – Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam – with biblical Christianity. The belief systems and the practices of these religions will be studied together with how they compare with measure up to what the Bible teaches. Two case studies will be presented to help students be aware of cultural and religious sensitivities that may cause roadblocks to the effective sharing of the Gospel.

Practics of Counselling

“Practics of Counselling” builds on the previous courses on “Principles of Counselling” and “Process of Counselling.” More specifically, it will equip the counsellor to deal with the lack of spiritual assurance as well as the struggle with sin which all Christians face. It will empower the counsellor to deal with negative emotions such as anxiety, fear, failure and discouragement. Challenging situations such as persecution, sickness, death and suicide will be covered. Marital counselling and its related aspects such as divorce counselling will also be dealt with in this course. This course is a must for anyone who desires to help individuals and families with the practical problems and issues they face.

Purpose of the Church

The Church seems to mean different things for different people. In this course, we offer the Biblical perspective of the Church. We will trace the original concept of the Church in Matt 16:18, then to its birth by the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts. We will then follow its establishment and expansion by the apostles and ultimately to its present position. This course also deals with the roles, functions and responsibilities of believers as members of the Church to prepare and perfect her as the glorious bride of Christ for His return.

Ministry Gifting 4 (Teaching and Training)

Students in this course can expect to study how the teaching ministry ensures that people are grounded in the Word through curricula development, teacher development and raising up of gifted ones in various aspects of the teaching ministry. Also, students will be instructed on how the training ministry ensures that training and developmental needs are met. This ministry also assists the other ministries in developing, sourcing and producing training packages.

Hebrews

This study on Hebrews will focus on the three major themes in the book. First, Jesus is presented as the new and better Deliverer — better than angels, better than Moses, better than Joshua and better than Aaron. Next, Calvary is shown to provide the new and better covenant. It provides a new covenant with better promises. It opens up a better Sanctuary. It is sealed by a better Sacrifice. It achieves far better and enduring results. Lastly, faith is revealed as the true response to these “better” things. You will be challenged to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Ministry Practics 1

This course focuses on how to lead and minister effectively as a cell leader. The three-fold role of the cell leader is presented: to proclaim the good news, to watch over and protect the sheep and to develop and train members. Topics include nurturing, shepherding, loving with compassion and ministering to the need. Motivational and leadership principles are also presented with the aim of producing cell leaders who are influential, inspiring and impactful.

Life of Timothy

This is a study on the life of Timothy, whom Paul referred to as a “true son in the faith” while Timothy regarded Paul as his “father in the faith”. The course will examine the traits that Timothy developed in the course of his ministry to Paul – a servant heart, selflessness, faithfulness and a willingness to face hardship and persecution. From his life, we can draw important lessons on what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ and how we can make a real contribution to the cause of Christ through our willingness to be a servant to those whom God has placed around and over us.

Ministry Practics 3

The course builds on what students have learned in “Ministry Practics 1” and “Ministry Practics 2”. It deals with the leader’s pastoral duties and responsibilities, and how they are to be carried out in the context of VFC’s ministry structure, in a more in-depth manner. The course also covers practical skills needed in the discharge of the minister’s pastoral life, calling and work.

Topics include:
• Living by faith
• Nurturing and developing other spiritual leaders
• Distinguishing genuine needs from criticism
• Cultivating relationships for ministry
• Organisational and administrative skills for ministry.

Life of Elijah

Elijah was perhaps the greatest of the Old Testament prophets. He was a prophet of incredible faith, a courageous spokesman of his time, a devout man of prayer, an untiring discipler of leaders and an anointed servant of God. In this study, you will examine his life, his character, his calling, his task, his passion and his commitment. You will also discover the principles of anointed and dynamic Christian leadership that are applicable to us today. This course is specially designed for leaders already serving in a ministry function.

Managing Transitions Successfully

It has been said that the only thing constant in life is change. These are times of unprecedented and accelerated change in key areas of our lives. This course highlights the difference between change and transition. Moreover, it offers principles and practices that can help us navigate the changes we face by implementing practical and effective transitional steps.

God’s Wisdom For Uncertain Times

Isaiah 33:6 declares that God will be the stability of our times and that He is a wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge. In these uncertain times, God’s wisdom is a sure foundation for our lives which provides us with unshakeable stability. This course outlines how we can draw from His vast treasure of wisdom to help us in these uncertain times.

In Quarter 4, the Family Life Ministry is offering a School for Christian Growth class on Parenting is targeted at 3 age groups:

1. Parenting Infants and Toddlers (from pregnancy to 2 years of age): You will learn principles and skills to set routines that will bring normalcy to yourself and your young child. This is important especially for first-time parents so that you will not be caught up in child-centric parenting. When you are able to establish routines for your child in their formative years, a good foundation will be established for their subsequent nurturing years. Topics covered will include how to manage their meal-time, play-time and sleep-time.

2. Parenting Children (3 to 7 years of age): You will learn the importance of establishing good parenting and relationship principles in this phase of your parenting. The skills taught will enable you to spend more effort in nurturing instead of just instructing and correcting your child. Topics covered will include the importance of the husband/wife relationship, the role of the father, principles of obedience and principles of discipline.

3. Parenting Teenagers (12 to 18 years of age): You will learn that the successful parenting approach that your teen needs is for you to be an encourager and motivator. Your exemplary conduct plays a pivotal role as your teen will now be able to discern the difference between what is taught and practiced. Topics will include understanding the needs of teenagers, cyber-wellness and sexuality.