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.

Post-Encounter

The victory experienced at the Encounter Retreat is only the beginning of a wonderful and fulfilling journey with the Lord. Choosing to walk with Christ means a life of continual blessings through what He did on the Cross. However, the devil will try to tempt the Encounter candidates to turn back from their decision to follow Christ wholeheartedly. Post-Encounter is designed to consolidate and cement the breakthroughs made at the Encounter. It will reinforce the foundation that was laid and enable these candidates to build successfully on their blessings received at the Encounter.

Fruit of the Spirit

There are two natures within us. What we become depends on whether we allow the Holy Spirit or our own sinful nature to control us. This course will show you how to let Christ change you by the Holy Spirit. By examining the nine characteristics of the fruit of the Holy Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23, you will be compelled to examine your own life for evidence of the fruit of the Spirit. You will also be challenged to allow God to produce in you this Christ-like character.

Christian Character and Conduct

The Christian mould has been set from God’s eternal perspective, as evidenced by Paul’s teaching in Romans 8:29. There, Paul stated that God intends every believer to be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. This course is very practical; students will learn from the Scriptures what it means “to be like Jesus.” Christians will find this course enriching, challenging and interesting.

Romans and Galatians

Romans and Galatians are the two letters written by Paul to ensure that believers will have the knowledge and legacy of the one true Gospel of Jesus Christ. In Romans, Paul deduced systematically the fact of man’s sinfulness. It is only in Christ and what He did on the Cross that man can receive forgiveness of sin and be reconciled to God. Paul wrote Galatians because of the threat of a dangerous heresy taught by the “Judaizers”, who insisted that Gentiles had to be circumcised before they could become Christians. For Paul, this was a repudiation of the truth that man’s salvation is by faith and not by works of the law. As with all Paul’s letters, the great doctrinal truths taught are then applied to practical Christian living.

Principles of Counselling

This course is important for those who minister to others. This is the first of the three courses on counselling and will deal with the basic principles. You will learn the various theories and approaches of counselling based on the Word of God. Students who complete this course will understand the differences between the Biblical basis of counselling and secular counselling.

Principles of Success

This course provides insights into the lives of some of the great men in the Bible, how they lived and why they were so successful. It gives you the Biblical definitions of blessings and success and shows you how to apply them in your own life. You will study the lives of these godly and successful men and glean principles on what it means to live a life that is prosperous and blessed by God.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit (YouTube)

Paul’s admonition to the Corinthian Christians when he said “Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant” also applies to us. There is no reason why we should go through our Christian life not understanding the gifts of the Holy Spirit. In this course, a balanced Biblical perspective of the “charismata” – the powerful yet gracious gifts of the Holy Spirit – will be presented.
The following will be covered:
• What the gifts of the Holy Spirit are
• How each gift operates in the church
• Why the gifts are so important and relevant to us today

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 (YouTube)

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 3 – Pastoral Care and Family Life

The course explores how family life envisions the church as a family, looking into the needs of focus groups – children, youth, singles, pre-marital, young adults, newly marrieds, marriage enrichment, family counseling, parents and the elderly. This ministry aims to see close-knit and healthy families become the hallmark of VFC.
This course presents how the pastoral care ministry envisions each member as an important part of the Body, ensuring they are cared for. Expressions can be seen in benevolence, visits, counseling, inner healing, care for missionaries and their families and follow up of converts.

Ministry Practics 1 (YouTube)

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.

Worship, Praise & Prayer (YouTube)

It has been said that worship is the highest form of expression of man to God — the created to his Creator. Worship is an integral way of life for the Christian, not only individually but also corporately as a Church. Biblical insights, together with principles on experiences of worship, will be taught in the course.You will be shown how you can be transformed from mere “singers” to “true worshippers” of the great and mighty God we serve.

Life of David (YouTube)

This course will equip students with principles of leadership from the study of the life of David. His early training as a shepherd caring for his father’s sheep, had laid a foundation of faithfulness, commitment and courage. Leaders must be tested before they can be released fully into their God-given roles. From David’s life, students will learn how a leader should respond to and overcome hatred, jealousy, fear, insecurity, pride and selfish ambition. The ultimate test of leadership is that of sin and failure. How a leader handles these will either disqualify or qualify him for greatness in God’s kingdom. Out of David’s sin of adultery and murder and his subsequent repentance and brokenness, the Lord brought him to the place where he truly had “a heart after God’s own heart”.

Life of Moses

In this course, you will learn core principles of spiritual leadership exemplified in the life of Moses. In learning how God calls, prepares, trains and equips a man so that he ultimately becomes a “mighty man of valour”, you will discover the various tests that a leader must go through. When you complete the course, you will find the “secrets to passing the tests of leadership”.

Success in Life through Godly Wisdom

This course extracts timeless truths and shares nuggets of wisdom from the book of Proverbs. Godly insights into how we can live meaningful, happy and fulfilled lives are discussed. Topics covered in this course include the fear of the Lord, practising godly speech and behaviour and cultivating healthy relationships.

Effective Evangelism Strategies

The Apostle Paul said, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means, I might save some.” (1 Cor 9:22) This course puts together various evangelism approaches to equip students to be effective in reaching different groups of people. Relevant evangelism strategies and tools are also presented and demonstrated.

Foundations for a Godly Marriage

This course is designed for young adults, singles and couples who are considering marriage or planning to get married or planning to get married within the next 2 to 3 years. It forms the teaching component of marriage preparation. It will also focus on the dynamics of a couples’ relationship and communication skills.