Distance Learning at Trinity Learning Community - Online Learning, Open Learning

Trinity Learning Community The MMin is a three-year part-time program for emerging church leaders. Both a five-year degree option and a two-year diploma option are available as well. We will say more about the two-year diploma option below.The pace of these programs are designed for those who are working full-time jobs, some with families, and who are serving in local churches. The degree is comprised of three, year-long modules, which can be taken over a five year period if needed.

The first module is the Year of Bible. We will take the students through the entirety of the Scriptures and, along with their hermeneutics course where they will develop their exegetical skill set, we will introduce them to the story line that holds the Bible together. We will also be teaching Church History and Narrative Theology along the same premise.

The second module is the Year of Ministry. We will take an entire year to impart the necessary relational and ministry skills so young leaders will be prepared to deal with real life issues confronting the modern context. The culmination of this year will be a world mission trip where they will learn to put together short-term mission teams to equip their future congregations and ministries.

The third year is the Year of Specialization. In this year the students will travel to SSU to take a module on ancient/future faith in post-modern culture. They will also be taking two specialty classes at the conclusion of their program to better equip them for their specific ministries. To further equip them in the practice of ministry students will participate in a formal, six-month internship in their local church. If the student has already had significant local church experience, they will have the opportunity to fulfill this practical requirement through the development of unique leadership projects. Some students may elect to do a thesis or take a Bible lands trip in this year as an alternative to their specialty electives.

Class Model
The program will be comprised of a weekly class taught by Trinity Learning Community’s professors that will meet at our central site in Corona, California. Each quarter the students will also attend two to three weekend intensives held at our facility in Corona taught by visiting professors. In each of the first two years the students will participate in a three and a half day intensive taught by an SSU professor who will travel to Corona.

Distance Options
Because of internet capabilities it is possible for students who live a distance from our Corona Campus to take the weekly class on their computers through a easy to install software program. They will be able to see a streaming video in real time of the class and hear and interact with the professor and other students.

We do ask, however, that distance students make the sacrifice to drive to the intensives two to three times per quarter. We can usually find housing with families in the area to defray costs. In the event that the student lives out of state, this requirement can be lowered to fewer times per year. We do an audio recording of all the intensives and the audio files are posted on the website shortly after the conclusion of the intensive. Students who miss intensives can then make up the classroom experience on their own time and fulfill their assignments according to the due dates.

Two-year Diploma
Some students want to be trained to plant, pastor or lead in the church but do not need, nor are they able to afford getting a degree. The two-year diploma program offers the same classes as the masters program, but they are cheaper because the student is not paying St. Stephen’s for a degree. There will also be less homework so the student can get the training they need but in a more streamlined fashion.

Year Of The Bible Course Descriptions
Pentateuch
The Pentateuch intensive introduces the first five books of the Bible, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy and lays the foundation for understanding the rest of the Bible. Special attention will be paid to God’s revelation of his Kingship.

Hermeneutics
Hermeneutics (Greek for “interpretation”) is a thirteen week course that covers the principles for studying the Bible with the goal of hearing what the original author wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The student is first introduced to a narrative approach to interpreting the Bible. Upon that foundation the basic principles of exegesis will be learned by examining the letters of Paul. These skills will then be applied to the other genres of Scripture. Special attention will be paid to contextualizing biblical exegesis in the contemporary world.

Historical Books
The Historical Books intensive surveys the history of Israel as portrayed in Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. The student will also be introduced to the reform perspective of the author of 1 & 2 Chronicles, included in the Writings in the Hebrew canon, but included as a part of the historical books in the English canon.

Writings
The Writings intensive introduces the wisdom literature of Israel in the context of Ancient Near East culture. This course covers the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Songs, and Ecclesiastes.

Prophets
The Prophets intensive is a rapid overview of the prophetical literature s in their historical sequence within Israel’s history. It will introduce the pre-exilic books of Jonah, Micah, Amos, Hosea, and Isaiah. Next will be covered the exilic books of Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Joel, Obadiah, Nahum, Zephaniah, and Habbakkuk. Finally, the end of Old Testament history will be covered in the books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.

The Synoptic Gospels
The Synoptic Gospels is a ten week course that begins by covering Second Temple history and literature, the theories of how the Gospels came to be written, and introductions to Matthew, Mark, and Luke within their historical settings. On this foundation the story of the historical Jesus as seen in the Synoptic accounts will be reconstructed. The similarities and differences of the various authors will also be pointed out so the student can learn to interpret the life of Jesus within each unique perspective. Upon completion the student will be able to see how the story of Jesus functions within the overall biblical narrative.

Johannine Literature
The Johnannine Literature three and a half day intensive covers the material in the New Testament traditionally associated with the apostle John. It includes the Gospel of John, the three epistles of John, and the Revelation. Special attention will be paid to historical developments within the early church chronicled in this literature as a case study relevant to contemporary pastoral ministry.

Book of Acts
The Book of Acts intensive will be taught as the sequel to the gospel of Luke and the student will be shown how Luke’s themes are developed within the context of Luke’s story of the early church. Special attention will be paid both to how Luke portrays the role of the Holy Spirit in salvation and the cross-cultural advancement of the Kingdom of God through church planting.

Paul and His Letters
Paul and His Letters is a ten week course that will introduce Paul’s writings in their probable historical sequence. Beginning with Galatians as the first of his letters the student will then proceed to 1 & Thessalonians, Philippians, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, Colossians, Romans, 1 & Timothy, Titus and Philemon. Special attention will be paid to Paul’s understanding of the biblical narrative.

Systematic Theology
In this intensive the student will be introduced to the classic categories of systematic theology such as the doctrines of God, creation, sin, atonement, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the church and the last things.

Narrative Theology 1
The Narrative Theology 1 intensive will cover the Old Testament development of the classic doctrines of the Christian faith. In doing so, we will be in alignment with our story line approach to doing theology.

Church History
Church History is a ten week course that will chronicle the advance of the Church from the second century to the modern age. We will give special attention to four themes, the historical development of doctrine, the trajectories of both the evangelical and charismatic streams, and the advance of the world mission of the Church. The class will end with a close look at the incredible explosion of the Holy Spirit in the twentieth century with an emphasis on the developments in the church in the last quarter century.

Narrative Theology 2
The Narrative Theology 2 intensive will continue our narrative approach to biblical theology by examining the classical doctrines of the Christian faith as the New Testament story develops.

Year Of Ministry Course Descriptions
Healing 1
The Healing 1 intensive begins with a general introduction to Jesus’ singular message, the dawning of the Kingdom rule of God into the present age. The student will be introduced to what it means to live in the “already and not yet” through the power of the Holy Spirit through God’s gracious outpouring of spiritual gifts. With a fresh understanding of the power tools of the Kingdom the student will be introduced to the healing ministry of Jesus and learn practical values and models for ministry to the sick. Each session will conclude with a “clinic” time where the students will get hands on experience with spiritual gifts and prayer for the sick.

Basic Pastoral Positions
Basic Pastoral Positions is a ten week course that will give the student an introduction to how to develop the kind of theological and ethical positions necessary for sustaining a truly biblical ministry. In the context of case studies of real pastoral situations the students will see the need for and begin to develop positions on such topics as worship, the Kingdom of God, spiritual gifts, baptism, the Lord’s Supper, the problem of evil, knowing the will of God, baptism in the Spirit, marriage (premarital, wedding, adultery, divorce, remarriage), funerals, women in ministry, tithing/giving, and various kinds of sexual brokenness.

Learning to Minister Like Jesus 2
The Healing 2 intensive will build off the foundation of Healing 1 and will introduce the theology and practice of emotional healing and deliverance from demons. As with Healing 1 there will be ample time to put theory into practice through ministry clinics.

Relational Skills 1
The Relational Skills 1 intensive introduces the relational skills necessary for sustaining healthy ministry. Each student will learn to apply the values of empathy, warmth, and respect through the art of active listening. On this foundation healthy conflict resolution models will be explored and different personality types will be introduced.

Relational Skills 2
The Relational Skills 2 intensive will introduce the student to the subjects of codependency, boundaries, addiction, especially the various forms of religious addiction, family systems theory, projection issues, and healing for the sinned against.

Preaching
Preaching is designed to instruct the student how to preach or teach from a text in the Bible in such a manner as to be faithful to the intent of the author (called “expository” preaching and teaching). The course will begin with interpretation skills and then will progress to learning to outline a talk, begin and end the talk, illustrate it, and make application so it is relevant to the hearers. Tying texts into their narrative context through creative use of the biblical story will be emphasized to introduce the Bigger Story of God as an apologetic to the post-modern generation.

Each student will preach a series of sermons before the class, first beginning with short homilies and then progressing to longer sermons. The talks will be discussed by both professor and the class for the sake of learning. At least one of the sermons will be recorded so the student can learn to hone their oratory skills by critiquing themselves. The subject of segueing into a time of ministry will also be introduced.

Spiritual Formation
Spiritual Formation introduces the classic disciplines of the faith such as worship, prayer, Bible study, fasting, meditation, solitude, giving, and simplicity. Rather than accessing this material categorically the student will be looking at primary source material as case studies of some of the great, guiding lights throughout church history.

Discipleship through Small Groups
Discipleship through Small Groups is a course designed to teach the student all aspects of leading small groups as a primary tool for making disciples. Each one will learn how to start, lead, trouble-shoot, and multiply small groups of various kinds. Role playing will help the participants hone their group leading skills. Along the way intentional methods for making authentic apprentices of Jesus will be introduced for use through groups..

Church-based Evangelism
Evangelism will introduce the entire subject of salvation through discipleship. The student will be introduced to how evangelism works in the context of a local church. There is also a focus on God’s heart for the poor. Practical tools will be given so students will be better equipped to share their faith with others and care for the broken of the world. Special attention will be given to evangelism within post-modern culture.

Pastoral Planning
In Pastoral Planning the student will be introduced to the dance between prayer, vision, and planning. The student will learn how to develop and implement step-by-step a vision given to the leader by God.

Pastoral Leadership
Pastoral Leadership will impart the skills necessary to build a team to achieve the will of God discerned in the Pastoral Planning course. Here is introduced the art of effective leadership, for if people are not able to follow us, the vision will be for naught. It will also focus on learning to develop others into leaders and building healthy teams and church systems.

Church Planting
Church Planting will lead a student through the processes by which churches are planted and developed. The professors will be those who have, themselves, successfully planted a church/churches. The Natural Church Growth theories of Christian Schwartz will be introduced as viable diagnostic tools to be used in reading church health.

Mission Preparation and Missions Trip
In Mission Preparation students will be introduced to the kinds of preparation needed to ready a team for going on a short-term, cross cultural mission trip. At the end of the Year of Ministry students will be required to go on a short term Mission Trip together, trusting God for the funds to experience the provision of God to help future parishioners who will be walking through the same process.




		Master of Ministry The MMin is a three-year part-time program for emerging church leaders. Both a five-year degree option and a two-year diploma option are available as well. We will say more about the two-year diploma option below.The pace of these programs are designed for those who are working full-time jobs, some with families, and who are serving in local churches. The degree is comprised of three, year-long modules, which can be taken over a five year period if needed. The first module is the Year of Bible. We will take the students through the entirety of the Scriptures and, along with their hermeneutics course where they will develop their exegetical skill set, we will introduce them to the story line that holds the Bible together. We will also be teaching Church History and Narrative Theology along the same premise. The second module is the Year of Ministry. We will take an entire year to impart the necessary relational and ministry skills so young leaders will be prepared to deal with real life issues confronting the modern context. The culmination of this year will be a world mission trip where they will learn to put together short-term mission teams to equip their future congregations and ministries. The third year is the Year of Specialization. In this year the students will travel to SSU to take a module on ancient/future faith in post-modern culture. They will also be taking two specialty classes at the conclusion of their program to better equip them for their specific ministries. To further equip them in the practice of ministry students will participate in a formal, six-month internship in their local church. If the student has already had significant local church experience, they will have the opportunity to fulfill this practical requirement through the development of unique leadership projects. Some students may elect to do a thesis or take a Bible lands trip in this year as an alternative to their specialty electives. Class Model The program will be comprised of a weekly class taught by Trinity Learning Community’s professors that will meet at our central site in Corona, California. Each quarter the students will also attend two to three weekend intensives held at our facility in Corona taught by visiting professors. In each of the first two years the students will participate in a three and a half day intensive taught by an SSU professor who will travel to Corona. Distance Options Because of internet capabilities it is possible for students who live a distance from our Corona Campus to take the weekly class on their computers through a easy to install software program. They will be able to see a streaming video in real time of the class and hear and interact with the professor and other students. We do ask, however, that distance students make the sacrifice to drive to the intensives two to three times per quarter. We can usually find housing with families in the area to defray costs. In the event that the student lives out of state, this requirement can be lowered to fewer times per year. We do an audio recording of all the intensives and the audio files are posted on the website shortly after the conclusion of the intensive. Students who miss intensives can then make up the classroom experience on their own time and fulfill their assignments according to the due dates. Two-year Diploma Some students want to be trained to plant, pastor or lead in the church but do not need, nor are they able to afford getting a degree. The two-year diploma program offers the same classes as the masters program, but they are cheaper because the student is not paying St. Stephen’s for a degree. There will also be less homework so the student can get the training they need but in a more streamlined fashion. Year Of The Bible Course Descriptions Pentateuch The Pentateuch intensive introduces the first five books of the Bible, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy and lays the foundation for understanding the rest of the Bible. Special attention will be paid to God’s revelation of his Kingship. Hermeneutics Hermeneutics (Greek for “interpretation”) is a thirteen week course that covers the principles for studying the Bible with the goal of hearing what the original author wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The student is first introduced to a narrative approach to interpreting the Bible. Upon that foundation the basic principles of exegesis will be learned by examining the letters of Paul. These skills will then be applied to the other genres of Scripture. Special attention will be paid to contextualizing biblical exegesis in the contemporary world. Historical Books The Historical Books intensive surveys the history of Israel as portrayed in Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. The student will also be introduced to the reform perspective of the author of 1 & 2 Chronicles, included in the Writings in the Hebrew canon, but included as a part of the historical books in the English canon. Writings The Writings intensive introduces the wisdom literature of Israel in the context of Ancient Near East culture. This course covers the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Songs, and Ecclesiastes. Prophets The Prophets intensive is a rapid overview of the prophetical literature s in their historical sequence within Israel’s history. It will introduce the pre-exilic books of Jonah, Micah, Amos, Hosea, and Isaiah. Next will be covered the exilic books of Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Joel, Obadiah, Nahum, Zephaniah, and Habbakkuk. Finally, the end of Old Testament history will be covered in the books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. The Synoptic Gospels The Synoptic Gospels is a ten week course that begins by covering Second Temple history and literature, the theories of how the Gospels came to be written, and introductions to Matthew, Mark, and Luke within their historical settings. On this foundation the story of the historical Jesus as seen in the Synoptic accounts will be reconstructed. The similarities and differences of the various authors will also be pointed out so the student can learn to interpret the life of Jesus within each unique perspective. Upon completion the student will be able to see how the story of Jesus functions within the overall biblical narrative. Johannine Literature The Johnannine Literature three and a half day intensive covers the material in the New Testament traditionally associated with the apostle John. It includes the Gospel of John, the three epistles of John, and the Revelation. Special attention will be paid to historical developments within the early church chronicled in this literature as a case study relevant to contemporary pastoral ministry. Book of Acts The Book of Acts intensive will be taught as the sequel to the gospel of Luke and the student will be shown how Luke’s themes are developed within the context of Luke’s story of the early church. Special attention will be paid both to how Luke portrays the role of the Holy Spirit in salvation and the cross-cultural advancement of the Kingdom of God through church planting. Paul and His Letters Paul and His Letters is a ten week course that will introduce Paul’s writings in their probable historical sequence. Beginning with Galatians as the first of his letters the student will then proceed to 1 & Thessalonians, Philippians, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, Colossians, Romans, 1 & Timothy, Titus and Philemon. Special attention will be paid to Paul’s understanding of the biblical narrative. Systematic Theology In this intensive the student will be introduced to the classic categories of systematic theology such as the doctrines of God, creation, sin, atonement, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the church and the last things. Narrative Theology 1 The Narrative Theology 1 intensive will cover the Old Testament development of the classic doctrines of the Christian faith. In doing so, we will be in alignment with our story line approach to doing theology. Church History Church History is a ten week course that will chronicle the advance of the Church from the second century to the modern age. We will give special attention to four themes, the historical development of doctrine, the trajectories of both the evangelical and charismatic streams, and the advance of the world mission of the Church. The class will end with a close look at the incredible explosion of the Holy Spirit in the twentieth century with an emphasis on the developments in the church in the last quarter century. Narrative Theology 2 The Narrative Theology 2 intensive will continue our narrative approach to biblical theology by examining the classical doctrines of the Christian faith as the New Testament story develops. Year Of Ministry Course Descriptions Healing 1 The Healing 1 intensive begins with a general introduction to Jesus’ singular message, the dawning of the Kingdom rule of God into the present age. The student will be introduced to what it means to live in the “already and not yet” through the power of the Holy Spirit through God’s gracious outpouring of spiritual gifts. With a fresh understanding of the power tools of the Kingdom the student will be introduced to the healing ministry of Jesus and learn practical values and models for ministry to the sick. Each session will conclude with a “clinic” time where the students will get hands on experience with spiritual gifts and prayer for the sick. Basic Pastoral Positions Basic Pastoral Positions is a ten week course that will give the student an introduction to how to develop the kind of theological and ethical positions necessary for sustaining a truly biblical ministry. In the context of case studies of real pastoral situations the students will see the need for and begin to develop positions on such topics as worship, the Kingdom of God, spiritual gifts, baptism, the Lord’s Supper, the problem of evil, knowing the will of God, baptism in the Spirit, marriage (premarital, wedding, adultery, divorce, remarriage), funerals, women in ministry, tithing/giving, and various kinds of sexual brokenness. Learning to Minister Like Jesus 2 The Healing 2 intensive will build off the foundation of Healing 1 and will introduce the theology and practice of emotional healing and deliverance from demons. As with Healing 1 there will be ample time to put theory into practice through ministry clinics. Relational Skills 1 The Relational Skills 1 intensive introduces the relational skills necessary for sustaining healthy ministry. Each student will learn to apply the values of empathy, warmth, and respect through the art of active listening. On this foundation healthy conflict resolution models will be explored and different personality types will be introduced. Relational Skills 2 The Relational Skills 2 intensive will introduce the student to the subjects of codependency, boundaries, addiction, especially the various forms of religious addiction, family systems theory, projection issues, and healing for the sinned against. Preaching Preaching is designed to instruct the student how to preach or teach from a text in the Bible in such a manner as to be faithful to the intent of the author (called “expository” preaching and teaching). The course will begin with interpretation skills and then will progress to learning to outline a talk, begin and end the talk, illustrate it, and make application so it is relevant to the hearers. Tying texts into their narrative context through creative use of the biblical story will be emphasized to introduce the Bigger Story of God as an apologetic to the post-modern generation. Each student will preach a series of sermons before the class, first beginning with short homilies and then progressing to longer sermons. The talks will be discussed by both professor and the class for the sake of learning. At least one of the sermons will be recorded so the student can learn to hone their oratory skills by critiquing themselves. The subject of segueing into a time of ministry will also be introduced. Spiritual Formation Spiritual Formation introduces the classic disciplines of the faith such as worship, prayer, Bible study, fasting, meditation, solitude, giving, and simplicity. Rather than accessing this material categorically the student will be looking at primary source material as case studies of some of the great, guiding lights throughout church history. Discipleship through Small Groups Discipleship through Small Groups is a course designed to teach the student all aspects of leading small groups as a primary tool for making disciples. Each one will learn how to start, lead, trouble-shoot, and multiply small groups of various kinds. Role playing will help the participants hone their group leading skills. Along the way intentional methods for making authentic apprentices of Jesus will be introduced for use through groups.. Church-based Evangelism Evangelism will introduce the entire subject of salvation through discipleship. The student will be introduced to how evangelism works in the context of a local church. There is also a focus on God’s heart for the poor. Practical tools will be given so students will be better equipped to share their faith with others and care for the broken of the world. Special attention will be given to evangelism within post-modern culture. Pastoral Planning In Pastoral Planning the student will be introduced to the dance between prayer, vision, and planning. The student will learn how to develop and implement step-by-step a vision given to the leader by God. Pastoral Leadership Pastoral Leadership will impart the skills necessary to build a team to achieve the will of God discerned in the Pastoral Planning course. Here is introduced the art of effective leadership, for if people are not able to follow us, the vision will be for naught. It will also focus on learning to develop others into leaders and building healthy teams and church systems. Church Planting Church Planting will lead a student through the processes by which churches are planted and developed. The professors will be those who have, themselves, successfully planted a church/churches. The Natural Church Growth theories of Christian Schwartz will be introduced as viable diagnostic tools to be used in reading church health. Mission Preparation and Missions Trip In Mission Preparation students will be introduced to the kinds of preparation needed to ready a team for going on a short-term, cross cultural mission trip. At the end of the Year of Ministry students will be required to go on a short term Mission Trip together, trusting God for the funds to experience the provision of God to help future parishioners who will be walking through the same process.

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