Expanding our options for more students.
by Cody Francis
What are these shorter courses?
We are excited to be rolling out some new courses that combine the strengths of our regular four-year curricula with more flexibility. We have developed one-year and two-year courses in Health Ministry and Bible. Another new option is a one-year Gospel Medical Missionary course, which combines elements from the one-year health and Bible courses. We are custom-tailoring shorter courses in Christian Media Management and Childbirth Education, as well.
Why are you offering these courses?
Many people would love to take one of our full four-year programs, but are limited in time or finances. Others feel called to be doctors or work in other professions for which we do not offer courses, but would like to become grounded in the Bible or natural remedies before pursuing professional degrees. In order to provide programs that would benefit those in these categories, we are expanding the options that we offer.
What makes these courses unique?
While there are many other short training courses, few offer a full academic year that combines in-depth study, practical labor, and outreach activities in a wholesome Christian environment. We strive to follow the balanced Spirit of Prophecy counsels regarding a country setting, agriculture, missionary work, and so forth.
For those wanting a balance of gospel and medical ministry, the one-year Gospel Medical Missionary course is an excellent option. You will take the strong Bible classes: Conversion & Righteousness by Faith and Fundamentals of the Christian Faith. Then you could take either Daniel and Revelation or Life & Teachings I and II, spending time studying Jesus’ ministry. For the health segment, you will take the highly practical classes: Principles of Medical Ministry, Massage, and Hydrotherapy. You will also receive opportunities to apply your skills in various outreach classes doing health fairs, conducting cooking classes, or giving personal Bible studies.
For those desiring to focus primarily on health, the one-year Health Ministry program would be an excellent preparation for practical medical missionary work or a foundation to utilize while pursuing other programs. This course includes the foundational Bible classes: Conversion & Righteousness by Faith and Fundamentals of the Christian Faith. You will also have the opportunity to take Massage, Hydrotherapy, and Anatomy & Physiology I and II, along with other advanced health and outreach classes specifically designed to help you do health expos, deliver health lectures, and conduct cooking schools. You will also have the option of taking the CNA certification class!
There are others whose interest lies primarily in advanced Bible studies. In addition to attending the foundational Bible classes, you will have the opportunity to spend a year either studying the New Testament gospels and epistles, plus the book of Acts—or diving more deeply into the Old Testament chronologies and prophetic books, along with Daniel and Revelation. In addition to writing your own commentaries, Bible studies, and sermons, you will take practical classes: Evangelism, Speech & Homiletics, and the Bible outreach classes, in which you will learn how to go door-to-door, prepare a church for evangelism, and many other vital aspects.
What could I do after completing these courses?
After successfully finishing any one-year program, you will receive a certificate of successful completion. There are many calls for Bible workers, and the Lord could certainly open doors in these areas. Medical missionaries with the CNA certification could minister to people individually in their homes or find employment in the medical field, having the added medical missionary knowledge that could not be obtained from a secular course. Others could minister in their local churches and neighborhoods as lay medical missionaries.
Who would benefit from these courses?
All who want more knowledge along biblical or medical ministry lines would be greatly blessed. These could be retired individuals desiring to use their “golden years” in active missionary work, but not knowing where to start. They could be young people who are not sure what their calling is yet, but want to be equipped in these areas, or others who want to become more active in ministry, but do not know how. Students who feel called to pursue professional degrees will greatly benefit by being fortified with biblical and health knowledge first. In short, if you or someone you know wants to work for God—this could be just what you are looking for! Do not hesitate to call our admissions office at 540-672-3100 ext 308, or email admissions@hartland.edu.