sunnybrae core courses and electives

First year Core Courses

[These classes are a part of everyone’s Millar education in their first year. If you choose to attend Millar for one year and meet your course requirements, you will earn a Christian Ministry Certificate.]

  • This course provides an introduction to the 66 books of the Bible with a focus on the major themes, basic content, and contribution of each book to the whole of Scripture.

  • This course covers the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) with an emphasis on their major events and themes, including Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.

  • This course focuses on the first five books of the Old Testament (Genesis to Deuteronomy). It traces Old Testament history and theology from creation to Israel’s preparation to enter the land.

  • Hermeneutics is the science and art of interpretation. This course seeks to help the student learn how to understand and interpret the Bible through observation, interpretation, correlation, and application to Christian life.

  • Through an examination of the history and theology of both Acts and Galatians, this course focuses on the birth, development, and global impact of the Christian church under the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

  • This course introduces the subject of theology and examines the biblical teaching of the authority, nature, inspiration, and canonicity of Scripture as well as a special focus on the highest point of revelation: the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

  • Theology II deals with the doctrines of God (Theology Proper), Christ (Christology), and the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology). It will examine these doctrines from the perspective of systematic and historical theology.

  • This course focuses on developing habits that mark the changed life of a follower of Jesus. It addresses topics such as the believer’s prayer life, devotional life, confession, fitness, finances, entertainment, and vocation.

  • This course focuses on written and oral communication skills. Instruction and practice are provided, equipping the student to research and write a theology paper. A variety of oral communication skills are taught for the purpose of best representing Christ.

 

Second Year Core Courses

[These classes are a part of everyone’s Millar education in their second year. If you choose to attend Millar for two years and meet your course requirements, you will earn a Christian Ministry Diploma.]

  • The Gospel and letters of John are explored with a focus on the deity of Christ and the signs and discourses that support that key theme, as well as instruction related to the Christian life.

  • This course deals with the history of Israel from the time of its entrance into the land through to their restoration from Babylonian Captivity. It will cover the books of Joshua through Esther.

  • The Book of Isaiah is studied with a consideration of its historical setting, as well as its theological importance, particularly that which relates to the first and second coming of Christ and the future of the nation of Israel.

  • The epistle to the Romans is studied in detail. The student is encouraged to master the teaching regarding justification and sanctification, Paul’s explanation of the relation of this age to God’s program for Israel, and his practical instruction for daily Christian living.

  • These letters of Paul are examined with consideration of the great doctrines of the faith and the practical issues of life in the Body of Christ.

  • This course covers church history from the first century through to the end of the Medieval period and into the early beginnings of the Reformation period.

  • This course examines the biblical teaching regarding Anthropology (the origin and nature of humanity), Hamartiology (the biblical instruction on sin), and Soteriology (God’s plan for redeeming fallen humanity).

  • This course examines the truth of the Gospel claims with the goal of responding to contemporary ethical issues and secular questions of faith, truth, and absolutism.

 

Third Year Core Courses

[These classes are a part of everyone’s Millar education in their third year. If you choose to attend Millar for three years and meet your course requirements, you will earn a Bachelor of Biblical Studies.]

  • Detailed consideration is given to the books of Daniel and Revelation with an emphasis on major themes and divisions, as well as the methods of interpretation and the theological implications of these books.

  • A study of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, 1 & 2 Timothy, and Titus is undertaken in light of each book’s historical setting, theological foundations, and instruction in practical Christian living.

  • This study examines the twelve Old Testament books known as the Minor Prophets. It examines the nature, history, theology, and purpose of each of the biblical books from Hosea through Malachi.

  • Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, and Jude are studied in detail, examining their teachings and practical implications for believers.

  • This course concerns itself with an analysis of the background, content, and theological considerations of the Old Testament books of Job through Song of Solomon.

  • This course explores the major themes presented in the books of Jeremiah, Lamentations, and Ezekiel. The focus will be on the hope presented by these Old Testament Prophets and the fulfillment of prophecy in the coming of the Messiah.

  • This course deals with the biblical doctrines of Cosmogony (Creation), Ecclesiology (Church), and Eschatology (end times).

  • This course covers the Reformation period through the Enlightenment to the present day with a focus on significant leaders, philosophers, theologians, and theological ideas.

 

Electives:

Courses you choose that suit your God-given interests and passions.

 
  • This course provides an introduction to New Testament Greek with emphasis on learning the alphabet, the grammar of nouns, and an introduction to the Greek verb system. The student will memorize approximately 75% of NT vocabulary and practice translating in the workbook.

  • This course is a continuation of Biblical Greek I: Grammar and builds on the student’s understanding of the Greek verb system to help establish confidence in reading the Greek New Testament. Prerequisite: B2073 Biblical Greek I: Grammar.

  • This course studies selected theological issues that have impacted or are significantly impacting Christian thought and are influencing the church and the larger community. The central content will vary annually.

  • The history, theology, and characteristics of major cults are studied with a view to developing a Biblical evaluation and response to their teaching and influence.

  • This course examines the nature of religion as well as the theological and cultural distinctives in major religions of the world.

  • Upon the initiative of the student, registrar, or instructor and with the approval of the Dean of Education, a selected topic is studied under the direction of a faculty member to fulfill a need in the student’s schedule or program.

  • Students with musical or technical (sound and A/V) abilities are encouraged to lead in chapel worship. The chapel music coordinator will place them on teams and provide guidance, but the team will select and lead music in chapels.

  • One-on-one instruction in specific instruments may be offered depending on instructor availability.

  • This course explores and defines the goal behind worship, as well as the many results and effects the worship of God has in churches and one’s personal life. This class is appropriate for all believers; no musical experience is necessary.

  • This course develops understanding of the individual and corporate roles in worshipping God. The student will be involved in basic leadership and planning of worship. In addition to practices and performances, ten hours of reading and homework are required.

  • Students will gain experience as they lead a Chapel Worship Team on a regular rotation. This course also includes instruction and accountability in both the leadership and logistics of leading a worship team.

  • This course discusses the needs and characteristics of children with an emphasis on the preparation and presentation of effective biblical messages for the purpose of instruction and evangelism.

  • This course examines the common but critical issues facing missions and missionaries. These issues may include the affluence of the western church, short-term missions teams, and the challenges of contemporary cross-cultural evangelism.

  • In this practical study, attention is given to the development of a philosophy of ministry for evangelism and learning skills for programming, staffing, and directing a camp ministry.

  • This course focuses on the necessity and responsibility we have to missions worldwide by exploring how to be effective in cross-cultural missions and experiencing ministry in a cross-cultural setting.

  • Pastoral Ministry I provides an introduction to the theology, theory, and practice of pastoral ministry in the local church. It will also provide practical instruction in pastoral ministry (e.g. baptism, communion, weddings, funerals, conducting board meetings, sermon planning, and scheduling).

  • This course investigates the essentials needed to be a Christian person in leadership. Areas of focus include the character, motivation, art, and competencies for leadership.

  • The fundamental elements of Christian education are presented with specific attention given to principles required for effective teaching.

  • This course is specifically designed to explain the theology and practice of women in vocational and non-vocational ministry. This will focus on complementarian ministry and provide practical “how to” instruction specifically for ladies (on the mission field, in the local church, in parachurch organizations, and in the workplace).

  • This course is for upperclassmen who have been chosen to be a part of the Student Leadership Team. Students will receive practical teaching that builds them up in their current roles and also prepares them for leadership roles they may step into after their time at Millar.

  • This course provides principles for and practice in the preparation, structuring, and delivery of expository sermons.

  • This course is a continuation of Pastoral Ministry I. It will continue to provide practical instruction in pastoral ministry (e.g. vision casting, governance, budgeting, conflict) and also contemporary issues facing today’s pastors (e.g. administration, self-leadership, team leadership, and development). Prerequisite: M2002 Pastoral Ministry I.

  • This program provides students with an opportunity to be involved on local community sports teams. This is made possible through partnership with local sports leagues. There are a variety of possible sports options such as indoor soccer, volleyball, and basketball. Students will practice and play regularly throughout the different sports seasons.

  • This course will demonstrate how the Bible and the outdoors interact with each other through classroom participation and skill development. It will seek to provide a theology of environmental stewardship as well as provide practical training in various outdoor pursuits (mountain biking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, and canoeing).

  • Outdoor Edge B is an extension of Outdoor Edge A. It will focus on outdoor survival as well as involvement in winter sports such as snowboarding, downhill skiing, and snowshoeing.

  • This course will focus on teaching various tools for evangelism with an emphasis on using gifts and abilities to reach the lost. Using a platform of skiing/snowboarding, the student will spend two days on the hill putting into practice the skills that were taught in class.

  • This course will address a variety of topics including cardiovascular, head and spine, and breathing emergencies. The CPR C component will cover the skills needed to respond to choking adults and children.

  • This course will focus on teaching event planning and organization using a multiday hike as the event. At the end of the course the students will see their hard work come to fruition as they will have an opportunity to participate in a multiday hike in the beautiful mountains of British Columbia.

  • This course will equip students to lead adventure trips. Special attention will be given to the importance of a servant’s heart. Hands-on experience will be received through a multi-day camping and hiking trip with a group of students.

  • This course will take students on a 9-10 day hiking and camping trip with emphasis on visiting national parks in the USA. It will emphasize developing healthy physical habits, good hiking practices, and boldness in evangelism.

 
 

Modular Courses:

Once per semester, certain classes are offered in a one-week intensive format. Some classes are offered based on instructor availability.

  • The experiences of significant Old Testament characters are studied with a view to understanding their personal character and walk with God.

  • The biblical doctrine of creation is introduced and its importance to other foundational Christian doctrines is explored. The positive case for taking the Genesis account of creation as the straightforward, historical narrative is set forth. Compromise positions are examined and thorough refutations from the Bible, philosophy, history, and science are discussed.

  • This course will discuss issues in bioethics from a Christian perspective, comparing the biblical perspective with that of other ethical systems.

  • This course surveys Scripture and theological themes of worship, giving a foundational perspective for service and leadership in the local church.

  • This course examines secularism and its trends in historic and contemporary contexts, how secularism itself is changing in a post-modern society and subsequent challenges to Christianity.

  • The history, theology, and characteristics of the major cults are studied with a view to developing a biblical evaluation and response to their teaching and influence.

  • This course examines the nature of religion as well as the theological and cultural distinctives of the major religions of the world.

  • This course discusses the needs and characteristics of children with an emphasis on the preparation and presentation of effective biblical messages for the purpose of instruction and evangelism.

  • This course examines the common but critical issues facing missions and missionaries. These issues may include the affluence of the western church, short-term missions teams, and the challenges of contemporary cross-cultural evangelism.

  • Designed to give the student a basic understanding of contemporary youth ministry, this study will seek to nurture a passion for involvement in youth culture and examine effective methods of evangelism, fellowship, and discipleship for this age group.

  • This practical course covers the nature and requirements of pastoral leadership and pastoral duties such as conducting weddings, funerals, and baptismal services.

  • This course investigates the essentials needed to be a Christian person in leadership. Areas of focus include the character, motivation, art, and competencies for leadership.

  • God’s design for single, married, and family life is studied with practical principles to guide the individual through the various stages of relational life.

  • Skills in presenting God’s truth creatively and in a variety of settings are discussed and practiced. ¤ Prerequisite: M26(02, 12, 22) Principles of Teaching.

  • This course explores personal methods of sharing the gospel with those who have not received the gospel, giving attention to putting these methods into practice.

  • This course is designed to familiarize the student with a basic understanding of native culture, traditionalism, and spirituality for the purpose of ministering to First Nations people in both urban and rural contexts.

  • This class develops creative and technological skills in writing songs, beginning at inspiration through to final product. Topics covered include writing words, writing music, editing and rewriting, co-writing, and how to share a finished song.

  • This course surveys the rich history of worship in the Christian church covering apostolic to contemporary periods. Students will explore how the church has engaged in biblical actions of worship and how these have influenced how we worship today.