Course Descriptions

13 lessons. Study of the historicity, person, life and meaning of Jesus Christ for humanity. A harmony of the four Gospel accounts provides the basic chronology. (The Life of Christ, W. Kessel)

12 lessons. Overview of the early history of the Christian Church as described in the New Testament. Brief look at the Gospels, followed by examination of the Acts of the Apostles, the letters written by Paul, Peter, John, and others, and the book of Revelation. (The Living Church: The New Testament, W. Kessel)

17 lessons. Introductory course ranging from creation to the end of the Old Testament. Emphasizes the promises of God, faith in those promises, and their ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. (God and His People, K. Wessel and B. Keller)

11 lessons. Examination of Luther’s famous writing which summarizes and explains the 10 Commandments, the Apostle’s Creed, Lord’s Prayer, Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and the Keys and Confession. (Luther’s Small Catechism, NPH 1982, and Small Catechism Study Questions, D. Kuske)

9 lessons. Concentration on the purpose, meaning, and use of the two great doctrines of Scripture, the Law and the Gospel. Emphasis given to identifying and applying both Law and Gospel. (Law and Gospel, P. Prange)

7 lessons. Study of what the church is and how it accomplishes its work through the public and private ministry of its members. (Church and Ministry, K. Wessel, and Church–Mission–Ministry, A. Schuetze)

6 lessons. Life, times, writings, and impact of the great Reformer, Martin Luther. Emphasis given to how his teachings differed from those of the Roman Catholics. (The Monk Who Conquered Rome, J. Moldenhauer, Luther (video), Study Questions, G. Thompson)

8 lessons. Examination of the biblical teachings concerning marriage, obligations of husbands and wives, procreation, obligations of parents and children, and divorce. Discussion of social problems threatening the Christian family. (The Christian Family, L. Olson)

6 lessons. The biblical teaching about leadership is studied using Paul’s Letter to Titus and 3 case studies of biblical leaders: Stephen, Peter and Paul. (Christian Leadership, P. Prange)

8 lessons. An active search of Scriptures clarifies and enlightens our understanding of worship. Includes discussion of culture and fellowship. (An Introduction to Biblical Worship, G. Thompson)

Topical presentation of Bible teachings including: Scripture, God, the Person and Work of Christ, Conversion, Faith, Justification, Good Works, Prayer, Election, Means of Grace, and Last Things.

An assistant spreads the Good News. In order to do so in a proper manner, he or she should have a good understanding of the “whole will of God” (Acts 20:27). Therefore, an assistant will be eager to constantly increase in his or her understanding of Christian teaching or doctrine.

Other courses in the Congregational Assistant Program curriculum take up specific doctrines of Scripture — Church and Ministry, Law and Gospel, etc. This course is intended to give an overview of all the main doctrines of Scripture. At present we recommend that you choose from one of the following options for completing this requirement.

1. Review Christian Doctrine by attending your pastor’s adult instruction class.

While most of the people in these classes are studying Scripture in order to join the congregation, they are also very profitable for present members. The assistant who attends will deepen his or her  own knowledge of Scripture and will also be able to speak first hand about how the class is conducted.

2. A Disciple’s Dialog with Doctrine, (by Paul Kelm, NPH).

This course is part of the Training Christians for Ministry series. It is a good overview of Christian doctrine in a somewhat less traditional way. The leader’s and student ‘s manuals are both available from Northwestern Publishing House. This would be a good option for a student who has recently attended the pastor’s adult class and would prefer a different learning experience.

Equip Women to Teach the Word is a training tool available from the WELS Commission on Discipleship for congregations that want to encourage and prepare women to serve as faithful teachers of God’s Word in different ministry settings. Although developed with women in mind, the content may also well be used with men or a mixed audience. Whether used in a small class setting or as an individual, the five lessons and accompanying videos provide step-by-step instruction that replaces fear with confidence to serve. The lessons are self-paced but stress the active partnership between pastor and laypeople as they work together to carry out ministry. Training activities found throughout the lessons help put learning into practice.

Equip Women to Teach the Word is available at  https://welscongregationalservices.net/equip-women-to-teach/

Evangelism 1

Let’s Go was designed by the WELS Commission on Evangelism to encourage and equip Christians to connect unchurched people in their lives to the gospel of Jesus Christ. It can be used by large or small Bible study groups as well as by individual Christians. Each of the seven lessons includes a video segment and a printed study guide.

Let’s Go: Love, Listen, Lead is available at   https://welscongregationalservices.net/lets-go/

Evangelism 2

The WELS Commission on Evangelism provides video-based training for congregational evangelism leaders. It consists of 12 brief videos on various outreach topics such as creating a prospect database, welcoming guests to worship, and following up with visitors. Supplemental materials are available for download. Putting these tools in place will ensure that your congregation has a solid foundation to reach the lost in your community.

The Congregational Evangelism Kit is available at   https://welscongregationalservices.net/congregational-evangelism-kit/

Gain an understanding of the theology of a few of the largest non-Christian world religions, especially those present in your area. (An Introduction to World Religions, R. Balza)