Suggested Questions

Here are suggested questions which you could use to help you teach the outcomes. Note that these questions are not compulsory and you are welcome to use other ways.

Outcomes Suggested Questions
1. Knowing the Scriptures, usually called Biblical Theology, Old Testament and New Testament Surveys
1.1 Recount 10 of the main events in the Old Testament and share the stories of at least 10 of the main characters in the Old Testament Explain to a new-born Christian, why it is important to know the Old Testament, using the 10 events and ten characters.
1.2 Explain by using 5 examples how Jesus fulfils Old Testament prophecy A church member does not understand why the New Testament so often proves that Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy and finds it time-consuming to search for this in the Old Testament. Explain to him, with several examples, why it helps and grows our faith and love for Jesus, if we study and know such details.
1.3 Summarise at least 5 major teachings of Jesus Give an example for each major teaching of Jesus, of how you would use it to admonish or encourage a church member seeking counselling.
1.4 Explain why the death and resurrection of Jesus is so important Explain to a Muslim friend, who thinks that Jesus was just a prophet, but always victorious, why Jesus had to die and why this is the road to victory through His resurrection.
1.5 Explain the significance of Jesus’ relationship with His disciples for discipling others today How to you implement the principles of Jesus relation to his disciples in your local church?
1.6 Describe 10 main events in the book of Acts Explain how those events in the books of Acts are of importance for the history of your church.
1.7 Explain at least three of Paul’s key teachings Explain in how far those teachings of Paul are a help for your own spiritual life.
2. Living by Faith, usually called Practical Theology, Hermeneutics, Children’s Ministry, Church Management, Relationships
2.1 Preach or teach effectively Which, in your opinion, was the best message you ever preached or taught, and which was your weakest message? Give reasons for your answer.
2.2 Successfully explain a Bible passage to a group of people Recount two instances when you explained a text in a way that it visibly helped fellow Christians to understand it better and live it out. Why were they so effective?
2.3 Bear the fruit of the Spirit in all areas of life and practise humility, integrity and simplicity Where do you see the sharpest difference between the fruit of the Spirit described in the New Testament and your surrounding culture and society?
2.4 List, explain and exercise the spiritual disciplines Which are the two spiritual disciplines you struggle with most and what are you doing about it?
2.5 Apply biblically ethical principles to relationships with the congregation List three ethical values and principles that are of vital importance to the wellbeing and future of your congregation and explain why.
2.6 Demonstrate compassion, welcome and forgiveness in all relationships, including relationships with people who have special needs What does it mean to, "love your neighbour as yourself" and why do Jesus and the Bible emphasise it so much? Use a specific disability or distressing situation of someone as an example.
2.7 Practise kindness and hospitality A church member states she is of the opinion, that direct witnessing and preaching to others is the only Biblical way and everything else is a waste of time. Please argue, with your Bible in hand, why kindness and hospitality are not a waste of time, but a witness to the gospel.
3. Outreach, usually called Evangelism, Missions, Discipling
3.1 Motivate others for mission Prepare a talk in which you urge your fellow believers to become involved in missions. Use the Bible as your starting point.
3.2 Effectively share the gospel with family, friends and strangers What would you see as the one or two most important obstacles in your church and your culture, to sharing the gospel in private and in public? Then explain, how you would correct those who do not witness because of these obstacles.
3.3 Mentor at least one person in a specific form of evangelism or mission Describe how you successfully mentored and discipled someone to develop his special gift in the area of evangelism and mission.
3.4 Explain why the Bible is more important than culture List three examples where your culture and surrounding society would greatly benefit, if instead of following their cultural practices, they would listen to and follow Biblical values and standards.
3.5 Use technology and social media for ministry What is the most effective technology/social media tool in your environment, and why? How much are you and your church investing in order to use it as professionally as possible?
3.6 Demonstrate servant leadership Explain to someone in your church who thinks that a church leader should be honoured and that others should serve him, why Jesus acted differently and why this is important from a Christian view of church hierarchy.
3.7 Identify and train at least 3 others to serve in some form of church leadership List and explain three ways in which you helped someone to develop his leadership skills.
4. Listening and Encouraging, usually called Counselling, Family
4.1 Comfort and assist others in times of crisis, namely death, marital problems, illness, etc. Explain and discuss three cases in which you were able to help people in heavy distress.
4.2 Help a couple prepare for their marriage death, marital problems, illness, etc. What are the three most important problems for a future marriage in your culture? Please explain why.
4.3 Recount at least 7 stories in the Bible where God used children Which two stories would you preach about if you had to challenge your local congregation concerning children, and why?
4.4 Explain how Jesus’ attitude towards children should change the church Compare Jesus’ attitude towards children a) with that of your culture and b) with that of your local church. List two things which are similar and two where Jesus challenges your culture and your church.
4.5 Involve themselves in ministry to, with and by children and teens Do you find it easier to work with children or with adults in your church? Reflect on why this is so and where your preference originated (e.g., in your family).
4.6 Nurture faithfulness and love in marriage and family List three reasons why the spiritual condition of a marriage and the relationship between father and mother have such a great impact on the development of the children.
4.7 Describe the impact of absentee fathers How would you argue, if a church member would hold the position that it is more important for him to be active in work, society, politics or church, than to be with his children and counsel and teach them, as his wife can do this better anyway?
5. Trustworthy Faith, usually called Systematic Theology, Ethics, Church History, Stewardship
5.1 Believe and practise sound doctrine Why is sound doctrine important?
5.2 Summarise and explain the key doctrines of the New Testament Which, in your opinion, are the major doctrines a new-born Christian should understand as soon as possible, and why?
5.3 Explain 3 of the most important events in the history of the Church If a fellow Christian argues that he is not interested in the history of the church, and that it is enough for him to know the Bible, how would you react? Which event (or person) would you point to, that is worth being studied? Give reasons for your answer
5.4 Describe how their denomination (or church movement) came into being Which person among the founders of your denomination and church would you choose if you wanted to give a fellow believer a good example? In what ways was this person a model of faith for others?
5.5 Explain the biblical basis for stewardship, giving and offerings Using your Bible, highlight 5 New Testament passages that urge believers to give generously to ministry.
5.6 Explain why the prosperity gospel is unbiblical and unethical. (Note: If the prosperity gospel is not a problem in your region, then select the most important issue that is.) Explain three Biblical arguments to a member of your church, who wants to leave the church and attend the church of a health and wealth gospel preacher, thereby hoping to become more successful in life.
5.7 Describe the importance of the church Someone in your church loves Jesus but feels it to be too heavy a burden to come together with other Christians in his church. How would you argue that he just cannot stay home?