Raleigh Institute of Biblical Studies

2013 Class Schedule

Saturday Morning Seminary

Associates Program

CLST

Registration & Home Study

Associate in Christian Ministerial Studies

A Ministerial Training School

at

Raleigh Institute of Biblical Studies

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." -Psalm 119:105
 

 
The Associates Degree in Christian Ministerial Studies at Raleigh Institute of Biblical Studies is designed to prepare, equip and motivate men and women in Christian ministry.  This program is non-accredited on purpose: our goal is not to conform to a stale and lifeless academic regiment which trains the mind but not the spirit; our goal is to offer the most effective and spiritually stimulating training for Christian ministry possible.  This means dealing with some subjects which are dealt with by accredited universities and seminaries, but not for the purpose of an institutional degree which often fills the head with sterile knowledge.  Rather our program is designed to present knowledge in a life-giving way which will result in the building up of the minister and through them help to build up the Church and the Kingdom of God in the earth.  Classes will normally meet on the  Second Saturday of each month: January to May and August to December from 9 AM till 12 Noon.  At each class the student will be  provided with a set of class notes.  All five classes completed in one area will count towards a certificate of completion in that area.  All five classes completed in all four areas will earn the Associates Degree in Christian Ministerial Studies.*  The program is set up so that it can be completed in two years if every class is attended.  However, it can be completed faster if some or all of the classes are taken by Home Study (CDs). 
Requirements: 60 hours of study in four major areas:
                   1. The Ministry of the Word
                   2. Discipleship Training
                   3. Revelation & Theology
                   4. Spiritual Development & Christian Engagement
        All Classes taught "live" at RIBS are taught on the Second Saturday Morning of each month.

The Ministry of God's Word (will be taught "live" again in the Spring of 2014)
     Track One in Associates Degree in Christian Ministerial Studies          
          Purpose: To take the student through the process of preparing to minister
                   the Word and of practically bringing forth that ministry which will
                   impact the lives of his/her hearers for God's purposes.
                   Class 1: Natural & Spiritual Preparation for Ministry
                   Class 2: Studying the Word: Using the Tools of the Trade
                   Class 3: Interpreting the Bible: Natural & Spiritual Hermeneutics
                   Class 4: What God Is Saying: The Need for a  Revealed Application
                   Class 5: Following the Anointing: The Power of Ministry
                          
Discipleship Training (will be taught "live" again in the Fall of 2014)
     Track Two in Associates Degree in Christian Ministerial Studies
           Purpose: A minister needs not only to be aware of the spiritual needs of
                   his or her people, but also have a plan and a method for disciplining
                   them into maturity as Christians.  This course will provide you with
                   this plan and outline of study which you may use for your entire
                   ministry to bring Christians into their full purpose in Christ.  The
                   notes for these five sessions will serve as a study guide for introducing
                   new or undiscipled Christians to the understandings they will need to
                   maintain and grow as Christians for the rest of their natural lives.
                   Class 1: Foundations for Christian Growth
                   Class 2: Spirit & Truth
                   Class 3: Forgiveness & Repentance
                   Class 4: Temptation & Trials and Prayer
                   Class 5: Waiting on God, Obedience, Responsibility
                                                                            and Divine Guidance
 
Revelation & Theology  (Spring Semester 2013)
     Track 3 in Associates Degree in Christian Ministerial Studies
           Purpose: The minister of God must have a working knowledge of
                   the full scope of the revelation of God: this means not just a
                   knowledge of what is in the Bible, but also an understanding of
                   how all the parts fit together as a whole.  The comprehension of this
                   unity is essential for grasping the true meaning of each part.                   
                   Class 1: The Scope of Systematic Theology-January 12
                   Class 2: The Theology of Man: Body, Soul and Spirit-February 9
                   Class 3: The Theology of Redemption and Sanctification-March 9
                   Class 4: The Theology of the Holy Spirit-April 13
                   Class 5: Resolving Difficult Theological Problems-May 11

Spiritual Development & Christian Engagement (Fall Semester 2013)
     Track 4 in Associates Degree in Christian Ministerial Studies
           Purpose: The development of the spiritual life is the necessary component
                   of a lifelong effectiveness in ministry.  One needs to understand
                   how this takes place in one's own life and how through their life the
                   Holy Spirit may impact the lives of others.  Spiritual development
                   is not automatic, it must be cultivated.  Engagement with the world
                   for Christ's sake is the duty of every Christian.  You will learn how
                   this takes place naturally in a life given over to God.
                   Class 1: Spiritual Discernment & the Voice of the Spirit-August 10
                   Class 2: Biblical Psychology-September 14
                   Class 3: Christian Ethics-October 12
                   Class 4: Spiritual Warfare-November 9
                   Class 5: Faith & Reason-December 14

Cost: Each individual Saturday session: $35 (if student desires to get credit for
a missed class, the charge will be $45 for a set of CDs and notes if purchased in
the RIBS Bookstore).  All five sessions
in one track paid for in advance: $175 (if class is paid for  in this way, one missed
class is allowed and student will be provided a set of CDs of the class and class
notes at no extra charge; any additional missed classes for which student desires
to receive credit will be $45 per class for the CDs & notes).
          All ten sessions in both tracks for the year paid for in advance: $300
                   (one absence in each track is allowed during the semester: CDs and
                   notes will be provided at no cost; more than one absence in a track
                   will be $45 for the CDs & notes if student desires credit for the
                   missed classes).      

Dr. William Suttles, the instructor for this program, is University and Seminary trained

(University of North Carolina, 1965-69; Bank Street School of Education, 1969;

Church Divinity School of the Pacific & The Graduate Theological Union, 1970,

1973-74; Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1974-76; 1981-83; 1995-99).

He holds the following earned degrees: B.A., M.Div., Th.M., D.Min., D.Th., Ph.D.

In practical ministry Dr. Suttles has pastored in both traditional mainline denominational

church and non-traditional non-denominational church settings and ministered as a

teacher in the Body of Christ for over 35 years.  As well as teaching in church settings he

has ministered on radio and television, and he has taught academically at the university

and seminary level in Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral programs. He is an author and

has developed a ministerial training curriculum which is regarded as one of the most

unique and innovative of its kind anywhere.  Dr. Suttles is the founder and director of

Raleigh Institute of Biblical Studies and is the owner and President of WPJL Christian

Radio in Raleigh. Dr. Suttles' wife, Carolyn, is also an ordained Minister and a Pastor who
has special expertise and experience in the Prophetic, Deliverance Counseling and Dance

Ministry.  She holds a Doctor of Ministry Degree and a Doctor of Theology Degree from
the Christian Life School of Theology.  Together the Suttles serve the Body of Christ in
the Greater Raleigh Area of North Carolina and beyond.  They have three adult children.

*Raleigh Institute of Biblical Studies is a non-accredited Bible College level
institution whose sole purpose is to train men and women for Christian ministry. 
The Associates Degree in Christian Ministerial Studies is designed to equip the
student for practical ministry to the Church and may not be recognized by other
educational institutions. This program is not intended for academic credentials,
but for ministry preparation.


Cost: $35 per class (includes a full set of class notes)

          $175 per track (if paying in advance)

          $300 per year (if paying for both tracks in advance)
          The entire ACMS Curriculum (all 20 classes) on CDs may be purchased for 
                Home Study for only $600 (plus $25 for shipping and handling).
 

CDs may be purchased at the time of registration for a "live" class  for $10 per set, 
during the class for $15, and thereafter for $45 (includes a set of class notes). 
Please plan to pick up tapes immediately after class (tapes will be processed in the
order in which your order is received).  In ordering CDs from a previous class,
please allow two to three weeks for processing.

 
A Certificate of Completion will be awarded upon the completion of all five
classes in a Track.
The Associates Degree in Christian Ministerial Studies will be awarded upon
completion of all 5 classes in all 4 tracks of the ACMS program (must be completed
within 4 years).
 

Attendance is on a first-come, first-served basis (paid registration in advance
holds your place in the class): attendees are encouraged to call or e-mail the
week before the class if you are planning to attend so that we can have the proper
number of sets of class notes prepared (873-0100 / ribs@raleighbiblecollege.com )
All Classes will be held in the RIBS Classroom at 1801 St. Albans Drive in Raleigh.


First Time Students Please Print & Fill Out the Following Information and Return
with Your Paid Registration.

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Name: _______________________________________

 

Address: ____________________________________________________

 

               ____________________________________________________

 

Telephone: ____________ (Home)  ________________ (Work) ______________ (Cell)

 

E-Mail: ______________________

 

How did you hear about Raleigh Institute of Biblical Studies?  ______________________

 

Are you currently involved in ministry, either paid or voluntary? ____________________

                                                                                          

       Where? ____________________

 

What are your plans, if any, for future ministry? __________________________________

 

            ___________________________________________________________________

 

What class or classes is your registration covering? ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

_________________________________________________________________________

 

            Total Payment included:  $__________


If mailing, please enclose payment (made out to RIBS) and send to:
 RIBS, P.O. Box 91614, Raleigh, NC 27675
Returning Students may register on-line by credit card: go to REGISTRATION
 
Advanced Degree in Christian Ministerial Studies

The Advanced Degree in Christian Ministerial Studies is designed to take

the student beyond the Associates Program in order to expose them to some areas

which are not covered in detail in the basic program.  Anyone may take these classes,

however, the Advanced Degree will only be awarded to those who complete this program

after having completed the Associates Degree in Christian Ministerial Studies. 
It is recommended that Tracks I, II, III, & IV be taken prior to beginning this track:
Track V.

It is recommended that the student endeavor to complete all 10 classes in one year

(up to two years are allowed for completion).

 

Requirements for awarding the Advanced Degree:

            1. Complete the Associates Degree Program (Tracks I, II, III, IV)

            2. Complete each of the ten classes of the Advanced Degree Program (V)

            3. Completion entails listening to the CDs for each class

            4. The student must also complete a Student Response Form for each

                        class and return the form to RIBS in order for credit to be given:

                        P.O. Box 91614

                        Raleigh, NC 27675


Track V:
 
Class #1: Church History from Beginning to End:
An Overview of the Developing of the Church
This class will provide you with an overview of the entire scope of Church history.
It will provide a skeletal framework for future learning about specific periods and
events.  Emphasis is placed on the Early church when the Scripture was canonized
and so many of the fundamental doctrines of a Christian Orthodoxy such as the Trinity
and were formulated.  Special attention is also given to the evolution of Church
structure and government.  It has been said that “those who do not know history are
doomed to repeat its errors.”  You will see why this is true in regards to church history
as well. 
Class #2: A Branch Grafted In: Exploring Jewish Roots in the Bible
Christianity was initially considered to be a “Jewish sect.”  The reasons are plain:
Jesus was Jewish as were the Apostles; the early Church’s scripture was the Hebrew
Bible (Old Testament).  Therefore much of the teaching of Jesus, and especially the
parables, are rooted in a Jewish understanding and relate to Jewish customs and culture:
the geography of the land of the Bible, the events leading up to the time of Jesus in
Palestine, the festivals, the temple worship, and even the significance of the names
of individuals and places.  The more you know about these matters the more the Bible
“comes alive” as you see as they saw and understand as they understood.

Class #3: What Shall the End Be?  Understanding Differing Eschatological Views

When will Jesus come back?  What will be the order of events?  Will there be a
rapture?  When will it occur: before the tribulation, after the tribulation, in the middle
of the tribulation?  These and many other questions have perplexed readers of the Bible
for centuries.  In this class  we will sort out all the differing views and the strengths and
weaknesses of each one.  We will not solve every problem for you, but we try to make
sure that you are informed as far as the various viewpoints on biblical prophecy are
concerned.  We as Christians should always be watching for Jesus’ return: “And what
I say unto you I say unto all, Watch” (Mark 13:37).
Class #4: Feed My Sheep: The Call of the Pastor
The most familiar office of the church today is the office of a pastor.  And yet the
calling of the pastor is often misunderstood.  Many times people expect the pastor
to do everything: but no pastor is called to be everything to everybody.  Perhaps this
is why so many pastors get “burned out” and end up leaving the ministry.  It is
important for everyone to understand the God given role of the Pastor, but most
importantly it is essential that a pastor be clear as to what God has especially called
him (or her) to do and to fulfill that calling.  In this class we will explore the function
of the pastor in depth and end with some very practical suggestions to help you know

if you are called to pastor and how to stay focused in the pastorate.                

Class #5: The Servant Leader: Principles of Spiritual Leadership
In this teaching we explore the “spheres of leadership.”  We consider the world’s
understanding of what makes a good leader and compare that to the biblical pattern
exemplified by Abraham, Moses, Samuel, David, Elijah, Jesus, and Paul and consider
the lessons learned from each of their lives and service.  We then study specifically
Jesus’ teaching on leadership, the Apostle’s teaching and insights from contemporary
Christian teachers in the church today.  A.W. Tozer says: “A true and safe leader is
likely to be one who has no desire to lead, but is forced into a position of leadership

by the inward pressure of the Holy Spirit and the press of the external situation.”

 Class #6: Spiritual Authority: Whom Shall We Obey?
One of the most fundamental and forgotten elements in Christian behavior today is an
understanding of God’s requirement of submission to proper authority.  Its loss has
led to much confusion and to defeat in many a Christian life as Christians unwittingly
ignore God’s insistence that we recognize his delegated authorities as His authority.
This teaching demonstrates from the Bible the true relation between “power” and
“authority.”  It reveals how authority functions and why one cannot be a person
“with authority” without being a person “under authority.”  The sins of rebellion
and of dysfunctional authority are categorized and illuminated from examples in the
scriptures and keys to receiving and maintaining spiritual authority are given.

Class #7: Called as One: Husbands and Wives Together in Ministry

In our day the Lord has called forth many husband and wife teams to minister together
as co-equal partners in ministry in the church.  This example is essential for the body
of Christ to be raised up in wholeness (the masculine and feminine together) to be all
that God has called us to be as the Church.  However, because of so many dead
“traditional” misunderstandings which persist in the minds of some Christians, it will
be necessary for these couples in ministry to appreciate the biblical authority they have
in Christ to function as one in ministry.  The scriptures which are often used to restrict
the ministry of women are thoroughly addressed.  This ministry arrangement, however,
also has its pitfalls for the marriage of theses ministers: it is not a matter of separating
marriage from ministry, but of allowing God to teach us how to thrive in both at the
same time “together as one.”
Class #8: Transcendence & Immanence: Practicing the Presence of God
Why do we sometimes “feel” God’s presence and at other times we do not? 
The Presence of God is a mystery, but there is much teaching in the Bible to help us
to understand the significance of God’s Presence.  In this class we study the biblical
teaching of God’s transcendence (that he is “separate and apart—above his creation”
while at the same time he is “immanent” (everywhere and all at the same time)—
and that He can make his felt presence known to people whenever he chooses to do so.
You will come to understand why He does not always manifest himself in this way.
Also many are not aware that there is the possibility of a “counterfeit presence”
which mimics the real presence of God.  Finally, there is advice on “living consciously
in the presence of God” which involves in part understanding the “presence of absence.”
Class #9: A Mind Set Free: Gaining Freedom in Your Thought Life
This teaching is based upon a powerful experience in the life of the instructor in which
God revealed to him the importance of our imaginations and “thinking on the right
things.”  In this study we examine “how the mind works,” what the Bible teaches
concerning the mind, what the “renewal of the mind” (Romans 12:2) means and
practically how to go about the re-formation of one’s thought life.  You will learn
how to “keep your mind at home with the Lord,” and how to achieve and maintain
the peace of God which passes understanding.  There is perhaps nothing more
important to personal happiness than achieving freedom in one’s thought life so that
your thoughts do not control you, but you control your thoughts.
Class #10: Is Christianity the Only Way?  Comparing World Religions
It has been said that “partial truth keeps you from seeing the real truth.”  Today we
are living in a Global society in which cultures and religions are coming into contact
with one another in ways that have never existed before in the history of mankind.
It is more and more important for all Christians to have a basic understanding of these
other religions.  How does Christianity compare with them?  We will study the numbers
of adherents and main locations for the religions of the world today and take a close
look at the other four major world religions of Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam.
What is the origin of these religions, what do they believe and teach?  How are they
different from Christianity and what are the “connecting points” or places where our
beliefs are similar?  And finally we consider what makes Christianity so special and
unique from all other religions in world and how we can go about reaching people in

these other religions with the claims of Christ. 

 

            $50 per class ($45 for the CDs and Class Notes and $5 for shipping)

            All 10 classes may be ordered for $350 (all 10 classes will be shipped

                        in one shipment and there is no charge for shipping).

            Classes may be ordered using Credit or Debit Card or PayPal by going to

            Registration/Home Study.

 

To order a class: detach and fill in the order form below, attach your check or

            money order and mail to: RIBS, P.O. Box 91614, Raleigh, NC 27675

            (orders will be sent by US Mail).

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Advanced Degree in Christian Ministerial Studies

 

Name: __________________________

Address: _________________________________

   _________________________________

Telephone Number: ___________ (home) _____________(work) _________________ (cell)

E-mail address: ______________________

 

Class #  1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10  (circle one or more)  Complete set: #1-10

           

Title of individual class or classes: _________________________________________

              _____________________________________________________________________

 

            Amount Enclosed: $____________

           

(Enclose $45, plus $5 shipping, total $50 for each individual class ordered;

$350, plus $25 shipping and handling, total $375 if ordering complete set)

Ministerial Training by Word & Spirit