Christian Foundations Gap Year

Not sure where life is leading you, but you want it to be in the Bible lane? Taking a One Year Christian Foundations Course at the Bible Institute could be the most significant year of your life. This one year course enables you to work through essential issues of your faith, offering an evangelical biblical standpoint allowing you to think critically and engage meaningfully with the world around you. Here you’ll find no ivory tower of theory or theology, just gritty, practical and challenging times of study, service, prayer and fellowship. Selected classes are taken with the 1st year BTh students and there is an additional practical module. This is not an accredited programme but it is invaluable for students who seek direction and a deeper commitment in their walk with Christ. The Gap Year students and the BTh students are treated as one group on campus. To find out more: Call us for coffee and a college tour on +27217884116

Gap Year (as the 1st year BTh curriculum)

FIRST YEAR – SEMESTER 1 (LEVEL 5)

Academic English

This course develops the student’s ability to study, read and write in academic and non-academic settings. In addition, it is designed to develop and enrich the student’s understanding of advanced skills in academic literacy and to further their knowledge and understanding of computer and information literacy. Effective Christian ministry requires skill in reading and competency in clear written communication, which this course seeks to develop.

Missions, Evangelism and Discipleship

This course is designed to teach the student to understand the church’s evangelistic mission throughout church history and in the world. It will challenge students to think biblically about the theology and practice of Christ-centred witness, missions, and discipleship as they investigate the full range of what it means to reach the unreached, both locally in Africa and globally, and how to properly disciple converts to the Christian faith.

Christian Education

This course equips the student to educate children, adolescents and adults holistically. This course teaches educational strategies with a strong emphasis on the biblical foundations for Christian education in theology and family dynamics. Students learn to lead effective church-based ministries and develop introductory skills in the traditional classroom setting.

Hermeneutics

This course is an introduction to hermeneutics – the interpretation of the Bible. It is designed to give students a general understanding of the Bible, its books, and the different types of literature used in it, while developing the skills to interpret the Bible effectively. It includes an historical survey of past methods and mistakes underlining the importance of the historical-grammatical approach.

Theology 1: Scripture

This course is an introduction to hermeneutics – the interpretation of the Bible. It is designed to give students a general understanding of the Bible, its books, and the different types of literature used in it, while developing the skills to interpret the Bible effectively. It includes an historical survey of past methods and mistakes underlining the importance of the historical-grammatical approach.

FIRST YEAR – SEMESTER 2 (LEVEL 5)

Early and Medieval Church History

This course is an introductory survey of the history of the Church from the Apostolic Period beginning at Pentecost (AD 30) to the start of the Protestant Reformation (AD 1517). Key political, cultural, and theological factors will be investigated both in the early centuries of the Christian faith and through the Medieval period.

Homiletics 1

This course focuses on the vast area of public communication and in particular the preaching ministry. The primary focus is on the various theoretical components that make up the sermon. Emphasis is placed on an expository model of preaching and the importance of having a Christ-centred focus in all biblical communication.

New Testament Studies 1: Synoptic Gospels

This course is an introduction to the Synoptic Gospels and their message in the historical, cultural, and religious contexts of the first century. This course will address the various issues involved in the interpretation of these Gospels. It will provide an overview of the ministry and teaching of Jesus, and the purpose and theology of each of the Synoptic Gospels. There will be a particular focus on Mark’s Gospel in this course.

Old Testament Studies 1: Pentateuch

This course builds upon the foundations that are laid in Old Testament Studies 1: Introduction and applies them to the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The specific canonics of each book are examined with a view to understanding the primary theological issues and trajectories they describe within redemptive history. Additionally, the student will be introduced to various issues surrounding the origin of the earth within a biblical framework.

Theological Ethics 1

This course examines the questions of right and wrong from a biblical perspective. Alternative ethical options are briefly mentioned, while the principles involved in making Christian ethical decisions are examined from both Old and New Testaments. Contemporary social ethical problems are presented by student research and discussed by all. Global and local issues are also covered.

What is BISA's goal for each student?

You may be young and have not yet set life goals for yourself. Did you know that the Bible Institute has a goal for each student?

Click here to view: Philosophy of Education

Who will my classmates be?

That’s not too easy to answer except to say that students from all walks of life and many nationalities are already at the Bible Institute. Click here to see what our Students get up to: Picture Gallery

What practical training will I be involved in?
As well as sharing in the first year BTh lectures, Christian Foundation students will be exposed to a variety of Christian Ministries that include: Children’s Ministry in local churches as well as Biblia Harbour Ministry in Kalk Bay
What else will I do on campus?
Lots! Studying isn’t the only thing we do. As a Gap Year student you will join the BTh students in BISA’s Open Day, Gardening Days and our Quiet Day (an on campus half-day retreat). You will be part of Graduation, Missions Events & prayer times, Ministry Week and chapel services as well as being in a weekly fellowship group.
What is the BISA Motto and Doctrinal Position?

To read what we stand for at the Bible Institute Click Here: Faith Statement

The BISA motto is “To know Christ and to make Him known”

For the meaning and significance of our logo Click Here: BISA logo

What else does BISA offer?
If this is your landing page you can read more about BISA’s other courses >>here
Should I live on campus?
In order to experience Christian Community life and benefit from the multi-cultural ethos at the Bible Institute we recommend residence on-campus. Although this is not compulsory, it is encouraged. You’ll move from being a drop-in student to being a live-in student. It promises to be a life-changing experience!