Assignments for this course take the form of written summaries, research, and analysis. They are designed to help us work through the course objectives, while keeping a focus on our spiritual growth through conceptual learning.

For each assignment, please develop a document and submit it to me in either Microsoft Word or HTML format (your word processing software should permit you to do a "save as" and choose either of those formats).

Foundations-Philosophy of Instruction 

As an introduction to instruction, I believe we must first lay a strong foundation regarding creativity, knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.  When I think of these characteristics, the first thing I do is reflect on and seek the Lord who created humanity and everything else - the Master Creator (Artist) (Jesus Christ).   

As creative beings, we must always search for ways to express God’s own creativity through us to make His presence known to the world and to help humanity see the reality of a God who loves them, who was willing to pay the ultimate price for their redemption so that they could have a relationship with Him.  God is capable of meeting us right where we are at in our lives.  How wonderful it is for us to be used of God to bring forth His message and receive revelation knowledge directly from Him. Therefore, what better Person to be connected to than the very Creator (Master Artist) Himself.  In Him is all knowledge and understanding for He is the very Author of life.  

The Word of God provides much information regarding creativity, knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and relationship; therefore, receiving true knowledge comes only from the true and living God and from His Word—the Bible.  

**This course is the foundational course for all undergraduate programs (except Counseling). It is strongly suggested that you keep a journal for this course as it will help you discover God’s purpose for your life and can be used as a resource for other courses in the undergraduate program.** 

Assignment #1  

Text: Experiencing God

            Introduction

            Chapters 1-5 

At the end of each chapter, there are “questions for reflection.” Consider these as you spend time with the Lord. For your assignment, choose 3 to 4 questions that you would like to submit as responses to what you believe the Lord is revealing to you. 

Length 4-5 pages  

Assignment #2 

Text: Experiencing God

            Chapters 6-10 

At the end of each chapter, there are “questions for reflection.” Consider these as you spend time with the Lord. For your assignment, choose 3 to 4 questions that you would like to submit as responses to what you believe the Lord is revealing to you. 

Length 4-5 pages 

Assignment #3 

Text: Experiencing God

            Chapters 11-15 

At the end of each chapter, there are “questions for reflection.” Consider these as you spend time with the Lord. For your assignment, choose 3 to 4 questions that you would like to submit as responses to what you believe the Lord is revealing to you. 

Length 4-5 pages 

Assignment #4 

Text: Experiencing God

            Chapters 16-20 

At the end of each chapter, there are “questions for reflection.” Consider these as you spend time with the Lord. For your assignment, choose 3 to 4 questions that you would like to submit as responses to what you believe the Lord is revealing to you. 

Length 4-5 pages 

Assignment #5 

Text: Experiencing God

            Chapters 21-23 

At the end of each chapter, there are “questions for reflection.” Consider these as you spend time with the Lord. For your assignment, choose 3 to 4 questions that you would like to submit as responses to what you believe the Lord is revealing to you. 

Length 4-5 pages 

Assignment #6 

Text: Experiencing God

            Chapters 24-26 

At the end of each chapter, there are “questions for reflection.” Consider these as you spend time with the Lord. For your assignment, choose 3 to 4 questions that you would like to submit as responses to what you believe the Lord is revealing to you. 

Length 4-5 pages 

Comments for the Final Paper 

The Final Paper for this course acts as your final exam.  It is worth 25% of your total grade.  The concept of the final paper will allow you to integrate the knowledge you gained from this course as well as refine your communication skills.  In my personal experience both as a student and as an educator, excellent communication skills are essential to success in any human endeavor.  Whether your desire is to serve in a church or church-related vocation, in various other ministry capacities, or in public and commercial sectors, your ability to effectively communicate will ensure your opportunities to excel and fulfill God’s purpose for your life.  God is a communicator and He also created us to be communicators.  Therefore, I encourage you to see this paper as one of exploration, revelation and growth where you can joyfully discover new ways that God may be revealing His purpose for you.  I pray you gain the greatest benefit from your time with the Lord and what He will show you as you seek the “true knowledge” from Him for the Final Paper. 

FINAL PAPER 

Using your Bible and your text, Experiencing God, write about what you believe God is saying to you regarding His purpose for your life.  You may want to consider the type of personality that God created you with and the giftings that He has given you.  Also, you will want to gain revelation from the Lord on how character development will affect His purpose for your life.  Allow the Lord to reveal to you the areas that need growth so He can transform you into the person He always intended you to be.  There is no strict limit for this assignment; however I would love to see about 6-8 pages covering what the Lord is speaking to you.  I believe this will be for your benefit because the greatest desire that God wants for you is to have a fulfilling relationship with Him.  Approach the Final Paper as a conversation between you and the Lord and watch how He works in you and through you.  May you continue to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus (Romans 8:29-30).  Remember, your paper should be well constructed in MLA style (i.e. 1” margins around the boarders and double spaced). 

For review on MLA writing standards, go to the following link:

MLA FORMATTING AND STYLE GUIDE (From Purdue University)