JumpStart 2026

This course focuses on different apologetic approaches to evangelism to equip the student for Gospel conversations with unbelievers. Emphasis is placed on developing biblical answers to the challenging questions of atheists, skeptics, agnostics, and believers of other worldviews. In addition, students explore strategies such as Conversational Evangelism, Tactics, Informal Surveys, and general conversation starting tips to facilitate engagement with friends and strangers alike. The course engages the student both theoretically and practically, combining lectures and practical applications.

This class would be accepted as a bible elective or general elective class at Faith.*

Mr. Carl Kerby and Dr. Juan Valdes are two of the most well-known experts in the world on the topic of creation. We are honored to have two brilliant speakers who travel the world speaking to groups and conferences. Even the famous actor, Kirk Cameron, has weighed in on Carl Kerby, stating, “Carl knows what he’s talking about and is able to teach others with humor, a quick wit, and solid scientific information.”

Required Course Texts

• Coming soon!

Daily Schedule

              Monday- Friday   8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

An introduction to some of the great works of literature, mostly in the western tradition. Short stories, poetry, drama, and novels will be examined in the context of the historical period in which they were written and the author’s philosophical and religious views.

This class is required for all degrees at Faith (1-year, 2-year, and 4-year).

Dr. Joshua Boyd holds a B.S. from Faith Baptist Bible College, an M.A. from the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN), and a Ph.D. from Baylor University.

Required Course Texts

• The Norton Introduction to Literature, Shorter Fourteenth Edition

Daily Schedule

            Monday- Friday   8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

This course is an introduction to the basic theories and principles of counseling. Emphasis is placed on knowing the leading theories of psychology and counseling and evaluating them according to a Christian worldview. Topics include the historical development of psychology, models/theories of modern psychology, Christian psychology (integration), biblical counseling, and an introduction to developing a process of counseling. In addition, the course is designed to assist students in understanding themselves and others.

Dr. Dennis Wilkening holds a B.A. Bible (Minor in Biblical Languages) from Pensacola Christian College, an M.A. in Theology from Louisiana Baptist University and Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Biblical Counseling from Louisiana Baptist University and Seminary. He served as youth pastor for Calvary Baptist Church, Ashland, Ohio, an assistant Pastor for Christchurch Baptist Fellowship, Houston, Texas, and as lead pastor for First Baptist Church, Colville, Washington before joining the faculty at Faith in 2023 as an Assistant Professor.

Reading List

• Required Books

• Welch, Edward T., Blame It on the Brain?: Distinguishing Chemical Imbalances, Brain Disorders, and Disobedience (Resources for Changing Lives), Presbyterian and Reformed Co: 1998  Purchase book here
• MacArthur, John F., Mack, Wayne A., Counseling: How to Counsel Biblically (MacArthur Pastors Library), Thomas Nelson Inc: 2022
• McManus, Butler, Psychology: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions), Oxford: 2014
• Welch, Edward T., When People Are Big and God is Small: Overcoming Peer Pressure, Codependency, and the Fear of Man (Resources for Changing Lives), P&R Publishing: 2023

Daily Schedule

Monday- Friday   8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

A survey of Old Testament law, history, and poetry, giving such points as the background of the
book, key words and verses, information about the author, date and circumstances of writing, theme,
importance, features, and the high points of each book.

This class is required for all programs at Faith (1-year, 2-year, and 4-year).

Dr. Keith Kobelia holds his B.A., M.A. and M.Div. from Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary, a Th.M. from Central Baptist Theological Seminary, and Ph.D. in Bible Exposition from Dallas Theological Seminary.

Required Course Texts

• Encountering the Old Testament: A Christian Survey (Encountering Biblical Studies)
• Old Testament Law, History, and Poetry Class Notes

Daily Schedule

Monday- Friday   8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

TOTAL $399.00

*Only certain degrees at Faith require bible electives or general electives. To find out if the degree you are interested in requires electives as part of the program, please contact the Registrar at bunjerj@faith.edu or 515-964-0601.

Students can expect to have some homework due during the week of class and, for most classes, throughout the summer, possibly as late as mid-August. If you would like to find out more details on the homework assignments for a specific class, please contact us at guests@faith.edu.