EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
Experiencing GodHow to Develop Your Leadership and Character through
Knowing and Doing the will of God
Name Date Course Grade
Session 1: God’s Will and Your Life.............................................................................................................2Session 2: Looking to God........................................................................................................................... 5Session 3: God Pursues a Love Relationship..............................................................................................8Session 4: Love and God’s Initiation..........................................................................................................11Session 5: God Speaks through the Bible and Prayer...............................................................................14Session 6: God Speaks through Circumstances and the Church..............................................................17Session 7: The Crisis of Belief...................................................................................................................20Session 8: Adjusting Your Life to God.......................................................................................................23Session 9: Experiencing God through Obedience.....................................................................................26Session 10: God’s Will and the Church.....................................................................................................29Session 11: Kingdom People.....................................................................................................................32Session 12: Continuing Fellowship with God.............................................................................................35Session 13: Student Presentations and Term Papers...............................................................................38Session 14: Study Guide for the Final Exam.............................................................................................39Course DescriptionThis course focuses on how to teach the realities of experiencing God and the spiritual disciplines needed by disciple-makers. Topics include spiritual disciplines, personality, spiritual warfare, and discipleship. Students will participate in Bible study, prayer, worship, evangelism, serving, stewardship, fasting, solitude, and journaling. Students will create visual projects and applications for making disciples.
Required Textbooks1. Jeremiah Study Bible. Annotated by Dr. David Jeremiah. Worthy Publishing,
2013. CBD 9781936034895
2. Dr. Henry T. Blackaby. Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God Member Book. Nashville, TN: LifeWay, 2008. CBD 9781415858387
3. Dr. Donald S. Whitney. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2014. CBD 9781615216178
4. Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Edited by Charles Draper. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2003. CBD 9780805428360
Additional Books for Pastors, Leaders, and Advanced Students5. Dr. Richard Blackaby. Experiencing God Day-by-Day Devotional and
Internet Resources www.4truth.net - www.gotquestions.org https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJD0mitBhME
www.jeremiahstudybible.com
Professors – Click here to receive the Notes for students by email. The intent of this course is to equip you with the Word of God, to strengthen your character and integrity, and to develop your relational and servant-leadership skills for the glory of God.
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
Session 1: God’s Will and Your Life
Name Date Points /50
Discuss Observation and Interpretation Questions – 60 minutesComplete the exercises in unit 1 in Experiencing God. Study chapter 1 in Spiritual Disciplines. Review the Appendix of Experiencing God about the names, titles, and descriptions of God. View https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NscHCa395-M. Explore the Topical Index in the Jeremiah Study Bible and the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Searching for key ideas involves the higher learning cognitive skills of analysis and evaluation foundational to creating solutions.1 Complete the exercises in unit 1 in Experiencing God.
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
Journal Reflections and Applications – 40 minutesWriting journal reflections is an opportunity to experience life change and develop Christian character. Thinking about what you are learning and discussing how to apply it makes learning practical and meaningful. Reflecting on Christian virtues—integrity, honesty, self-control, charity, generosity, diligence, persistence, patience, kindness, compassion, courage, and humility—is a key component of character development.1 What is God teaching you in this course? Are there things you need to do? Attitudes you need to
change? Commands you need to obey? Errors you need to avoid? Examples you need to follow? Promises you need to hold on to? Relationships you need to work on? Requests you need to pray? Resolutions you need to make? Sins you need to confess? Things you need to be grateful for? Lessons you need to share with others concerning times of persecution, struggle, suffering, temptation, or trial?
2 How are you going to apply these concepts to your life, family, and ministry to others?
3 How could we as leaders pass on these lessons to current and future leaders?
Group Activity for Advanced Students – 20 minutesIn small groups, students will illustrate what they have learned this session by creating charts, drawings, graphs, mind maps, role-play, skits, or visuals to develop their long-term memory and relational skills. The group activity is an opportunity for students to display their thinking visually. Displaying thinking brings ideas to life and engages the whole learning team in the creative thinking process. Over 80% of adults are visual and relational learners. This is a key component to creativity, collaboration, cooperation, and team
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
leadership. Students learn better together.
Session 2: Looking to God
Name Date Points /50
Discuss Observation and Interpretation Questions – 60 minutesComplete the exercises in unit 2 in Experiencing God. Study chapter 2 in Spiritual Disciplines. This assignment is worth 50 points.
1 Complete the exercises in unit 2 in Experiencing God.
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
1
Journal Reflections and Applications – 40 minutesAs you think about and write these answers you are increasing your long-term memory that will transform your thoughts, attitudes, and character. Be prepared to discuss these applications in class.1 What is God teaching you in this course? Are there things you need to do? Attitudes you need to
change? Commands you need to obey? Errors you need to avoid? Examples you need to follow? Promises you need to hold on to? Relationships you need to work on? Resolutions you need to make? Sins you need to confess? Lessons you need to share with others?
2 How are you going to apply these concepts to your life, family, and ministry to others?
3 How could we as leaders pass on these lessons to current and future leaders?
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
In small groups, students will illustrate what they have learned this session by creating charts, drawings, graphs, mind maps, role-play, skits, or visuals to develop their long-term memory and relational skills.
Session 3: God Pursues a Love Relationship
Name Date Points /50
Discuss Observation and Interpretation Questions – 60 minutesComplete the exercises in unit 3 in Experiencing God. Study chapter 3 in Spiritual Disciplines. This assignment is worth 50 points.
1 Complete the exercises in unit 3 in Experiencing God.
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
Journal Reflections and Applications – 40 minutesAs you think about and write these answers you are increasing your long-term memory that will transform your thoughts, attitudes, and character.1 What is God teaching you in this course? Are there things you need to do? Attitudes you need to
change? Commands you need to obey? Errors you need to avoid? Examples you need to follow? Promises you need to hold on to? Relationships you need to work on? Resolutions you need to make? Sins you need to confess? Lessons you need to share with others?
2 How are you going to apply these concepts to your life, family, and ministry to others?
3 How could we as leaders pass on these lessons to current and future leaders?
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
In small groups, students will illustrate what they have learned this session by creating charts, drawings, graphs, mind maps, role-play, skits, or visuals to develop their long-term memory and relational skills.
Session 4: Love and God’s Initiation
Name Date Points /50
Discuss Observation and Interpretation Questions – 60 minutesComplete the exercises in unit 4 in Experiencing God. Study chapter 4 in Spiritual Disciplines. This assignment is worth 50 points.
1 Complete the exercises in unit 4 in Experiencing God.
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
Journal Reflections and Applications – 40 minutesAs you think about and write these answers you are increasing your long-term memory that will transform your thoughts, attitudes, and character.1 What is God teaching you in this course? Are there things you need to do? Attitudes you need to
change? Commands you need to obey? Errors you need to avoid? Examples you need to follow? Promises you need to hold on to? Relationships you need to work on? Resolutions you need to make? Sins you need to confess? Lessons you need to share with others?
2 How are you going to apply these concepts to your life, family, and ministry to others?
3 How could we as leaders pass on these lessons to current and future leaders?
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
In small groups, students will illustrate what they have learned this session by creating charts, drawings, graphs, mind maps, role-play, skits, or visuals to develop their long-term memory and relational skills.
Session 5: God Speaks through the Bible and Prayer
Name Date Points /50
Discuss Observation and Interpretation Questions – 60 minutesComplete the exercises in unit 5 in Experiencing God. Study chapter 5 in Spiritual Disciplines. This assignment is worth 50 points.
1 Complete the exercises in unit 5 in Experiencing God.
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
Journal Reflections and Applications – 40 minutesAs you think about and write these answers you are increasing your long-term memory that will transform your thoughts, attitudes, and character.1 What is God teaching you in this course? Are there things you need to do? Attitudes you need to
change? Commands you need to obey? Errors you need to avoid? Examples you need to follow? Promises you need to hold on to? Relationships you need to work on? Resolutions you need to make? Sins you need to confess? Lessons you need to share with others?
2 How are you going to apply these concepts to your life, family, and ministry to others?
3 How could we as leaders pass on these lessons to current and future leaders?
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
In small groups, students will illustrate what they have learned this session by creating charts, drawings, graphs, mind maps, role-play, skits, or visuals to develop their long-term memory and relational skills.
Session 6: God Speaks through Circumstances and the Church
Name Date Points /50
Discuss Observation and Interpretation Questions – 60 minutesComplete the exercises in unit 6 in Experiencing God. Study chapter 6 in Spiritual Disciplines. This assignment is worth 50 points.
1 Complete the exercises in unit 6 in Experiencing God.
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
Journal Reflections and Applications – 40 minutesWriting journal reflections is an opportunity to experience life change and develop Christian character. Thinking about what you are learning and discussing how to apply it makes learning practical and meaningful. Reflecting on Christian virtues—integrity, honesty, self-control, charity, generosity, diligence, persistence, patience, kindness, compassion, courage, and humility—is a key component of character development.1 What is God teaching you in this course? Are there things you need to do? Attitudes you need to
change? Commands you need to obey? Errors you need to avoid? Examples you need to follow? Promises you need to hold on to? Relationships you need to work on? Resolutions you need to make? Sins you need to confess? Lessons you need to share with others?
2 How are you going to apply these concepts to your life, family, and ministry to others?
3 How could we as leaders pass on these lessons to current and future leaders?
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
In small groups, students will illustrate what they have learned this session by creating charts, drawings, graphs, mind maps, role-play, skits, or visuals to develop their long-term memory and relational skills.
Session 7: The Crisis of Belief
Name Date Points /50
Discuss Observation and Interpretation Questions – 60 minutesComplete the exercises in unit 7 in Experiencing God. Study chapter 7 in Spiritual Disciplines. This assignment is worth 50 points.
1 Complete the exercises in unit 7 in Experiencing God.
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
Journal Reflections and Applications – 40 minutesAs you think about and write these answers you are increasing your long-term memory that will transform your thoughts, attitudes, and character.1 What is God teaching you in this course? Are there things you need to do? Attitudes you need to
change? Commands you need to obey? Errors you need to avoid? Examples you need to follow? Promises you need to hold on to? Relationships you need to work on? Resolutions you need to make? Sins you need to confess? Lessons you need to share with others?
2 How are you going to apply these concepts to your life, family, and ministry to others?
3 How could we as leaders pass on these lessons to current and future leaders?
Group Activity for Students – 20 minutesIn small groups, students will illustrate what they have learned this session by creating charts, drawings,
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
graphs, mind maps, role-play, skits, or visuals to develop their long-term memory and relational skills
Session 8: Adjusting Your Life to God
Name Date Points /50
Discuss Observation and Interpretation Questions – 60 minutesComplete the exercises in unit 8 in Experiencing God. Study chapter 8 in Spiritual Disciplines. This assignment is worth 50 points.
1 Complete the exercises in unit 8 in Experiencing God.
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
Journal Reflections and Applications – 40 minutesWriting journal reflections is an opportunity to experience life change and develop Christian character. Thinking about what you are learning and discussing how to apply it makes learning practical and meaningful. Reflecting on Christian virtues—integrity, honesty, self-control, charity, generosity, diligence, persistence, patience, kindness, compassion, courage, and humility—is a key component of character development.1 What is God teaching you in this course? Are there things you need to do? Attitudes you need to
change? Commands you need to obey? Errors you need to avoid? Examples you need to follow? Promises you need to hold on to? Relationships you need to work on? Resolutions you need to make? Sins you need to confess? Lessons you need to share with others?
2 How are you going to apply these concepts to your life, family, and ministry to others?
3 How could we as leaders pass on these lessons to current and future leaders?
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
In small groups, students will illustrate what they have learned this session by creating charts, drawings, graphs, mind maps, role-play, skits, or visuals to develop their long-term memory and relational skills.
Session 9: Experiencing God through Obedience
Name Date Points /50
Discuss Observation and Interpretation Questions – 60 minutesComplete the exercises in unit 9 in Experiencing God. Study chapter 9 in Spiritual Disciplines. This assignment is worth 50 points.
1 Complete the exercises in unit 9 in Experiencing God.
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
Journal Reflections and Applications – 40 minutesAs you think about and write these answers you are increasing your long-term memory that will transform your thoughts, attitudes, and character.1 What is God teaching you in this course? Are there things you need to do? Attitudes you need to
change? Commands you need to obey? Errors you need to avoid? Examples you need to follow? Promises you need to hold on to? Relationships you need to work on? Resolutions you need to make? Sins you need to confess? Lessons you need to share with others?
2 How are you going to apply these concepts to your life, family, and ministry to others?
3 How could we as leaders pass on these lessons to current and future leaders?
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
In small groups, students will illustrate what they have learned this session by creating charts, drawings, graphs, mind maps, role-play, skits, or visuals to develop their long-term memory and relational skills.
Session 10: God’s Will and the Church
Name Date Points /50
Discuss Observation and Interpretation Questions – 60 minutesComplete the exercises in unit 10 in Experiencing God. Study chapter 10 in Spiritual Disciplines. This assignment is worth 50 points.
1 Complete the exercises in unit 10 in Experiencing God.
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
Journal Reflections and Applications – 40 minutesAs you think about and write these answers you are increasing your long-term memory that will transform your thoughts, attitudes, and character.1 What is God teaching you in this course? Are there things you need to do? Attitudes you need to
change? Commands you need to obey? Errors you need to avoid? Examples you need to follow? Promises you need to hold on to? Relationships you need to work on? Resolutions you need to make? Sins you need to confess? Lessons you need to share with others?
2 How are you going to apply these concepts to your life, family, and ministry to others?
3 How could we as leaders pass on these lessons to current and future leaders?
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
In small groups, students will illustrate what they have learned this session by creating charts, drawings, graphs, mind maps, role-play, skits, or visuals to develop their long-term memory and relational skills.
Session 11: Kingdom People
Name Date Points /50
Discuss Observation and Interpretation Questions – 60 minutesComplete the exercises in unit 11 in Experiencing God. Study chapter 11 in Spiritual Disciplines. This assignment is worth 50 points.
1 Complete the exercises in unit 11 in Experiencing God.
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
Journal Reflections and Applications – 40 minutesAs you think about and write these answers you are increasing your long-term memory that will transform your thoughts, attitudes, and character.1 What is God teaching you in this course? Are there things you need to do? Attitudes you need to
change? Commands you need to obey? Errors you need to avoid? Examples you need to follow? Promises you need to hold on to? Relationships you need to work on? Resolutions you need to make? Sins you need to confess? Lessons you need to share with others?
2 How are you going to apply these concepts to your life, family, and ministry to others?
3 How could we as leaders pass on these lessons to current and future leaders?
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
In small groups, students will illustrate what they have learned this session by creating charts, drawings, graphs, mind maps, role-play, skits, or visuals to develop their long-term memory and relational skills.
Session 12: Continuing Fellowship with God
Name Date Points /50
Discuss Observation and Interpretation Questions – 60 minutesComplete the exercises in unit 12 in Experiencing God. Study chapter 12 in Spiritual Disciplines. This assignment is worth 50 points.
1 Complete the exercises in unit 12 in Experiencing God.
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
Journal Reflections and Applications – 40 minutesAs you think about and write these answers you are increasing your long-term memory that will transform your thoughts, attitudes, and character.1 What is God teaching you in this course? Are there things you need to do? Attitudes you need to
change? Commands you need to obey? Errors you need to avoid? Examples you need to follow? Promises you need to hold on to? Relationships you need to work on? Resolutions you need to make? Sins you need to confess? Lessons you need to share with others?
2 How are you going to apply these concepts to your life, family, and ministry to others?
3 How could we as leaders pass on these lessons to current and future leaders?
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
Professor will coach students in preparing for student presentations by creating illustrations, charts, or visuals.
Students are encouraged to invite pastors, church leaders, friends, and family to session 13 to watch student presentations.
Session 13: Student Presentations and Term Papers
Student PresentationsName Date Points /100
Contribute to a group or individual presentation on a chapter in one of the textbooks. This group project can be a PowerPoint presentation, dramatic skit, role-play, charts, or drawings (15-20 minutes). This will assist student-leaders in developing the creative/critical thinking and teamwork skills essential to effective teaching and servant-leadership.The presentations are an opportunity for students to learn to work together. Students benefit from group interaction as they communicate, cooperate, and collaborate. The public speaking component of this assignment along with formative feedback helps students gain experience and confidence. Students learn best in professional learning communities.
Term Paper
Type a 10- to 15-page term paper or booklet titled Applications from Experiencing God for Leadership and Character Development. Be sure to footnote all the ideas, paraphrases, and direct quotes in your paper, whether from books or the Internet. Text should be double-spaced. Font should be Times New Roman 12. Begin with an introduction and conclude with an application or call for commitment. Include illustrations and charts. This will assist student-leaders in developing the creative/critical thinking and writing skills essential to effective servant-leadership.
Writing is a vital leadership skill and is essential to multiplying one’s ministry. The term paper is an opportunity for students to enhance their writing skills. The term paper is where students collect the ideas of mentors in books to fully develop and utilize them. Students multiply their ministry as they communicate what they are learning to family, friends, and those they minister to in written form. Writing helps clarify ideas. Studies indicate that students benefit from the opportunity to both write and speak in formal settings. Evaluated writing is a key component of learning, communicating, and leading.
How Term Papers Are GradedPapers of 10-to-15 pages and zero errors earn 150 points.Papers of 10-to-14 pages and with 1 error earn 140 points.Papers of 10-to-13 pages and with 2 errors earn 130 points.Papers of 10-to-12 pages and with 3 errors earn 120 points.Papers of 10-to-11 pages and with 4 errors earn 110 points.Papers of 9 pages and with 5 errors earn 100 points.Papers of 8 pages and with 6 errors earn 90 points.Papers of 7 pages and with 7 errors earn 80 points.Papers of 6 pages and with 8 errors earn 70 points.Papers of 5 pages and with 9 errors earn 60 points.Papers of 4 pages and with 10 errors earn 50 points.Group Activity for Students – 20 minutes
Professor will coach students in preparing for and improving student presentations.
Professor will coach students in reviewing for the final exam.
Professor will coach students in revising the term paper in class.
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
Session 14: Study Guide for the Final Exam
Name Date Points /150
The final exam is worth 150 points. The exam is a review of the key applications to develop long-term memory and experience transformational life change. By reviewing the study guides each year students will be able to refresh their memories and retrieve what they have learned.
Applications from Experiencing God for Leadership and Character DevelopmentGod is inviting you to experience Him in an intimate love relationship through which He reveals to you His will, His ways, and His work.
1 God’s Will and Your Life
2 Looking to God
3 God Pursues a Love Relationship
4 Love and God’s Invitation
5 God Speaks through the Bible and prayer
6 God Speaks through Circumstances and Spiritual Markers
EBI Church Planting Leadership Training Centers 102 Experiencing God Portfolio
Course Evaluation and Debriefing1 What made the course awesome for you? What learning activities did you enjoy most? What
assignments were most helpful? How did this course help you experience life transformation?
2 How have you applied what you learned during this course? What difference is it making? How did this course strengthen your relationship with Jesus and fellow believers?
Group Activities – 60 minutes
Encourage students to debrief and share what they have learned in the course.
Discuss how to recruit new students who would benefit from EBI Leadership Training.
Make a list of prospective students who would benefit from EBI Leadership Training.
Students are encouraged to invite their pastors, church leaders, and friends to the next course.
Distribute promotional materials and syllabus for the next courses.
Register students and order books for the next course.
Transfer of Credits to Southern California Seminary
Transfer Credits: To transfer credits from Equip Biblical Institute to Southern California Seminary, students must present a complete portfolio. The portfolio consists of the questions, journal reflections, term papers, and exams for each course. Upon successful completion of the courses, students may transfer up to 66 units into the Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies degree. If the portfolio for a course is not complete, the credits may not be transferable.
Transformational Learning Tip: By reviewing this portfolio once a year as part of a commitment to life change—you will exponentially increase your memory and ability to apply this material to your life, family, and ministry. Based on best practices for learning and neural science key concepts are repeated in multiple courses to support the life-long learning process.
