Course Overview

Counseling III builds on the two prerequisite ABC graduate classes Counseling I and Counseling II. The trajectory of study will begin with the topic of premarital counseling and will move through such topics as communication, roles, intimacy, unsaved spouses, singlehood, and moral crisis issues. 3 credit hours

Textbooks

• Archer, Clint. The Home Team.
• Ricucci, Gary and Betsy. Love That Lasts.
• Harvey, Dave. When Sinners Say, "I Do."
• Priolo, Lou. The Complete Husband.
• Peace, Martha. The Excellent Wife.
Textbooks are subject to change. Consult current syllabus.

Meet the Professor

Dr. Jim Newcomer serves as Senior Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church of Ypsilanti, Michigan. He entered pastoral ministry in 1994 and has served as a youth pastor (6 years) and an executive pastor (11 years). He has also held two senior pastorates—one in North Carolina (5 years), and now in Michigan. In addition, Jim has been actively teaching pastoral theology and Biblical counseling on both undergraduate and graduate levels in several institutions since 2000. He serves on the boards of Grace Biblical Counseling Ministry and Freedom That Lasts. Jim is a Level II certified counselor with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC). He is also a Fellow candidate with ACBC. He and his wife Lorie have three adult children and several grandchildren.

Course Dates

• Course Work: July 7 - September 8, 2025
• On-Campus Module: August 4-8, 2025

Course Overview

During this course a review will be made of the various claims for leadership, thus providing a comparative backdrop for the definition and extensive development of Biblical Slave Leadership. Students will be guided in discovering the essential principles and practices identified with the 121 leadership model articulated by Jesus. An original research project will allow students the opportunity to personally formulate and articulate their own summary of the basis, components, and function of Biblical Slave Leadership as they explore the leadership traits of Jesus. 3 credit hours

Textbooks

• MacArthur, John, The Book on Leadership, Nelson Books.
• Kroll, Woodrow, The Vanishing Ministry in the 21st Century, Kregel Publications.
• Rodin, Scott, The Steward Leader, InterVarsity Press.
• Anderson, Daniel, Biblical Slave Leadership, Regular Baptist Press.
• Briner, Bob, The Management Methods of Jesus, Thomas, Nelson, Inc.
• Swindoll, Charles R., Hand Me Another Brick (1998 edition), Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Textbooks are subject to change. Consult current syllabus.

Meet the Professor

Daniel Anderson, Th.D. — President of Appalachian Bible College since 1983, Dr. Anderson has also served in leadership of two local churches, the Association of Biblical Higher Education, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, West Virginia Independent Colleges and Universities, The Friends of Israel, and Fellowship of Missions. His book, Biblical Slave Leadership: A Stewardship from Above to Lead from Below, describes a Biblical philosophy of leadership. Dr. Anderson studied at ABC, Faith Baptist Bible College, and Grace Theological Seminary before earning a Th.D. from Dallas Theological Seminary.

Course Dates

• Course Work: December 8, 2025 – February 9, 2026
• On-Campus Dates: January 5–9, 2026

Course Overview

Jesus’ marching orders to His followers were to “go make disciples…” This course explores the Biblical philosophy and practical implementation of discipleship ministry. How can you make disciples in your life and ministry? How does mentoring relate to discipleship? How can a local church be a disciple-making church? 3 credit hours

Textbooks

• Hull, Bill, The Disciple-making Church: The Leading of a Body of Believers on a Journey of Faith, Baker Book House, 2010.
• Marshall, Colin and Payne, Tony, The Trellis and the Vine, Matthias Media, 2009.
• Barna, George, Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions, Baker Books, 2016.
• Spader, Dann, 4 Chair Discipling: Growing a Movement of Disciple Makers, Moody, 2014.
• Stiles, Mack, Evangelism: How the Whole Church Speaks of Jesus, Crossway, 2014.

Textbooks are subject to change. Consult current syllabus.

Meet the Professor

Dr. Mark Johnson was called as Senior Pastor of Independent Bible Church in Martinsburg, WV in January 1988. He grew up in the small town of Paris, Illinois. Raised by godly parents, he accepted Christ at age five and attended a small Bible church during his formative years. He graduated from Appalachian Bible College in 1977 (B.A. in Bible/Pastoral studies) and Grace Theological Seminary (Th. M. in Old Testament) in 1982. In May 2004, he earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Baptist Bible Seminary of Clarks Summit, PA.

Course Dates

• Course Work: February 2 – April 6, 2026
• On-Campus Dates: March 2–6, 2026