Ministry 301 – Winter 25

Anchor Bible College

Ministry 301

Stay grounded in God’s Word as our culture drifts. Whether you have a family, hope to one day, or simply desire to know what the Bible says about matters of marriage, gender/sexuality, parenting, and vocation, this course may be perfect for you! Are you ready to embark on this journey?

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Jan. 5 – Apr. 27 (2025)

Fur Rendezvous Break Week: Feb. 16
Easter Break: Apr. 20

Sundays: 4pm-7pm

Once-Weekly Classes. Room 205

In-Person Education

Personal, Discipleship-Oriented Biblical Education

$225

FREE for New Anchor Students. $75 per credit hour for returning students

Course Description

Ministry 301 – The Christian Family (3 credits)

This course covers four main areas of the Christian family: marriage, gender/sexuality, parenting, and vocation. The course is structured with lectures and discussions on these topics with an emphasis on personal application. Lectures will focus on biblical theology, church history, and the opportunities for ministry within contemporary culture. Readings are aimed at showing how each area of the Christian family contributes to the ministry of the gospel and the glory of Christ. Students will also interview Christian families who are seeking to sanctify their family for the sake of ministry. Evaluation will be based on weekly readings and quizzes, four vision papers (2-3 pages, one for each area), a practical summary of the class interviews, and a group discussion as a final exam.

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See Previous Syllabi

Weekly Readings

Weekly Quizzes

Vision Papers: Marriage, Gender/Sexuality, Parenting, Vocation

Personal Interview

Group Discussion as a Final Exam

Required Materials: (Note: Many are available online and some others will be provided in class; see the syllabus on the first day of class for more details)
- Bible (unless otherwise specified, you may use the translation of your choice)
  - Lecture notes and quiz blanks will use the ESV translation.
- This Momentary Marriage, John Piper, ISBN: 978-1-4335-3111-8
- What Is the Meaning of Sex? Denny Burk, ISBN: 978-1-4335-3609-0
- The Measure of a Man, Gene A. Getz, ISBN: 978-0-8007-2238-8 (For men in the class)
- Let Me Be a Woman, Elisabeth Elliot, ISBN: 978-0-8423-2162-4 (For women in the class)
- Anchoring Your Child to God’s Truth in a Gender-Confused Culture, Gary Yagel, ISBN: 978-1-944964-14-6 (back cover) or 978-1-944964-33-7 (copyright page)
- Shepherding a Child’s Heart, Tedd Tripp, ISBN: 978-0-9663786-0-3
- Conscience, Naselli & Crowley, ISBN: 978-1-4335-5074-4
- The Gospel at Work, Traeger & Gilbert, ISBN: 978-0-310-56207-8
- The Hospitality Commands, Alexander Strauch, ISBN: 978-0-93608-309-4
- The Treasure Princ iple, Randy Alcorn, ISBN: 978-1-59052-508-1
Prerequisites:
- None

Student Reviews

Feedback from previous students who took this course:

The readings and class discussion were incredibly valuable!

– Ministry 301 Student

This course has improved my relationship with my wife.

– Ministry 301 Student

This commitment to pursing God’s will has helped me to make a number of important decisions that are very impactful to me and my family.

– Ministry 301 Student

3/5

Difficulty Compared to other 3-credit Courses

4.5/5

Grew in their Personal Relationship with the Lord

4.5/5

Enhanced their Knowledge of God’s Word

Instructors

Bob SnyderMinistry 301 Instructor

Originally from Minnesota, Bob Snyder is happily married to Jinna. Together they are blessed with six children and a growing number of grandchildren. His education includes degrees in mechanical engineering and mathematics from North Dakota State University, an M.Div. from Central Seminary in Minneapolis, and a Ph.D. in church history from Southern Seminary in Louisville. Although he felt a desire for ministry early in life and professed faith as a child, it is likely that he was born again in his mid-20s through a crisis of faith that started humbling his pride. He has had the privilege of serving over twenty years in the pastorate, both as a solo pastor and as an associate pastor. Currently, he is an Associate Pastor at Countryside Bible Church in Jonesville, Michigan and the director of Spring Branch Academy.