Curriculum
Higher Ground School of Ministryis fully accredited through Transworld
Accrediting Commission International
HGSM offers a unique ministry training experience consisting of 67 one-hour audio teachings; 52 corresponding one-page homework assignments; 7 book summaries of books serving as touchstones for the following ‘7 Pillars of Ministry’: Heart Attitude; Anointing; Faith; Spiritual Warfare; Healing & Spiritual Gifts; Team Ministry and Personal Discipline. All classes are scripturally sound with an emphasis on full gospel, evangelical and ecumenical Christian ministry. All classes are available by way of correspondence with CD’s or online at hgsmedu.org| Course 1: Gospel of John Course Description Course 1: Gospel of John Focus includes insight on John the Beloved, time period and main message of the Gospel with memory verse assignments for Jn. 1:1; 3:3; 3:16 & 17; 10:10; 11:25 and 14:6 and answers why we encourage new believers to read John first. | Course 35: I John 1 Course Description Course 35: I John 1 Two-class study on John the Beloved’s life, death and his first epistle; how did Gnosticism threaten the early church; how John responded; clarification of I Jn. 2:27; close look at I Jn. 1:8 & 9 for soul-winning; and: I Jn. 2:6; 3:1; 4:4; 4:17. |
| Course 2: New Testament 1 Course Description Course 2: New Testament 1 Focus articulates main doctrines of the Christian faith including: The Trinity; Deity of Jesus; Infallibility of Bible; Reality of Heaven & Hell; Original Sin and Salvation Through Christ Alone. Students memorize 27 N.T. books. | Course 36: I John 2 Course Description Course 36: I John 2 Two-class study on John the Beloved’s life, death and his first epistle; how did Gnosticism threaten the early church; how John responded; clarification of I Jn. 2:27; close look at I Jn. 1:8 & 9 for soul-winning; and: I Jn. 2:6; 3:1; 4:4; 4:17. |
| Course 3: New Testament 2 Course Description Course 3: New Testament 2 Focus articulates main doctrines of the Christian faith including: The Trinity; Deity of Jesus; Infallibility of Bible; Reality of Heaven & Hell; Original Sin and Salvation Through Christ Alone. Students memorize 27 N.T. books. | Course 37: Acts 1 Course Description Course 37: Acts 1 Three-class study of the author; main characters and events; dunamis; Pentecost; Acts 1:8; Paul’s conversion and three mission trips; Peter & John; Peter’s vision & ministry; Paul & Barnabas; Paul & Silas; John Mark; ‘Acts’ today. |
| Course 4: New Testament 3 Course Description Course 4: New Testament 3 Focus articulates main doctrines of the Christian faith including: The Trinity; Deity of Jesus; Infallibility of Bible; Reality of Heaven & Hell; Original Sin and Salvation Through Christ Alone. Students memorize 27 N.T. books. | Course 38: Acts 2 Course Description Course 38: Acts 2 Three-class study of the author; main characters and events; dunamis; Pentecost; Acts 1:8; Paul’s conversion and three mission trips; Peter & John; Peter’s vision & ministry; Paul & Barnabas; Paul & Silas; John Mark; ‘Acts’ today. |
| Course 5: Eternal Security Course Description Course 5: Eternal Security Class articulates both the Calvinist and Arminian position on this issue and explores Biblical basis for both. The heartbeat of the class is, as Luther stated, “live like a Calvinist; teach like an Arminian”. Balanced doctrine emphasized. | Course 39: Acts 3 Course Description Course 39: Acts 3 Three-class study of the author; main characters and events; dunamis; Pentecost; Acts 1:8; Paul’s conversion and three mission trips; Peter & John; Peter’s vision & ministry; Paul & Barnabas; Paul & Silas; John Mark; ‘Acts’ today. |
| Course 6: Communion Course Description Course 6: Communion A study of the various Christian doctrines on communion; Including: transubstantiation; consubstantiation; symbols vs. real presence. Also, instructions how to serve communion with an emphasis on knowing the Holy Spirit. | Course 40: Arts, Dance, and Drama Course Description Course 40: Arts, Dance, and Drama Why so many ministries stay away from the arts; a look at pit falls and positive strategies for Godly and effective arts ministry; interpretive dance & the anointing; how to utilize drama & mime in outreach and on mission trips. |
| Course 7: Baptism Course Description Course 7: Baptism A study of the history, meaning and various Christian doctrines on Baptism, including: infant baptism, full immersion & The Nicene Creed. Full immersion is encouraged, not required for salvation. First love relationship with Jesus is emphasis. | Course 41: Cults Course Description Course 41: Cults Informative study on the history and false doctrines of cults including: Jehovah Witnesses; Mormons; Scientology; Islam; Hinduism. Included is a live testimony of a woman raised as a Jehovah Witness but now an on-fire Christian minister. |
| Course 8: Marriage Course Description Course 8: Marriage God’s ideal for marriage is one virgin Christian man marrying one virgin Christian woman. The Christ-like servant-leader role of husband is emphasized (Eph. 5) in light of the Greek word, Kephale. Divorce, date night & team ministry explored. | Course 42: Denominations 1 Course Description Course 42: Denominations 1 Informative study on the history; founders and what different denominations believe and why; in a spirit of ‘unity in the essentials’ we look closely at: Catholic; Baptist; Methodist; Lutheran; Episcopal; and Pentecostal churches. |
| Course 9: Counseling Course Description Course 9: Counseling The role of the minister counseling people to the Word of God; breakthrough through forgiveness; baptism in the Holy Spirit; fellowship of believers; worship; breaking generational curses and practical helps of proper nutrition & exercise. | Course 43: Denominations 2 Course Description Course 43: Denominations 2 Informative study on the history; founders and what different denominations believe and why; in a spirit of ‘unity in the essentials’ we look closely at: Catholic; Baptist; Methodist; Lutheran; Episcopal; and Pentecostal churches. |
| Course 10: Gifts of the Spirit Course Description Course 10: Gifts of the Spirit A Biblical study of all 9 gifts of the Holy Spirit (speaking in tongues; prophesy; interpretation of tongues; miracles; healing; gift of faith; discernment; word of knowledge & word of wisdom) with balance and activation. | Course 44: Great Men and Women of Faith 1 Course Description Course 44: Great Men and Women of Faith 1 Inspirational, insightful study of the lives, ministries and tremendous impact of some amazing Christians including: Mother Teresa; Billy Graham; Aimee Semple McPherson; Smith Wigglesworth; Charles Finney; Kathryn Kuhlman; John G. Lake; David Livingstone; Rodney Howard-Browne. |
| Course 11: Signs and Wonders Course Description Course 11: Signs and Wonders Distinguishing signs & wonders from gifts of the Spirit; defending the simple truth of Jesus being the same yesterday, today and forever; a look at Old and New Testament and modern day signs & wonders as well as the fear of the Lord. | Course 45: Great Men and Women of Faith 2 Course Description Course 45: Great Men and Women of Faith 2 Inspirational, insightful study of the lives, ministries and tremendous impact of some amazing Christians including: Mother Teresa; Billy Graham; Aimee Semple McPherson; Smith Wigglesworth; Charles Finney; Kathryn Kuhlman; John G. Lake; David Livingstone; Rodney Howard-Browne. |
| Course 12: Personal Prophecy Course Description Course 12: Personal Prophecy A focus on personal prophecy and prophetic activation. Distinguish between gifts of prophecy and the office of the prophet; Biblical helps for ministry protocol; journaling; judging genuine words; false and parking lot prophecies. | Course 46: Great Men and Women of Faith 3 Course Description Course 46: Great Men and Women of Faith 3 Inspirational, insightful study of the lives, ministries and tremendous impact of some amazing Christians including: Mother Teresa; Billy Graham; Aimee Semple McPherson; Smith Wigglesworth; Charles Finney; Kathryn Kuhlman; John G. Lake; David Livingstone; Rodney Howard-Browne. |
| Course 13: Prophetic Activation Course Description Course 13: Prophetic Activation A focus on personal prophecy and prophetic activation. Distinguish between gifts of prophecy and the office of the prophet; Biblical helps for ministry protocol; journaling; judging genuine words; false and parking lot prophecies. | Course 47: Great Men and Women of Faith 4 Course Description Course 47: Great Men and Women of Faith 4 Inspirational, insightful study of the lives, ministries and tremendous impact of some amazing Christians including: Mother Teresa; Billy Graham; Aimee Semple McPherson; Smith Wigglesworth; Charles Finney; Kathryn Kuhlman; John G. Lake; David Livingstone; Rodney Howard-Browne. |
| Course 14: Repentance and Revival 1 Course Description Course 14: Repentance and Revival 1 What is ‘Metanoia?’ Our need for the Holy Spirit’s help with ongoing repentance; Rom. 2:4 & II Chron. 7:14; What’s the fruit of true revival?; II Chron. 5; Holy Spirit hunger, laughter; falling under the God’s power. | Course 48: Sacrifice and Transformed Life 1 Course Description Course 48: Sacrifice and Transformed Life 1 A candid and challenging look at a foundational Christian truth almost lost in our American culture: namely ‘sacrifice’. Servanthood; humility; sharing in Christ’s suffering: Rom. 12:2; Phil. 3:10; Gal. 2:20. |
| Course 15: Repentance and Revival 2 Course Description Course 15: Repentance and Revival 2 What is ‘Metanoia?’ Our need for the Holy Spirit’s help with ongoing repentance; Rom. 2:4 & II Chron. 7:14; What’s the fruit of true revival?; II Chron. 5; Holy Spirit hunger, laughter; falling under the God’s power. | Course 49: Sacrifice and Transformed Life 2 Course Description Course 49: Sacrifice and Transformed Life 2 A candid and challenging look at a foundational Christian truth almost lost in our American culture: namely ‘sacrifice’. Servanthood; humility; sharing in Christ’s suffering: Rom. 12:2; Phil. 3:10; Gal. 2:20. |
| Course 16: Repentance and Revival 3 Course Description Course 16: Repentance and Revival 3 What is ‘Metanoia?’ Our need for the Holy Spirit’s help with ongoing repentance; Rom. 2:4 & II Chron. 7:14; What’s the fruit of true revival?; II Chron. 5; Holy Spirit hunger, laughter; falling under the God’s power. | Course 50: Health and Nutrition 1 Course Description Course 50: Health and Nutrition 1 Informative, challenging study of our bodies as ‘temples of the Holy Spirit’; triune health: spirit, soul & body; why good health & proper energy is important in ministry; diet; exercise; rest; forgiveness & knowledge are key. |
| Course 17: Evangelism 1 Course Description Course 17: Evangelism 1 All Christians are called to share the Good News. These classes conveys the heart of God to reach the lost and provides practical helps on how to lead people to Christ one-on-one and keys and insights to giving an Altar Call to a group. | Course 51: Health and Nutrition 2 Course Description Course 51: Health and Nutrition 2 Informative, challenging study of our bodies as ‘temples of the Holy Spirit’; triune health: spirit, soul & body; why good health & proper energy is important in ministry; diet; exercise; rest; forgiveness & knowledge are key. |
| Course 18: Evangelism 2 Course Description Course 18: Evangelism 2 All Christians are called to share the Good News. These classes conveys the heart of God to reach the lost and provides practical helps on how to lead people to Christ one-on-one and keys and insights to giving an Altar Call to a group. | Course 52: Great Commission Course Description Course 52: Great Commission A Biblical study and ‘call to arms’ for all Christians; how God feels about the lost; how to win the lost to Christ; how to teach others to win the lost; the reality of heaven & hell; key scriptures and testimonies: Matt. 28; I Jn. 1:8 & 9. |
| Course 19: Outreach 1 Course Description Course 19: Outreach 1 A perfect follow-up to ‘Evangelism’, these classes train and activate the minister to create and execute their own outreach. Emphasis on stepping out of comfort zones; being ‘pre-prayered’; team work; diligence; humility; staying filled. | Course 53: Pillar 1 Heart Attitude 1 Course Description Course 53: Pillar 1 Heart Attitude 1 A two-class study of this: “Ministry Pillar #1”. Why keeping our hearts pure is essential to all effective ministry. “A Shephard's Heart”, by Jim Brissey, serves as a ‘touchstone’; a book summary is required as homework. |
| Course 20: Outreach 2 Course Description Course 20: Outreach 2 A perfect follow-up to ‘Evangelism’, these classes train and activate the minister to create and execute their own outreach. Emphasis on stepping out of comfort zones; being ‘pre-prayered’; team work; diligence; humility; staying filled. | Course 54: Pillar 1: Heart Attitude 2 Course Description Course 54: Pillar 1: Heart Attitude 2 A two-class study of this: “Ministry Pillar #1”. Why keeping our hearts pure is essential to all effective ministry. “A Shepard's Heart”, by Jim Brissey, serves as a ‘touchstone’; a book summary is required as homework. |
| Course 21: Outreach Training Course Description Course 21: Outreach Training A perfect follow-up to ‘Evangelism’, these classes train and activate the minister to create and execute their own outreach. Emphasis on stepping out of comfort zones; being ‘pre-prayered’; team work; diligence; humility; staying filled. | Course 55: Pillar 2: The Anointing 1 Course Description Course 55: Pillar 2: The Anointing 1 A two-class study of this: “Ministry Pillar #2”. Why the anointing is essential to all effective ministry. “The Touch of God”, by Dr. Rodney Howard-Browne, serves as a ‘touchstone’; a book summary is required as homework. |
| Course 22: Study Course Description Course 22: Study One of the life long disciplines of every believer, minister & teacher; II Tim. 2:15; interpreting scripture with scripture; Logos; Rhema; teachers judged more strictly; to bear good fruit, study must be founded in a love relationship with Jesus; Jn. 5. | Course 56: Pillar 2: The Anointing 2 Course Description Course 56: Pillar 2: The Anointing 2 A two-class study of this: “Ministry Pillar #2”. Why the anointing is essential to all effective ministry. “The Touch of God”, by Dr. Rodney Howard-Browne, serves as a ‘touchstone’; a book summary is required as homework. |
| Course 23: Personal Worship Course Description Course 23: Personal Worship What is worshipping in Spirit and truth?; Jn. 4; Why being refreshed and refilled (Eph. 5:18) is essential to effective ministry; personal, corporate and Biblical worship; Why we raise our hands; singing in the Spirit; yielding to the Spirit. | Course 57: Pillar 3: Faith 1 Course Description Course 57: Pillar 3: Faith 1 A two-class study on this: “Ministry Pillar #3”. Why walking and living in faith is essential to all effective ministry. “In the Footsteps of a Prophet”, by Jerry Savelle, serves as a ‘touchstone’; a book summary is required as homework. |
| Course 24: Corporate Worship Course Description Course 24: Corporate Worship What is worshipping in Spirit and truth?; Jn. 4; Why being refreshed and refilled (Eph. 5:18) is essential to effective ministry; personal, corporate and Biblical worship; Why we raise our hands; singing in the Spirit; yielding to the Spirit. | Course 58: Pillar 3: Faith 2 Course Description Course 58: Pillar 3: Faith 2 A two-class study on this: “Ministry Pillar #3”. Why walking and living in faith is essential to all effective ministry. “In the Footsteps of a Prophet”, by Jerry Savelle, serves as a ‘touchstone’; a book summary is required as homework. |
| Course 25: Biblical Worship Course Description Course 25: Biblical Worship What is worshipping in Spirit and truth?; Jn. 4; Why being refreshed and refilled (Eph. 5:18) is essential to effective ministry; personal, corporate and Biblical worship; Why we raise our hands; singing in the Spirit; yielding to the Spirit. | Course 59: Pillar 4: Spiritual Warfare 1 Course Description Course 59: Pillar 4: Spiritual Warfare 1 A two-class study of this: “Ministry Pillar #4”. Why spiritual warfare is essential to all effective ministry.“The Three Battlegrounds”, by Francis Frangipane, serves as a ‘touchstone’; a book summary is required as homework. |
| Course 26: Prayer Course Description Course 26: Prayer Focus on praying without ceasing; fervent prayers vs. religious prayers; praying in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:26-Jude 20); intercessory prayer; praying in public; praying in faith; talk to and listen to God in prayer; Hezekiah’s prayer; Serenity Prayer. | Course 60: Pillar 4: Spiritual Warfare 2 Course Description Course 60: Pillar 4: Spiritual Warfare 2 A two-class study of this: “Ministry Pillar #4”. Why spiritual warfare is essential to all effective ministry.“The Three Battlegrounds”, by Francis Frangipane, serves as a ‘touchstone’; a book summary is required as homework. |
| Course 27: Hospital Visitation Course Description Course 27: Hospital Visitation Biblical insights and instruction on why and how to pray for the sick (Jas. 5:14); ministry protocol for working with administration, doctors & nurses; Ministry credentials needed for I.C.U.; includes a hospital visitation field assignment. | Course 61: Pillar 5: Gifts of the Spirit-Healing 1 Course Description Course 61: Pillar 5: Gifts of the Spirit-Healing 1 A two-class study on: “Ministry Pillar #5”. Why operating in spiritual gifts and healing is essential to effective ministry. “How to Heal the Sick”, by Charles & Francis Hunter serves as a ‘touchstone’; book summary is required homework. |
| Course 28: Conducting Funerals Course Description Course 28: Conducting Funerals Ministry protocol and responsibilities for conducting funerals; working with grieving families; funeral directors; cremation; being sensitive to family needs and the Holy Spirit; recognizing the mission field; giving funeral altar call. | Course 62: Pillar 5: Gifts of the Spirit-Healing 2 Course Description Course 62: Pillar 5: Gifts of the Spirit-Healing 2 A two-class study on: “Ministry Pillar #5”. Why operating in spiritual gifts and healing is essential to effective ministry. “Broken Children, Grown Up Pain”, by Dr. Paul Hegstrom, serves as a ‘touchstone’; a 2-4 page book summary is required homework. |
| Course 29: Teaching on Giving Course Description Course 29: Teaching on Giving Why ministers shy away from teaching on giving; why and how ministers should teach on giving; blessings and benefits of tithing; distinction between tithes and offering; law of sowing & reaping; motive for giving (Matt. 23:23). | Course 63: Pillar 6: Marriage and Team Ministry 1 Course Description Course 63: Pillar 6: Marriage and Team Ministry 1 A two-class study on: “Ministry Pillar #6”. Why a good marriage is essential to all effective ministry. “Discovering the Mind of a Woman”, by Ken Nair, serves as a ‘touchstone’; a book summary is required homework. |
| Course 30: Nursing Home Ministry Course Description Course 30: Nursing Home Ministry Ministry protocol and insights for effective nursing home ministry; a neglected but rich mission field; honoring our mothers and fathers; giving altar calls; praying for sick; includes a nursing home visitation field assignment. | Course 64: Pillar 6: Marriage and Team Ministry 2 Course Description Course 64: Pillar 6: Marriage and Team Ministry 2 A two-class study on: “Ministry Pillar #6”. Why a good marriage is essential to all effective ministry. “Discovering the Mind of a Woman”, by Ken Nair, serves as a ‘touchstone’; a book summary is required homework. |
| Course 31: Prison Ministry Course Description Course 31: Prison Ministry Ministry protocol and insights on effective jail & prison ministry; personal safety; being authentic and being ‘pre-prayered’; who are we visiting (Matt. 25:26); recidivism; rape; food; the cross. Assignment includes writing a prisoner. | Course 65: Pillar 7: Personal Discipline 1 Course Description Course 65: Pillar 7: Personal Discipline 1 A two-class study on: “Ministry Pillar #7”. Why personal discipleship is essential to effective ministry. “Celebration of Discipline”, by Richard Foster, serves as a ‘touchstone’; a book summary is required as homework. |
| Course 32: Homeless Ministry Course Description Course 32: Homeless Ministry Ministry protocol and insights on effective homeless ministry; how to conduct a homeless outreach; veterans; addicts; homeless families; testimonies & team ministry; Field assignment: feed and win a homeless person to Christ. | Course 66: Pillar 7: Personal Discipline 2 Course Description Course 66: Pillar 7: Personal Discipline 2 A two-class study on: “Ministry Pillar #7”. Why personal discipleship is essential to effective ministry. “Celebration of Discipline”, by Richard Foster, serves as a ‘touchstone’; a book summary is required as homework. |
| Course 33: Children's Ministry Course Description Course 33: Children's Ministry This class issues a challenge to every children’s minister to recognize how precious kids are to God and move away from a ‘baby sitting’ mindset. Keeping lessons fun, lively & short. Field assignment: lead a child under 12 to Christ. | Course 67: Sermon Construction Course Description Course 67: Sermon Construction A nuts & bolts approach to preparing a sermon; being pre-prayered; following the Holy Spirit re: topic; foundation scripture; supporting scriptures, illustrations and testimonies; life application; closing with a call to action. |
| Course 34: Foreign Missions Course Description Course 34: Foreign Missions Why do foreign missions? – Acts 1:8; Matt. 28; a focus on practical keys for leading or going on a mission trip including: be pre-prayered; passport; know your team; safety; finances; bottled water; meeting physical needs; winning souls. |
