Academic Courses

Academic Courses 

Empower School & Farm
Course Catalog
Empower School & Farms, located in Umatilla, Florida, strives to equip the next generation to succeed in life,      relationships and service.  At Empower, students gain experience and skills, equipping them for a lifetime of           spiritual growth and future ministry. Programs focus on discipleship, farming, social justice, and world missions. Students learn together while engaged in a discipleship-focused environment. Participants also have opportunities          to be involved with local, national and international outreaches.

Programs include: 
School of Discipleship & Missions
School of Ministry (for part-time evening students)
Community Development Internships: in Ministry and/or Agriculture 

Class Schedule: 
Three terms of classes are offered each academic year as well as internship opportunities over winter & summer breaks:
Fall Term   
Winter Internship 
Winter Term  
Spring Term  
Summer Internships 

Class Locations: Each course will be offered at one of the following locations:
Church at Whistling Pines in Umatilla, FL
Faith Christian Fellowship in Tavares, FL.

Enrollment Options: 
Full-time Residential Program – Students live, work, and study together in Christian community while attending daytime and evening classes as well as assisting with the Empower Farms and various community outreach projects. Students take an average of 4-5 classes (~12 credits) each term. These students will also complete 3 to 12+ internship credits. Students who complete the year-long program will earn a Certificate in Discipleship & Missions (30+ credits).

Part-time Evening Program – Classes are held two nights per week for 3 hours of class each night (Tuesdays and Thursdays) for three ~12 week terms (potential of 6 credits/term). Evening students will also complete 2 or more internship credits. In ~9 months a student could earn a Certificate in Christian Ministry (20+ credits).

Internships - In addition to classes, there are opportunities for students to earn internship credits by being involved with local, national and/or international projects and ministries during winter and summer breaks.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Biblical Studies:
Navigating the Bible Series – A three-course series, in which student experience the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus, (part 1) Identifying the appropriate individual response to the Biblical reality, (part 2) Understanding the divine author’s nature, and (part 3) Learning to tell the story and lead others to respond accordingly. (3 core credits per part)
  • BIB 1103-Part 1-- This course introduces concepts of the Biblical metanarrative by exploring the first half of the Old              Testament, and focuses on identifying the appropriate individual response to the biblical narrative through exploring a personal purpose & mission, and developing an individual strategic vision. (3 core credits) 
  • BIB 1203-Part 2-- This course expounds on concepts of the Biblical metanarrative by exploring the second half of the Old Testament, and focuses on understanding God’s nature with a basic overview of theology. (3 core credits) 
  • BIB 1303-Part 3-- This course expands on concepts of the Biblical metanarrative by exploring the New Testament, and focuses on learning to tell the story and lead others to respond accordingly. (3 core credits)
  • BIB 1353 Leading Bible Studies – Explores how individuals learn and grow in faith, examines a variety of curricula, and provides students with the tools to lead Bible studies, as well as create learning materials in preparation for ministry and outreach. (3 alternate core credits)
Business Development:
  • BUS 1003 Micro-Enterprise & Agro-Business – This course focuses job readiness, agro-business, and micro-enterprise with an emphasis on practical skill development. Students gain hands-on experience with agriculture production, and business development; including food handling, marketing, distribution, and sales. (3 elective credits)
  • Training in Applied Agroecology Program (TAAP)–                                                                                                                                Currently offering two certificate-tracks:                                                                                                                                                      1. Certificate in Applied Agroecology*: The certificate program uses a cohort model, and is designed to induce self-inquiry as fellows define and advance their interest in agroecology, farming & food pathways. Fellows will complete 14 weekly sessions over 4 months, assignments (including professional development topics), as well as work with a mentor to complete a learning plan to complete 80 hours of self-directed learning (50 hours of hands-on work & 30 hours of technical training). We use Google classroom to facilitate course materials, assignment submissions, and meet virtually using Zoom. Key course themes include: (1) Food Sovereignty, (2) Food Systems, (3) Participatory Action, (4) Land Defense, (5) Sustainable Agroecosystems, (6) Agroecological Practices.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Certificado en Introducción a la Agroecología (ofrecido en español) → Certificate in Introduction to Agroecology (offered in Spanish): El certificado incluye sesiones y actividades de desarrollo profesional. Los estudiantes completarán 8 sesiones durante 4 meses (2 mensuales) y asignaciones (incluidos temas de desarrollo profesional). Usamos el aula de Google para facilitar los materiales del curso, el envío de tareas y reunirnos virtualmente con Zoom. Los temas clave del curso incluyen: (1) Soberanía alimentaria, (2) Sistemas alimentarios, (3) Acción participativa, (4) Defensa de la tierra, (5) Agroecosistemas sostenibles, (6) Prácticas agroecológicas.
Please Note: Students in the Certificate in Applied Agroecology will have opportunities to complete part or all of their training hours at Empower School & Farm in Umatilla, Florida. Information will be provided to students enrolled in TAAP.  

Christian Ministry:
  • CMI 1003 Discipleship Foundations – Students will investigate how Jesus led His first disciples, as found in the four gospel writings. Students will study Jesus’ person, His message, and His method as a foundation for understanding the New Testament pattern of discipleship. Students will deepen their personal discipleship commitment as they identify their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and bring what they have learned about themselves to the cross. The final focus will be a practical application for launching new disciple-making ministries. (3 core credits) 
  • CMI 2003 World Missions –This introductory overview looks at a biblical basis for missions and the global mission of the church. It will include a look at biblical motivations, historical background and current strategies. (3 core credits)
  • CMI 2103 Apologetics: A Practical Approach – This course is designed to help students develop answers to contemporary concerns & criticisms regarding Christianity, while equipping participants to engage in meaningful & respectful conversations with non-believers with the goal of moving non-believers toward Christ. (3 core credits)
  • CMI 2203 Christian Church Planting – A study of the theology, theory and practices of church planting and church growth. The course will include the biblical and anthropological principles of both as well as strategies for multiplication and growth of varying types of congregations. (3 alternate core credits)
                   (3 elective credits, or 1 elective credit per part)
                   CMI 2211 (1cr) Church Planning Essentials
                   CMI 2221 (1cr) House Church Planting
                   CMI 2231 (1cr) Churches Planting Churches
                   CMI 2241 (1cr) Next Gen Change 
  • CMI 2403 Christian Community Development –Introduces the theory and practice of Christian community development in an increasingly interconnected world. Participants will be equipped to develop church-based, holistic community development strategies that cultivate community assets and empower indigenous leadership in low-income communities. A study of the history of oppression, racism, and discrimination will enable students to recognize and work towards the abolition of these destructive societal influences. (3 core credits)
Communications:
  • COM 1003 Introduction to Oral Communications – Introduces students to communication theory and application. Students will explore intrapersonal, interpersonal, and public communication. Emphasis is place on improving speaking, listening, and nonverbal communication skills in a range of settings through practical experiences and activities. (3 core credits)
Physical Education:
  • PED 1501 Fitness & Wellness – An overview of the basic principles and benefits of physical fitness and health related issues. Includes personal fitness, nutrition, and assessment. Classroom learning combined with a variety of physical activities. (1 elective credit)
Recreation:
  • REC 2603 Outdoor Leadership – Participants will gain exposure to a variety of outdoor and wilderness adventure activities such as: hiking, backpacking, canoeing/kayaking while receiving instruction in equipment, safety, navigation, camping, facilitation, and processing adventure experiences. Students will (part 1) Learn the basic skills necessary to safely enjoy outdoor adventures, (part 2) Develop abilities that will help aid others to safely enjoy outdoor adventures, and (part 3) Learn to safely plan, organize, and guide outdoor excursions. (3 elective credits, or 1 elective credit per part)
  • REC 2611 (1cr) Wilderness Experience 1
  • REC 2621 (1cr) Wilderness Experience 2
  • REC 2631 (1cr) Outdoor Education
Religion:
  • REL 2303 Comparative Religions –This course is a survey of the origins, beliefs, and contemporary practices of the major world's religions. Through the study of the different religious traditions students will learn how to differentiate, and compare diverse belief systems while exploring the interactions between specific religions and the cultures in which they are practiced. (3 core credits) 
  • REL 2311 (1cr) Understanding Worldview & Diverse Cultures 
  • REL 2321 (1cr) Understanding Major Religions
  • REL 2331 (1cr) Understanding Islam
Student Leadership & Success:
  • SLS 1403 Leadership & Success – This course introduces personal leadership concepts helping students develop strategies for creating greater success in academic, professional, and personal life while encouraging life-long learning. Topics include study skills, interpersonal skills, time management, critical thinking, goal setting, personal resource management, and leadership styles. (3 elective credits)
Internships Offered 
  • Ministry Internships: In order to broaden exposure and experiences, students will be connected with internships related to their specific areas of interest and calling. Internships may vary from part-time involvement over several weeks to full-time overseas experiences for 3 to 12 weeks. (3 core credits, plus prospects for additional elective credits)



Commissioned Beyond Borders encourages and facilitates effective partnerships when and wherever possible.  Real change is possible when with a commitment to Community Transformation,  we join together in strategic planning, resource sharing and collaboration. 
Commissioned Beyond Borders
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