LICENSED

Acts & Church History

Applying exegetical skills to the book of Acts with an introduction to Church history and the theological roots of the Assemblies of God.
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TOTAL HOURS

VIDEO SESSIONS

Required book

LIVE SESSION

ABOUT THIS COURSE

This course students apply practical exegetical skills—genre, context, and textual analysis—to the book of Acts. In addition, students will develop a foundational understanding of Church history, exploring significant theological events, the development of major theological traditions, and influential figures. Special attention will be given to the historical-theological lineage of the Assemblies of God, examining its direct ancestors and related theological movements.

Video Instructor: Dr. Joshua Ziefle
Live Instructor: Rev. 

Course Length: 30 Hours
Video: 5 hours
Reading: 14 hours
Self-Reflections: 4 hours
Quizzes: 2 hours
Final Project: 2 hours
Live Session: 3 hours

Credentialing Level: Licensed
Core Proficiency(ies): Ministerial Character & Practices
Berean Equivalent: This course is an enhancement of the Pastoral Ministry (307) Ordination level course.

COURSE INSTRUCTORS

VIDEO Instructor

Dr. Joshua Ziefle

Joshua R. Ziefle is Dean of the College of Ministry at Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington. Originally from New Jersey, he completed a BA in History from Houghton College before matriculating in the MDiv program at Princeton Theological Seminary. His academic interests in religious history culminated in a PhD in American Church History from Princeton Seminary. During his doctoral studies he served for six years as the youth pastor of Nassau Christian Center (AG).

Dr. Ziefle’s doctoral dissertation focused on the interplay between David du Plessis, the charismatic movement, and the Assemblies of God, a major American Pentecostal denomination. He published his work as David du Plessis and the Assemblies of God: The Struggle for the Soul of a Movement (2012). Dr. Ziefle is a member of the Society for Pentecostal Studies and American Society of Church History. Continued academic interests include the history of the Charismatic Movement and contemporary world Pentecostalism. 

Here at Northwest, Dr. Ziefle has taught numerous courses in the College of Ministry and the department of history. During his time at the school, he has been blessed to help educate numerous young ministers and church leaders. Dr. Ziefle is also the director of the Center for Calling and Theological Formation, overseeing both a yearly Youth Forum and a theology program for high school students called the Summer Journey. He is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and serves as an appointed presbyter for the Northwest Ministry Network. Together with Don Ross, Dr. Ziefle is the author of the recently published A Tale of Two Churches: Why Being Both Missional & Pentecostal Matters (2018).

Dr. Ziefle enjoys reading, teaching, and reflecting on topics related to history, theology, and ministry in print and online. He is a science fiction enthusiast with a love for travel. He lives in Bothell, Washington with his wife Rachel. 
LIVE Instructor

Rev. Nikil Adwalpalker

Nik Adwalpalker has been in full time ministry for over 25 years and is an Ordained Minister with Assemblies of God Fellowship, USA. Nik’s prior pastoral ministry experience includes serving as both a Youth and Associate Pastor. Currently, Nik serves as the Lead Pastor of Throggs Neck Community Church, a vibrant, multiethnic congregation located in The Bronx, New York City. Additionally, Nik is the Presbyter for the BMW (Bronx/Manhattan/Lower Westchester) Section as well as an endorsed leadership coach for the New York Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God.  

Nik’s greatest passions are knowing God, connecting with family, communicating God’s Word, encouraging the local church, developing leaders, playing drums and watching NY Mets baseball. Nik has been married to his one and only love, Susan, for over 24 years. Together, they have 3 children, Mya, Isaiah and Lukas and an adorable, yet rambunctious Chocolate Lab named Harley.

COURSE CONTENTS

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Frequently asked questions

When can I start the course? 

Whenever you want! LEADSOM is designed to let the student learn at their own pace. The only element of the course that has a specific date is the Live Session, which is offered 3 times per year, with the student only required to attend 1.

What happens if I have a question or need help?

You can ask your Live Instructor! Although LEADSOM classes are entirely online, that doesn't mean you're on your own. Every class has a subject matter expert who is available to answer questions and provide any help necessary. Additionally, they will grade your final projects as well as lead the Live Session discussion, so you will get to know them well.

I've already taken some Berean courses, do I get credit for them in LEADSOM?

Yes! All LEADSOM courses have a Berean equivalent so if you've already started your credentialing journey and want to continue with LEADSOM you can do that. In fact, on every course page you will be able to see the Berean equivalent. If you have any questions, just contact our registrar and submit your courses for a review.