LifeSpring’s Credit by Demonstrated Competency program offers students the opportunity to earn credit for knowledge acquired through life experience or self-study related to specific LifeSpring courses.
Because LifeSpring courses are designed around sets of content mastery objectives, both traditional and demonstrated competency credit is earned by demonstrating proficiency in a high percentage of these objectives. LifeSpring's competency exams are recommended for students who believe their life experience and self-study has prepared them to be able to demonstrate proficiency in the content mastery objectives.
Competency Exams are available for $40 each. To register, call the LifeSpring office with a credit card number.
There is no deadline for taking a Competency Exam; however, there are varying time limits once the exam has started.
Available Competency Exams Click on the title to view the content mastery objectives
Students will be able to describe (write) how preconceptions, presuppositions, convictions, and beliefs affect how individuals understand the Bible.
Students will be able to describe (write) the importance of hermeneutics when reading the Bible.
Students will be able to explain the four tasks involved in interpreting and applying scripture.
Given a sentence of scripture, students will be able to list/mark a minimum of 30 literary observations.
Given a passage of scripture, students will be able to explain how it relates to the surrounding literary context.
With the aid of references, students will be able to list historical-cultural facts relating to a passage of scripture.
Students will be able to describe (write) their family background in regard to cultural influences and describe (write) how these influences impact how they approach passages of Scripture.
Students will be able to describe situations in which a reader may intentionally change an author’s intended meaning.
Students will be able to match historical models of interpretation to an example of that type of interpretation.
Students will be able to explain the importance of the issue of communication in regards to authorial intent.
Summarize the original situation and the meaning of the text for the biblical audience.
Describe differences between the biblical situation and contemporary situations
List the theological principles communicated by this passage
Create a contemporary real-world scenario that illustrates the application of a theological principle communicated by this passage
Given a short (three verses or less) passage of scripture, students will be able to list/mark a minimum of 30 literary observations.
Given a paragraph of scripture, students will be able to identify (list/mark): connections between general and specific statements, questions and answers, dialogue, purpose statements, means, conditional clauses, actions/roles, emotional terms, tone, and basic literary characteristics.
Given a discourse of scripture, students will be able to identify (list/mark): connections between paragraphs and episodes, major breaks and pivots (story shifts), interchanges, chiasms, and basic literary characteristics.
Given a discourse of scripture, students will be able to identify: connections between paragraphs and episodes, major breaks and pivots (story shifts), interchanges, chiasms, and basic literary characteristics.
Given a passage of scripture and reference materials, students will be able to:
Identify key words
Identify the translated word
Determine the range of meaning
Determine the contextual meaning of the word
Students will be able to describe (write) the two main approaches to translation and discuss (write) the complications involved in translating a passage of scripture.
Given a passage of a New Testament letter, students will be able to trace the author’s flow of thought by describing how a paragraph relates to surrounding paragraphs.
Given a passage of a New Testament letter, students will be able to:
Summarize the original situation and the meaning of the text for the biblical audience.
Describe differences between the biblical situation and contemporary situations
List the theological principles communicated by this passage
Create a contemporary real-world scenario that illustrates the application of a theological principle communicated by this passage
Given a series of gospel stories, students will be able to determine: (1) what each episode is telling us about Jesus, and (2) what the Gospel write was trying to communicate by the way he connected those episodes.
Given passages of scripture from the Gospels, students will be able to identify (match) the following literary forms: exaggeration, metaphor and simile, narrative irony, rhetorical questions, parallelism, parables.
Given a parable of Jesus, students will be able to identify the main point for each main character or group of characters.
Given an account from Acts, students will be able to:
Summarize the original situation and the meaning of the text for the biblical audience.
Describe differences between the biblical situation and contemporary situations
List the theological principles communicated by this passage
Create a contemporary real-world scenario that illustrates the application of a theological principle communicated by this passage
Given a theological principle from a passage in Revelation, students will be able to create a contemporary real-world scenario that illustrates the application of a theological principle communicated by this passage.
Given the specific messages from Jesus Christ to seven churches in Asia Minor, students will be able to chart these messages and apply the theological principles to their local church.
Given an Old Testament narrative, students will be able to:
Summarize the original situation and the meaning of the text for the biblical audience.
Describe differences between the biblical situation and contemporary situations
List the theological principles communicated by this passage
Identify how the New Testament and pre-Mosaic teachings modify or qualify this principle
Create a contemporary real-world scenario that illustrates the application of a theological principle communicated by this passage
Given a passage of Mosaic law, students will be able to:
Summarize the original situation and the meaning of the text for the biblical audience.
Describe differences between the biblical situation and contemporary situations
List the theological principles communicated by this passage
Identify how the New Testament and pre-Mosaic teachings modify or qualify this principle
Create a contemporary real-world scenario that illustrates the application of a theological principle communicated by this passage
Given a psalm, students will be able to classify couplets as one of the following: synonymous, developmental, illustrative, contrastive, or formal.
Given a list of examples of figures of speech from Psalms, students will be able to classify the figure of speech and explain what that figure or image means.
Given a psalm, students will be able to:
Summarize the original situation and the meaning of the text for the biblical audience.
Describe differences between the biblical situation and contemporary situations
List the theological principles communicated by this passage
Identify how the New Testament and pre-Mosaic teachings modify or qualify this principle
Create a contemporary real-world scenario that illustrates the application of a theological principle communicated by this passage
Given a passage of prophecy, students will be able to:
Summarize the original situation and the meaning of the text for the biblical audience.
Describe differences between the biblical situation and contemporary situations
List the theological principles communicated by this passage
Identify how the New Testament and pre-Mosaic teachings modify or qualify this principle
Create a contemporary real-world scenario that illustrates the application of a theological principle communicated by this passage
Given a passage of wisdom literature, students will be able to:
Summarize the original situation and the meaning of the text for the biblical audience.
Describe differences between the biblical situation and contemporary situations
List the theological principles communicated by this passage
Identify how the New Testament and pre-Mosaic teachings modify or qualify this principle
Create a contemporary real-world scenario that illustrates the application of a theological principle communicated by this passage
compare and contrast the philosophy of the General Conference, as spelled out in its Constitution of 1884, and the Identity/Mission/Purpose Statement adopted by the Church in 2005.
identify and describe with which of these philosophies of the General Conference your local congregation most closely identifies.
identify and analyze the pros and cons of safeguards designed to prevent any one person or any one entity within the church from gaining a disproportionate level of control.
identify (describe) roles the districts perform which cannot be easily fulfilled at the local and national levels
compare and contrast GC organizational policies for congregations with the organization of their local congregation.
describe the roles of the ministries of the General Conference and their overall goals.
describe how the process of licensing and credentialing ministers for pastoral service reflects the theology that the entire church is under the authority of Jesus Christ.
identify and describe both benefits and potential disadvantages of membership in the IMC
describe the flow of funds through the General Conference.
describe the functions and responsibilities of the various committees and boards.
distinguish between a member and a member-at-large.
distinguish between a congregation and a Sabbath School.
To make a written defense of the concept of an equipping ministry as set forth in Scripture.
To describe the features of an institutional model of pastoral ministry and its implications for the various parts of the Body.
To present the need for a paradigm shift away from the institutional model.
To compare and contrast the institutional and equipping models of pastoral ministry.
To present the challenges and opportunities inherent in the process of congregational change from one model to another.
To define the three primary emphases of an equipping ministry and articulate their relationship to one another.
To describe the relationship between interdependence and the equipping model.
To describe the foundational heart attitudes and practical skills that a pastor must exhibit in the light of applicable Scriptures.
To list the primary expectations that are imposed on pastors by the COG7 and its membership.
To list the ways in which Jesus serves as the foundation of Christian life and pastoral ministry.
To describe the power and purpose of Scripture in relation to an equipping model of ministry.
To describe the role of Scripture in relation to teaching, preaching and small group ministry.
To list and explain the heart attitudes and practical skills necessary to Discipleship and Modeling.
To describe the process of leading 1-3 others in a discipleship group.
To dialogue intelligently about the Ministry of Laying Foundations.
To list specific ways of developing a Ministry of Laying Foundations in a local church setting.
To list the various healing ministry opportunities in the local church.
To list ways in which the Body can be equipped to engage in a ministry of healing.
Students will be able to describe the pastors’ role in equipping the saints to have a healthy relationship with God.
Students will be able to describe the pastors’ role in equipping the saints to have a healthy relationship with one another.
To compare and contrast the paradigms of “Pastoral Care” and a “Ministry of Care”.
To identify potential pitfalls in the administration of caring ministry.
To be active in an equipping model of caring ministry.
To speak intelligently about the Ministry of Restoration.
To list practical steps toward developing a Ministry of Restoration in the local church.
Students will be able to describe their own sense of calling to pastoral ministry.
Students will be able to dialogue intelligently about the pastor’s role in equipping the Body to discover their personal calling and gifts.
Students will be able to reflect on their own experience in light of the dynamics of gift discovery and development in a small group or ministry team setting.
Students will be able to describe the four-part training model of:
Training
Supervised Experience
Feedback/Evaluation
Continued Training
Students will be able to evaluate and articulate their own strengths and weaknesses within the realm of the Ministry of Preparation.
Define Systematic Theology as a scientific and theological discipline
Describe the relationship between Systematic Theology and theology in general.
Explain the importance of Systematic Theology for the Church
List the sources of theology and discuss their relative value.
Discuss the methods of theological research listed in Erickson’s ten-step “Process of Doing Theology”.
Defend the priority of Scripture as a source of theology.
Articulate the doctrines of biblical inspiration and inerrancy.
List and define the divisions of Systematic Theology
Appreciate and discuss the interrelation of the various divisions of Systematic Theology
Discuss God’s nature.
Compare/contrast a classic Trinitarian view of the nature of God with the current view of the Church of God (Seventh Day).
Define and compare/contrast imminence and transcendence.
Discuss God’s attributes.
Describe God’s identity as Creator.
Discuss God’s plan for His creation.
Describe God’s identity as Provider.
Identify the ontological argument for God’s existence.
List and explain Thomas Aquinas’ “Five Ways”.
Discuss the problem of evil in relation to the existence of the Christian God and some of the proposed solutions.
Summarize a “Christian view of man”.
Discuss the meaning of man’s being created in God’s image.
Describe the “Universality of all humanity”.
Compare and contrast Trichotomism, Dichotomism, and Monism.
Define “Conditional Unity”
Discuss the nature and source of sin.
Describe the effects of sin on the sinner, their relationship with God, and their relationship with other humans.
Defend the deity and the humanity of Jesus Christ.
Describe the issues related to the unity of the Person of Christ.
Discuss the theological significance of the virgin birth in relation to the Person of Christ.
Describe the purpose and scope of Christ’s atoning work.
Discuss the various leading theories regarding the atonement.
Defend the Penal-Substitutionary Theory of the atonement.
Describe the approaches to salvation held within Christianity today as presented by McGrath
Discuss the conceptions of salvation held within Christianity as presented by Erickson.
Discuss the models and scope of salvation.
List and describe the past, present, and future elements of salvation.
Define the classical Trinitarian view of the person and work of the Holy Spirit.
Discuss the differences between the classic Trinitarian view and the position held by the General Conference of the Church of God (Seventh Day) regarding the Holy Spirit.
Define the nature and role of the Church.
Compare/contrast various forms of church government.
Discuss the issues related to church unity and the ecumenical movement.
Discuss the issues related to the method and meaning of baptism.
Discuss the issues related to the meaning and observance of the Lord’s Supper.
Describe the relationship between baptism, Lord’s Supper and the Church.
Define eschatology and describe its role in the life and teachings of the Church.
Discuss the differences between traditional Christian views regarding death and intermediate states and the doctrines of the Church of God (Seventh Day).
Compare/contrast the historic Christians views regarding the final states of the righteous and wicked with the doctrines of the Church of God (Seventh Day).
Describe the biblical doctrines of the second coming of Christ and the resurrection of humanity to judgment.
Define the various approaches to the millennium and the tribulation held by Christians as presented in Erickson.
Discuss the position of the Church of God (Seventh Day) regarding the second coming, resurrection, millennium and tribulation in respect to other Christian views regarding these topics.
Define the term “open creed” as used in the Introduction to the Statement of Faith.
Discuss the theological and doctrinal implications of an “open creed”.
List major contributing factors to the theological heritage of the Church of God (Seventh Day)
Identify the books recognized by the Church of God (Seventh Day) as Scripture
Define and defend the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture.
Discuss the phrases “only authority” and “only…rule of faith and conduct” as they relate to Scripture and the beliefs and practices of the Church of God (Seventh Day).
Define and defend monotheism as it relates to the Church of God (Seventh Day) doctrine of the Deity.
List and define the following attributes of God contained in the Statement of Faith:
Eternal
Infinite
Holy
Self-Existent
Spirit
List and define the following actions of God contained in the Statement of Faith:
Created
Sustains
Rules
Redeems
Judges
Discuss the nature of God as contained in the Statement of Faith:
One in nature, essence and being
Revealed in Scripture as Father and Son
Define transcendence as it relates to God the Father
Discuss the revelation of God as Father as it relates to the person of Christ
Identify God the Father’s eschatological goal
Contrast the terms “begotten” and “created” as they relate to Jesus Christ
Define and defend the Deity of Jesus Christ within the framework of monotheism
Define and discuss the following terms as they relate to Jesus Christ:
Eternal
Pre-existence/pre-incarnate
Subordinate in rank
Creator
Sustainer
Divine nature
Human nature
Provide a biblical defense for the following affirmations about Jesus Christ:
Deity
Humanity
Virgin Birth
Sinless life
Death as atoning sacrifice
Three-day and three-night entombment
Bodily resurrection
Ascension to the Father
Role as mediator and high priest
Second coming as judge and king
Worthy of worship
Discuss the nature/identity of the Holy Spirit as:
Deity
Divine helper
Personal presence/power
Describe the role of the Holy Spirit in:
Inspiration and illumination of Scripture
Conviction and regeneration of sinners
Sanctification, teaching, comforting, guiding, preserving, and empowering believers
List and define the evidences of the Holy Spirit’s work in a believer’s life.
Faith in Christ
Obedience to God
Spiritual fruit of love
Describe and defend the Church of God (Seventh Day) view of humanity as created:
In the image of God
Sinless
Not naturally immortal
Discuss the relationship between the sin of Adam and Eve and the identity of all humanity as sinners.
List and describe the penalties of sin outlined in the Statement of Faith:
Spiritual separation from God
Physical death (without consciousness)
Eternal death
Discuss the identity, activity, and ultimate destiny of Satan.
Describe the Church of God (Seventh Day) view of salvation as it relates to:
Movement from eternal death to eternal life
Grace
Faith in Jesus Christ
Human merit, works, or ceremonies
Discuss the connection between Jesus’ death and resurrection and the atonement for sins and promise of eternal life.
Describe the role of faith and repentance in the human experience of salvation.
List the Ten Commandments in order.
Identify examples of the observance of the Ten Commandments prior to the giving of the Law at Sinai.
Discuss the role of the Ten Commandments in the new covenant.
Describe the role of the Ten Commandments in Jesus’ example and teaching.
Defend the connection between observance of the Ten Commandments and love for God and neighbor from Scripture.
List the biblical evidence that the Sabbath was:
A gift to humanity
Written into the Ten Commandments
Kept and taught by Jesus
Observed by the apostolic church
Describe the Sabbath’s function as a memorial of both creation and redemption.
Defend the claim that the Sabbath should be observed by believers today.
Discuss the following terms as they relate to Sabbath-observance:
Rest
Worship
Well-doing
Defend the Church of God (Seventh Day) definition of marriage as:
An institution of God
An exclusive lifetime union between one man and one woman
Existing for the purpose of perpetuating humanity and enriching human experience
Discuss the theological significance of marriage reflecting the bond between Christ and his church.
Identify the legitimate ground for breaking of a marriage as given in the Statement of Faith and defend this perspective from Scripture.
Describe the relationship between marriage and:
Creation
The Moral Law
Christ’s teaching
Christ’s return
Identify the features of the Christian call to holiness.
Discuss the causal relationship between redemption and holy living.
Identify the various spiritual disciplines involved in developing relationship with God as outlined in the Statement of Faith
Discuss the responsibility of Christians in relationship to the physical and spiritual needs of humanity as it relates to social action and gospel witness.
List and define the following practices which Christians are to avoid, and defend the opposition of these sins from Scripture:
Pride
Envy
Indolence
Lust
Covetousness
Pornography
Sexual immorality
Homosexuality
Describe the place of tithe and freewill offerings in the new covenant.
Defend the perpetuity of the distinction between clean and unclean meats
Discuss the relationship between Christians and physical warfare.
Discuss religious syncretism with extra-biblical practices such as:
Sunday
Christmas
Easter
Lent
Halloween
Defend the definition of the church as being those who “hold the faith of Jesus and keep the commandments of God”.
Discuss the implications of the church being under the Lordship of Christ and the authority of His Word.
Describe the purposes of the church universal and local:
Worshipping God
Preaching the Gospel
Nurturing Believers
Serving Humanity
Identify and describe the ways in which Christians should participate in the church’s mission.
Service to others
Fellowship with believers
Define “ordinance”
Write a Scriptural defense for the Church of God (Seventh Day) view of baptism as follows:
Contingent upon confession of faith in Christ and repentance
Symbolic of the believers initial union with Christ by death to sin, burial, and resurrection
By immersion
Discuss the significance of the bread and cup as they relate to the Lord’s Supper.
Identify the memorial/symbolic view of the Lord’s Supper from a list of alternative views.
Describe the theological significance of footwashing at the Lord’s Supper.
Distinguish between the negotiable and non-negotiable issues related to the Lord’s Supper as outlined in the Statement of Faith.
Identify the things that Bible prophecy accomplishes as listed in the Statement of Faith:
Preserves and strengthens a believer’s hope for the Second Advent.
Identifies religious, social, and political trends and events
Identifies the rebirth of the nation of Israel and other events which point to the imminent return of Christ and establishment of God’s eternal kingdom on earth
Discuss the role of Bible prophecy in Christian faith and practice.
Select the Church of God (Seventh Day) view of the kingdom of God from a list of alternative views.
Discuss the relationship between the three phases of the Kingdom of God as outlined in the Statement of Faith.
Provide a biblical defense for the existence of a present kingdom, the millennial kingdom, and the eternal kingdom of God.
Place the events of the millennial kingdom of Christ in order as outlined in the Statement of Faith.
Provide a biblical defense for the doctrine of annihilationism.
Describe the Eternal Kingdom of God based upon the depiction in the Statement of Faith and Revelation 21-22.
Discuss the Church of God (Seventh Day) belief in a post-tribulational, pre-millennial, visible return of Christ within the context of differing eschatological schemes.
Compare/contrast the Church of God (Seventh Day) doctrines regarding intermediate and final states with alternative Christian views.
Discuss the theological and practical implications of living in a kingdom that is “already…not yet”.
