Faith Builders Educational Programs, Inc.
Overview
Faith Builders Educational Programs, Inc., an NCCRS member since November 2010, founded in 1987, is a nonprofit, conservative, Mennonite post secondary school that offers a Christian-Anabaptist worldview-based training program for students preparing to teach or minister in local and foreign settings. Among Faith Builders' educational goals are the following:
- To integrate knowledge and application through a rigorous apprenticeship education
- To instill a Christian worldview that is rooted in the Anabaptist understanding of Christianity
- To assist churches by preparing people who can pastor, raise Christian children, and teach in Christian schools
- To assist students who want to attend an Anabaptist school for several years before they go to other schools.
Faith Builders offers three two-year tracks of study: Teacher Apprenticing; Christian Ministries; and General Studies. In addition, Faith Builders offers continuing education in a wide variety of subjects in 5-week summer and winter terms. Course levels range from basic to advanced and classes are taught on-site. The faculty has been recruited from among trained and experienced members of various Anabaptist communities.
Students and admissions representatives please note: NCCRS does not provide transcripts. Transcript requests and inquiries should be directed to the organization offering the courses, examinations or apprenticeship. See the Source of Official Student Records in the sidebar near the top right side of this page.
Source of Official Student Records
Titles of all evaluated learning experiences
Education - Faith Builders Educational Programs
English - Faith Builders Educational Programs
History - Faith Builders Educational Programs
Inactive Learning Experiences - Faith Builders Educational Programs
Mathematics - Faith Builders Educational Programs
Music - Faith Builders Educational Network
Psychology/Sociology - Faith Builders Educational Network
Religion - Faith Builders Educational Network
Science - Faith Builders Educational Network
Course Categories
Descriptions and credit recommendations for all evaluated learning experiences
Education - Faith Builders Educational Programs
45 hours (12 weeks).
September 2013 - Present.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: recognize and define common terms in the field of special education; describe in detail the signs, symptoms and solutions for a particular learning difference; identify resources and teaching strategies for exceptional learners; initiate independent study and research on a particular learning difference; create an individualized educational plan appropriate to the needs of the exceptional learner in an Anabaptist school; develop compassion and vision for helping exceptional learners in a classroom setting; create a philosophy that seeks to understand God’s plan and work in the lives of exceptional learners; and develop discernment and critical thinking skills when faced with theories, symptoms, solutions, fads, gimmicks and medications for the exceptional learner.
Major topics covered in the course are: common terms in the field of special education; resources and teaching strategies for exceptional learners; individualized educational plans; and interaction with parents of exceptional learners. Methods of instruction include: reading, video presentations, discussion, and research. Evaluation criteria include: 11 short essays and a final presentation to the class.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Introduction to Special Education or Introduction to Exceptional Children (10/15) (10/20 revalidation).
60 hours (4 weeks).
August 2011 - Present.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: create lesson plans with measurable objectives and a clear plan for accomplishing those objectives; prepare and present components of lessons; utilize visual and auditory tools; apply solid classroom management strategies to develop an overall classroom management plan and develop a discipline plan for the classroom; deliver prepared and approved lessons in a class setting, enabling student mastery of stated objectives; increase effectiveness and awareness by self-evaluating teaching; assess observed teaching for achievement of objectives, for presentation, and for classroom management; evaluate themselves and others for effective teaching practices; and constructively participate in daily debriefing meetings
Major topics are: educational philosophy of Faith Builders Educational Programs; principles that guide effective teaching; classroom management; lesson planning; assessment of student learning; and evaluation of teaching. Methods of instruction include: lecture, discussion, and observation of other teachers. Evaluation criteria include: study guides, student teaching, and a final portfolio.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Education (10/15) (10/20 revalidation).
- Formerly Mathematics for Teachers MAT 201 (MAT 201); also Mathematics for Teachers
- Formerly Principles of Teaching EDU 202 (EDU 202); also Principles of Teaching
- Formerly Methods: Teaching Reading EDU 230 (EDU 230); also Methods: Teaching Reading
English - Faith Builders Educational Programs
- Formerly Children's Literature LIT 240 (LIT 240); also Children's Literature
45 hours (12 weeks).
February 2012 - Present.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: use the library to do academic research; use reliable internet sources for academic research; analyze written sources and identify key content and arguments through note-taking; outline the steps for organizing and writing a research paper; synthesize different perspectives and streams of information into a compelling argument; evaluate one’s own work and the work of others for correct grammar, appropriate content, careful organization, and good style; evaluate others’ critique of one’s work and incorporate alternative perspectives into one’s writing; exercise the use of successive drafts to improve one’s writing; and utilize standard formatting guidelines to present one’s research for an academic audience.
Major topics covered in the course are: writing skills; methods of research; evaluation of sources; and development of an extended argument in a research paper. Methods of instruction include: lecture; peer evaluations; and individualized instructor feedback. Evaluation criteria include a 15-page (minimum) research paper.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in English Composition (10/15) (10/20 revalidation).
- Formerly Introduction to World Literature LIT 110
- Formerly World Literature LIT 110
History - Faith Builders Educational Programs
- Formerly Early and Medieval Church History HIS 340 (HIS 340)
- Formerly Modern Church History HIS 341 (HIS 341); also Modern Church History
Inactive Learning Experiences - Faith Builders Educational Programs
60 hours (4 weeks).
October 2010 - October 2020.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: articulate the biblical, historical, cultural, and strategic aspects of ministry worldwide; discuss ministry skills in direct interaction with ministry and mission practitioners; assess one’s place in the work of worldwide ministry by evaluating one’s own gifting and abilities alongside the opportunities available; describe the vision and activities of organizations that minister to people in urban settings or prisons; exercise ministry skills in participation with organizations that minister to people in urban settings or prisons; integrate oneself with other students as a team in ministry, experiencing how a group is more than the sum of its parts; participate in group worship; and evaluate personal and team experiences.
Major topics covered are: the message; the means; challenges; methods; purpose in the world; a blessing to the world; representing God to the world; and teamwork. Methods of instruction include: lecture, guest presentations, and group work. Evaluation criteria include five response papers, an interview with the instructor, and journaling.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate division category, 3 semester hours in Ministry Studies (10/15).
45 hours (5 weeks).
October 2010 - December 2024.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: acquire a detailed working knowledge of the fundamentals of functional harmony in tonall, Western music through notation, scales, intervals, keys, chords, and musical forms; analyze the structural elements of music including cadences, nonharmonic tones, and melodic organization; apply music theory concepts to the practice of music; and develop and increase aural skills (ear training) including intervals, triads, melodic dictation, rythmic dictation, harmonic dictation, and error detection.
Major topics covered in the course are: scales; tonality; key; modes; intervals; transposition; chords; cadences; nonharmonic tones; textures; voice leading; harmonic progression and harmonic rhythm; and dominant seventh chord. Methods of instruction include: lecture, daily ear training exercises, and daily keyboard exercises. Evaluation criteria include two exams and a final composition.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Music Theory or Music (Liberal Arts requirement) (10/15) (10/20 revalidation).
- Formerly New Testament Survey BIB 102 (BIB 102); also New Testament Survey
12 hours, plus independent research (12 weeks).
September 2013 - October 2020.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: read a theological work and understand the author’s intent; evaluate the author’s teaching; evaluate the teaching biblically; express their own positions in an essay; defend a position in a discussion; and critique the positions of other students.
Major topics covered in the course are: the Resurrection; the Incarnation; miracles; pluralism; ecclesiology; and beauty. Methods of instruction include: reading, discussion, and individual conferences with the instructor. Evaluation criteria include ten response papers.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Bible or Theology (10/15).
12 hours, plus independent research (12 weeks).
September 2012 - October 2020.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: explain and defend their personal understanding of what it means to follow Jesus; summarize major discipleship emphases in different Christian traditions; investigate and evaluate perspectives of discipleship both similar to and different from their own and offer appropriate responses; and set goals and practice skills for enabling others to follow Jesus.
Major topics covered in the course are: six perspectives on methods of discipleship. Methods of instruction include: reading, discussion, and individual conferences with the instructor. Evaluation criteria include nine short essays and an 8-10 page final paper.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Discipleship (10/15).
Mathematics - Faith Builders Educational Programs
45 hours (12 weeks).
September 2013 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: understand and apply the concepts of inductive and deductive reasoning; Write in and apply different number systems, including Roman numerals, Hindu-Arabic, base 10, and base 2; convert base 10 numbers to base 2 and base 2 numbers to base 10, and add base 2 numbers; determine if a number is prime or composite and factor composite numbers; determine if a number is rational or irrational and perform operations with fractions; apply the rules of exponents; use basic concepts of algebra in calculating unknowns for equations in one variable; determine the domain and range of linear equations and whether a graph is a function; graph linear equations; Interpret statistical data, charts, and graphs; perform probability and statistical operations, calculate central tendencies, and interpret deviation; calculate the perimeter and area of geometric objects and the volume of three-dimensional objects; relate mathematical concepts to the historical context of their discovery; articulate how mathematics fits into a Christian view of reality; and delight in the light that mathematics brings to an understanding of the world and its creation.
Major topics include: critical thinking skills; systems of numeration; number theory; algebra, graphs, and functions; systems of linear equations; the metric system; geometry; probability; and statistics. Methods of instruction include: lecture and daily practice sets. Evaluation criteria include tests and a reflection paper.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in General Education or as a Liberal Arts Mathematics requirement (10/15) (10/20 revalidation).
Music - Faith Builders Educational Network
- Formerly Beginning Choral Conducting MUS 320 (MUS 320); Beginning Choral Conducting
- Formerly Beginning Class Voice MUS 310 (MUS 310); Beginning Class Voice
Version 1 and 2: 45 hours (5 weeks).
Psychology/Sociology - Faith Builders Educational Network
- Formerly Introduction to Human Understanding PSY 101 (PSY 101)
45 hours in five weeks.
January 2018 – Present.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: name and describe the markers that define abuse; recognize symptoms of abuse; compare and contrast common responses to abuse; compare and contrast factors that affect the severity of abuse; summarize helpful steps toward recovery from abuse; understand and apply Pennsylvania state law to incidents of abuse; and summarize the process of forgiveness and demonstrate how it applies to the experience of abuse.
Major topics in this course include forms of abuse such as physical, verbal, emotional, and sexual abuse, ways to increase awareness and understanding, Pennsylvania abuse laws, and biblical understanding of responses to human sin, suffering, and sorrow.
In the lower division baccalaureate / associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Human Services or Ministry (10/20).
45 hours.
January 2019 - Present.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: define and recognize depression; describe the multiple contributors to depression; identify needs of people who are depressed and propose practical ways to meet those needs; evaluate clinical treatments of depression, including approaches, medical intervention, and referral.
Depression has been called the common cold of psychological disorders. with one in ten people in the U.S. experiencing depression. Topics in this class include examples of depression in the Bible, causes of depression, recent forms of treatment, and helpful responses to people who are depressed.
In the lower division baccalaureate / associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Human Services or Ministry (10/20).
Religion - Faith Builders Educational Network
60 hours in 4 weeks.
August 2019 – Present.
Identify the steps to servanthood that undergird cross-cultural interactions; initiate and sustain Level 1, 2 and 3 conversations; utilize “The Diamond” as a method of assessing and directing spiritual conversations with non-believers; and demonstrate an ability to initiate and sustain spiritual conversations with nonbelievers.
This course will take students on a journey from the basics of initiating conversations through increasingly sustained dialogue with people different than themselves. A particular focus will be on communication of the Christian faith to nonbelievers. Students will practice the skills of communication in a variety of settings culminating with several days of face-to-face ministry to prison inmates.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Humanities, Cross-cultural Communications, Social Science, Theology, or Christian Ministries (10/20).
39 hours (4 weeks); plus required 80 hours of lab work.
August 2011 - Present.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: articulate values and beliefs that guide the educational experience at Faith Builders Educational Programs; investigate their personal calling and evaluate ministry opportunities accordingly; analyze service opportunities in our world today and propose effective means of meeting human needs; summarize New Testament principles and techniques of serving others, especially as exemplified in the ministry of Jesus; identify common temptations in ministry and evaluate personal vulnerabilities; develop and demonstrate leadership and teamwork in ministry teams; and develop group-building activities for ministry teams.
Major topics covered in the course are: the discipleship philosophy of Faith Builders; calling and servanthood in the church and in the world; five essentials for service; understanding the heart of a servant; common temptations; spirit-filled service; and team work. Methods of instruction include: lecture and group work. Evaluation criteria include response papers, a final exam, and journaling.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Ministry Studies (10/15) (10/20 revalidation).
- Formerly Worldviews Survey I PHI 201; also Worldviews Survey I PHI 201 (PHI 201); also Worldviews Survey I
- Formerly Old Testament Survey BIB 101 (BIB 101); also Old Testament Survey
- Formerly Reading the Bible BIB 250; also Bible Study Methods BIB 250; also Bible Study Methods BIB 250 (BIB 250); also Bible Study Methods
- Formerly Systematic Theology THE 220 (THE 220); also Systematic Theology
Science - Faith Builders Educational Network
- Formerly Principles of Science SCI 210; also Principles of Science SCI 210 (SCI 210); also Principles of Science)