TYRANNUS BIBLE SCHOOL
Preparing Christians for Life and Ministry
By Expositional Bible Teaching & Learning New Testament Greek
This unique school in Springfield, Oregon is for Christians who want to strengthen their foundation in the Scripture. It is designed for those who believe the Bible is central for understanding God’s revelation to mankind and who desire to integrate this truth into their lives. The school year extends from October to May including a Thanksgiving, Christmas and spring break. If you think an in-depth understanding of the Bible combined with faith and obedience is essential for spiritual growth, you are invited to seek enrollment in this practical and personal course of study.
Values & Objectives
Bible Centered: The primary goal of this school is to uphold the Bible as the unconditional Word of God. Every teacher believes it is inspired in the original manuscripts and contains all instruction necessary for the Christian life and ministry. The Bible is held as the final authority; therefore, students are encouraged to develop convictions based on conclusions from their own study of Scripture.
Learning Greek: The main focus of this school is centered on New Testament study, so those who desire the optimal ability to understand the text will want to gain a comprehension of the original language. Here, each instructor is experienced in teaching and deliberating the entire New Testament from the Greek text and can effectively train you to do the same.
A Transformed Life: A grasp of the whole Bible is crucial since it sets forth the dynamics needed for spiritual growth. When believers utilize the indwelling Holy Spirit to apply God’s revealed will, they cultivate Christian character, attain emotional stability, and develop a God-oriented purpose which includes the desire to share His Word with others.
Spirit of Discovery: While students seek to shape their beliefs by biblical truth, they are encouraged to expect ongoing transformation of mind and heart as they explore the inspired text. By engaging in a Word-relationship with God, Christians can experience guidance as they are filled with, walk in, and are being led by the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:12; Gal. 5:16-18; Eph. 5:18).
Mentoring by Example: Each instructor endeavors to demonstrate the character of Jesus Christ at all times, for respectable leadership can stimulate proper motives, attitudes and actions in others. Whenever the Word is deliberated, an academic approach is modeled for the purpose of teaching faithful adherence to the flow of thought. Also, teachers seek to exhibit a positive example of gracious interaction and remind students that knowledge apart from essential character results in pride instead of building up the Body of Christ. (1 Cor. 8:1-3).
Curriculum
The Bible, composed of 66 Books, serves as the only text in Bible classes. Since believers need to grasp this entire revelation to comprehend God and His purpose, enough contexts are covered in order to achieve theological competence and balance in His Word. Greater emphasis is placed on study of the New Testament because it is key for understanding the Old Testament, and it contains the truth which defines and guides the Church. Those who have the time and aptitude are encouraged to learn Greek, although this is not a requirement.
Approach to Instruction
Books of the Bible are taught using an expositional, verse by verse method with the objective to follow the intended meaning of the author (2 Cor. 4:2). During this process, a literal, grammatical, historical approach is applied to determine the meaning of each passage; theological concepts are discussed as they arise in the text; and parables, types, examples, etc. are interpreted in light of their surrounding context. Each instructor seeks to teach the Word honestly while demonstrating accountability to the authority of Scripture since it embodies the final standard for everyone. Also, Freedom of Thought is stressed since this is essential for developing true personal convictions and spiritual growth (Rom. 14:5, 22-23; Eph. 4:15-16). In addition, no portion of God’s revelation is avoided so you can gain a balanced view and have all your questions addressed (Acts 20:20-27; 2 Cor. 4:13-14; Eph. 4:11-13).
New Testament Greek Courses
Why Study Greek? Other than early Christians who knew Greek, believers throughout the ages have faced the obstacle of meaning-lost-in-translation. This is because it is difficult to communicate some aspects of New Testament Greek into other languages. By persistence and hard work, you can earn the reward of greater insight and confidence as a result of comprehending the original text. Also, learning Greek equips you to critically analyze any New Testament context without the need to depend on Bible translations or commentaries. The goal is to help enable you to draw your own conclusions directly from the source God used to communicate His will.
How to Learn Greek: Parents around the world with no formal education in reading, syntax, or grammar successfully teach language to their children every day. Similarly, the way to learn New Testament Greek is from those who treat it as a language and have acquired a working knowledge of it through many years of study. Experienced instructors can help you understand the complexities of this language, which go far beyond word meanings and grammatical forms.
Teaching Technique: A reading knowledge of Greek is accomplished by using the Immersion Method. This approach involves studying in an atmosphere directed by individuals who actually know Greek as a language. In addition to discussing the original text in Bible courses, all Greek classes are designed to help build reading comprehension by concentrating on the actual text of the New Testament. Beginning in the Gospel of John, students progressively develop an understanding of vocabulary, grammar and word order as they observe how these components are used within the language. Students gain proficiency in the classroom as well as by the use of language resources such as lexicons, grammars, concordances, notes about textual variation, etc.
Maintaining Perspective: When biblical truth permeates a believer, the Holy Spirit uses it for spiritual transformation. So also, information gained from the Greek text can yield positive convictions and ministry potential when it is accompanied by Christian character. Students are encouraged to use their knowledge to glorify our Lord and benefit others in the Body of Christ, not to exalt themselves.
Learning to Teach the Word
Second Timothy 2:2 – “And which things you heard from me through many witnesses, these things commit to faithful men, who will be qualified to teach others also.”
By the end of a year, students have the opportunity to develop teaching skills through practice in the classroom. This exercise includes constructive critique designed to help each participant improve all aspects of their communication. You will learn to use the English and/or Greek texts, incorporate information from helps, assess audiences, use analogies, apply biblical teaching guidelines, and deal with unexpected circumstances. Emphasis is placed on teaching the Word, applying its content, and trusting the Holy Spirit to accomplish His work in those who hear.
Additional Activities
Effort is made to spend time with students outside scheduled classes to create potential for additional instruction, guidance, or counseling related to all facets of life and ministry. All are encouraged to participate in Christian assemblies, be involved in Bible studies, observe and/or take part in mentoring, and seek exposure to a diversity of views for the purpose of broadening perspective. Importance is placed on appreciating and maintaining unity with all believers.
Cost
There is no cost for classes or activities at Tyrannus Bible School. Those who teach take part in this ministry because they have a burden to build up the Body of Christ. Students are responsible for buying required books (less than $100) and providing all personal living expenses.
Course Completion
God commends individual believers in proportion to how they faithfully respond to His Word. For this reason, no grades or degrees are given. However, what you learn will be invaluable for your personal growth and preparation to serve and please our Lord Jesus Christ. Letters of Recommendation may be granted at the discretion of each instructor (Rom. 12:1-2; 16:1; 1 Cor. 3:1, 4-6; 4:2; 2 Cor. 10:18; 2 Tim 2:2, 15).
Statement of Faith
The sixty-six Books of the Bible constitute the format in which God chose to present His Word, and it contains the only revelation needed for belief and practice. Its message centers on the Person and Work of Jesus Christ including His Deity, sinless Human life, bodily death and resurrection, provision for the salvation of mankind, and promise of eternal life for believers. You can obtain additional information about what you would learn at this school by listening to messages and reading articles on this website. Also, inquiries can be sent to the following email address.
Applying for Enrollment:
If you desire to apply, please send an email.
And, to help you develop a feel for what this training consists of, you can request a phone call (please include your phone number); be connected with people to discuss the kind of Bible teaching or Greek instruction you would receive; or participate in a live Bible study or Greek Class taught by an instructor (by phone or Skype).
All applicants will be screened. Also, references may be required.
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Background photo, “Rock Structure from Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park”
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