In the Shadow of the Cross

A Biblical Theology of Persecution & Discipleship

This is THE foundational course for the Persecuted Church Studies program, covering one of the most neglected themes of Scripture. This course is the fruit of several years of theological and biblical research and reflection, personal struggles, and practical experience in both pastoral and cross-cultural ministry to the persecuted church by Glenn Penner, Communications Director for The Voice of the Martyrs.

This course is offered to any church, mission organization, college, or seminary who desires to discover more about the biblical teachings on persecution, suffering and discipleship. Ideal for weekend retreats, staff training, discipleship training courses, special meetings, and missions conferences.

Other formats can also be adopted, and we will be happy to work with you to come up with one that suits your needs and unique situation. To date, versions of this course have been taught at Bible schools, seminaries, and leaders conferences in Canada, the United States, United Kingdom, Colombia, Nicaragua, Ethiopia and Sri Lanka. This course is taught every fall at Oklahoma Wesleyan University as part of their Persecuted Church Studies program. Plans are also underway to expand the teaching of this course to other schools in North America and around the world in coming years.

Course Description:

The focus of this course is an examination of the neglected biblical teaching on persecution as a central aspect of Christian discipleship, providing a biblical foundation from which to articulate an understanding of God's perspective on these issues and to evaluate historical and contemporary perspectives.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, the student will have:

• thoroughly examined and understood the Bible's teaching on suffering, persecution and discipleship
• examined and evaluated other perspective (including their own) on the issue of persecution in light of the biblical revelation
• demonstrated an ability to communicate a biblical perspective on suffering, persecution and discipleship
• developed an appreciation for the faith and courage of today's Persecuted Church and discerned how he/she may personally imitate it in their own context.

Course Outline: