DCTA Schedule & Classes

This in-depth study of Genesis 1-11 focuses on Creation, the Fall, the Flood, the Dispersion from Babel and God’s plan throughout those periods of time. Within these chapters, there is important history and doctrine that set the foundation for the rest of the Bible.

This two week class is a broad overview will put the Old and New Testaments in perspective by being able to look at the whole thing in one broad sweep. This class traces the history of the Old Testament people including the nation of Israel through highs and lows. Cultural aspects will be explained and prophecies and references looking ahead to the Messiah will be examined.

Transitioning from the Old Testament to the New Testament era, students will dive into the life of Christ, the fulfilled prophecies, cultural aspects, and the regions described in the New Testament. This whirlwind tour through the events of Jesus’ life will help open understanding of the ministry of Jesus and His apostles, what they really taught, and how we are called to live today.

This introduction is a blast of information that will simply be the top of the iceberg to concepts and classes that students will dive into throughout the year. This class is a broad introduction to the topic of origins and early Earth history from both science and the Bible. The class consists of a general introduction and expectations as a student at DCTA, a review of the Discover Creation DVD Series, and a broad overview of topics in the Creation vs. Evolution debate.

Before hitting the road, students will explore an introductory overview of the major concepts and discoveries in the fields of earth science and geology. Students will discuss and learn about tectonics, volcanism, stratification, fossilization, erosion, and the major rock types. Concepts of uniformitarianism, catastrophism, and geologic time will also be covered.

This overview will give some needed preparation before we take off on the first field trip, but classes will continue on the road as we hit the first checkpoint, Yellowstone National Park. Families and those interested in the Adventure may be welcome to join in and learn as we kick off the year. Families and friends can experience the Yellowstone National Park tour before the class itself heads off towards Mt. St. Helens.

During these initial class periods, students will also be able to brainstorm and pick topics for their individual ministry projects. Students will be active in assessing their strengths, weaknesses, and interests to best learn and communicate the creation message and the gospel in worthwhile ministry.

This class serves as an overview of the history of science, the relationship between faith and reason, and the power and limitations of the scientific method. Students will learn to differentiate between science and philosophy, between facts and assumptions, and between data and interpretations. Students will learn about how assumptions and one’s worldview can and has shaped how we think about science and our world.

This class is an introduction to the fields of anthropology and archaeology including research methods and study of selected sites and findings. Brian Mariani, one of the main researchers and authors of The Genius of Ancient Man, will share his research about cultures and sites all over the world. Students will study the origin of human kind, the distribution of various people groups, and their scientific and technological accomplishments. Many cultural aspects will be studied and which continually confirm and strengthen the records and history of the Bible.

As time allows, students may adventure through SE Utah and the Four Corners region studying archaeology and ancient history, with some geology and biology lessons included. Students may see firsthand the accomplishments of ancient civilizations. Sites will be selected from Mesa Verde, Hovenweep, Canyon de Chelle and other lesser known sites.*

With these two weeks, students will learn about the fundamental laws and interactions of nature along with an introductory overview of the major concepts and historical discoveries of astronomy. They will explore and discuss the importance of recent discoveries about our solar system, our planet, our moon, galaxies, theories of origins, star formation and death, and related concepts. Students will discern what the evidence really is and how it shows the age of our universe.

This introduction to life sciences includes discussion of the complexity of life (chemistry of life, molecular biology, and genetics). Students will gain an understanding of the design exhibited throughout nature and will examine the evidence for and against the theory of evolution.

This continuation into the study of biology includes discussion of the origin and diversity of life (models of origin, classification systems, overview of major groups of organisms). Students will gain an understanding of the design exhibited throughout nature and will examine the evidence for and against the theory of evolution.

This continuation of life science includes discussion of the relationships of life (ecology and environmental science). Students will gain an understanding of the design exhibited throughout nature and will examine the evidence for and against the theory of evolution.

This class gives you a general overview of Geology and is integrated within and throughout the Intro to Creation Studies: Orientation & Field Trip Prep and within and throughout the Fire & Ice Field Trip!

The Fossil Record is interpreted in the secular perspective as representing billions of years of Earth history, but does the evidence accurately fit that conclusion. Further fossil evidence will be investigated to show that a rapid deposition for the rock layers presents a better interpretation of the evidence. This class will be enriched and supplemented by several major field trips (listed separately).

The Bible explains and records Noah’s ship log regarding the Global Flood. The Rock Layers provide plenty of evidence supporting the truth of the Flood account in the Bible. From this class, learn how a flood explains the evidence better than millions of years of slow deposition. This class will be enriched and supplemented by several major field trips (listed separately).

Discover the wonders of Yellowstone National Park, the Teton Mountains, and the Pacific Northwest, focusing particularly on the geologic processes of volcanism, glaciers, stratification, and erosion. Students will see evidence for the Great Missoula Flood and the Global Flood, along with the intriguing effects of the eruption of Mt St Helens. Points of biology and historical interest will be included along the way.

Discover, explore and wonder at the geologic features of the Southwest, focusing primarily on geology, but also including selected study of biology and human history. Particular emphasis will be given to studying evidences of stratification and erosion. Learn a biblical perspective for the formation of Grand Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Natural Bridges, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks, as well as the intriguing formations at Kodachrome Basin, and many more.

This optional, but highly recommended combined field trip/ministry outreach will be an unforgettable experience, well worth the additional cost. It includes a broad introduction to the diverse ecosystems of Costa Rica, including live volcanoes, tropical rainforests, biological design, ecology, archaeology, and more. An important emphasis in this experience is the cross-cultural ministry with the Costa Rican people.

Students not choosing to go on this trip will have this time designated to working on Creation ministry related projects.

One of the most common objections to God, Jesus, or Christianity in general, is the fact that people do not take the Bible seriously as a legitimate source of “Truth”. In fact, the opposition to the Creation perspective tend to compromise with the authority and inerrancy of the Bible. During this class, the students will take the perspective of a cold case detective in studying the tremendous amounts of evidence that work to confirm the Truth and reliability of both the Old and New Testaments.

Leadership is significant in our culture. We will study – How did Jesus lead? How are we to lead? How are we to follow? We are also called by Jesus to “go and make disciples” – but what does that really look like? We will study Biblical examples and get practical experience considering these important topics!

Let’s learn how to think…not simply what to think…and in all aspects of our daily life!

This class will study different worldviews and methods of apologetics through the themes of Origin, Identity (incorporated throughout), Meaning, Morality, and Destiny. This class introduces the concept, elements and importance of understanding your worldview as well as the worldviews of others. Students will gain valuable perspective in understanding the major worldviews encountered today and will therefore better understand these modern times. This class will be an ongoing learning experience that is integrated throughout the year.

As Christians, we are called to give a defense for our faith. In this class, students will critically analyze and use the book I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist to be equipped to combat common challenges and questions faced in our society today. Students will study the means of argumentation and will discuss some of the major areas of Biblical apologetics.

This class will be incorporated in the afternoons throughout the year and it involves the development of skills and materials for practical ministry, including multimedia presentations, skits, hands-on activities and other student driven ministry techniques. Many of these will be utilized in the Costa Rica outreach and the summer practicum. This will provide great experience for students interested in global missionary outreach. This class is an introduction to strategies for reaching believers and nonbelievers with the gospel and a Biblically consistent view of God, His Word, and His creation. Students will learn academic strategies for evangelism with a focus will be on tangible, worthwhile interactions and experiences.

This class will be incorporated in the afternoons throughout the year and it help students learn how to engage and interact with the next generation. Students will gain an inside view as to what it takes to plan and facilitate ministry programs to children and youth. Strategies, testimonies, and experiences will provide students with another outlet for ministry.

This class focuses on personal challenge, group dynamics, and leadership skills. Students will experience the beauty and ruggedness of the natural environment. They will be encouraged to confront fears, explore new ways of meeting challenges, and reflect on their experiences in a personal journal.

This class focuses on developing Godly character and leadership skills. Students will study the Biblical explanations and examples of Godly leadership. The goal of this class is to develop leadership qualities that will be useful for life and family situations.

This personalized communication skill development will be integrated throughout the year through evaluation of various projects. Emphasis will be placed upon the development of clear and effective communication skills, both written and oral. These opportunities are designed to be both practical and relevant to other learning.

This class will run the entire year and will keep students accountable to their commitments. As part of this class, students will: read the entire Bible in one year, make and accomplish deadlines on projects, submit attitude and Christian behavior assessments, and more.

After learning in the classroom and on field trips during the scheduled year, students may be able to then use their experience, their projects, and their knowledge to be actively involved in practical ministry opportunities for a part of the summer. Students may gain experience in communicating, preparing, planning and facilitating ministry activities. There may be many different opportunities to participate in creation ministry outreaches such as facilitating Vacation Bible Schools, serving as counselors and teachers at summer camps (family and/or youth camps), participating with AOI functions, and potential cross-cultural outreaches.