The Course
The primary materials for the preparation training will be “Holy Land Satellite Atlas Vols. 1-2,” complete with DVD. These materials are designed to maximize the learning experience. The materials, certificates and all related materials cost $195 and this cost is the responsibility of the participant. The church where the pastor serves is asked by The Olive Tree Foundation USA to help and aid in getting their pastor to the USA departure point and assist in the cost of the materials. The materials are the same for all groups of participants.
While in Israel the trip participant is introduced to the “Congregational Study.” The materials for the study are designed with a focus on what the pastors are taught and witness first-hand, on-site. The “Congregational Study” is a condensed one-volume study guide/workbook.
Before returning home, follow-up begins in Israel to insure the participant schedules the congregational study in his church.
Holy Land Bible Study Preparation Course
Week 1: Understanding the Bible as it is Written:
Introduction to a five Step Hermeneutic and Basic Presuppositions of the entire study.
Week 2: Understanding the Strategic Nature of the Fertile Crescent:
A study of the basic Geography, Connecting Roads, Rift Valley, Water Sources as well as other pertinent facts that relate to understanding the Bible.
Week 3: Understanding the Time Lines:
Major Empires in and Surrounding Israel through the Ottoman Period including key archaeological terms and datelines and definitions.
Week 4: Study of the Temples and the Importance of Jerusalem
The pre-temple worship apparatus, the importance of Mt. Moriah and a central place of worship in God’s plan as well as studying the developing and demise of the first and second temples and the place of the future temple.
Week 5: The Historical, Geographical, Linguistic, and Cultural Context of the Old and New Testaments:
Storyline of the Old and New Testament Narratives and the period between the Testaments.
Week 6: The rise of Zionism from 1880’s through present day:
Trace the founding of Modern Zionism, Balfour Declaration, British/French Mandates, and Israel’s modern Statehood to present day realities.
