Spiritual Warfare (3 Credits)

Spiritual Warfare (3 Credits) 

Dr. Bruce Ballast

🧭 Course Description

This course explores the biblical, theological, historical, and practical dimensions of spiritual warfare, equipping Christian leaders to recognize and engage in the unseen battle between the Kingdom of God and the forces of darkness. Through in-depth video teachings, academic readings, and practical Bible studies, students will examine how spiritual warfare manifests in personal lives, local ministries, and global contexts. Drawing from Scripture, church history, and Ministry Sciences, this course challenges leaders to stand firm in Christ, exercise discernment, and apply the armor of God with boldness, humility, and love.

Dr. Bruce Ballast guides learners through key topics such as the origin of spiritual warfare, Satan’s strategies, spiritual authority, deliverance, generational curses, strategic-level warfare, and the healing of wounded souls. The course culminates in a comprehensive framework for living and ministering victoriously in contested territory.

🎯 Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Articulate a biblical worldview of spiritual warfare, including key passages and theological themes.
2. Trace the historical development of the doctrine of Satan and spiritual warfare from early Christianity to the postmodern era.
3. Identify and evaluate the strategies and schemes of the enemy, both in individual and systemic expressions.
4. Explain and apply the full armor of God (Ephesians 6) in practical ministry settings.
5. Differentiate between mental health issues and demonic oppression, using a Ministry Sciences-informed dual diagnosis framework.
6. Understand defensive and offensive weapons of spiritual warfare, including prayer, Scripture, fasting, and intercession.
7. Develop strategies for personal resilience and holiness in the face of spiritual attack, especially for leaders in vulnerable ministry roles.
8. Demonstrate knowledge of strategic-level warfare, including power encounters, spiritual mapping, and the engagement of territorial spirits.
9. Build frameworks for inner healing and restoration, including the pastoral care of survivors of trauma and spiritual bondage.
10. Live and minister with Christ-centered confidence, knowing that spiritual warfare is fought from a place of victory, not fear.

Resources: All course content is provided through readings and video lectures.

1. View all online lectures and read all articles on each topic. Active engagement with course materials prior to attempting the quiz is required for each unit. If a resource is provided in multiple formats, simply choose whichever format best supports your learning. CLI’s system tracks your viewing history to determine meaningful engagement. Make sure you are logged into your student account when viewing or downloading the materials.

2. Take the online quiz for each unit. You will have 75 minutes to answer 20 multiple-choice questions for each quiz. Each quiz covers the readings and video lectures for that unit. Once a quiz has started, you must finish it, and you cannot retake it. 

 3. At the end of the course, you will be invited to complete a brief Course Feedback Survey. Your feedback helps CLI evaluate the course and identify opportunities for improvement.

Course Forum

Each course forum is located near the beginning of the course, immediately before the first course-content section. The forum allows students to post course-related questions and comments for other currently enrolled students to view and discuss. You can also search previous posts to see whether your question or topic has already been addressed. 

 The forum is intended primarily for peer discussion and may not receive an immediate response. Questions or concerns requiring timely assistance should be directed to the Help Desk at helpdesk@christianleaders.net.

Grading Scale

A  93-100%   A- 90-92%   B+ 87-89%   B  83-86%   B- 80-82%   C+ 77-79%   C  73-76%   C- 70-72%   D+ 67-69%   D  63-66%   D- 60-62%   F  0-59%

 Students' final grade is based on the average of all required quizzes and assignments. Each graded activity is weighted equally unless otherwise stated. The single lowest quiz score will be excluded from the overall grade.

 Your average for the course must be at least 60%. Otherwise, you will fail the class and will receive no credit.

Deadline

You have 180 days to finish the course. If you have not received a final grade for the course before your enrollment ends, you will be automatically unenrolled, you will receive an “Administrative Withdrawal” for the course on your transcript, and all coursework will be removed. You will have to start over and take the class again to receive credit.

 To avoid potential administrative delays or additional fees, please complete all assignments at least three weeks before your enrollment end date.

 If you believe you qualify for a two-week extension, as outlined in our Catalog policies, please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@christianleaders.net as soon as possible, ideally at least three weeks before your enrollment end date.