Exploring Islam’s Story and the Christian Response
A three-part microcertificate on understanding the Islamic faith and an approach to sharing the gospel with your Muslim neighbors.
Exploring Islam’s Story and the Christian Response
This microcertificate explores the theological, cultural, and practical aspects of missions to Muslims with a goal of understanding Islam in order to foster effective evangelism to those of the Muslim faith.
This microcertificate includes lectures and interviews from Mary Jo Sharp, A.S. Ibrahim, Andy Bannister, Sean Oliver-Dee, David Garrison, Steve Hewko, Mark Durie, Richard Schumack, JoAnn and Tom Doyle, and Afshin Ziafat.
Students will gain an understanding of the Islamic worldview, primary beliefs and practices of prominent Muslim groups, and the historical context of Christian-Muslim relations.
Students will explore effective strategies for communicating the gospel within Muslim contexts, including the power of the gospel, the work of the Spirit, and the unique feature of dreams in reports of Muslim evangelism.
The course emphasizes respectful and informed engagement, addressing common challenges and ethical considerations in evangelism to the Muslim world.
Enroll and begin LEARNing!
5hr
Understanding Islam’s Story and the Christian Response
5.5hr
Islam’s Beliefs and Practices and the Christian Response
3.5hr
Reaching Muslim Neighbors for Christ
Earn your Certificate of Completion
Complete all of the courses and unlock your certificate of completion
By the end of this certificate you will:
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See Islam more clearly — understand its key beliefs, practices, and major traditions.
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Grasp key differences — recognize how Christian and Islamic worldviews diverge on God, Scripture, and salvation.
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Engage wisely and well — explore thoughtful approaches to dialogue, mission, and friendship with Muslims.
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Answer hard questions with confidence — respond to common challenges about Jesus, the Trinity, and the Bible.
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Put learning into practice — apply your insights through real-world examples and case studies.
Featured Lecturers
Mary Jo Sharp
A former atheist who found faith, Mary Jo Sharp, has navigated two distinct American cultures: the post-Christian ethos of the Pacific Northwest and the evangelical landscape of the Bible Belt. Her introduction to apologetics came during her personal quest for answers. Mary Jo is the founder and director of Confident Christianity Apologetics Ministry. She previously taught apologetics at Houston Christian University, where she was instrumental in establishing their apologetics program. Her insights have been showcased in Christianity Today's feature article "The Unexpected Defenders," and she is sought after internationally as a speaker on apologetics, with a particular emphasis on how apologetics intersects with spiritual formation.
Professor of Islamic Studies, Southern Baptist Seminary A.S. Ibrahim
A. S. Ibrahim (PhD, University of Haifa; PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is a professor of Islamic studies and the director of the Jenkins Center for the Christian Understanding of Islam at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of Conversion to Islam and Basics of Arabic.
Director, Solas Centre for Public Christianity Andy Bannister
Dr. Andy Bannister is the Director of Solas Centre for Public Christianity, speaking and teaching regularly throughout the UK, Europe, Canada, the USA, and the wider world. Andy holds a PhD in Islamic studies and has taught extensively at universities across Canada, the USA, the UK and further afield on both Islam and philosophy. He is also an Adjunct Research Fellow at the Arthur Jeffery Centre for the Study of Islam at Melbourne School of Theology and is also Adjunct Faculty at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto.
When not travelling, speaking, or writing, Andy is a keen hiker, mountain climber and photographer. He lives in Wiltshire with his wife, Astrid, and their two children, Caitriona and Christopher. They attend Pattern Church in Swindon.
About the Provider
Talbot School of Theology |
Biola University
Talbot School of Theology is a theologically conservative, evangelical seminary in Southern California near Los Angeles. With over a 60-year heritage of biblical fidelity, the seminary couples solid evangelical scholarship with spiritual formation to prepare students for a lifetime of relevant, effective ministry. The seminary's master's degree programs and doctoral degree programs are led by a faculty of nationally renowned, widely-published, and actively engaged ministry leaders.
Ready for What's Next?
Biola University is a nationally ranked Christian university in the heart of Southern California. Founded in 1908, Biola offers biblically centered education, intentional spiritual development and vocational preparation within a unique learning community where all faculty, staff and students are professing Christians.
