Protected: TEST: Genesis to Revelation: A Bible Overview

Quickly build a solid biblical foundation for effective ministry.

About this Course

Have you been called to step into a leadership role in your church or ministry, but feel underprepared when it comes to biblical knowledge?

Genesis to Revelation (Gen to Rev) is tailor-made for emerging leaders like you who need a solid foundation in Scripture to serve effectively.

This comprehensive 12-module journey is designed to quickly introduce you to the Bible's content, structure, and interpretation.

Whether you’re leading Bible studies, delivering sermons, or providing spiritual guidance, this course will equip you with the confidence and insight you need to handle God's Word responsibly and inspirationally.

From the creation story in Genesis to the apocalyptic visions of Revelation, you'll gain a thorough understanding of the Bible's diverse genres and overarching narrative. Led by Kristofer Phan Coffman, a Luther Seminary professor and Bible scholar, each interactive session will guide you through challenging texts, helping you uncover their relevance for today's world and apply them in your leadership role.

Not only will you deepen your personal faith, but you'll also gain the knowledge and skills necessary to lead others with wisdom and clarity. Let Gen to Rev be your first step towards becoming the confident, biblically grounded leader your community needs!

What you’ll learn:

A bird's-eye view of the Bible's structure and overarching narrative.
In-depth exploration of various biblical genres and their unique characteristics.
Practical reading strategies to enhance your personal Bible study.
Insights into historical and cultural contexts that illuminate Scripture.
Opportunities to engage with thought-provoking theological concepts.
Interactive exercises to apply your learning and deepen your faith.
Faithful ways to navigate biblical controversies and tackle tough questions with grace and insight.
Methods for applying the Bible’s timeless teachings to contemporary life.

Modules

Welcome

Get oriented to the course, meet your instructor, download the interactive handbook, and more.

Threads, Tapestries, Whispers, Choruses

In this module you will:

  • Explore the book of Genesis.
  • Consider the challenges and opportunities for reading the Bible as a whole.
  • Explore metaphors that have been used to express the unity of the Bible.

Laws, Ceremonies, and Censuses

In this module you will:

  • Explore the books of the law.
  • Consider how books that have been considered irrelevant by many have value today.
  • Practice reading strategies for this type of Biblical text.

History, Allegory, Typology

In this module you will:

  • Explore three ways that Christians have typically read the Bible.
  • Develop a sense of gratitude and wonder for God's gift of the Bible.
  • Consider your own reading approaches.

Singing the Bible

In this module you will:

  • Learn about the song genres of the Bible.
  • Practice using this genre for worship.
  • Consider how these songs represent a wide array of human emotion.

What if God is Mad?

In this module you will:

  • Become familiar with the value of the prophetic books.
  • Learn theological approaches for understanding God's anger.
  • Add to your Bible reading skills.

Compassionate Interpretation

In this module you will:

  • Develop a compassionate understanding of the traumatic history of the people of Israel.
  • Gain additional appreciation for God's faithfulness.
  • Practice applying context as you read.

Humor in the Bible

In this module you will:

  • Learn how humor is an important part of the Biblical narrative.
  • Consider the ways in which God leads people.
  • Review the concept of genre and its importance in reading.

What's a Gospel For?

In this module you will:

  • Explore the multiple stories of Jesus.
  • Consider how Jesus modeled godly humanity.
  • Practice using resources for comparative reading.

The Paradox of Paul

In this module you will:

  • Understand the enormous influence of the apostle Paul.
  • Become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading.
  • Practice contextual reading skills.

The End is the Beginning

In this module you will:

  • Explore the end of the biblical narrative and how it ties to the beginning.
  • Consider the power of God throughout time.
  • Understand the possibilities and limitations of reading future-oriented biblical books.

Completing the Course

Find out your next steps as you complete the course. You'll also be encouraged to submit feedback about your course.

One-time purchase

With Faith+Lead Membership

One-time purchase

Get a free public display license to use for group study.

*by joining Faith+Lead Membership for just $19.95 per month

12 Modules

Self-Paced, On-Demand

Lifetime Access

Get to Know Your Instructors

Dr. Kristofer Phan Coffman

Assistant Professor of New Testament, Luther Seminary

Kristofer Phan Coffman ’16 M.Div holds a tenure-eligible New Testament faculty position. Coffman completed his Ph.D. in Classical and Near Eastern Religions and Culture at the University of Minnesota and is the first person of Cambodian descent to receive a PhD in Biblical Studies. He served as an adjunct professor at Luther since 2019 teaching New Testament Greek classes and a class on Paul’s letter to the Romans.

He is the author of the book chapter “Christmas Cookies in Cambodia: The Bible and Race in America” in “Dialogues on: Race” and has written several book reviews as well as academic articles on topics ranging from Norwegian-American Lutheran history to biblical interpretation and translation. In addition to his academic work, he has a keen interest in food and farming. Coffman has written popular articles on responsible consumption and agriculture, translates recipes for the award-winning new Nordic chef Mikkel Karstad and served as copy-editor and translation consultant on the forthcoming cookbook “SAOY: The Forgotten Flavors of Royal Cambodian Home Cuisine” by Chef Rotanak Ros.

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What to Expect with a Faith+Lead Academy Course

You’ll get a transformative learning experience that combines trustworthy theological teaching with spiritual practices, interactive elements, and a supportive online community.

Know

Expand your theological toolkit with fresh insights for today’s ministry landscape. Connect timeless wisdom with practical frameworks for navigating change.

Deepen your spiritual identity through transformative practices. Move from doing church to being church in ways that nurture authentic discipleship.

Practice skills to lead confidently in your ministry context. Take actionable steps to invite your community into God’s unfolding story.

Every Academy course is designed to

Help your growth in one of these core areas:

connect with god

Develop a Christ-centered identity, grounded in theology, scripture, and spiritual practice, that empowers community members to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in everyday life.

Tell the story of Jesus and invite neighbors into Jesus’ way of life and love through words and actions they can recognize.

community

Listen deeply, name God’s presence in the midst of everyday life, and form life-giving relationships across all dimensions of diversity—both within and beyond the church.

Through mutual relationships with the neighbors among whom you’re hosted, join in acts of compassion, justice, and reconciliation as a witness to the ministry of Jesus—especially in places of suffering and despair.

ministry models

Harness skills of agile leadership, stewardship, fundraising, entrepreneurism, and management to be nimble enough to respond to a changing cultural landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect when I take an Academy course?

Academy courses consist of 6-10 lessons or modules, each walking you through the “know, be, do” learning framework. You’ll learn some new information with instructor videos and other resources (know). You’ll engage in a spiritual practice that will help you develop your faith around the topic (be). Then, you’ll be asked to apply what you’ve learned through activities completed online or in the “real world” (do).

How long will it take me to complete a course?

Each module is designed to take 15-45 minutes. Some learners complete the course in as little as one day. Some do a module a day or even a module a week. We suggest allowing some time between modules to process what you are learning, but not so much time that you lose momentum.

What resources are available if I’m a group leader?

Each course includes a flexible leader's guide with multiple pathways for group facilitation. You'll find thought-provoking discussion questions and practical activities that connect faith with daily life, designed to work with whatever preparation time you have available. These resources equip you to foster meaningful discipleship experiences that meet your community where they are.

What do I need to know about the free private online social group?

The private online group allows you to connect with others. Because our courses don’t have a required start or stop date, you will encounter others in different places in the course and even in different courses altogether. This is by design. Feel free to interact as much or as little as you like.

What should I do if I have questions or problems with my registration?

Reach out via email to faithlead@luthersem.edu with your question and we’ll get back to you with a response within two business days.

What if I have a suggestion or request for a course topic?

The best way to connect with us is to complete this form with your suggestion. We always want to hear your feedback. You may also include it in the comments section of the course evaluation.

Don’t see your question addressed?

Email us at faithlead@luthersem.edu for more information. We’ll be delighted to connect!

One-time purchase

With Faith+Lead Membership

One-time purchase

Get a free public display license to use for group study.

*by joining Faith+Lead Membership for just $19.95 per month

12 Modules

Self-Paced, On-Demand

Lifetime Access