DBS Structure and Curriculum
Summary
Section titled “Summary”DBS at YWAM Sendai is a 12-week school designed to help students engage deeply with the whole Bible. The school follows a chronological approach to Scripture, combining intensive reading, classroom teaching, discussion, and reflection.
This page explains the structure, study method, and weekly curriculum of DBS at YWAM Sendai.
How is DBS structured?
Section titled “How is DBS structured?”DBS is a 12-week school.
Over these 12 weeks, students read through the entire Bible and study the books of Scripture in chronological order. This helps students understand the flow of biblical history and the unity of God’s redemptive plan from Genesis to Revelation.
What study approach does DBS use?
Section titled “What study approach does DBS use?”DBS at YWAM Sendai emphasizes several core learning practices:
-
Chronological study
Students study the books of the Bible in the order of the biblical storyline in order to understand the flow of history and revelation. -
Whole-Bible reading
Students read through the entire Bible during the school. -
Inductive learning
Students learn to observe the text carefully, ask good questions, and distinguish the original meaning of Scripture from personal assumptions or bias. -
Small-group processing
Students engage in discussion and reflection to help connect biblical truth with life, discipleship, and ministry.
What is covered each week?
Section titled “What is covered each week?”DBS follows a fixed weekly curriculum.
Week 1: Worldview and Origins
Section titled “Week 1: Worldview and Origins”Books: Genesis, Exodus, Job
Focus:
Creation, the fall of humanity, and God’s original intent for the world. This week also addresses the problem of evil through the book of Job.
Week 2: Pentateuch
Section titled “Week 2: Pentateuch”Books: Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
Focus:
The Mosaic Covenant, the wilderness journey, and the meaning of the Law in relation to God’s people.
Week 3: Tribal History
Section titled “Week 3: Tribal History”Books: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Psalms
Focus:
The conquest of the Promised Land, the tension between faithfulness and cultural pressure, and the role of worship and prayer in the life of God’s people.
Week 4: The Kingdom of David
Section titled “Week 4: The Kingdom of David”Books: 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Chronicles, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs
Focus:
The transition to monarchy, the life and character of David, and an introduction to wisdom literature and Hebrew poetry.
Week 5: The Kings of Israel and Judah
Section titled “Week 5: The Kings of Israel and Judah”Books: 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles
Focus:
The divided kingdom, the rise of major empires, and the ministries of Elijah and Elisha.
Week 6: The Early Prophets
Section titled “Week 6: The Early Prophets”Books: Isaiah, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Jonah, Micah, Nahum
Focus:
An introduction to prophetic literature, including themes such as justice, covenant faithfulness, God’s heart for His people, and His concern for the nations.
Week 7: The Late Prophets and Exile
Section titled “Week 7: The Late Prophets and Exile”Books: Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Obadiah, Zephaniah, Habakkuk
Focus:
The exile, the promise of restoration, the New Covenant, and faithful witness in hostile or secular environments.
Week 8: Post-Exilic and Inter-Testament
Section titled “Week 8: Post-Exilic and Inter-Testament”Books: Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi
Focus:
The return to Jerusalem, rebuilding, covenant renewal, and the transition toward the New Testament period.
Week 9: The Life of Jesus
Section titled “Week 9: The Life of Jesus”Books: Matthew, Mark, Luke
Focus:
The arrival of the Kingdom of God, the ministry of Jesus, and the message of the Synoptic Gospels.
Week 10: The Early Church
Section titled “Week 10: The Early Church”Books: Acts, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, Jude
Focus:
The birth of the Church, the spread of the gospel, and an introduction to the New Testament letters.
Week 11: The Pauline Epistles
Section titled “Week 11: The Pauline Epistles”Books: Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon
Focus:
Paul’s missionary ministry and major theological themes such as grace, justification, identity in Christ, and spiritual warfare.
Week 12: The Johannine Writings
Section titled “Week 12: The Johannine Writings”Books: John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Revelation
Focus:
The perspective of the Apostle John, the love and truth themes of the Johannine writings, and the apocalyptic vision of Revelation.
What kinds of learning are expected during DBS?
Section titled “What kinds of learning are expected during DBS?”Students should expect:
- intensive Bible reading
- classroom teaching
- careful observation and interpretation
- discussion and group processing
- written assignments
- personal reflection
- disciplined engagement with Scripture throughout the school
Is there an outreach opportunity after DBS?
Section titled “Is there an outreach opportunity after DBS?”In some cases, students may have the opportunity to join a cross-cultural outreach after the 12-week lecture phase.
Where such an opportunity is offered, details will be communicated separately.
Does this page explain student rules and completion standards?
Section titled “Does this page explain student rules and completion standards?”No. This page explains the structure and curriculum of DBS.
For student expectations, conduct, and successful completion requirements, see: