The curriculum is designed to develop the person as a spiritual and ministry leader. With a strong emphasis on personal mentoring and field training. It integrates:
Spiritual Formation (personal walk with God, godly relationships, and character development),
Ministry Readiness (evangelism, discipleship, small groups, communication, and leadership), and
Biblical Studies (Bible, theology, biblical languages, and church history) into an harmonious unit.
Both the certificate programs are coordinated so the student may complete one program and move on to a next one if desired.
A variety of educational methods are used in all classes, relevant to the subject matter, needs of the students, and expertise of the faculty. The focus of this curriculum is on mastery learning rather than time on task; every student is expected to master the materials and experiences, and personal help will be given to enable the student to achieve mastery.
In the ministry classes there are specific activities the student will engage in. For the four main ministry classes the student is assigned a personal mentor who helps him learn and do the actual ministry. The student and the mentor go out together to do ministry and the mentor demonstrates each step and then helps the student learn to do the activity with proficiency.
The program comes together in a local setting. A pastor or experienced field ministry staff member may serve as a mentor. The experience is far better if there are a group (3-15) who follow the program together. Much is learned in a group, as well as from the leader. The classes are taught in a group setting using adult educational methods. In addition, a mentor spends time one-on-one with the disciple each week, encouraging and praying together and doing ministry together.
As as evangelism is carried out on the field eventually there are new believers to take through follow-up and into personal discipleship. A small group of the new believers is formed and they are discipled by the original disciple, under the mentoring of the teacher. This group of new believers can be the founding group for a new church or can be added to an existing church. Soon an entire neighborhood can be prayer-walked and reached for Christ.
1. SCOPE OF THE CURRICULUM
The school offers ministry certificates focusing on building spiritual movement of multiplication and city-reachiing.
2. MAJOR GOALS FOR THE CURRICULA
A. Spiritual Formation Goals The student will grow to serve as a visionary, wise, and godly leader for a Christian ministry or church. Model evangelism and discipleship to others. Have a genuine love for Christ, a passion for ministry to others and a dependence on God’s Word.
B. Academic Preparation Goals The student shall be trained to acquire a first-hand knowledge of the content of the Bible Acquire the exegetical and interpretive tools to do independent exegesis of any Scriptural text. Develop an understanding of and convictions concerning major Christian doctrines. Develop the knowledge and ability to present the Christian faith in the face of cultural, social, and religious challenges.
C. Ministry Readiness Goals The student is to be trained so that he has the ministry skills to be able to function effectively using his spiritual gifts in the context in which God leads him to serve. Has the perspective and skills necessary to launch and sustain a ministry of multiplication.
3. COMPONENTS OF ADULT EDUCATIONAL DESIGN
A. Factors used in all adult education programs: Mentors – Trainers, Field-based life experience, Small group interaction, Multiple teaching approaches, Classic and current information, Multimedia, as relevant Mastery Model
B. Essentials of biblical ministry, Deity and authority of Jesus Christ, Great Commandment, Great Commission, Personal discipleship, Multiplication/Church Growth strategy, Doctrinally solid and broad-based, Spirit-filled life
C. Core values: character development and readiness for ministry, Character, Integrated Personal Values, Fruit of the Spirit, Spiritual Gifts, Spiritual Maturity
D. Readiness for ministry: Skills, Commitment, Comprehensive Understanding, Spiritual Warfare