Institute

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia

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Christian College of Georgia, in cooperation with the Regional Commission on Ministry, has established the “Institute for Christian Ministry” for licensed, lay and commissioned ministers of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia.

While the Institute is not the exclusive center for education for Licensed Ministers in Georgia, it offers a denomination-specific curriculum which, upon completion by the student, meets the standard requirements for the Order of the Ministry as affirmed by the Commission.  The course of study is based on the recommendations of the “Nazareth Consensus”, a document currently under consideration by the General Assembly.

Most courses will be offered on Saturdays – three class days per course; some will require overnight stay for more intensive learning experiences.  Christian College is fortunate to be in partnership with Peachtree Christian Church, which provides excellent facilities and convenience for instruction.  The Institute provides a three-year course of study, which will be repeated each three-year-cycle, in order that a student may enroll at any time.

Scholarships are available from Christian College of Georgia for members of Disciples churches in Georgia.  A unique feature of the program is mentoring for the development of a “Ministry Portfolio” in which a student may demonstrate competency in ministry with a formal record of educational background and experiential learning.  There is no charge for this consultation and service.  For more information, either for prospective students or instructors, please contact Bob Harris at 770-815-9078, 1-800-235-2496 or on the web at www.ccofga.org

Courses: 2008

The following courses are scheduled for the Institute for Christian Ministry for 2008:

Understanding the Sacraments and Rites of the Church
Instructor: The Reverend Doug Job, Minister, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Friday, 2:30 p.m. through Sunday 3:30 p.m.
Dates: September 5-7, 2008
This course will introduce the theological ideas which undergird the sacraments of baptism and communion. The student will learn how to meaningfully lead in the celebration of baptism and communion, both from the perspective of the individual participant and the congregation as a whole. Attention will also be given to practical matters of planning and conducting weddings, baby dedications, and other special services and rites of the church.
Text: To Be Selected
Tuition for this course is $90.00. The cost of text books will not exceed $50.00. The cost for accommodations, including six meals, at Camp Christian Conference Center will be $85.00.
Participants will also need to bring their own bedding (sleeping bag/linens and blankets for a single bed, pillow, towels, toiletries, etc.) to stay in the Lodge at Camp Christian.
Please note: This course is a required course for Licensed and Commissioned Ministers in Georgia, and for candidates. It is also a highly recommended course for anyone who is engaged in a leadership role in the Church or who anticipates serving in such a capacity in the future. This course will be excellent for Elders, Deacons, Teachers, and others who serve a congregation. There will be clear emphasis on pastoral leadership and effectiveness. This course will be of special importance, also, to seminarians who are enrolled in theological education in the Atlanta area.

Disciples of Christ History, Polity, and Ethos
Instructor: Dr. Jerry Gladson, Minister, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Professor, Columbia Theological Seminary.
Saturdays – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on October 4 and November 1; Friday (2:00 p.m.) through Sunday (8:00 p.m. – estimate) on October 17-19, 2008.
Dates: October 4, October 17-19, and November 1, 2008
This course will provide an overview of the history and development of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The student will learn how the denomination is currently structured, and will understand some of the key factors and events which have led to the current structure. Attention will be given to some of the more important issues of polity and practice within the Disciples of Christ. The class will explore ways to live out the ethos of inclusivity, unity and faithfulness to the Scriptures, and emphasize the centrality of the Table.
Text: To Be Selected
Tuition for this course is $90.00. The cost of text books will not exceed $50.00. In addition, the course “Disciples History Tour” will require an additional expense up to $250.00. This includes travel, accommodations, and meals to the Disciples of Christ Historical Society in Nashville, Tennessee, and to Cane Ridge Meeting House in Cane Ridge, Kentucky.
Participants will also need to bring a lunch or sufficient money for lunch ($7-10), each Saturday (October 4 and November 1).
Please note: This course is a required course for Licensed and Commissioned Ministers in Georgia, and for candidates. It is also a highly recommended course for anyone who is engaged in a leadership role in the Church or who anticipates serving in such a capacity in the future. This course will be excellent for Elders, Deacons, Teachers, and others who serve a congregation.

Scholarships will be available, but the amounts will be limited. STUDENTS ARE URGED TO REQUEST FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THEIR CONGREGATIONS or other sources, as appropriate.


Copyright 2008, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia, All rights reserved.