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. |