A theological and functional study of the sacraments and liturgy of the Reformed Church in America. Participants demonstrate understanding and skill for the administration of the sacraments, and an understanding and application of liturgy that is theologically Reformed and contextually relevant. This …
Courses starting in January 2016
Below you will find courses that will help you grow! Church Leadership Center courses begin in mid-January on the topics of New Testament, Preaching, Sacraments and Worship, and Church Planting. These are relevant for leadership development, Commissioned Pastor candidates, or …
What to do when Seminary doesn’t fit your vocation
I am a timid pastor. It is hard for me to write that, because I love Jesus and I love his church, and I have felt the call to ministry since I was a young teen. I went to seminary …
Resourcing the Church Plant
This ten week course (5 sessions for two hours each) offers an environment of learning from one another and how-to approaches for resourcing additional funds for the church plant. At the same time the course will address practical ideas for …
Understanding of and adherence to pastoral ethics and practices
Demonstrate understanding, skill and compassion in caring for persons and congregations. give evidence of appropriate care and empathy toward persons in various crises show a grasp of the challenges and opportunities emerging in the various stages of life exhibit an …
Capability to Minister within the Church
Demonstrate the understanding and skill required to lead the people of God in faithfulness to their mission, including the areas of discipleship, evangelism, and leadership. give evidence of an understanding of approaches to discipleship and capacity discipling individuals toward multiplication …
Perspective
Our participation in the present humanity of this world drives us often toward distinctions, separations, bigotry, and racism—even in the church. That was powerfully brought home to me during our time as missionaries in Nigeria. We were received with openness …
Competition and Prejudice
As a seminary intern in St. Louis, Missouri, I was part of a Jewish-Christian Dialogue group. We were seeking to understand one another’s traditions, work together for the good of our neighborhoods, and promote tolerance and respect in society. I …
Commissioned Pastor Candidate Process and Finances
The first step is to have a conversation with your local church pastor. The second step is to receive a recommendation by your consistory. The third step in the Commissioned Pastor process is that of being affirmed by Classis leaders. …
Commissioned Pastors Defined
Commissioned Pastors are individuals who have demonstrated spiritual giftedness and church leadership. Their calling and competencies have been confirmed so that they are credentialed as pastoral leaders in churches and church-related ministries. Commissioned Pastors serve in positions such as worship …
