Faith Foundations for Life and Ministry in the 21st Century
Faith Foundations
Facilitators:Rev K Shaw
A historical overview of the post-modern world and the undermining of faith through the loss of absolutes and the relativity of morality. The course will examine ways to overcome the dangers ministers face in the loss of passion and resolve from secular attacks on the spiritual and its core truths and values.
CIMS2010/3/MIP/KL
A Journey Through the Old Testament
Survey of the Old Testament
Facilitator: Rev Thelma Blackman
A review of the great themes of the Old Testament, including the life of Israel, the kings, the prophets and the development of the kingdom of God in the Old Testament. This course includes a study of the origin of man as well as the origin and decline of the Jewish nation. Consideration is also given to the poetry, wisdom literature and prophecy of the Old Testament.
CIMS020/3/MIP/KL
A Journey Through the New Testament
Survey of the New Testament
Facilitator: Rev Brian Robinson
An overview of the New Testament with consideration of the great themes of the Scripture, including the life and ministry of Christ, grace, the origin of the church and the missionary life of the church. This panoramic view of the New Testament discusses the uniqueness of each New Testament writer, while it shows the unity of their contributions to this section of the Bible.
An introduction to the great doctrines of Scripture with emphasis on the doctrine of the living God, of man, of salvation and of the church. This course includes a study of Church of God doctrine.
A study of the person and work of the Holy Spirit, with emphasis on the Pentecostal experience and spiritual gifts. The activity of the Spirit in the Old Testament, His ministry in and through believers, and the beautiful fruit He produces is covered in this course. He seals, fills, baptizes, anoints and inspires the followers of Christ.
A study of core Christian values which should impact social and individual behaviour, with consideration of the issues of practical theology and ethics theory. Christian values based on the teachings of Christ are at the centre of this study. On the practical side, application of these values to everyday living is stressed.
A study of the methodology of Scriptural interpretation. Special emphasis will be given to the role of context in the study and interpretation of Biblical content. Knowing what a passage meant to the person or persons to whom it was written is essential to understanding how the same passage may be applied today.
CIMS2070/3/MIP/KL
Introducing the Great Themes of Scripture
Biblical Theology
Facilitators: Dr Lerleen Willis
An introduction to principal streams of Biblical theology. Emphasis is placed on the relationship of major themes in theology as they relate to ministry in the contemporary church.
A study of the ministry of the Church of God with emphasis on the growth of the church from a small south eastern group to a global church of over 4 million members. This course will also examine the organizational structure of the Church of God.
A study of contemporary concepts of spiritual leadership with emphasis on Scriptural models for varied administrative and leadership functions, including communication, decision making, conflict management, delegation, financial accountability, stewardshipand operational procedures. Christ should be at the centre of the leadership role.
CIMS2130/1/CAMS/KL
Understanding Yourself and Others
Understanding Human Behaviour
Facilitator: Rev Phyllis Thompson
An introduction to the study of human personality and behaviour from a Christian perspective. The goal of such a study is to help the student to attain a better self understanding and to gain knowledge of the personality attributes of the individuals with whom he or she interacts.
A comparison of historical and contemporary models of discipleship, with emphasis on the pastoral role of mentoring and helping to develop lay people for ministry. This course is designed to motivate and train lay leaders to live a distinctively Spirit-filled life and to promote greater ministry involvement on their part.
CIMS2150/1/CAMS/KL
Learning the Practices of Ministry
The Ministry of Worship, Ceremonies and Observances
Facilitator: Bishop Brown
A study of Biblical models of worship, providing a context for learning specific aspects of ministry in the Pentecostal church. Observances and ceremonies to be surveyed include worship, marriage, Communion, foot washing, dedications, funerals and visitation.
Facilitators: Rev Wayne Brown and Rev Andrew Simpson
A review of current musical types forms and styles utilized in Pentecostal worship, with emphasis on understanding the Scriptural role of music in worship. Attention is given to the various aspects of worship and the role of music in accomplishing them.
A study of practical strategies for church planting in the theological framework of the Church of God. Attention is given to major strategies for evangelism such as networking, small groups, home visitation, cross-cultural, and media usage. The course also examines the characteristics of healthy, growing churches, with an emphasis on evangelism and renewal.
A study of helping skills for pastors. This course reviews basic counselling principles, working with people in crisis situations, in times of grief, in times of death and dying. The course also reviews referral opportunities, community resources, and ethical guidelines, including confidentiality and reportable offences.
CIMS2190/6/KL
Ministering to Culturally Diverse Groups
Multicultural Implications for Ministry
Facilitatior: Rev Joe Kurian (tbc)
A study of ministry to diverse groups with emphasis on urban ministry settings. This course examines the responsibility of the church to embrace diversity and reach out to all people. It also considers the great potential for ministry in urban areas with the varied expectations and needs of a multicultural society.
Facilitators: Mrs Millicent Brown and Rev Phyllis Thompson
The course will review the fundamentals of effective communication – verbal and non-verbal including information technology. How all of this interacts with modern methods of conveying one’s message to the congregation, leadership teams and the wider community is part of this study.
An emphasis on the basic principles of preaching and teaching the Word of God, emphasizing homiletical preaching styles, message preparation, communication methods and treatment of contemporary issues. Attention is given to those elements of craftsmanship and theological understanding basic to persuasive preaching. 2 CIMS credits.
CIMS2230/6/KL
Caring for People in Need: 21st Benevolence
Care and Benevolence
Facilitators: Mrs Millicent Brown and Rev Dennis Hines
This course offers a study of the Biblical and theological basis of benevolence and care. It explores care and compassion from a Christian perspective. It will create an awareness of the Christian’s responsibility to care for others with practical suggestions as to how this can be done.
Pastors and key/lay leaders participating in this course will gain an in-depth understanding of ‘caring’ and how to support/develop this ministry. The course is suitable for those engaged in chaplaincy, cell/house/group ministry.
The course leads to 1 credit towards the Certificate in Ministerial Studies (CIMS).
CIMS2400/9/KL
Leaders of Leaders (for District Pastors only)
Mentoring
Facilitators: Revd Dr I Lewinson and Revd Trevor Smith
This involves two seminars complemented with distance learning activities. ‘Leaders of Leaders’ provide a unique opportunity for current district pastors to (a) reflect on their practice of ministry with specific reference to the relevance and context of the office (b) define the components of good practice for successive generations of district leaders in the UK and (c) consider ways in which their own approaches to district leadership can be enhanced.
‘We are fully committed to the aims of the education and training programme and will work in partnership to support the work towards excellence in the training of our people to grow in knowledge and confidence for the glory of God.’
New Testament Church of God National Office
3 Cheyne Walk, Northampton NN1 5PT UK
Telephone: +44(0)1604 824222 Facsimile: +44(0)1604 824242
Email: bigmove@ntcg.org.uk Website: www.ntcg.org.uk