Servant Training School
Throughout the Basic Training program the student is introduced to the basic Bible knowledge, Bible study methods, doctrinal issues, principles of Christian living, and ministry skills he will need to effectively serve the Lord. The goal of the Basic Training program is to teach God’s people to minister. We are not as interested in what a student knows, as we are in what a student knows how to do. The student must be actively involved in some type of ministry. We encourage students to try various ministries, as they seek to find the best way for them to serve the Lord. Basic training consists of three elements: programmed materials, ministry projects and class discussion. All three are supervised and evaluated; together they form equal parts of a student’s training. Each student who completes the Basic Training program receives a Certificate of Church Leadership Studies.
Programmed Materials
The information portion of the training is provided through programmed texts. These books are the “teacher”. Developed in a spiraling curriculum, the books start on an elementary level with simple assignments and projects, and gradually move to a higher intensity level, requiring more time and thought, with advanced ministry assignments. This curriculum has been used effectively world wide to train new believers and mature Christians alike. The student’s progress in learning is evaluated through a written examination.
Ministry Projects
All Basic Training students are required to participate actively in ministry of the local church. The student not only must assimilate knowledge, but also must learn to put it into practice. Students contract with the center leader for the practical, measurable objectives they will strive to reach during each course. Their ministry is evaluated at the end of each course.
Class Discussion
The course content and ministry experiences of the students are brought together in the weekly class discussion. The focus of these guided discussions is on applying the course instruction to ministry in the local church setting.
Leadership Training School
Designed to prepare elders and deacons for their ministry in the church. This course focuses on character qualities of church leaders and teaches how the pastor and the elders should work together. This course reviews Biblical requirements and points out the responsibilities of elders and deacons. 10 lessons with a leader’s guide.
Designed to teach church leaders the doctrinal position of The Christian and Missionary Alliance. Each lesson in this study focuses on one of the sections of the C&MA Statement of Faith and analyzes phrase by phrase to see how Scripture supports what we believe. This is also a course in how to mark a person’s Bible with different colors which represent different aspects of doctrine. 12 lessons with a leader’s guide.
This is a basic course in how to prepare a sermon or Bible study outline. This is a programmed text with 10 lessons, designed to be done in a 13-week period. It also has a leader’s guide.
The Ministerial Study Program (MSP) is designed to develop character and competency in skills for ministry. Though the student will gain knowledge, the emphasis of this course is on growing in Christ-like character and developing practical ministry skills. Candidates for the program must be approved by the local congregation and recommended by their respective district superintendent. The student will study under the supervision of a coach appointed by the district. MSP fulfills the academic requirements of The Christian and Missionary Alliance for licensing and ordination or consecration. This course emphasizes worship (the priestly ministry), preaching and teaching (the prophetic ministry), and celebrating the Lord’s Supper and baptism, as well as instruction on how to officiate at weddings, funerals, dedications, etc. Along with the study on preaching and teaching is a study in basic hermeneutics. The student will learn to study the Bible using the inductive method through a study of the Gospel of Mark. With a minimum of instruction, the student will learn to observe what Scripture says, interpret what it means, and apply it to his/her life and ministry. Through study of the text Encountering the New Testament, this course presents a panoramic view of the New Testament. The student will learn how to contains:
Using the text Encountering the Old Testament as a basis, the student will understand the broad themes of the Old Testament, principal characters, different types of Biblical literature, and the history of the people of Israel. This will help the student to: contains: This course guides a student toward a biblical understanding of “Disciplemaking” as revealed in the Great Commission and Great Commandment priorities of Christ. Students choose to either: participate in a full cycle of a Live 2:6 group; attend and participate in the Eternal CPR seminars; OR, complete the six Growing a Healthy Church online training modules. This course focuses on evangelism, missions, social involvement, pastoral care, and Christian education. The student will present a written project for evaluation. The student will explore major doctrinal themes in order to contains:
This online course consists of two modules: Alliance Core Values, and Alliance Doctrine & Beliefs. The first of these acquaints the student with the values that are at the heart of The Alliance, challenging them consider how each of those values is reflected in their life and ministry. The second module focuses on particular Alliance doctrines, based upon the classic formulation of the Four-fold Gospel. The student will present various position papers/presentations for evaluation. This online course continues the study begun in MSP 203, and again encompasses two distinct modules. History & Strategies of Alliance Missionsguides a student to develop a Biblical worldview of missions, and to appreciate the C&MA’s unique contribution (historical and contemporary) to the world-wide mission endeavor. In addition to reflective study, students demonstrate personal involvement in cross-cultural ministry. Organization & Polity of The Alliance studies the theological basis and practical implications of pastoral ministry in the local, regional, national, and international ministries of the C&MA. The student will be able to lead a congregation to participate effectively in the Alliance’s global mission. This course assists the student to deal with issues both personal and in family life, the management of time, human resources, and material resources. It also gives instruction on working with a governing board, transitions, and finances. Through a written project,the student demonstrates his/her understanding of church management and administration. This course consists of a guided self-study of the harmony of the Gospels to see how Christ trained his disciples so that they could make other disciples. The student will present a paper on his/her personal strategy for making disciples, as Jesus did. Using a series of digital recordings and a workbook, the student will learn to identify emerging leaders in the church, develop a strategy for training those leaders and generate momentum for a church multiplication movement. This course requires the student to take one of the approved forms of the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course. It enables the student to understand the Bible basis for the missionary movement of which The Christian and Missionary Alliance is a part, and to understand the need for cross-cultural ministry in the pluralistic society in which we live. This online course blends a shepherd-leader philosophy of ministry with an introduction to basic peacemaking skills and understandings. The student enrolls directly in Peacemaker’s University to take the course.
Preparing to Lead God’s People
What We Believe
How to Preach
Ministerial Study Program
Description of Courses
The Priestly, Prophetic, and Sacramental Ministries
Outreach and Care