MnSOM Student Handbook 2014 STUDENT HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 2014 STUDENT HANDBOOK i

2 MnSOM is a member of the Association of District Schools of Ministry ii

3 Table of Contents General Information... 1 Statement of Purpose... 1 Endorsement... 1 Disclaimer... 1 Focused Learning... 2 Structure... 2 Class Location... 3 Standards of Academic Integrity... 3 Student Policies... 3 Student Admission and Records... 6 Registration... 6 STEP 1 Enroll... 6 STEP 2 Register for Class... 6 STEP 3 Download the Text Overview... 6 STEP 4 - Textbooks... 7 STEP 5 Attend Class... 7 Financial Policies... 7 Ministerial Internships This is a General Council Requirement... 8 Internship Requirements... 9 Level 1 Internship (required for Certified Minister applicants only):... 9 Level 2 Internship (required for Licensed Minister applicants):... 9 Level 3 Internship (required for Ordination applicants):... 9 Courses by Credential Level Level 1 (Certified) Level 2 (Licensed) Level 3 (Ordained) Certificate in Lay Ministry Level 1 (Basic) Level 2 (Intermediate) Level 3 (Advanced) Courses by Concentration i

4 Bible Theology Practical Ministry Course Descriptions Level 1 (Certified) Life of Christ Acts Ephesians Prison Epistles Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine AG History, Missions, and Governance Introduction to Hermeneutics Local Church Evangelism Ministerial Ethics Interpersonal Relation Level 1 Internship (Certified) Level 2 (Licensed) Old Testament Survey New Testament Survey Romans Systematic Theology Eschatology Introduction to Homiletics Leadership Skills Conflict Resolution Introduction to Missions Level 2 Internship (License) Level 3 (Ordained) Pentateuch Psalms Corinthians Theology of Worship ii

5 322 Theology of Prayer Multicultural Ministry Pastoral Ministry Biblical Counseling Church Administration, Law, and Finance Level 3 Internship (Ordained) Administration and Faculty Contact Information iii

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7 General Information The Minnesota School of Ministry (MnSOM) is a vital support to the ministry endeavors of churches and pastors in the Minnesota District. Knowledge gleaned from the classroom experience becomes a valuable tool that the Holy Spirit can use to further the purposes of God. Clergy and laypersons who understand not only what to do and how to do it but why to do it will be far more effective. MnSOM seeks to integrate spiritual formation, relationship building, and academic achievement to provide a unique learning experience. Students not only acquire the knowledge necessary for obtaining ministerial credentials, but also develop character and skills essential for effective ministry. Statement of Purpose MnSOM exists to provide training for those ministering in the local church, whether as credentialed ministers of the Assemblies of God, or as equipped laypersons. The school seeks to promote a unified purpose for ministry within the Fellowship, providing doctrinal and practical instruction based upon common core values and shared ministry goals. The faculty and leadership fully subscribe to the Statement of Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God and commit MnSOM to proclaim and support the principles and polity of the Assemblies of God. MnSOM commits to provide training courses that meet district and General Council educational requirements for ministerial credentials. Endorsement MnSOM is recognized and approved by the Executive Presbytery of the General Council of the Assemblies of God as a member of the Association of Assemblies of God District Schools of Ministry. The school is established by the Executive Presbytery of the Minnesota District of the Assemblies of God as an official ministerial training program for those seeking credentials through the Minnesota District Council of the Assemblies of God. Disclaimer Since MnSOM is a non-accredited Bible Training Institute, the Board strongly urges young people seeking accredited undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate education to first consider enrolling in one of our excellent residential or extension educational institutions. 1

8 MnSOM will diligently seek to guide students to seek the course of ministry preparation that will best serve them, including Global (Berean) University or an Assemblies of God university, college or seminary. Courses taken through MnSOM, while meeting the educational requirements for credentials with the General Council of the Assemblies of God, may not automatically qualify for credit at an accredited educational institution. Completion of the courses does not guarantee that a ministry credential will be granted, nor that preferential treatment will be given to those completing the required ministerial training courses through MnSOM. The credentialing of ministers is a process separate from completion of the educational requirements. Focused Learning MnSOM offers courses for those who are seeking ministerial credentials within the Assemblies of God, and for those who want to improve their ability to minister in the local church or are interested in their own spiritual growth and understanding of God s Word. All courses taken as part of the focused learning strategy will apply should the student ultimately decide to seek Assemblies of God credentials. Structure Classes are conducted the one weekend (Friday evening and Saturday morning) of every four or five weeks, normally from March through November. Normally, three courses are offered each month, one for each corresponding credential level (certified, licensed, and ordained). An alternative Saturday morning and afternoon format may also be used. Additional classes may be offered at secondary locations. MnSOM reserves the right to cancel any class due to low enrollment or other reasons. Prior to class, each student is required to completely read the course textbook and complete the Text Overview. A minimum of ten hours of preparatory work is necessary. With the classroom time, students will have invested sixteen hours or more per course. Students will be notified in advance of any additional pre-session requirements that may be added on a classby-class basis. The classroom instruction provides an overview of the material, practical applications, and opportunity for questions and discussion. Instructors use personal experience and a variety of teaching methods. A final exam is normally taken in the opening session on Saturday morning. 2

9 Instructors are limited to credentialed ministers or others with outstanding qualification who have distinguished themselves academically and/or in their field of ministry. Faculty members become natural mentors as they build relationships and share experiences with their students. Students are encouraged to form study groups. Study groups are especially encouraged for people struggling with English as a Second Language issues. Class Location Classes are typically held at churches in the Minnesota District. Check the website for location details. Standards of Academic Integrity Registration in MnSOM requires adherence to basic standards of academic integrity. Any violation of these standards may result in disciplinary action ranging from lowering a grade to dismissal from MnSOM, depending on the severity of the infraction. In addition, a notation of the violation will be placed in the student s permanent file, which is reviewed by the credential committee and by the Presbytery, during the credentialing process with the Minnesota District Council of the Assemblies of God. The following examples represent some basic types of behavior that are unacceptable. (This is not an exhaustive list.) 1. Submitting work done by someone else as your own. 2. Copying or paraphrasing someone else's essays, projects, study guides, or other work and submitting it as your own. 3. Obtaining or sharing MnSOM course Text Overviews from students that have previously completed the courses. 4. Any conduct that may be considered dishonest or cheating by the instructor of the class. Student Policies 1. Enrollment: Individuals called to ministry or interested in equipping themselves for more effective service may enroll as students by requesting or downloading an Enrollment Application, completing and returning it to MnSOM office together with the appropriate enrollment fee. A pastor s recommendation is required of all applicants unless they hold ministerial credentials and are in good standing with the 3

10 Assemblies of God. Only enrolled students may register for classes, unless specifically approved by the Administrator or Director. MnSOM reserves the right to deny enrollment to any person it deems unsuitable for study through the DSOM. 2. Registration: Registration with the appropriate fee for each course is due at least three weeks before the course is offered Registration for the next class may be made before leaving the MnSOM site each month or by mail. Cash will not be accepted. The Text Overviews will be available for download at the MnSOM website. 3. Self Study: Students are required to complete a minimum of ten hours of preparatory self-study in advance of the class session. 4. Course Textbook and Overview: Students are required to acquire or purchase their own textbooks. Textbook information is posted on the school website. Students are required to read the course textbook(s), complete the Text Overview and any other assigned work prior to attending class. Handwritten Text Overviews are not acceptable. Students are to hand in two copies of the completed Text Overview upon arrival at the site for grading, one of which will be returned to the student. 5. Assignments: Students are to complete all additional assignments required for the course prior to the class session, and are to submit them to the instructor at the beginning of the class. Students that come to class without completed assignments will be re-registered as audit students and receive no refund of tuition. 6. Attendance: Attendance is mandatory. Under certain extreme circumstances, students may miss one class session during the school year. In such cases, approval must be granted by the Administrator of MnSOM prior to the scheduled class. If approved, students are required to submit a three-page reflection (500-word minimum) paper describing the impact of their studies on their life and ministry. Students are responsible to submit the paper to the instructor within one month of the missed course. For the class session missed, the student will receive a 10-point deduction from the final grade. 7. Grading: Students must attend class, read the textbook, complete the Text Overview and any additional assignments (if given), and successfully pass the course exam in order to receive full credit for the course. The final grade is determined as follows: 20% -- Class attendance (granted for attending all class sessions) 40% -- Text Overview & Assignments (if any) 40% -- Exam 4

11 All MnSOM courses are graded on the following scale: A = ; B = 80-89; C = 70-79; D = 60-69; F= 59-below. Graded exams will not be returned to the student. 8. Removal: Students who consistently fail to complete assigned course work, are disruptive, uncooperative, or treat faculty or other students disrespectfully may not be permitted to register for future MnSOM courses. 9. Plagiarism and Cheating: Plagiarism and cheating are serious violations of MnSOM ethical standards. Students who breach these standards will be dismissed immediately. See Standards of Academic Integrity. 10. Course Make-Up: Students are responsible to manage their schedules so that they can attend MnSOM courses as scheduled. This is especially important for those students wanting to complete a credentialing level during the scheduled time. However, when emergencies and scheduling conflicts occur, students are encouraged to complete the course at a different MnSOM class location, through Berean studies offered by Global University, attend a DSOM in another district, or to register for the next scheduled offering of the course. 11. Visitors: Only registered students may attend MnSOM classes. While family and friends are welcome to accompany students, they are not permitted to attend class without the express permission of the instructor and provided that the visitor s presence does not in any way impede the instruction. Visitors may be asked by the instructor to leave the class at any time and for any reason. 12. Audit: Individuals may audit a course and will be charged 50% of the registration fee. They must enroll as an auditor and read the course text prior to attending the class. No grade or transcript will be available. 13. Electronic Equipment: While technology can enhance the learning process, it can also interfere with the learning environment. No video or audio recordings are permitted without the instructor s consent. Cell phones and pagers must be turned off during class. Games, DVDs, web surfing, chat room visits, etc. are prohibited during class. Laptops, PDAs, and other devices are to be used only for note-taking purposes and for studies directed by instructors. Violation of this policy could result in removal from class and/or a reduction in grade. 5

12 Student Admission and Records 1. MnSOM welcomes Christian students from other evangelical traditions. However, all course content and examinations are consistent with Assemblies of God doctrine and practice. 2. MnSOM reserves the right to deny registration to any person it deems unsuitable for this course of study. 3. MnSOM may not deny admission solely based on race, national origin, gender, or physical disability. 4. MnSOM may deny admission to any person for any other reason. 5. MnSOM will provide certificates in acknowledgement of a student s successful completion of each course. 6. MnSOM is responsible for keeping accurate transcripts and other student records and for making them available to the student upon request. Requests for transcripts must be made by the student to the MnSOM staff. MnSOM will provide transcripts at the request of the district credentials office for students applying for credentials. Registration STEP 1 Enroll Contact the MnSOM office for an Enrollment Form or download a form together with the Pastor s Recommendation online at the website. Complete the Enrollment Form and send it together with the $50.00 fee to the MnSOM office. Enrollment fees are non-refundable. Once you are enrolled you can register for your first class. STEP 2 Register for Class Download and complete the Registration Form and return it with the appropriate fees to the MnSOM office no later than three weeks before the course begins. Registration is required on a class-by-class basis. Late registrations may be accepted with the approval of the MnSOM Administrator and the receipt of an addition $15.00 late registration fee. STEP 3 Download the Text Overview Text overviews are normally attached to the that acknowledges a students registration. Students are responsible for contacting the MnSOM office if they have not received the text overview. 6

13 STEP 4 - Textbooks A list of course textbooks is available on the MnSOM website. It is critically important that the correct textbook be purchased for each course since the content in various editions of the same title may differ greatly. Christian Book Distributors pays a referral fee for books purchased through the link on the link on the MnSOM website to purchase books. Students are not required to purchase through Christian Book Distributors. Read your textbook(s) as soon as you receive them and then complete the Text Overview. A minimum of ten hours or more of preparatory study is required prior to the class session. A thorough knowledge of the information covered in the textbook is expected when students arrive for class. STEP 5 Attend Class For the Friday evening and Saturday morning class schedule, arrive for class at the MnSOM site by 6:00 p.m., Friday, for check-in, orientation, and chapel. Classes are conducted from 7:15 p.m. until 9:15 p.m. on the Friday evening and from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on the Saturday. For the Saturday only format, arrive for class at the MnSOM site by 8:15 AM. for check - in, orientation and devotions. Class will normally conclude at 3:30 PM. For courses like Homiletics, classes may be extended to allow an opportunity for each person to take part in classroom exercises. Bring all pre-class assignments, completed and ready for submission to the course instructor. Students are to provide two computer printout copies of the completed course Text Overview upon arrival at the sign-in desk for grading; one of which will be retained for the student s record. Hand written overviews or failure to bring two copies, will result in a grade reduction of one grade level which is 10 points or 10 per cent. Overviews which are not legible will not be accepted. Financial Policies 1. Payment in full must be received at the time of registration. Registrations without payment will not be accepted. 2. Registration forms will not be accepted less than three weeks before the course is offered without the MnSOM Administrator s approval and a $15 late fee. 3. Enrollment fees are not refunded. 7

14 4. Students unable to attend a course for which they have registered may request a refund of their registration fee, less a $15.00 processing charge. Such requests must be made prior to the session for which they registered. This request is best made by so the time of the request can be verified. 5. Students unable to attend a course for which they have registered may request a transfer their registration fee to a future MnSOM course. A $10 processing fee will be charged for any transfer requests. Such requests must be made prior to the class session for which they are initially registered. This request must include the future class the student wishes to apply the registration fee. The new registration will not be effective until MnSOM s receipt of the late fee. The request is best made to the MnSOM office by so the time of the request can be verified. 6. Checks returned for non-sufficient funds will be charged $ Transcripts will not be released to any student who has an outstanding balance due or unresolved financial issues. Ministerial Internships This is a General Council Requirement Internships required for Assemblies of God credentials are available through MnSOM. The student will select a mentor for the level of credential and will be required to be involved in active ministry under the mentor for no less than two hours each week. Mentor and student will be required to complete documentation in accordance with MnSOM normal policies. Students must also read the required textbook prior to completing the internship. Students must complete their internship prior to the credentialing deadline. All forms, reports, and assignments must be sent to the Internship Coordinator at the Minnesota District office by the dates listed in the appropriate Internship Manual. There is a six component internship at each level. One of these components is a six-month prayer journal. Students are encouraged to begin the internship after completion of their fourth class at the appropriate level. Fees for an internship are: Registration $60; Pastor/Mentor honorarium $100. Students should read the assigned book, however there is no text overview. No class session is required. Students must work with mentoring pastor who is either ordained or at least one credential level higher than the level they are completing. The mentoring pastor must be in good standing with the Assemblies of God and good standing must be verified by the district secretary treasurer. The Internship Manual, for each level, gives details of the various components. Internship manuals are downloadable at the website. 8

15 Internship Requirements Level 1 Internship (required for Certified Minister applicants only): Perform ministerial functions (funeral, baptism, and communion) under a mentor s guidance. Personally mentor and disciple a lay person in a local church. Conduct a premarital counseling session under the guidance of a mentor/pastor. Lead someone to Christ and see that person discipled in a local church. Keep a prayer and devotional journal for six months. Required reading. Level 2 Internship (required for Licensed Minister applicants): Critique a church board meeting with a mentor. Conduct a counseling session under the guidance of a mentor/pastor. Prepare and evaluate a personal family budget. Develop a report on all benevolence agencies in the community. Keep a prayer and devotional journal for six months. Required reading. Level 3 Internship (required for Ordination applicants): Lead a group of local church leaders through a process of specific objectives. Have a preaching coach/mentor critique five preached sermons. Develop an annual church budget (actual or sample) to be evaluated by a mentor. Assemble and lead a local church vision team through the vision discovery process, and produce a vision statement to be evaluated with a mentor. Keep a prayer and devotional journal for six months. Required reading. 9

16 Courses by Credential Level Level 1 (Certified) 112 Life of Christ 131 Introduction to Hermeneutics 113 Acts 133 Local Church Evangelism 114 Ephesians (English Track only) 134 Ministerial Ethics 115 Prison Epistles (Spanish Track only) 135 Interpersonal Relations 121 Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine 150 Level 1 Internship 122 AG History, Missions, Governance Level 2 (Licensed) 211 Old Testament Survey 231 Introduction to Homiletics 212 New Testament Survey 232 Leadership Skills 213 Romans 233 Conflict Resolution 223 Eschatology 234 Introduction to Missions 230 Systematic Theology 250 Level 2 Internship Level 3 (Ordained) 311 Pentateuch 331 Multicultural Ministry 312 Psalms 332 Pastoral Ministry 314 Corinthians 334 Church Administration, Law, Finance 322 Theology of Prayer 350 Level 3 Internship 324 Theology of Worship 10

17 Certificate in Lay Ministry Level 1 (Basic) 112 Life of Christ 121 Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine 113 Acts 131 Introduction to Hermeneutics 114 Ephesians or 115 Prison Epistles 133 Local Church Evangelism Elective Level 2 (Intermediate) 134 Ministerial Ethics 213 Romans 211 Old Testament Surveys 230 Systematic Theology 212 New Testament Survey 232 Leadership Skills Elective Level 3 (Advanced) 231 Introduction to Homiletics 314 Corinthians 233 Conflict Resolutions 322 Theology of Prayer 234 Introduction to Missions 324 Theology of Worship 311 Pentateuch 11

18 Courses by Concentration Bible 112 Life of Christ 212 New Testament Survey 113 Acts 213 Romans 114 Ephesians 311 Pentateuch 115 Prison Epistles 312 Psalms 131 Introduction to Hermeneutics 314 Corinthians 211 Old Testament Survey Theology 121 Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine 234 Introduction to Missions 122 AG History, Missions, Governance 322 Theology of Prayer 223 Eschatology 324 Theology of Worship 230 Systematic Theology Practical Ministry 133 Local Church Evangelism 233 Conflict Resolution 134 Ministerial Ethics 250 Level 2 Internship 135 Interpersonal Relations 331 Multicultural Ministry 150 Level 1 Internship 332 Pastoral Ministry 231 Introduction to Homiletics 334 Church Administration, Law, Finance 232 Leadership Skills 350 Level 3 Internship 12

19 Course Descriptions Level 1 (Certified) 112 Life of Christ This course will concentrate on major events in the life of Christ, focusing on the time, place, circumstances, and people involved in the Lord s ministry with the goal of increasing students understanding of the Lord s message, ministry, and mission, and inspiring them to be better ministers of the gospel of Christ. 113 Acts A study of Acts with concentration on the biblical theology of Acts, the historical background of events, and an emphasis on Luke s historical and theological narrative. Special attention is given to the role of the Holy Spirit in the birth and development of the church. 114 Ephesians An exegetical study of Paul s Letter to the Ephesians, emphasizing his doctrinal and practical teachings particularly regarding the believer, the church, and human relationships. This class is normally taught as part of the English track. 115 Prison Epistles An exegetical study of the Paul wrote while in prison to the Colossians, Philemon, and Ephesians. An emphasis is placed on practical application of principles that can be applied to personal life and ministry. This class is normally taught as part of the Spanish track. 121 Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine This introductory course in Pentecostal theology provides an overview of biblical doctrines, based upon the Statement of Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God. 122 AG History, Missions, and Governance This course is designed to give the students an understanding of the historical development and governing policies of the Assemblies of God through the stories of significant people involved, giving particular attention to the General Council Constitution and Bylaws and their application to the national fellowship, district councils, the local churches, and the credentialed ministers. 131 Introduction to Hermeneutics An introductory course on the principles for interpreting the Bible, emphasizing both exegesis and application. The principles learned will equip the student to interpret appropriately the different genre of Scripture. 13

20 133 Local Church Evangelism A theological and practical study of the Great Commission of sharing the Gospel with the world, both personally and in cooperation with other believers. 134 Ministerial Ethics This course will provide a general overview of the entire scope of ministerial ethics. It will address different ethical issues from biblical and theological perspective. The course will help the student establish basic methods and approaches to maintaining high ethical standards in their lives. 135 Interpersonal Relation A study in the issues relating to personal relationships, with special emphasis upon the relational aspects of marital and family life from a biblical perspective. 150 Level 1 Internship (Certified) See Internship section of this handbook. Level 2 (Licensed) 211 Old Testament Survey This course will serve as an introduction to the history, literature, and basic message of the Old Testament. The course will address major figures, events, and themes of the Old Testament and its foundational relationship to the New Testament. 212 New Testament Survey This course will serve as an introduction to the history, literature, and basic message of the New Testament. The course will address major figures, events, and themes presented in each of the New Testament books. 213 Romans Paul s letter to the church in Rome is the most extensive theological presentation in the New Testament. For this reason, it has demanded the attention of biblical students in every era. Yet, there are significant passages in Romans that are paralleled in other NT writings, indicating that Paul is addressing important issues that are not entirely new. 221 Systematic Theology An introduction to theology and a detailed study of the biblical teachings regarding God, Scripture, Man, Christ, Salvation, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and the Last Things Eschatology An advanced study of the doctrine of the Last Things, covering the topics of death, the Return of Christ, the resurrection and rapture, the tribulation, the millennium, judgment, and the final states. 14

21 231 Introduction to Homiletics A further study in the preparation and delivery of sermons, with special emphasis on expository preaching. 232 Leadership Skills A study in the principles of leadership, with practical application to leadership roles in Assemblies of God churches. 233 Conflict Resolution A study devoted to the resolution of conflict in the local church. The reasons for churches becoming unhealthy and how God wants to heal them are examined. The lordship of Jesus Christ and His methodology in resolving conflict form the basis of this study. 234 Introduction to Missions An introductory course in the work of missions, both in general and with special reference to the Assemblies of God, noting recent developments, crucial issues, and current trends. 250 Level 2 Internship (License) See the Internship section of this handbook. Level 3 (Ordained) 311 Pentateuch A general introduction to the theology of the first five books of the Bible, noting particularly God s relationship with his creation and his covenants with his people, the nature of sin and redemption, and the importance of holiness in life and worship. 312 Psalms In addition to the general overview of the book including their authorship, classification and function in the early church, selected Psalms will be studied in depth, noting the historical setting, structure, meaning, and spiritual application of each. 314 Corinthians An expository study of Paul s two Letters to the Corinthian church, highlighting his responses to the problems affecting it, his views of Christian character and ministry, and their relevance to the contemporary church. 324 Theology of Worship An examination of the scriptural foundations and spiritual dynamics of corporate praise and worship. 15

22 322 Theology of Prayer A study of biblical prayer, stressing the importance and impact of prayer in contemporary life and ministry. 331 Multicultural Ministry A study in the principles, process, and problems of communicating from one culture to another, with special attention to developing proficiency in communicating the gospel to people from other cultures. 332 Pastoral Ministry A practical study of the pastoral ministry, including the pastor s call, preaching, teaching, church leadership, family life, and more. 333 Biblical Counseling A study of the biblical basis for pastoral counseling and care, especially premarital, marital, traumatic, and transitional counseling. 334 Church Administration, Law, and Finance A theological and practical study of the wide-ranging daily life issues of running a church organizational, financial, legal, and people issues. 350 Level 3 Internship (Ordained) See Internship section of this handbook. 16

23 Administration and Faculty The Minnesota School of Ministry is overseen by the District appointed MnSOM Board. In its structure and function, MnSOM operates within guidelines established by the Presbytery of the Minnesota District of the Assemblies of God, the Executive Presbytery of the General Council of the Assemblies of God, and the Association of District Schools of Ministry. It maintains a positive and cooperative relationship with the Superintendent of the Minnesota District, other District Ministries, and the pastors and churches of the District. Members of the faculty and staff of MnSOM may be removed at any time by action of the Director following consultation with the approval of the District MnSOM Appointed Board. Immoral or unethical behavior, disloyalty, or disregard for appropriate authority, creating discord within the ministry or local church, or incompetence in the exercise of their responsibilities is grounds for removal. All members of the faculty serve with the approval of the MnSOM Director and Administrator and must meet high spiritual, moral, doctrinal, and academic standards. Members of the faculty also demonstrate practical experience and proven ministry. At all times MnSOM seeks to maintain excellence in its ministry and practices. Contact Information Director Greg Hickle ghickle@mnaog.org MnSOM Phone: (office) Minnesota District Council Fax: Portland Avenue South Minneapolis, MN Administrator Steve Forsberg sforsberg@mnaog.org MnSOM Phone: Ext. 276(office) Minnesota District Council Fax: Portland Avenue South Minneapolis, MN