School Catalog. As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. Psalm 42:1

Transcription

1 School Catalog As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. Psalm 42:1

2 Table of Contents 3 Pillars of Pastoral Discipleship... 4 School of Discipline... 5 The Importance of Pastoral Discipleship... 5 Student Prayer Support... 5 Replicating the Pastoral Ministry Load... 6 Be Sent and Supported... 6 Relationship to Calvary Chapel Bible College... 7 Here are some characteristics of SPM which make it unique:... 7 Certificate of Completion... 7 Housing/Renting:... 8 Tuition and Expenses... 8 Refund Policy... 8 Prerequisites For Admission... 9 Time and Location of Classes Semester Program... 9 Application Process... 9 Class Descriptions Statement of Faith... 15

3 A Welcome Message from Pastor Pat Verfurth In light of the great need for Christ-like shepherds in the Body of Christ, I am very excited about the School of Pastoral Ministry here at Calvary Chapel Manteca. This two-year school is specifically tailored to train men for pastoral ministry. The school s focus on consecration, character development, and education in that order gives a lot for the Holy Spirit to work with in developing the calling of a pastor. The Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit said, And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2). Well-prepared under-shepherds of the Lord Jesus do not just happen. They are called, consecrated, equipped, pruned and broken. Persevering through this process enables them to be useful in the Great Shepherd s hands. I want to extend a welcome and an invitation to seek the Lord s will as it relates to your attendance at the School of Pastoral Ministry. Remember Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. And Romans 12:1-2: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. May God bless you as you seek His perfect will for your life. His servant and yours, Pat Verfurth Senior Pastor Calvary Chapel Manteca

4 3 Pillars of Pastoral Discipleship SPM uses a unique approach to discipling future pastors. This approach is called the 3 Pillars of Pastoral Discipleship. The 3 Pillars are consecration, character development, and education: Consecration Knowing God, loving God, walking with God, worshipping God, fearing God, communing with God, obeying God, and seeking God. If a pastor cannot walk closely with God, he will never be able to care for the Lord Jesus Sheep as He intends. SPM creates an environment which fosters intimacy with Jesus by beginning each school day seeking Him. Just this discipline alone is transforming for those who have never had a consistent time with Jesus each day. So SPM is not just a place to learn information, it is a place to seek Jesus Himself. That is the key to a successful life, let alone ministry. Character Development Besides the Gift of Teaching, all of the requirements for overseers in the New Testament are character-based. With so many denominations merely requiring education as a prerequisite for pastoral ministry, SPM believes they are doing a disservice to their prospective pastors and the body of Christ by overemphasizing the wrong thing. Education is very important, and we are called to show ourselves approved (2 Tim.2:15), but if a man has little character but has a long degree after his name, he will hurt God s Sheep. God can do so much more with a little-educated man with character, than He can with a highly-educated man with little or no character. Far more people are hurt in the Church by those with a lack of character, than a man who cannot write a book on Theology - thus the wisdom of God is on display in His requirements of godly character for leaders in Scripture (1 Tim.3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9). Education SPM believes education is important and vital. As quoted within the previous section, 2 Tim. 2:15, in addition to 2 Tim. 3:17, clearly state the importance of the Word of God in equipping God s people for every good work, especially pastors. SPM has 28 classes to meet this great need in those called to be under-shepherds. That said, one thing needs to be made clear: SPM is not a Bible college. Beyond being assigned to listen to Pastor Chuck Smith s Thru-the-Bible Series, there are no Bible classes. For example, SPM does not have a class on the Book of John, nor a New Testament Survey class, etc. There are already many schools which offer this type of education, but there are far fewer which focus only on what will be useful for those in pastoral ministry. SPM seeks to meet that need in the Body of Christ. In fact, SPM sees this lack of pastoral discipleship of potential pastors as a crisis and a subject of much needed prayer.

5 School of Discipline Another name of SPM could be the School of Discipline. Discipline is crucial in a servant-leader s life. God does not use lazy, undisciplined men at least not for very long. Ministry is hard work and people are coming to conclusions about Him based on our actions. This is especially true with those who are in leadership. If anyone should be an example to others with respect to a godly work ethic, it should be leaders. SPM attempts to guide men to excellence in consistency, punctuality, quality of work, and prioritization of their lives. This is the important process of learning to say no to things which are good in and of themselves, but which are weights to the man called to serve (Heb. 12:1). The Importance of Pastoral Discipleship Traditionally, when a person desires pastoral training, the normal route to take is attending a seminary. Although some seminaries have their good points, most seminaries cannot offer intense, personal discipleship. They cannot do this because of the sheer number of students attending classes. The instructors do not have the time required to disciple each student. By way of contrast, the commitment to discipleship is what is unique about the School of Pastoral Ministry (hereafter SPM). The purposeful design of lower enrollment in order to disciple men called to pastor gives every student needed attention, guidance, and instruction by pastors during their two-year attendance. While some seminaries have pastors as teachers, many do not. Or, they have been out of pastoral ministry for many years and their ability to apply the subject matter in a relevant way has waned, or become less effective. At SPM, we strongly believe future pastors should only be discipled and trained by current pastors. We believe this approach best prepares the student in their unique calling. At SPM, the students are able to get to know the pastors, ask all the questions they need to ask, receive prayer, encouragement, and validation of their spiritual gifts. They get to learn how the information they are learning actually affects the Lord Jesus Sheep in real life. This is extremely valuable to those who are being shaped by the Holy Spirit to be His leaders. Student Prayer Support Going to SPM, working a job, ministering, teaching, having a family, etc., is a lot for anyone. As previously mentioned, SPM is designed to be difficult on purpose. That being said, one can see how important prayer would be to the students. This is why SPM requires all students to ask five people or

6 families to commit to diligently pray for them during their two-year stay at SPM. This is so important that it cannot be overstated. Prayer is crucial! In order to do what God has called us to do, we need to get our strength from Him on a daily basis. Some believers have not yet learned about the need for supernatural power because they are still trying to do what God has called them to do in their own strength. Only frustration and failure can result from that mentality. This is especially true for future pastors who will be tempted to roll up their sleeves and make it happen in ministry. Dependence on God needs to begin now, and not in the future. These habits need to be formed as soon as possible. Replicating the Pastoral Ministry Load The whole two-year program has been specifically designed to replicate the circumstances that exist in pastoral ministry. Although true duplication is impossible, the school can put a heavy load on its students, much like ministry does. Maintaining a growing relationship with God, caring for your family, working full-time, serving outside of the school, and doing assignments is a heavy load. We believe this overall load is vital in allowing men to get a taste of what could be ahead for them in the future. Going through this process of being trained produces maturity (James 1:4), a lack of self-dependence (John 15:5), and the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it (Heb. 12:11). Yes, being broken and pruned is hard and painful, but God must do this so that we will learn to be dependent upon Him, continue to be useable, and to glorify Him by bearing fruit (John 15:8). So often those called to pastoral ministry are shocked when they start caring for God s people and discover how difficult it is. This is why the Lord Jesus uses trials as His preferred chisel to break His pastors both in preparation to serve God s Dear Ones, and throughout their privileged service. Be Sent and Supported SPM encourages all potential applicants to approach the leadership of their churches to prayerfully consider supporting them full or in part to facilitate their attendance of SPM if they get accepted. Students may be surprised how interested others may be in supporting their venture of faith and preparation to serve the Body of Christ. In fact, their pastor may encourage them to send out support letters to those who love them to raise funds in order to add to what the church leadership may want to do. Take it to prayer. Remember, your job is not to figure out how to make it happen if you get accepted. Your role is hear from Him and obey what He says.

7 Relationship to Calvary Chapel Bible College What s the difference between the Bible College and SPM? SPM is completely independent of Calvary Chapel Bible College (CCBC) in Murrieta (CA), and its extension campuses. The aim of the Bible College is not only training men for pastoral ministry, but also for anyone who desires to grow in their knowledge of the Word of God. By contrast, SPM has a narrower scope in that it is aiming specifically at pastoral training alone. As a result, it can build the entire program around that goal. Here are some characteristics of SPM which make it unique: The program is two years in length with 5 semesters Students are only taught and discipled by pastors Biblical and Middle Eastern cultural training is enhanced through a trip to Israel Cross-cultural mission experiences are gained through participation in a short-term mission trip to a foreign country Eight field trips to other Calvary Chapels are made to observe various church facilities, ministry models, and Sunday services Students must be involved in some area of ministry in the fellowship of which they are a part Students accepted into the program may not pick and choose classes, but must commit to the whole program Certificate of Completion Upon graduation, the student will be issued a diploma as a certificate of completion. We have chosen not to issue degrees nor become accredited because we do not want the state or an accreditation board to tell us what we can or cannot teach. One of the primary downfalls of Christian institutions of higher education is the desire for worldly status. Our desire is to recognize the calling of God on a man s life, disciple him, and watch God place him into service as He sees fit. A man does not need a degree for this to happen. In fact, many have fallen into the trap of trusting in a degree to place them in ministry instead of the Lord. Finally, Remember that, none of the Lord Jesus disciples were formally trained. They just knew the Lord and agreed to follow Him with the training He arranged for them. Acts 4:13: Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.

8 Housing/Renting: Since the church does not provide housing, the students will be responsible for their own. The following are some good resources to research this matter: If renting, here are some websites to visit: mantecabulletin.com, craigslist.com ask4rental.managebuilding.com, libertypropertymanagement.com, and forrent.com. We would be glad to help you relocate in any way that we can. Buying: If buying, here are some websites to visit: metrolistmls.net (choose San Joaquin County), homestore.com. For realtor referrals, contact the Director of SPM. Tuition and Expenses Tuition The tuition of $300 per semester is due before classes begin. There are 5 semesters to the program. Tuition is paid one semester at a time and may be done by visiting Israel Trip, Missions Trip, and Field Trips Missions trip cost: $600-$2000 Israel trip cost: $3200-$4300 These trips are highly recommended but not required for graduation. The cost for most field trips will include meals, and possibly hotel accommodations for 1 night. Textbooks/Computer The total cost of textbooks will range from $100 - $300 per semester. Having access to a computer, printer, and the Internet are required for SPM students. Refund Policy A refund will be granted if the student withdraws during the first week of regular classes. Refunds are contingent upon proper notification by the student. Students must notify the school Director in writing or in person. No refunds will be granted after the first week of classes. Since textbooks are not purchased by the students through the school, students will be responsible for securing refunds of their textbooks if desired.

9 Prerequisites For Admission SPM is seeking applicants who: o o o o o o Sense a calling on their lives for pastoral ministry Have known the Lord for at least one year (2 years recommended) Are interested in aggressively growing in their relationship with the Lord Jesus Are humble and teachable, able to be exhorted Have already demonstrated their heart for people by serving them in some capacity in the church Can provide pastoral references from leaders who have witnessed firsthand these prerequisites Time and Location of Classes Classes are held from 6:00 10:00 PM Tuesdays and Thursdays at Calvary Chapel Manteca 602 E Yosemite Ave, Manteca, CA Due to class interdependency and the discipleship process, no classes may be taken independently of the others. The student must commit to the whole program. 5 Semester Program SPM is comprised of five, 14-week semesters, covering a span of 19 months. Here is a sample schedule: 1 st semester: 9/6 12/15. Then two week break 2 nd semester: 1/3 4/6. Then two week break (Israel/Missions Trip) 3 rd semester: 4/25 7/27. Then 1 month break 4 th semester: 9/5 12/14. Then two week break 5 th semester: 1/2 4/5. Graduation 4/13 Application Process Once the application information is received, three different pastors review it as they individually pray for the applicant (and family if applicable). Then the pastors meet to discuss these things: Does the applicant meet the prerequisites for acceptance? Is it the right time for the applicant to attend SPM? Is this what is best for them? What is the Holy Spirit saying about their attendance?

10 Advanced Biblical Counseling I, II Class Descriptions During these two classes, the student receives further instruction on biblical counseling through examination of previous counseling principles, the Dos and Don ts of conducting counseling appointments, and principles for pre-marital counseling. There is no substitute for actual counseling experience, but a student can learn a lot by dealing with the subject in a biblical, realistic manner ahead of time. Especially with the existence of psychology-based counseling in the Church, there is a need for God s shepherds to remain faithful to the biblical truth found in I Peter 1:3, His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness. We have no greater advantage than the saints had before modern psychology; God s Word is still enough for every spiritual need that we have (Heb. 4:12; I Thess. 2:13). Apologetics I, II These classes will give instruction to the student on how to defend the Christian Faith. Especially in this present age, there is an incredible need for pastors to not only know what they believe, but why they believe it. Some of the subjects discussed: Demonstrating the existence of God, the nature of evidence, sharing with atheists and agnostics, moral relativism, the problem of evil, refuting the theory of Evolution, various world religions, and non-christian cults. After these two classes, the student will be better equipped and ready to give a defense to everyone who asks him a reason for the hope that is in him, with meekness and fear (I Peter 3:15-16). Beginning Greek I, II This course introduces Koine Greek, the language of the New Testament. The objective of this class is to teach the student Greek grammar, acquire a basic vocabulary, and learn how to use both book and software tools in order to rightly interpret Scripture. Many students are highly intimidated by the Greek language. This can be overcome by the repetition of foundational rules that unlock more advanced principles, and by demonstrating that Greek lacks many of the grammar exceptions that exist in English. Ultimately, the student will be very comfortable with the language and be proficient in using computer software in the exegetical process.

11 Bible Study Tools Focus on learning how to use study tools will be emphasized. The student will become familiar with various commentaries, Bible dictionaries, original language resources, etc. Learning the process of using these important tools as a regular, systematic approach to Bible study will be overviewed as well. Biblical Counseling I, II The student will learn to apply the principles of God s Word to his life and the lives of others so that the Word may transform their lives. Instruction is based on materials developed by the Biblical Counseling Foundation. Their book, Self-Confrontation, will be the main textbook for the class. This very intensive, thorough book exhorts the reader to apply God s Word alone to every area of life. Exposing various worldly philosophies as man s way and pointing to Scripture as God s way is a key technique which the book uses to contrast fact from fiction as it relates to what principles upon which we should build our lives. This is a great introduction for the second year SPM class, Advanced Biblical Counseling. Church History I, II Over the course of two semesters, an overview of church history is presented. It is important to understand how God has moved through church leadership over the centuries in light of human history. God has used man in spite of himself and demonstrated His sovereignty in His plan for the Church. Clearly, nothing can stop His plan (Matt. 16:18). In addition, the student will gain a greater appreciation of biblical doctrine as he learns the price many Believers paid for holding true to it especially in light of the many heresies throughout the ages. Expository Preaching I, II The student will teach from various sections of the Bible, and then receive constructive criticism from the teacher, students, and himself (by video). A lot of men have taught small group Bible studies, but have never preached a sermon. Having to develop and deliver sermons sharpens and prepares the student with needed teaching experience for ministry. An emphasis will be placed on the dependence upon the Holy Spirit in both sermon preparation and sermon delivery. By the end of the course, the student will have taught from a Gospel narrative, a parable, a Pauline Epistle, the Book of Revelation, a Psalm, and the Book of Acts while being exhorted to point the listeners back to the text throughout their sermon. Instruction on having a balance between preparation, delivery, effort, and the Holy Spirit empowering/enabling the speaker will be given as well.

12 Field Trips SPM students will travel together on weekend field trips to visit eight other Calvary Chapels that the Lord has particularly blessed and prospered. At these churches, the leadership will be in attendance in order to inform the students of their specific areas of responsibility and oversight. Students will then be able to ask questions related to each area of ministry, especially those ministries into which they feel that the Lord may be leading them. Another aspect of these field trips is the students examination of the church s facilities. The assessment of parking accessibility, adequate restrooms, signage, children s ministry classroom size, cleanliness, landscaping, sound system, information rack, bulletin, pastors offices, nursing mothers room, and bookstore are some of the areas considered and subsequently discussed in class. This motivates the student to start thinking about how he would do things if he were the Pastor of a fellowship. Two field trips per semester will be required. Greek Workshop Greek Workshop is a class designed to give further explanation and study of Koine Greek. Each week the student has twenty sentences to translate from Greek to English to develop the student s translation skills. Students can ask more questions in this setting, and the instructor can take more time helping the student work through these questions in a way that keeps the student progressing in his studies. Learning any foreign language requires lots of repetition, and this class utilizes this learning technique to the fullest. Hermeneutics A thorough study and examination of principles needed to rightly divide the Word of Truth (2 Tim. 2:15). Building upon the Inductive Bible Study class, this class rounds-off the student s exegetical skills by instructing them on how to interpret different genres, types, symbols, and figures of speech in the Scriptures. The student will be instructed on the difference between hermeneutics, exegesis, exposition, homiletics, and pedagogy. Lastly, he will learn the importance of not spiritualizing biblical texts. History of Redemption This class will overview the grand story of redemption as seen through the entire panoply of Scripture. There is an amazing thread of God s salvation throughout all of God s Word which is important to know especially for future pastors.

13 Inductive Bible Study This class teaches proper biblical interpretation skills, with special emphasis on only drawing out of the text what is actually there. Proper observation, interpretation, and application are gone over in detail with special attention given to the operation of each in their proper order when studying the Bible. Each student will have a very large homework load in this class, three presentations to give, a large mid-term project, and an even bigger final project. This class could easily be characterized as the class with the heaviest load. We firmly believe that since teachers will endure a stricter judgment (James 3:1), it is our responsibility to train men to rightly divide the Word of Truth so as not be ashamed (2 Tim. 2:15). We know that love for Jesus is equated with feeding His sheep (John 21:17), and that God has given pastor-teachers as a gift to the Body of Christ to equip the saints for the work of the ministry (Eph. 4:12). This is the reason for the heavy load. We give students this heavy homework load so that they may not endure the heavier load of judgment which comes by mishandling the Word of God (James 3:1). Israel Trip/Missions Trip Each student will be encouraged to participate in a trip to Israel during the two-year program. Whether joining Calvary Chapel Manteca, other Calvary Chapels, or other churches, a trip to Israel is life-changing. The student will be able to picture biblical texts in their mind because they will have experienced the land in which the events occurred. Additionally, each student will be encouraged to participate in a mission trip during the two-year program, in addition to being involved in various outreaches Calvary Chapel Manteca sponsors, including homeless ministry. Church Administration I, II Over the course of two semesters, the student will take a look at the biblical role of leadership in the church along with a very practical look at the various facets of church administration. The leadership subjects include detailed discussions of vision, planning, decision making, problem solving, teamwork, delegation, time management, and establishing priorities. Other leadership subjects include the aim, call, styles, and requirements of leadership in light of their biblical basis. The administration subjects include detailed discussions of governmental reporting requirements, basic taxation issues, risk management (insurance), bookkeeping, ministry screening, running board meetings, process of incorporation, and polices & procedures. Lastly, the students will complete a project examining the book of Nehemiah. The goal of this project is to locate the different leadership qualities in the ministry of Nehemiah.

14 Ministry in the Cycles of Life Pastors minister to God s people through the greatest and hardest seasons of their lives. This class will examine the various stages of life Believers experience, and seeks to prepare pastors to minister during these seasons of joys and hardships. Devotions The first 40 minutes of the school day is wisely spent cultivating the student s relationship with Jesus. Whether spending time in prayer, worship, the Word, or using Spiritual Gifts, this is the foundation of the strength of the school, and its importance cannot be overstated. Walking closely with Jesus is vital to successful life, to say nothing of a successful pastor. Old Testament Language and Culture This class is an introduction to both the Hebrew language and the culture of the Jewish people. By studying these two areas, the student receives needed insight into understanding these precious people better especially in understanding their way of life and presuppositions concerning their opposition to Jesus Christ being identified as their Messiah. Orientation to Ministry I, II, III, IV This class is designed to help the student gain practical knowledge and experience by serving in ministry on a weekly basis. It begins with having visiting senior pastors/missionaries come each week to share their personal experience in ministry and allowing the students to ask questions. In addition to this, the students are required to turn in a monthly serving report. The report allows leadership to gauge how active the student has been each month, because each student is required to serve in a ministry sixteen hours a month. This provides the practical experience needed to learn how to serve in various areas. Pastoral Epistles An in-depth examination of the Apostle Paul s epistles to Timothy and Titus. These three books have a wealth of instruction, exhortation, and encouragement for the man called to shepherd. The student will read the book entitled Be Faithful by Warren Wiersbe and turn in two papers commenting on various observations from the texts.

15 Theology I, II Important topics will be selected from systematic theology for special examination. An apologetic will be established for certain doctrines. The objective is for the student to work through theological issues and arrive at conclusions based on careful examination of the Scriptures. Areas of study will include Theology Proper, Bibliology, Christology, Soteriology, Anthropology, Inerrancy, Eschatology, among others. Statement of Faith WE BELIEVE the Bible to be the only inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. WE BELIEVE that there is one God, eternally existent in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. WE BELIEVE in the deity of Jesus Christ; in His Virgin Birth; in His sinless life; in His miracles; in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood; in His bodily resurrection; in His ascension to the right hand of the Father; and in His personal return in power and glory. WE BELIEVE that for the salvation of lost and sinful humanity, repentance from sin and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the only way to come into a relationship with God. WE BELIEVE in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life. We further believe His power and gifts are available to believers today. WE BELIEVE in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost: those who are saved unto the resurrection of life, and those who are lost unto the resurrection of damnation. WE BELIEVE it is important to uphold the Scriptural practices of the early church. Therefore, we hold to the practice of water baptism and the regular taking of Communion. We do not believe that either of these practices is essential for salvation, but that they serve as a demonstration of our living faith in Christ.

16 School of Pastoral Ministry The things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:2 For further information contact: School of Pastoral Ministry c/o Calvary Chapel Manteca P.O. Box 2583 Manteca, CA Austin Novello Director, Teaching Pastor Phone: (209) director@pastorschool.org Website: pastorschool.org