Academy Of Christian Studies The Joshua Mission School Of Biblical Discipleship 12 March 2017
Info: The Joshua Mission PURPOSE The Joshua Mission is a preaching & teaching Mission dedicated to Prophetic Ministry of the Word Apostolic Ministry to the Churches Building Unity in the Body of Christ Prophetic Ministry of the Word This Purpose has to do with Teaching the BIBLE as the Word of God for Today Speaking Forth what the Holy Spirit leads us to Say in Christ s Name This Ministry is the Basis for the Subsequent Two Purposes. Apostolic Ministry to the Churches Through the Prophetic Ministry of the Word we Train up Spiritual Leaders who are true servants of Christ Nurture Biblical Discipleship in the lives of Committed Christians Build Strong Healthy Spirit-filled Christ-centred Churches Building Unity in the Body of Christ Unity and Cooperation between pastors, evangelists, missionaries and leaders of churches and Christian organisations through the membership network that is built by this Mission the extension of the fellowship and ministry of the members to those who are not members the participation of non-member leaders, churches and Christian organisations in its programmes by invitation INTERNATIONAL NETWORK The Joshua Mission has an international membership network consisting of pastors, evangelists, missionaries, leaders of churches & Christian organisations. It is centred around preaching, teaching & studying the Word for growth & equipping in worship, walk, ministry & witness for all members and participants. It is supported by prayer and fellowship for mutual strengthening and ministering together for members and their churches and organisations. Currently, there are four interconnected national networks in India, Nepal, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, with other members spread out in other countries. There are, in total, about 3,500 members. The Founder and International President is based in Singapore. The network is expanding within these countries and widening outwards to others as the Holy Spirit leads. The Founder has taught in China, South & Southeast Asia, Nigeria and Brazil. Join as a Member of The Joshua Mission See www.thejoshuamission.net click about us click membership For More Information see our Website: www.thejoshuamission.net Contents School of Biblical Discipleship A Word for Church & Ministry Leaders 5 Concept - School of Biblical Discipleship 7 Curriculum 9 Three Levels of Stepped Instruction 9 Level 1 - Foundation Level: Effective Discipleship 9 Level 2 - Ministry Level: Equipping for Ministry 10 Level 3 - Leadership Level: Spiritual Leadership 10 Course System 11 Two Types of Course Schedule 11 International Training Conferences 11 Weekly Classes 11 Two Types of Course Content 11 Discipleship Courses 11 Bible Study Courses 12 Enrolment 12 Certification 13 Fees 14 Serve as a Certified Trainer 15 Be a Certified Trainer 15 Ministry at Home 15 Ministry Abroad 16 Invitation to Join The Joshua Mission 16 Academy Membership 17 Info - The Joshua Mission 18 18 3
Academy Membership Invitation to Join For Churches & Christian Organisations - The Joshua Mission invites Churches & Christian Organisations to join us as Academy Members. A Commitment - Academy Membership is a commitment on the part of the Member, and a memorandum of understanding with The Joshua Mission, that the Member would use the courses of the Academy as an integral part of, or as the main stay, of its own teaching and training. A Pledge to Uphold - In so doing, the Member will abide by the policies and regulations of the Academy for use of its courses and the award of its certificates and uphold the standard of training for Certified Instructors for the School of Bible Study, and Certified Trainers for the School of Biblical Discipleship, to ensure a high common standard of teaching, training and instruction. Mutual Strengthening - All Academy Members share, by mutual consent, their pool of Certified Instructors and Certified Trainers, to mutually teach, disciple and strengthen all participants and candidates who attend its courses. This is a cooperative effort to help each other build disciples and leaders for Christ. The Input of The Joshua Mission - The Joshua Mission, on its part, offers all the courses of the Academy to all Members and makes available all Certified Instructors and Certified Trainers it has to all Members for their strengthening. All new courses, as they are developed, and all courses, as they are updated or upgraded, will be available to all Members. It will help all Members who request so, as suitably qualified leaders, instructors or trainers are available, to strengthen and upgrade their own teaching and training programmes. Current Spread of Membership - The Academy of Christian Studies, is founded and managed by The Joshua Mission. The Mission is an international preaching and teaching mission with expanding membership and widening reach to the nations. There are currently 4 countries with national networks - India, Nepal, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. They continue to expand nationally and are linked internationally. There are about 3,500 pastors, church leaders, church planters, missionaries and evangelists in membership. They lead their own churches and Christian ministries. Collectively, they pastor or lead about 175,000 congregation members. We currently have contacts in Pakistan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Philippines, China, Nigeria and Brazil to explore future expansion. How to Join Email the Founder & International President at joshua@thejoshuamission.net to indicate your interest and for discussion. 4 17
Ministry Abroad Certified Instructors can extend their ministry overseas! Contact the School if you have this interest. You can do it as your personal participation with The Joshua Mission - OR - Through your church or Christian organisation working in coordination with us, as a part of their work. It would be a great advantage if you can teach in their local languages. Otherwise we will arrange to provide translation or interpretation. Where? The School of Biblical Discipleship, is part of the Academy of Christian Studies, which is founded and managed by The Joshua Mission. The Mission is an international preaching and teaching mission with expanding membership and widening reach to the nations. There are currently 4 countries with national networks - India, Nepal, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. They continue to expand nationally and are linked internationally. There are about 3,500 pastors, church leaders, church planters, missionaries and evangelists in membership. They lead their own churches and Christian ministries. Collectively, they pastor or lead about 175,000 congregation members. We currently have contacts in Pakistan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Philippines, China, Nigeria and Brazil for future expansion. We offer ACADEMY MEMBERSHIP to churches, seminaries, Christian institutes & organisations, in any country that adopt our training. You may teach with them too. (See page 17) Invitation to Join The Joshua Mission If you are making a definite commitment to serve Christ in any of the above ways, we invite you to join as a Ministry Member of The Joshua Mission! This is entirely voluntary. Not doing so will not stop you in anyway from doing your ministry or making full use of what you have ler But joining will bring you into contact with others who join for mutual ministry and strengthening in the Lord s service, and for your own growth. Join as a Member of The Joshua Mission See www.thejoshuamission.net click about us click membership Dear Leader, Warm Greetings in Jesus Name! A Word for Church & Ministry Leaders The purpose of the School of Biblical Discipleship is to nurture and train up more and better leaders and disciples who truly put Christ first. We invite you to make use of our teaching and training for the strengthening and multiplication of such leaders and disciples in your ministry. It is our prayer that we may be a blessing to you in Christ to this end. The teaching & training offered by this School is distinct from, though complementary to, seminary (Bible or Mission college or university) courses. It is relevant whether one does not attend seminary, is attending seminary, or already hold a degree or degrees from seminary. One is not required to complete one continuous period of instruction such as for a diploma or degree. One enrolls for and completes one module at a time. One may take just one module or one may take all modules. These courses are fully relevant for ALL Christians in all walks of life and in all areas of leadership. It is for those who serve in churches or Christian organisations. It is equally for Christians in secular work in any industry or position. (The School of Biblical Discipleship is a part of the Academy of Christian Studies that is set up by The Joshua Mission. It is complemented by the School of Bible Study and the School of Instructor Training. Each School has its own prospectus.) We invite you to 1. Publicise the courses for your members to join for their own growth in walk and service. This will be a blessing for your group when they practice what they learn to be good examples of Christian living, faithful servants and Christ-centred leaders. 2. Identify and send your leaders or staff to attend as their training or study leave to learn and then to bring back what they receive to teach and train others. 3. SPECIAL EMPHASIS: This Academy is especially interested in training up bilingual or multilingual Christian leaders and teachers who can learn and do examination in English, because the courses are conducted in English. But after qualification, to then teach and train others in their respective local or national languages in their respective countries, churches and Christian organisations. This does not penalise in any way those who want to learn and teach in English. Over time, we encourage all who participate to master the whole curriculum and pass it all on to their own country, church or organisation. Yours in Christ s Service, Joshua YJ Su (Soh Guan Chin) (Revd. Dr.) Founder & International President The Joshua Mission 16 5
Serve as a Certified Trainer Be a CERTIFIED TRAINER! We invite and challenge you to aim at becoming a Certified Trainer for the School of Biblical Discipleship. This qualifies you to teach and issue the certificates of this Academy for this School. This path is Suitable for Equipping anyone who is called to be a Disciple-maker. It is fully relevant for any Christian who has a leading from the Lord to serve as a mentor to younger believers, whatever your line of work, even for those still studying other types of courses - like university or polytechnic students. But it will be of Special Value if you are a pastor, preacher, missionary, Bible teacher, church elder; OR a lay leader who preach or teach - like lay preachers, cell, fellowship, or youth leaders, Sunday School and Christian education teachers. Qualifying as a Certified Trainer To qualify as a Certified Trainer you will Need to Attend the Discipleship courses and demonstrate that you have properly put the relevant teaching and training into actual practice in your life. You need to complete a whole Level in order to be certified. Attend and Pass the Books of the Bible - i.e. obtain the Certificate of Study - that are prescribed for the Level that you want to complete. Attend and Pass a Coaching Clinic for teaching & assessing Discipleship courses as to whether the person you mentor has put what is taught into consistent practice in his or her life. What Certified Trainers of this School can do You can teach the Discipleship courses and the Books of the Bible. However, you will need a Certified Instructor of the School of Bible Study to set the exam and grade the Books of the Bible courses, if you are not also one yourself. Responsibly assess if those you mentor have put into practice the principles and applications taught in these courses. Issue Certificates of Completion for those whom you have assessed to have sufficiently understood the principles and disciplines taught and have put them into practice in their life for the relevant Level of instruction: Ministry at Home You can use your qualification as Certified Trainer of the School of Biblical Discipleship to mentor others to walk right with Christ and live a Spirit-filled life. You can do this among your own friends and contacts with those who are willing to accept you as their mentor. You can do this with your church or Christian organisation by agreement of the relevant leaders. You can volunteer to work with The Joshua Mission to train those who enrol for these courses with the Mission. 6 15
Fees NO Fee! This Academy charges NO Fee! The Certified Instructors all teach Voluntarily. So there is also NO Staff cost! It makes it the Most Affordable course of study ever! This is a Special Leading of the Spirit for this Academy. However, all who attend are invited to Give Voluntarily to the LORD for the work of this Academy and The Joshua Mission as the Spirit may lead. The cost of the Academy and the Mission is covered by the income received through the voluntary giving of members, participants, donors and sponsors; and what is received from non-profit sale and rental of goods and services the Mission or its members may offer - such as books & magazines, premises they own or rent, charges for certain services rendered (like giving public talks, library, educational, humanitarian & health work). Academy cost includes rental of venues for its courses and conferences, food for participants of these events, travel subsidies for those who need such help to attend, the production and distribution of study material. 14 Concept School of Biblical Discipleship Purpose The School of Biblical Discipleship is a part of the Academy of Christian Studies set up by The Joshua Mission. It serves to instill and equip all who attend the beliefs, values, way of life and service that is Spirit-filled & obedient to Christ. It focuses on the CORE areas that All disciples Need to believe and practice; irrespective of each s different gifting & area of ministry, or life call. But it will guide each participant to discover each s own gifts, ministry and calling. Approach 3 CORE Levels The School identifies 3 Core Levels of essentials: Foundation Level: Name of Course - EFFECTIVE DISCIPLESHIP Ministry Level: Name of Course - EQUIPPING FOR MINISTRY Leadership Level: Name of Course - SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP Books of the Bible as Integral Integrated into all 3 Levels are Specially Chosen Books of the Bible. These books are taught as an essential and integral part of each Level. They serve to teach the biblical and doctrinal truths that the level is intended to instill. REASON: Every Disciple NEEDS to Know the BIBLE - this ensures that they do Book by Book Bible Study is the BEST WAY to teach Christian Doctrines because they are explained in the context of the Bible itself. Book by Book Bible Study is the BEST WAY to guide Christians to soundly apply the Bible to their lives The books chosen are courses from the School of Bible Study. So it builds a bridge for every participant to make use of the courses of the School of Bible Study for their own ongoing lifelong growth in Christ. This extends beyond their completing the School of Biblical Discipleship courses to whatever level of maturity they may reach in time to come. For All Christians - but especially for those in leadership in any organisation - The courses of this School are not only for those who serve in church & Christian ministries. It is fully relevant to All Christians in All walks of life and leadership in any type of organisation or any sector of society. God s truth and lordship apply equally to all! Philosophy of Instruction & Certification The Academy of Christian Studies, of which this School is an integral part, offers Bible and biblical discipleship study and training as a uniquely Christian form and path of education. Hence, It is deliberately Not Linked to academic, professional or vocational education and certification offered by secular institutions. The ONLY REQUIREMENT is that you understand the Language of Instruction. 7
For those with Academic, Professional & Vocational Qualifications What you learn and apply from this Academy guides the use of any other qualification you have to serve God as a disciple of Christ. No secular qualification serves this purpose. It complements or reinforces any Bible, theological or ministerial training you may have. For those with Little or No Other Qualifications This School serves as your Christ-centred path of education! By not requiring any pre-requisite other than understanding the language of insruction, you are able to enrol and be educated as a Christian disciple or leader even if you do not have formal education. Many Christians who are already doing ministry and serving in leadership are in this situation. Hence this Academy serves as a path for your growth in life and ministry as a Christian. Furthermore, what you learn here will help you to acquire other knowledge and skills. Unlimited Opportunity to Repeat Courses In accordance with the nature of this way of education, there is NO Penalty in repeating any course. Indeed, we Encourage it! This is because Bible study and biblical discipleship are lifelong processes of Christian growth. No truth or book of the Bible, no principle of discipleship, can be, or is meant to be studied just once. They are to be cultivated, reinforced and practiced for life. If any is forgotten, it needs to be reinstated. These courses are not a means for paper chase. Rather, they are open to any who want to enrol to study and practice God s truth for as many times as it helps the person to grow. More Details See website: www.thejoshuamission.net - click Academy of Christian Studies for more information on the Academy and its other Schools - School of Bible Study & School of Instructor Training Internet Bank Transfer to The Joshua Mission Account Number 424000430 Standard Chartered Bank, Tampines Branch Bank Code: 7144 Branch Code: 042 Swift Code: SCBLSG22-4200000430 If you are a Sponsored Participant - liaise directly with the organiser or sponsor for the Conference for the necessary arrangements - visa, transport, food, lodging, administrative matters - to & from the conference. Enrolling for Weekly Courses NOTE: This is done Locally within EACH Country For Singapore: On the website - www.thejoshuamission.net - click the link for Course Registration OR - Fill up a Registration Form on-site when you attend the class. We may distribute brochure-cum-registration forms - if you receive one you can Fill it and Send it to The Joshua Mission 229 Pasir Ris Street 21, #02-24, Singapore 510229 For India - email the National Coordinator at gtdass@yahoo.com For Nepal - email the National Coordinator at ehmnepal@gmail.com For Indonesia - email the National Coordinator at andrewhendro@yahoo.com Other countries will be added as Instructors are available. Certification By Personal Attendance Only This School requires personal attendance at classes, groups, and one-to-one meetings. This training cannot be done online or via correspondence. This is because sound biblical Christian discipleship require personal commitment and good quality interaction with a sound and qualified Trainer. While individual topics may be recorded for audio listening, it is the cultivation of the spiritual disciplines and the commitment to put these into actual real life practice that makes the difference. There is NO Substitute for personal attendance and effort. Certificate of Completion Certification is awarded on a Level by Level basis. A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION for Each Level is awarded when the candidate demonstrates that he or she is regularly practicing what is taught for that Level. This is not necessarily done at the end of the training but when the trainers are satisfied that the candidate has given evidence of doing so in real life and work. Three Levels of Certification Therefore there are 3 Levels of Certificate of Completion: FOUNDATION Level; MINISTRY Level; LEADERSHIP Level. These Levels are Stepped in Structure - all start at the FOUNDATION Level. Those who complete it may go on the MINISTRY Level. Those who complete it may go on to the LEADERSHIP Level. 8 13
The instructors will evaluate whether the candidate has learned the lessons required and has properly and consistently put into practice the disciplines expected of the Level of training. How the candidate performed through all the forms of instructions and study stated above will be taken into account. We realise that those who attend this training may come from a very wide range of walk and senority. Hence we assess as follows: For those with many years of walk as a Christian or serve in leadership - We would consider your years of personal & ministerial practice. If you assess that you are already soundly & consistently practicing the disciplines of discipleship, you will have met this requirement. But you will gain valuable insights from attending the study and discussions. For those who are new believers or have never been mentored - You will benefit from the instruction, guidance and encouragement to develop and practice the discipleship disciplines. We will assess if you have put the lessons into sound & consistent practice. The length of time you take to meet these criteria depends on your own commitment and rate of learning. 2. Bible Study Courses These are courses from School of Bible Study. You need to attend lectures on the Book then sit for the Examination. IMPORTANT NOTE: A Certified Trainer of the School of Biblical Discipleship may teach these books. But a Certified Instructor of the School of Bible Study for the Bible book is needed to set the Examination and Grade the result. Assessment of Bible Study Courses The candidate Needs to get the Certificate of Study - obtain at least 50% of Total Marks of the Exam Paper - in order to Pass the Level of instruction for the School of Biblical Discipleship. A Certificate of Attendance does NOT meet the Requirement of this School. An Academy Certificate is Not Necessary Unless the person wants also to be a Certified Instructor of the School of Bible Study for that book. But it is a great ADVANTAGE to also be a Certified Instructor of that Bible book taught as there is then no need arrange for another person, a Certified Instructor of the Book, to set the exam and grade it. Enrolment Qualification for Enrolment You only need to be able to understand the language of instruction Enrolling for Intensive Courses On the website - www.thejoshuamission.net - click the link for Course Registration Payment must be made in full by the set deadline to pay for the stay, meals and use of the conference venue to The Joshua Mission by Cheque in Singapore Dollars made to The Joshua Mission and posted to 229 Pasir Ris Street 21, #02-24, Singapore 510229 12 Curriculum Three Levels of Stepped Instruction The 3 Levels are (1) Foundation (2) Ministry and (3) Leadership. They are STEPPED in that before one can be certified for the higher level, one Must have Completed the lower level. This is the most appropriate way to ensure authentic discipleship and spiritual leadership growth. No one can be a spiritual leader without first being a true disciple. No one can serve Christ properly without first being committed to put Him first in his or her life. Each Level establishes what is essential for the next. Level 1 - Foundation Level: Effective Discipleship This is a comprehensive level with very extensive topical coverage. It covers all areas that a disciple should know & live by in Christ. 1st Step - Assurance of Salvation Has the person correctly understood how he or she is saved? Has the person surrendered to Christ as Lord in repentance of sin? Has the person renounced all past worship to worship Christ alone? L1 Discipleship Series 1 Relating with GOD L1-D1-L1 - Definition & Practice of Biblical Discipleship L1-D1-L2 Establishing Regular Personal Devotion L1-D1-L3 Word L1-D1-L4 Spirit L1-D1-L5 Worship L1-D1-L6 Prayer L1 Discipleship Series 2 Relating with People L1- D2-L1 The Human Dimension L1- D2-L2 Fellowship L1- D2-L3 Ministry including Spiritual Gifts Test L1- D2-L4 Being a Witness L1 Discipleship Series 3 Life Call Fulfilment L1- D3-L1 Call L1- D3-L2 Character L1- D3-L3 Capability L1- D3-L4 The Enneagrams - including Personality Test Bible Courses from the School of Bible Study Book of GENESIS 15 sessions (OT Law) - to introduce and establish the Christian world view on God, humankind, the heaven and the earth, time, space, history & God s covenants with Adam, Noah and Abraham Epistle to the ROMANS 8 sessions (NT Pauline Epistle) - to explain the doctrine of Salvation, faith, grace, Jews, Gentiles, the Father, the Christ, the Holy Spirit, Christian life and service GOSPEL of MARK 10 sessions (NT Gospel) - to know the Person, Words and Works of Jesus Christ as Lord, God and Saviour 9
Level 2 - Ministry Level - Equipping for Ministry Discipleship Lessons L2-D1 Being Salt & Light Definition & Practice of Biblical Discipleship in Ministry L2-D2 Christian Work Ethics Excellence for Christ L2-D3 Christian EQ Wisdom in Human Relationships L2-D4 Christ-Centred Self-Management L2-D5 Working in the World L2-D6 Working in the Church Bible Courses from the School of Bible Study Book of JOSHUA 10 Sessions (OT History) - learn from the generation that entered the Promised Land; what it means to keep covenant and walk in faith and obedience in order to receive God s promises Book of PROVERBS 10 Sessions (OT Wisdom) - to understand and apply biblical wisdom to the issues of everyday life as a Christian Book of ACTS 12 Sessions (NT History) - learn the history of the early Church as a guide to walking and serving in the Spirit with Christ as Lord Level 3 - Leadership Level - Spiritual Leadership Leadership Courses L3-SL1 Understanding Spiritual Leadership L3-SL2 Biblical Examples of Leadership L3-SL3 - Types of NT Leadership L3-SL4 Spiritual versus Worldly Leadership L3-SL5 - Relational Cohesive Spiritual Leadership L3-SL6 - Church Spirituality, Community & Organisation L3-SL7 - Styles & Contexts of Leadership L3-SL8 - Raising Up Spiritual Leaders Bible Courses from the School of Bible Study Books of the MINOR PROPHETS 12 Sessions (OT Prophets) - learn from the prophets to hear God and obey Him when He speaks to us today Book of ECCLESIASTES 6 Sessions (OT Wisdom) - to gain insights into the contradictions and paradoxes of life and the best way to live life on earth Epistle to the COLOSSIANS 5 Sessions (NT Pauline Epistle) - to get a good picture of what Christian and church life should be on earth when Christ comes first Epistle of JAMES 6 Sessions (NT General Epistle) - how to live by faith, having been saved through faith 10 Course System Two Types of Course Schedules Intensive 5-Day Full Time Conferences Regular Weekly Classes International Training Conferences There are usually 4 intensive School of Instructors Training Conferences a year. The Time Table is published on the website www.thejoshuamission.net - you may also request for it by email to courses@thejoshuamission.net These Conferences are conducted in ENGLISH - but are OPEN for enrolment to any Christian or Christian leader from any country who can study and take assessment in English. If you successfully complete the training, you are invited and encouraged to bring the training back to your own church, ministry & country to teach it in your own language(s). Hence bilingual & multilingual teachers, pastors & leaders who can learn in English and teach in their home language(s) are especially welcomed. Weekly Classes For Singapore - Weekly Classes are conducted by the Founder & International President - see the website www.thejoshuamission.net or email courses@thejoshuamission.net for the time table For India - email the National Coordinator at gtdass@yahoo.com For Nepal - email the National Coordinator at ehmnepal@gmail.com For Indonesia - email the National Coordinator at andrewhendro@yahoo.com Other countries will be added as Instructors are available. Two Types of Course Content 1. Discipleship courses for learning the concepts, cultivating the values, and developing the disciplines to apply God s truths to one s life, walk and ministry 2. Bible Study courses to learn directly from the Bible books Christians beliefs & doctrines; to know the Faith revealed so as to Respond to it and Live by it. 1. Discipleship Courses Class lecture and explanation to understand and apply Bible teachings to every area of biblical discipleship. Group Discussion with Peers - pastors with pastors, leaders with leaders, young believers with young believers - for learning from each other according to your common life and ministry experiences and challenges. Group Discussion in Cross-Sectional Groups - participants of different background share with each other for mutual exposure and help Personal Interview Each to Share How the lesson is put into one s own practice Gifts, Aptitude & Personality Tests & Analyses Projects & Assignments relevant to Putting the Lessons into Practice Assessment of Discipleship Courses Assessment for this type of training is NOT by classroom or paper exam. It is by determining that the person has put into Regular Practice what is taught. 11