EQUIP TRAINING COLLEGE Course Outline Commencing February 2018
ETC Course Outline Version 1: November 2017 Pg. 2
Equip Training College offers the following courses: Certificate in Christian Ministry & Theology Diploma in Christian Ministry & Leadership ETC Course Outline Version 1: November 2017 Pg. 3
Contents Welcome 5 Purpose 6 Strategy 6 Core Values 6 Statement of Beliefs 7 Model 7 Course Overview 8 Two Streams of Study 9 Course Content 10 Practical Ministry Skills Development 13 Competency Overview 13 Course Competencies 14 Assessment Model 16 Qualification 16 Student and Mentor Relationship 17 Course Fees 18 Affiliation and Accreditation 19 Contact Us 20 ETC Course Outline Version 1: November 2017 Pg. 4
Welcome You hold in your hands an invitation to an enriching learning experience. An invitation that I personally hope you accept with an enthusiastic desire to become all God has designed and called you to be for His glory. Adelaide Christian Centre (ACC) is intentional about equipping effective followers of Christ and well-trained leaders who are able to lead others in life and ministry. ACC places a high importance on identifying, equipping and releasing people with a Ministry Gift into Christian service and leadership within the Local Church, community and throughout the world. To achieve this, Equip Training College (ETC) has been established. Our expectation is that each of our students will be taught the fundamentals of the faith in a way that will transform their life and character, and truly prepare them to fulfil the call of God in their lives. Equip Training College has been designed specifically with the development of congregational members of Adelaide Christian Centre in mind. Therefore, its unique curriculum and desired outcomes is tailor made to fulfil the Biblical mandate as clearly stated in: Ephesians 4:11-12 NIV Christ Himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip His people for works of service, so that the Body of Christ may be built up. Students who successfully complete the Diploma in Ministry and Leadership will be qualified to enter into the Trainee Ministers Credentialing process with the CRC Churches International if nominated by the senior leadership of ACC. I encourage you to seriously consider enrolling into one of our courses so we can journey together on the great adventure the Lord has for you. Nothing would excite me more as a pastor. Blessings, Mike Groom Principal ETC Course Outline Version 1: November 2017 Pg. 5
Purpose EMPOWERING PEOPLE FOR LIFE CHANGE (making disciples). Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Strategy ENGAGE people into Christian character and discipleship. ESTABLISH people in the knowledge and application of the Bible. EQUIP people for practical service and ministry. EMPOWER people by creating opportunities to serve. Core Values BIBLE BASED We uphold the authority of the Bible as our standard of instruction and practice. PASSIONATE DISCIPLESHIP Continuous spiritual growth enables people to become fully devoted followers of Christ. OUTREACH FOCUSSED Engaging people with the good news about Jesus is our privilege and responsibility. AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY Life change best happens through supporting and accountable relationships. EMBRACING DIVERSITY We bridge racial, cultural, socio-economic and generational gaps through an attitude of acceptance. EMPOWERING LEADERSHIP We empower and equip people to reach their God given potential to serve God and others. POWER OF TEAM Doing church as a team is God's design for effective ministry. ETC Course Outline Version 1: November 2017 Pg. 6
Statement of Beliefs The Bible is the inspired Word of God. God is the Creator, who has revealed Himself in the three Persons of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. In the divinity and sinless humanity of Christ and in His miraculous ministry, His suffering and death on the cross as the only Saviour for the sins of the world, and His resurrection from the dead. Jesus will return to the earth as its final judge of the living and the dead. All people fall short of God s perfect standard and can only find forgiveness through faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ. All people who have put their faith in Christ will witness a transformation in their lives, exemplified by repentance and holiness of conduct. Christian baptism, by full immersion in water, of those who have personally placed their faith in Christ. The regular celebration of the Lord s Supper, remembering Christ s redemptive work. The baptism in the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking in unknown languages. The miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit. God heals the sick today, through active faith in His grace. The power and effectiveness of prayer. God s community of believers, the church and its responsibility to spread the message of the Gospel to all people and nations. Model The ETC model or pattern of training is based upon the Apostolic Strategy of Multiplication model identified in the Book of Acts. It was a strategy of multiplying new local churches, which resulted from establishing new believers into the faith and equipping them to serve, to lead others and to be sent out to reproduce the process. ETC Course Outline Version 1: November 2017 Pg. 7
Local churches were incubators for equipping and empowering leaders to be propelled for the expansion of the Church from a single church in Jerusalem to hundreds, if not thousands, of churches, penetrating the known world in that time in just a few hundred years. This model was simple yet effective, which reflects our (ETC) ministry strategy. ENGAGE They preached the gospel message and gathered new believers into local churches. EMPOWER Local churches sent out leaders to preach the gospel message and to start new churches. ESTABLISH They grounded the new believers in the essentials of the Christian faith and practice. EQUIP They appointed and equipped Godly leaders to guide and teach the Church. Course Overview Candidates will be invited to enrol into either the 18-month Certificate in Christian Ministry & Theology course or the 3-year Diploma in Christian Ministry & Leadership course. Those who choose to enrol into the Certificate course only are encouraged to enrol for the additional 18 months Diploma course upon the successful completion of the Certificate level. Casual Students are those students who only decide to complete the theology units of the Certificate and Diploma Courses by correspondence. Included in the Certificate course is a mission s trip to a Pacific nation. This onfield experience will be for a period of 10 days and is a requirement to complete the World Missions unit. Course study and classes will be conducted whilst on the mission s trip. Note also that the costs of the mission s trip are additional to the set course costs. ETC Course Outline Version 1: November 2017 Pg. 8
Two Streams of Study Both the Certificate and the Diploma courses are built around two streams of study. 1. Biblical Theological Studies 2. Practical Ministry Skills Development It is this combination of the Practical Ministry Skills with the study and application of Biblical Theology that makes the ETC course so effective. Biblical Theology No form of study is as effective in transforming human lives as the study and application of the Word of God. ETC is deeply committed to the concept that teaching and application of the Word of God with Jesus at its centre is vital in the development of a Christian s character and worldview. Our approach is to present and to model the major characteristics of the Christian life, and the structure, governance, and mission of the Church. Our Theology content is faith building, challenging, and Biblically sound, flavoured with a Pentecostal emphasis. Students who complete the Diploma course will find themselves equipped with a balanced understanding of the Word of God that encourages personal growth, and intimacy in their relationship with Christ, whilst also effectively equipping them for ministry service in the Church, community and throughout the world. Our goal always is to satisfy the criteria set out in Scripture: Make an effort to present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker, who doesn t need to be ashamed but is one who interprets the message of truth correctly. 2 Timothy 2:15 (CEB) In each theological subject unit, students are required to complete the following: 1. Multiple Choice Questionnaire 2. Study Guide 3. Complete Associated Competencies (where applicable) 4. Attend Teaching Classes (where applicable) 5. Extra Required Reading (where applicable) 6. Field Trips (for practical experience to other churches and the mission field when scheduled) ETC Course Outline Version 1: November 2017 Pg. 9
Course Content Certificate in Christian Ministry and Theology Prerequisite: Faith Foundations Course Code Subject Description Schedule Competencies RS 209 BI 100 RS 102 RS 201 RS 207 Faith Dynamics Introduction to Bible Study Christian Life Great Words of the Gospel The Church Living a life of victory, power, and sufficiency requires faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. This course discusses in detail the dynamics of faith and their relationship to the believer. This course presents the basic principles and methods of Bible study. With emphasis on the importance of textual and historical context in interpreting Biblical passages. Paul stated that whenever possible we are to live our lives at peace, especially within the household of faith. This course teaches the pattern for gracious living, and the manner in which Christians should relate to themselves, to their neighbours, to society and to God. The Doctrine of Salvation is clearly defined and expanded in this subject. Questions regarding the process of salvation and its significance are answered. This course examines the Church with particular attention given to its origin, distinctive nature, mission, government, offices, ordinances, and destiny. The emphasis of the course will be practical ministry and church structure. Term 1 2018 (6 wks) Term 1 2018 (5 wks) Term 2 2018 (6 wks) Term 2 2018 (4 wks) Term 3 2018 (10 wks) EN 6 En 3 ES 8 EN 1 EN 5 ETC Course Outline Version 1: November 2017 Pg. 10 No competencies covered (On Campus learning) ES 2 ES 3 ES 6 ES 7
BI 223 The Book of Ephesians This course captures the great themes of this dynamic letter of Paul the apostle to the church in Ephesus, such as the believer s identity, position and authority in Christ, the Christian life, ministry gifts, and relationships. Term 4 2018 (9 wks) RS 210 The Cross & the Crown This course deals with the work of Christ. Especially, the historical work of Christ, and the circumstances surrounding His Crucifixion and the Resurrection. Term 5 2019 (5 wks) RS 204 The Holy Spirit This course provides a simple presentation of the Holy Spirit Baptism from a Pentecostal perspective. It establishes that every Christian should experience Holy Spirit Baptism and that the Gifts of the Spirit are still available and should be occurring in the worship of today's church. Term 5 2019 (6 wks) RS 109 Spiritual Development This course examines the Biblical perspectives on God s plans and purposes for man and how God through His love and grace helps develop a believer s personality through stages of spiritual development. Term 6 2019 (5 wks) RS 305 World Missions This course is a study of the theology and history of world missions, understanding crosscultural ministry and missionary service. This course includes an on-field experience by students participating in a mission s trip to the Pacific. Term 6 2019 (4 wks) ETC Course Outline Version 1: November 2017 Pg. 11
Diploma of Christian Ministry and Leadership Prerequisite: Certificate in Christian Ministry and Theology Code Subject Description Schedule Competencies BI 203 The Book of Galatians This course captures the great themes of this dynamic letter of Paul the apostle to the church in Galatia, such as the contrast between law and grace, faith and works, the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit and between the world and the cross. Term 7 2019 (10 wks) CC 101 Marriage & Family Life This course provides an examination of the modern problems inherent in marital and family relationships. This course provides numerous counselling resources and practical advice on an individual and church-wide basis. Term 8 2019 (10 wks) CI 202 The Gifts of the Spirit This course presents a clear and deeper understanding of the purpose and operation of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit in the believer and within the Church. Term 9 2020 (11 wks) CC 201 Introduction to Christian Counselling This course helps the student discover the basic concepts of Christian counselling and to increase skill and competence in counselling situations. Term 10 2020 (10 wks) RS 304 Christian Leadership A study in the principles of leadership as it applies to the individual, teamwork and the local church. This course will include the dynamics of leadership, qualifications for leadership, ministry ethics, ministry gift identification, Church administration, policies and government, etc. Term 11 & 12 2020 (19 wks) ETC Course Outline Version 1: November 2017 Pg. 12
Practical Ministry Skills Development The practical nature of both the Certificate and Diploma courses builds vital ministry skills upon the strong spiritual foundation the student gains from their Biblical Theology studies. It is the combination of these skills and a sure Biblical foundation that will enable students to ensure their ministry and leadership is most effective. The practical component of each course is focussed on monitoring and recording the evidence of performance and skill development related to active involvement in the life and work of the local church, and in the personal growth of the student. By utilising the skills gained through a competency-based approach, students will be adequately equipped and empowered to serve and minister effectively in a local church environment, mission field, and in community service. Competency Overview What is a Competency? The most common experience of competency testing for most adults is a driving licence test. Knowledge of the road rules is essential, but it is the application of these road rules that is vital. In the driving test an examiner accompanies the learner driver through the actual experience of driving in a real life situation, checking various elements of driving skill and knowledge. At the end of the test the examiner describes the driver as either competent or not yet competent. The not yet competent driver is not banned from driving but is encouraged to improve their driving competency before retesting. A competent driver is approved and licensed to drive. As part of the ETC Certificate and Diploma courses, a set of competencies has been designed for students to complete in the pursuit of becoming competent in ministry service, personal skills, self-leadership and in the various dynamics of Christian leadership. Each competency contains performance criteria. Completed competencies are required for attaining a Diploma in Ministry and Leadership. However, completing these competencies do not guarantee paid employment, or a Leadership position in Adelaide Christian Centre or a CRC ministry credential. ETC Course Outline Version 1: November 2017 Pg. 13
However, the student who successfully completes the Diploma course will be able to be nominated and encouraged to apply for a Trainee Minister s Credential with the CRC Churches International of Australia. The competencies are divided into four main categories: 1. ENGAGE: Christian Character / Discipleship 2. ESTABLISH: Church Dynamics / Theological Knowledge 3. EQUIP: Ministry Skills / Assessment 4. EMPOWER: Leadership Dynamics / Ministry Placement Each competency is identified by a code, for EG: ES 12 ES (Establish) is the Competency Category 1 is the Competency Number 2 is the Competency Item Number Course Competencies Note: The following Competencies are listed in a descriptive manner for a wider understanding of the nature of the competency. Engage (EN) Christian Character / Discipleship 1. Exhibit a definite sense of the personal call of God 2. Exhibit goals for personal/marriage/family development 3. Establish deeper personal devotional and study habits 4. Demonstrate personal integrity and stability 5. Model attributes of servant-hood 6. Applying God s Word in everyday life 7. Establish convictions regarding personal financial stewardship Establish (ES) Church Dynamics / Theological Knowledge 1. Demonstrate understanding of, and commitment to ministerial ethics 2. Know and understand ACC Vision, Values and Ministry Strategy 3. Understand the Vision and Values of the CRC Churches International 4. Implement established ACC and CRC policy 5. Complete compliance requirements for ACC/CRC Duty of Care and demonstrate outworking 6. Experience of the total ministry life of ACC 7. Articulate a personally applied knowledge of Ministry Gifts 8. Demonstrate basic hermeneutical skills 9. Exhibit basic Biblical and doctrinal knowledge and an overview of church history 10. Complete a Certificate IV level (or equivalent) in Christian Theology ETC Course Outline Version 1: November 2017 Pg. 14
Equip (EQ) Ministry Skills / Assessment 1. Demonstrate good relational skills 2. Demonstrate effective personal time-management skills 3. Exhibit good decision making skills 4. Lead a person to Christ and follow them up 5. Lead a person through Water Baptism 6. Lead a person to Holy Spirit Baptism 7. Operate in Spiritual Gifts 8. Lead a small group effectively 9. Work in a team 10. Lead a Bible study 11. Lead and organise a worship service 12. Preach effective sermons 13. Demonstrate effective communications skills 14. Demonstrate how to be led and enabled by the Holy Spirit Empower (EM) Leadership Dynamics / Ministry Placement 1. Articulate Christian leadership ethics 2. Demonstrate the ability to lead and manage a project or ministry activity 3. Demonstrate the ability to lead and manage a team 4. Demonstrate the ability to give Godly counsel in a role play scenario 5. Demonstrate the ability to disciple and mentor another person Outworking the Course Competencies Over the 36 months progressing towards completing the ETC Diploma, course students and their assigned mentor will meet monthly. During these meetings the mentor will encourage, resource and assess students on their progress in completing the scheduled competencies within the allotted time frame. Every 6-month block the student s assigned mentor will provide the Course Coordinator with a report on the competencies achieved by the student in that period. Students must complete all Competencies within the 36 months to graduate and to receive a Diploma in Christian Ministry and Leadership. ETC Course Outline Version 1: November 2017 Pg. 15
Course Competency Example Course Competency EN6 Applying God s Word in Everyday Life Performance Criteria Write a personal testimony of how you have applied the Scriptures to: (List the scriptures for each account) 1. Inform and direct decision-making in everyday life. 2. The overcoming of temptation and sickness. Office use only To be completed by the students assigned mentor after reading through and discussing with the student the content provided. The student has demonstrated that they are (please tick) NOT YET COMPETENT IS COMPETENT Mentor Name Mentor Signature Date CRC Trainee Competency Competency: TP6 Powerfully applying God s Word in everyday life Assessment Method The training package is competency based and assessment will involve to a great extent the provision of evidence of competencies. The training package has been designed to be practical based where the demonstration of skills and knowledge can be shown through a variety of assessment procedures which include daily/weekly/monthly journals, brief question and answer evaluations, role play/scenarios, actual demonstrations, field work and short essays. ETC Course Outline Version 1: November 2017 Pg. 16
Most of the assessment is cluster based where the students are assessed across a number of competency units at any one time. Qualification To achieve the full qualification, students must complete 10 units of the Certificate and 5 units of the Diploma course. They must also complete the required practical and competency based assessments as identified in the student s study plan. Students who successfully complete only one or more units of competency but not the full qualification as embodied in the training package are eligible to receive a statement of unit completion. Student and Mentor Relationship Students will each receive A Course Handbook that includes an overview of the Diploma course including the checklist of all 36 Practical Competencies Regular monthly meetings with their assigned Mentor 6 month reviews from their assigned Mentor 12 month review on progress from their assigned Mentor A Ministry/Serving responsibility in the Local church. Responsibilities of the Student Students who are accepted into ETC and have signed the Student s Agreement should: Become familiar with the ETC Course Handbook. Make contact with the Mentor who has been assigned to them by the Course Coordinator and arrange an initial meeting after the 1 st Student Meeting. Note: A married couple will have the same mentor or mentoring couple. Provide the Course Coordinator with a copy of their signed ETC Agreement prior to the initial meeting with their assigned Mentor. Meet with their assigned Mentor once per month throughout the duration of their course of study. It is the student s responsibility to arrange these meetings. ETC Course Outline Version 1: November 2017 Pg. 17
Complete required reading, reviews, and any world missions intensives associated with the course programme. Attend 75% of all teaching classes and student meetings when scheduled. Participate in various ministries of the Local Church to fulfil the Course Competencies. Discuss with the Course Coordinator any concerns the student may have regarding the Course or mentoring process. Responsibilities of the Mentor A Mentor is an ACC leader appointed by the Course Coordinator and approved by the Principal, to guide a student through the 3 year ETC Diploma Course program. Good Mentors demonstrate certain behaviours: they are objective, they care, they challenge, they encourage and motivate, they listen, they strategise and they celebrate. Mentors are to complete the ACC Mentors Training Course. Mentors commit themselves to the role of guiding a student through the process of completing the course requirements and competencies. Mentors may be asked to oversee more than one student depending upon their availability. Course Fees Certificate in Christian Ministry & Theology - Individual: $ 600 ($100 enrolment + $100 per term) - Couple: $ 900 ($150 enrolment + $150 per term) Diploma in Christian Ministry & Leadership - Individual: $1,200 ($100 enrolment + $100 per term) - Couple: $1,800 ($150 enrolment + $150 per term) Pacific Islands Missions Trip - Individual: $1,500 (fundraising to offset extra costs) Casual Student - Enrolment $75 - Course Material $40 per unit ETC Course Outline Version 1: November 2017 Pg. 18
In keeping with our desire of being affordable, our fees are inclusive of the following: - Student enrolment and graduation costs - All course materials and assessments - Annual student retreat and Church visits (field trips) - Crèche facilities - Groceries Affiliation and Accreditation Equip Training College has intentionally decided not to go down the pathway of an Australian Accredited training course for the following reasons: 1. We desire to include as many as possible within the ACC community to be able to receive quality training at an affordable price. The cost of an accredited program with a Registered Training Organization that offers accredited courses within Australia is out of reach for the many of our aspirants who wish to study and train. 2. We desire the freedom and flexibility to choose the theological material and style of program best suited for developing emerging leaders into ministry and leadership, whilst fulfilling the ACC vision, strategy and philosophy of ministry. 3. We desire to align ETC with our other areas of influence and key partnerships across the International fields we work in, and to identify with the affiliation and accreditation they have with Vision International University, also known as Vision International Training and Education Network. 4. We desire to continue to strengthen and to build upon our relationship with Dr Stan DeKoven and Vision International University for which he is the International President. Equip Training College is affiliated and recognised as a Resource Training Centre of Vision International University (VIU). ETC students will also be enrolled as VIU students. This will enable students who complete ETC Diploma course to continue their postgraduate studies with VIU if they choose too. ETC Course Outline Version 1: November 2017 Pg. 19
History of Vision International University: In 1974 Vision began both in Tasmania, Australia and San Diego California. Dr. Ken Chant, founder of Vision Bible College, began in Launceston, Tasmania. Simultaneously, Dr. Joseph Bohac and Dr. Stan DeKoven began Logos Institute, a local church training program in practical ministry and counselling. By 1977, Dr. Chant moved his school to Sydney, Australia, joining Pastor Allan Langstaff, where the Vision Bible College program grew tremendously. Logos Institute continued as a counselling ministry and training centre, while Dr. DeKoven pursued studies in psychology and theology. By 1982, Dr. Chant moved to the United States and established his program in Minnesota. Dr. DeKoven returned to San Diego after having earned his doctorate and continued to expand the Logos program. Simultaneously, Dr. Randy Gurley, Chairman of the Board of Regents and Executive Vice President, began his Bible college teaching ministry eventually merging with Vision. By 1985, Dr. Chant, in response to a strong urge from the Lord, brought his Bible College to San Diego, California. Vision Christian Ministries was legally and rightly incorporated as a non-profit corporation in 1985. By 1987, Dr. DeKoven and Dr. Chant had established a full-time, short-term centre and eventually merged their hearts and visions. The network of affiliated centres, the desire of Dr. DeKoven's heart, began to be established. 1990 was a pivotal year for Vision. Dr. Chant, in obedience to the Lord returned to his native Australia. Prior to his leaving, Vision Bible College, under Dr. DeKoven's direction, had expanded to include the Vision Network program. A headquarters site was purchased in the beautiful community of Ramona, California, where the present headquarters continues to be based. In 1990, Vision applied for and was granted full accreditation with Southeast Accrediting Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Seminaries, Milton, Florida, and in 1997 received candidacy for Accreditation with the International Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities, Antwerp, Belgium. Vision is an affiliate of the Association for Biblical Higher Education, the International Association for Bible Colleges and Seminaries, the Academic Council for Educational Accountability, and the Association for Christian Distance Education. Currently, Vision International Education Network is operating in 140 + countries with approximately 100,000 students worldwide. For more information on Vision go to www.vision.edu. ETC Course Outline Version 1: November 2017 Pg. 20
Contact Us Principal: Mike Groom mike@sturtstreet.com Student Services: Nola Merritt nolamerritt@gmail.com Course Coordinator: Jessica Piol iscahstar@yahoo.com Finance Services: Kelly Groom kelly@sturtstreet.com Office: 33 Sturt Street, Adelaide P: 08 8212 2322 E:info@sturtstreet.com ETC Course Outline Version 1: November 2017 Pg. 21