PRACTICAL MINISTRY PROGRAM

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From transferring knowledge to holistic learning, transformative experiences, exchange of narratives, and an educational community!

 

The School of Theology presents a new program focused on a basic understanding of the Bible, Church leadership, and Christian life. Given the contemporary situation's challenges and rapid developments, we look holistically at the Bible, church, and society. The modules in this program are shaped towards interactive and dynamic learning in which all learning styles  (see image 1.) have been considered. The outcome results in either a certificate or diploma directly beneficial to church ministry and a missional lifestyle.

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This program aims to equip church leaders as well as those interested in discovering the way the Bible speaks in contemporary issues. With a focus on a basic understanding of the Bible, practical tools for church leadership, and insight into care for creation (including people), it is highly transformative and relevant.

 

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Overview of the Program

The first module in the Program of Practical Ministry can lead to a certificate that covers major parts of leadership in the local church and Christian praxis. In five parts, the student will discuss the character of a pastor, preaching, teaching, pastoring, and organizing a church.

 
The five modules which follow build upon the certificate program but could be studied independently when a similar certificate can be provided. Ideally, the six modules together lead to the Diploma in Practical Ministry. Within the Diploma program, the student will expand her knowledge and insights of the Bible, Christianity, and Care for both people and creation through the courses Care for the World and Care for the Church.

 

The Results

Both, certificate and diploma tracks, are accredited by the International Council of Higher Education (see: www.ichenetwork.org). If desired*, the diploma can be used as a stepping stone into the academic program (https://www.foundation.eu.com/academictheology). In that case, the student needs to do additional assignments to earn 5 ECs per module (European Credits). To enter the academic program, 30 ECs are required.

 
* The student can indicate this after finishing the certificate component, which is after six months of study.

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Entrance requirements:

All who have finished high school or grade 12 can apply. Access to the internet and the possibility to use a computer or laptop are essential. 
The certificate component will need an average of 5 hours of study a week. The following step towards the diploma requires a day every week. When continuing with the academic program, the student needs to consider 1 day a week extra for studying.

 

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Program Certificate level:

 
Entry requirement: high school diploma or grade 12 of Secondary School.

 
Study load: 5 hours a week

The program runs from January – July with 15-18 evenings (18.30 – 20.30 Amsterdam time) and is fully online. 

Module 1 Leadership in Local Church

 

1. Part 1: Take Care of My Sheep: Identity and Role of a Pastor (Christian formation, ethics)

2. Part 2: Passion for Preaching (basics of hermeneutics and homiletics, esp. developing a sermon)

3. Part 3: Teachings in the Church: Discipleship through the Teachings in the Early Church (Apostles Creed, Ten Commandments, and Lord’s Prayer). 

4. Part 4: Pastoral Care (basic tools to support the congregation in life challenges)

5. Part 5: Organising the church (Discussing all elements of the church community)

 

 

 

Program Diploma Level:

 
Entry requirement: Certificate in Leadership in Local Church or a comparable program (to be acknowledged by the program coordinator)

Study load: 8 – 10 hours a week

1-year program

The program runs from September – June with 20 – 25 Wednesday evenings (18.30 – 20.30 Amsterdam time) (hybrid or fully online)

 
Modules: 

2. The Story of the Old Testament: historical and contextual information of the time of the Old Testament and a short overview of the books and genres.
3. The Story of the New Testament: historical and contextual information of the time of the New Testament and a short overview of the books and genres.
4. The Story of Christianity: a broad overview of the origin and development of Christianity from the time of the New Testament on
5. Care for the World: Integral mission including ecological issues, slavery history, gender issues, etc. 
6. Care for the Church: Basic pastoral principles related to interhuman relationships, mental health, and spiritual affairs. 

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In short:

 
Program in Practical Ministry by The School of Theology, Foundation Academy of Amsterdam

 

Modules and Length

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• Leadership in Local Church

  • 7 months (Jan-July)   

• The Story of the Old Testament

  • 8 weeks (Sept, Oct)

• The Story of the New Testament

  • 8 weeks (Nov, Dec)

• The Story of Christianity

  • 8 weeks (Jan, Feb)

• Care for the World

  • 8 weeks (March, April)

• Care for the Church

  • 8 weeks (May, June)

Total - 40 weeks