Ministers Train for Big Day

 

Oklahoma District uses Sports Theme Model for Ministry Training

 

 

The Oklahoma District Council has offered ministerial training since its inception. Sectional and District Councils, Ministers Retreats, Berean Study Centers and in recent times the Oklahoma School of Ministry have trained ministers and assisted ministry candidates prepare for future ministries.

 

Ministerial candidates since the early 1990s were trained through a system of Berean School of the Bible Study Centers operated under the direction of District Christian Education Director Rev. Jack Salkil. At one time seven District Study Centers were training ministers statewide.

 

“The Oklahoma District School of Ministry is a center for leadership development providing basic and continuing education for ministerial students, ministers, and Christian workers.  This is accomplished by combining home study, classroom instruction, a student’s relationship with a mentor, and active involvement in ministry,” says H. Franklin Cargill, District Superintendent.

 

Recent changes in the credentialing requirements for new ministers brought changes in the Berean School of the Bible program offered through Global University. The new Berean courses require students to have local mentors and practical ministry experience. While the need for additional training is always a worthy goal, the new changes were seen by many candidates across the District as beyond their reach and financially prohibitive.

 

The passion to assist ministers and ministry candidates burned even greater in the heart of Superintendent Cargill. The Oklahoma School of Ministry began as a traveling seminar offered in every Section once each year. Practical ministry was the focus of these seminars. Could it be possible to use the Oklahoma School of Ministry to train a new generation of ministers using the new Berean curriculum? The challenge began.

 

Superintendent Cargill enlisted Rev. Tom H. Goins, District Secretary and Treasurer and Rev. Jack Salkil, District Christian Education Director to build a program of study for all ministers and candidates in the District. Together they established the framework assisting ministers in upgrading to the next level of credentials, preparation of ministry candidates for the educational requirements of the credentials exam, and offering a platform of continuing Bible education for ministers and Christian workers.

 

Through the learning experience provided by the Oklahoma District School of Ministry, students will acquire the knowledge required for credentialing, to build strong values and character, and to develop the practical skills necessary for successful ministry, learning that includes the head, heart and mind. The Oklahoma District School of Ministry stresses the importance of not only “what to do” but “why to do it” and thereby will be more effective than those who ‘just do it”.

 

“I have considered the Berean courses for the past two years, but was unsure how I would do without other students and instructor. Thanks to the Oklahoma District School of Ministry, I am able to take the courses and have contacts at all times for questions and the help I may need. The plan of study I have been given works into my schedule great and being able to meet monthly, gives me the opportunity to interact with other students, ask questions, and receive sound teaching.” Laura Schonlau, lay leader, Enid, Oklahoma.

 

 

How it works

 

Work is a key concept at the Oklahoma District School of Ministry. While work can be fun the study and preparation for ministry candidates and those seeking upgrade of credentials is a serious matter. However, the program is designed to be fun and challenging.

 

The Oklahoma District adopted a sports theme to illustrate and implement the concept of the School of Ministry. The concept involves three aspects: workout, huddle and big day. Three courses are offered each month (one for each ministerial credential level). An additional course is offered in Spanish. 

 

The workout is 30 minutes every day for one month where the student is involved in prayer and Bible study.

 

A 90 minute weekly huddle for four weeks involves meeting for discussion of the IST (Independent Study Text) provided in the course by Berean School of the Bible. The huddle schedule involves prayer and testimonies with discussion and interactive questions. The focus of this time involves Interactive Questions and Unit Progress Evaluations for each course. Huddles take place in every Section and will eventually expand to all participating churches in Oklahoma. In these huddles students meet in clusters of two to ten for group study.

 

Students focus on one monthly Big Day. Big Day, the final portion of the program, is held the first Saturday of the month (eight times a year) at the District Office. Interaction and fellowship are a natural outflow of this exciting day. Students participate in four hours of classroom interaction and discussion. (Before arriving for Big Day, students are required to work through the text book and student packet.) Once the final exam is completed, a celebration ensues as the students are one course closer to reaching their goal for their credential level. When the course is completed students will have invested 30 hours of study and preparation time for each course.  

 

“I am still able to provide for my family I am also able to obtain valuable training and education to prepare me for what God wants to do with me and through me. And it’s at a pace that I find very easy to work at. I started out on the 30 minute a day routine but I found that soon became not enough. I find my 30 minutes stretching to an hour or more on a regular basis and enjoying every minute of it.” Phillip Ludwyck, Woodward, Oklahoma.

 

Rev. Tom H. Goins, Oklahoma District Secretary and Treasurer has long believed ministry candidates should have a pre-relationship with the District Offices before asking for credentials. “Often we do not meet ministry candidates until they come to the District Office for the exam or credentials interview. We want to meet and know them before they become a minister. The Oklahoma District is interested in a long and mutual relationship with its ministers.”

 

Instructors (coaches) become natural mentors as they build relationships and share experiences with students. Instructors come from a pool of district officials which include The Oklahoma District Presbytery Board will be advisors and are available to provide accountability and guidance for the students.

 

 

 

The Oklahoma District recognizes a need for continuing education and has encouraged ministers to continue their education through the Oklahoma District School of Ministry. “Every sermon we preach or every lesson we teach is greatly effected by the amount of time we spend in Bible study,” says District Superintended H. Franklin Cargill.

 

“We encourage laypersons who want to be better equipped through systematic Bible study to attend the Oklahoma District School of Ministry,” says Rev. Tom H. Goins, District Secretary and Treasurer.  

 

Added Benefits

 

Finances

 

“Finances should never be a consideration for someone entering the ministry,” says Rev. H. Franklin Cargill Oklahoma District Superintendent. “Through the Oklahoma School of Ministry a student can save by purchasing one course at a time.”

 

Students pay $70 for each course which includes: tuition, Independent Study Text, Student Packet, coffee and donuts, lunch, facilitator, student advisor, District Resource Library and services of a proctor for the final exam.

 

All savings are passed along to the student while the District absorbs the direct cost of the program.

 

Scholarships

 

Scholarships are offered by local churches paying either half or full tuition per course. The District encourages churches to offer Work-Study Scholarships where students will work in specific areas of the church in exchange for tuition.

 

A Family, Friends and Associates Plan is offered by the District where the student’s family and friends partner to provide a method of payment for tuition. Gifts from relatives, friends, and employers are designated for a student’s tuition.

 

Family Plans allow members of the same family to study together. The first family member pays full tuition, additional family members may study at a 20% discount.

 

What does the future hold? With increasing enrollment in The Oklahoma District School of Ministry, hundreds of ministers can be trained and encouraged to minister to thousands.

 

 

Tom Goins
Executive Secretary/Treasurer
Oklahoma District Council of the Assemblies of God