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The Lay Ministry Training
Program continues to become the obvious, viable option for many congregants who
feel the call to ministry, but are unable to proceed through traditional paths.
The program employees a student/mentor based curriculum. The program
continues to grow with thirty six students currently enrolled and eighteen
graduates.
During its development, the Lay
Ministry Training Program (LMTP) was a joint project of DFM and CFTS. In
recent years it has come fully under the direction of CFTS. Olivet College,
in Olivet Michigan, has now agreed to incorporate the program into its
academic course offerings which will enable LMTP students to gain college credit.
The purpose of the program is to
provide basic training for individuals who are financially or contextually
unable to attend a fully accredited seminary. Program graduates receive a
Certificate of Completion from the NACCC and often provide lay ministry care
to churches who cannot afford full time, fully trained clergy. Graduates may
also provide lay ministry care as an assistant to full time, seminary trained clergy. Licensure and ordination are the
prerogative of the local church. The Certificate of Completion is not intended
to be a ministerial license, nor is it an endorsement of the graduate's
qualification for ministry. Such matters are left to the discernment of the local church.
The certificate is evidence that the graduate has completed the
program's course work.
To address the basic development of
a lay ministry student's abilities and talents for local ministry and to
encourage his or her spiritual development, the course of study consists of seven
areas deemed essential for lay ministry:
1. Biblical Knowledge and Theology
2. Congregational History & Polity
3. Public Worship
4. Pastoral Care and Practice
5. Organization of a
Congregation for Nurture and Mission
6. Educational Ministries in
the Church
7. Pastoral Ethics and Conduct
Students are expected to complete
at least two sections per year, completing the course work in three years.
The LMTP's final step is a summery paper which includes a Statement of Faith.
Students are directed by a local mentor
who has been chosen by the student and the Dean of CFTS. The mentor must be
a seminary trained, ordained NACCC minister who is willing and able to
provide adequate time, guidance and support to the student's academic and
spiritual needs.
Lay ministry is a lifelong calling
and task. The LMTP is intended to provide basic ground work for the
continuing pursuit of knowledge, skills development and spiritual awareness
necessary for effective lay ministry.
Individuals interested in more
information about the Lay Ministry Training Program should contact Karen
Frazzell; kfrazzell@naccc.org or 414.764.1620
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