Our Curriculum
The curriculum design for the Institute is built around the organizing principle of four Learning Clusters. These clusters are natural convergences of the functional roles in ministry. Each cluster develops a set of skills and synthesizes learning for ministers to use in planning and exercising the responsibilities related to the calling and mission of the church. The four clusters collectively form a continuum of practical learning built upon the academic subjects, which are arranged as follows:
Ministry and Formation (MF)
Pastoral Ministry – MFPMN
Leadership – MFLDS
Foundations of Education – MFFND
Administration – MFADM
Psychology & Counseling – MFPSY
View Ministry and Formation
Course Descriptions
Essential ministries of character and leadership that nurture faith in Christ, build and develop churches, meet human needs at every level, and transform situations to God’s purposes; principles, methods, and resources that equip teachers and leaders for the development of educational programs in congregations and denominations that lead to such competencies as:
- To train and develop church leaders in the proper interpretation of the Bible and application of its truth within the life and ministry of the church
- To model effective leadership skills and appropriate relationships with the staff, church members and other members of the community, and to develop these skills in other church leaders by helping them to be motivated, communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and develop ongoing leadership improvement plans
- To demonstrate pastoral care that is both skilled and relational and serves the ministry needs of church members and other members of the community in administering and conducting the ordinances, hospital visits, various counseling opportunities, weddings, and funerals
- To function as curriculum coordinator of the church, assisting in the adoption of a philosophy of teaching and training that reflects an understanding of the functions of the church integrated with a curriculum plan that identifies ministry needs, and effects specific strategies for reaching learning goals
- To lead the church to adopt a working model for calling out, training, equipping, and developing church leaders in the areas of teaching skills and age-appropriate methods for the church’s educational programs
- To reflect and develop a biblical view of Christian stewardship within the church and to give leadership to budgeting and responsible operation and control of finances