SS201: Awaking Lay Ministers Through Church Small Groups
Course Outline or Syllabus (After this page, go next to "Sign Up)
Instructor: Drh. or other teacher/advisors assigned to a student.
Course Description: Self Study 201 is devoted to a) encouraging recognition of the believer’s priesthood; b) expanding prayer, praise, ministry and evangelism in the lives of every follower of Jesus Christ; c) encouraging pastors and other Church leaders in their role of preparing believers for the work of ministry; d) supporting and promoting the growth of small group efficiency and effectiveness; e) educating Christians to understand God’s management principles were originally given to man in the Bible.
Length of the Course: This is an independent, self study, distance learning course. Dr. Hoffman believes it should probably be completed in 12-18 weeks from the time a student begins. On this schedule, students will turn in one or more short assignments per week. Most will be able to complete the course in less than twelve weeks, but if more time is needed, students can take as much time as is required. Upon completion of the assignments, and passing the minimun score to pass, students will be awarded a passing grade and a certificate of completion.
Objectives of the Course
After completing the course learning activities, students will:
1. Have experience in using basic Biblical tools as they learn the origin, importance, and features of management by objectives applied to church small group planning, organizing and evaluating.
2. Understand the definition of discipleship and commit to the discipline of following Christ as a believer, a member of the Body of Christ. and an active part of their local Church
3. Understand and be able to apply the management functions to church small group operation through strategies and tactics appropriate to believer ministry.
4. Master the technology, overcome the stress, and maintain the self discipline needed to succeed with the independent, Internet based, distance learning system.
Summary of Course Content:
A Believer’s Role; The “Other Services” ; Lay Ministry ; Motivation to Join ; Fellowship; Biblical Management ; Planning for Change; Mission Based Objectives; Operating Strategies; Evaluating Groups; Group Leadership; Managing Communication; Managing Group Workers and Their Work; Decision Making; Kingdom Service; Toward a Church of Small Groups; Cautions of Micromanagement; Summary and Application of Quality Management Principles, Resources Cited in Awaking Lay Ministers.
Methodology
The course is designed for anyone seeking to learn the Bible and the essentials of being a Christian lay minister. This type of course gives students a self paced, pressure-free, 24/7 way to learn Biblical living. Your instructor will interact with students through the announcements and messages links on this Web Site, and through responses to assignments and learning activities, evaluation of submissions by way of email communication.
Web resources will be linked here and there to provide Internet contact with the great teachings and other resources in the modern Church. If several students enroll together, or enroll when others are completing the course, they may also communicate with each other through chat sessions, examining each others’ submissions, and working on cooperative joint projects.
Grades and Recognition.
This course is offered on a Pass/Fail grading system. If the average minimum quality (70% ratings) is maintained throughout the learning activities, successful students will be recognized with a Pass grade report and a certificate of completion.
Technology Required:
If you are online searching this site, you probably have enough computer capacity to continue with this course. Students need a computer with enough memory and software to handle the graphics, internet, and email requirements in the class. If one does not own the needed computer, most cities have in their city library free public use computers with enough capacity to handle these Self Study courses.
Go on to "Sign Up Directions." If you have questions, please use the "Contact Us by Email" link in the left hand column, it will save your time and improve communication.