(For Part 1, see The FORESEE for May, 2015 or click here.)
How Can I Get More Training WHILE I am a Pastor?
The Road Less Traveled — Part 2
by Scott L. Nice, pastor of Christ Reformed Church at Indian Creek, Telford Pennsylvania
“If the Apostle Paul came to your church, how would he train leaders”? From observing the Apostle’s missionary journeys, you get a pretty good idea of the pattern the Apostle followed (as he followed the Holy Spirit, I might add!). He proclaimed the Gospel (Gk. kergyma), he taught the Gospel and its implications (Gk. didache) and he strengthened (Gk. sterizo) the churches. This process, referred to as “The Pauline Cycle,” is how the Apostle’s team (Barnabas, Silas, John Mark, Timothy) turned the world upside down for Jesus. It is what the Church of Jesus Christ is called to do today, fulfilling the “Great Commission” through the establishment and strengthening of local churches and church leaders. This pattern is the backbone of the Antioch tradition that in the first three centuries AD multiplied churches throughout the known world. (cf. Acts 13ff).
Paul trained leaders at all levels. We see the principle articulated in 2 Timothy 2:2 where we read, And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Here you find four generations of leadership development: Me (Paul), You (Timothy), reliable people (the people Timothy will be investing in), others (next generation). It has always been the Church’s responsibility to train up future leaders (lay and vocational). There is no better way than Church-Based Theological Education (CBTE). It is how Paul trained Timothy — on mission, learning and growing by working alongside gifted leaders.
So what exactly is CBTE or the Antioch Tradition?
CBTE is theological education based in, by, and for the churches. Leaders of churches, church networks, para-church ministries and church-planting movements do all of the training in the context of their ministries. For example, I attended classes at a neighboring church. Local pastors, network leaders, Antioch School associate faculty and other mentors provided a ton of support all the way through my program. There were various reading assignments, projects and ministry practicums from which our discussions flowed. Papers or projects were based on real ministry needs or situations. As I completed assignments for each class they were uploaded to my e-portfolio for evaluation and feedback. The course work was academically challenging, yet practical and applicable to my ministry setting. Along with the classes, I worked on a PDP (Personal Development Plan), completed my MAP (Motivated Abilities Patterns) which helped me identify my “divine design” and kept me on track in my walk personally, professionally and academically. The experience was rich and rewarding.
An “Aha” moment occurred for me when our church started working through the LifeFlow Church Development process. It was uncanny how the LifeFlow training and the CBTE process complemented one another. At the completion of my course of study, I feel as if I am equipped to “walk in” the good works that God has prepared beforehand for me to do.
The Antioch School of Church Planting and Leadership Development is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and offers Certificate, Bachelor, Master and Doctorate degrees. Since this is a Ministry of the Biblical Institute of Leadership Development (BILD) and there is little overhead, the degree programs can be offered at a much lower price than a traditional seminary.
Intrigued? Want to learn more about the path less traveled that God used to equip me for the Gospel Ministry? You can always contact me at slnice1@yahoo.com or get in touch with the Antioch School directly at info@antiochschool.edu or online at www.antiochschool.edu.
