The School of Christian Ministry at Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond offers seven four-week online courses beginning Feb. 26. The online course materials and discussion forums are Internet-based and accessible anytime, from anywhere. Participants engage in thought-provoking Q&A and discussion with class members and the instructor via threaded discussion forums.
Courses include:
• Preparing the Congregation for Gift-Based Ministry. Learn to define and assess your church culture. Learn to develop vision and mission statements and core values that support gift-based ministry. Identify strategic planning issues as they relate to gift-based ministry.
• Ministry to the Preschool Child. Enhance your understanding of preschool child development. Examine appropriate teaching methodology. Discuss biblical and theological concepts necessary for faith development in children from birth through age 5.
• Developing a Balanced Ministry with Youth. It's a partnership between youth, parents, and adult youth workers. Develop a plan to enhance the partnership balance within the youth ministry.
• Small Group Dynamics. Enhance your understanding of the dynamics at work within small groups: formation, cohesion, conflict, group think, power, roles, goals, and stages of group development. Learn how to create group environments conducive to spiritual development.
• Music in the Life of the Congregation. Develop your theology of worship. Explore the role of music in the corporate worship experience. Examine how worship leaders function in worship. Survey traditional, contemporary, and blended styles of music and worship. Identify the role music plays in faith formation, fellowship, and Christian mission.
• Introduction to Leadership & Team Building. Enhance your abilities as a leader and team builder in your congregation.
• Substance Abuse Among the Elderly. Learn how alcohol and drug abuse develops in the elderly. Enhance your understanding of prescription drug interactions and their addictive potential. Identify community resources.
Registration for each course is $150. Scholarships are available to cover 50 percent of the registration fee. For more information or to register visit http://www.btsr.edu/general_cert_t.html; call (888) 339-2877 (toll free); or email scminfo@btsr.edu. Registration deadline is Feb. 19.