BLUEFIELD, Va. — Bluefield College is partnering with the Christian Leaders Link and the Network for Theological Education to train and better equip ministers and laypersons for more effective ministry and leadership in churches and communities.
The college signed agreements with both of the ministry training organizations recently to develop and implement accredited certificate and degree-completion programs of foundational biblical and theological training accessible to Christian leaders typically unable to participate in the more traditional residential programs.
Bluefield College president David Olive (left) signs an agreement with Christian Leaders Link director Gary Chapman to partner in training pastors and lay leaders for ministry leadership in the church. (Bluefield College photo) |
Specifically, the partnerships are designed for three reasons: 1) to equip Christian leaders for ministry in their local settings, 2) to provide a solid foundation for further ministerial preparation and education, including the completion of a full degree program, and 3) to establish local communities of faith and learning under the Bluefield College umbrella.
“We are delighted to partner with these two ministry and leadership-oriented networks,” said Bluefield College president David Olive, “because we become co-collaborators in providing students who have an interest in Christian ministry greater access to the ministry and leadership training they need to fulfill their calling.”
Located in Roanoke, the Christian Leaders Link provides continuing education and leadership training to ministers and laypersons in southwest Virginia.
The Hampton, Va.-based Network for Theological Education is a non-profit organization committed to making quality theological preparation accessible so that Christian leaders can be adequately prepared for Kingdom service.
Both have links to Baptists, as does the 91-year-old Bluefield College.
“The Christian Leaders Link is all about resourcing leaders and providing training opportunities for leaders in southwest Virginia,” said Link director Gary Chapman, “and this is a tremendous opportunity to do that, especially with a school right in our own back yard.”
The agreements create a program that will allow students to complete 48 credit hours of ministry training over a two-year period with the Network or Christian Link. Once completed, the students may transfer the credits to Bluefield to apply toward a bachelor of arts degree in Christian studies. Or the students may opt to receive a ministry certificate indicating they have completed the 48 training hours.
Instruction will occur in a “hybrid classroom environment” that meets people “where they are,” while providing them with access to a certificate of Christian ministry, an associate of general studies or a bachelor of arts degree in Christian ministry. Courses are delivered in both the classroom and online. Students meet in class one day or night per week for three hours, and the remainder of the course requirements are completed online.
“This is an ideal program for a student who wants to get started in their preparation for ministry,” said Chapman. “It could also work well for those who are or who wish to be bi-vocational ministers.”
Because students will be taking 12 credits hours per semester, they will be considered full-time students, which makes them eligible to receive military aid or scholarships through the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant. Students will also be able to apply for ministry scholarships through the Baptist General Association of Virginia.
“In partnering with these two ministry education entities, Bluefield College demonstrates its commitment to providing ministry education to equip those who are called and who seek to be the hands and heart of Christ in the Commonwealth and beyond,” said Olive. “Our commitment is to integrity and substantive learning for those who seek to serve the church and who seek to do so with a depth of reverence for God borne of a love of learning while instilled with a heart of service for those in spiritual and physical need.”
Applications are being accepted for classes that begin in the fall of 2013. To apply or for more information, visit www.bluefield.edu, email [email protected], or call 800.872.0175; or visit www.christianleaderslink.org, email [email protected] or call 877.977.2652; or visit www.thenetworkte.org, email [email protected] or call 866.433.2421.
Chris Shoemaker ([email protected]) is director of public relations and marketing for Bluefield College.