Most of the new MTA Curriculum courses can now be found under the TentMakers section of Commonwealth Academy.
As the Ministry Training Academy (MTA) works to build a unified curriculum to train ministers in our fellowship of churches, the Commonwealth Academy will begin to offer the core courses in the MTA curriculum. Here is the latest proposal from MTA:
Overview
The Unified Curriculum Board met on August 7-8, 2012 to discuss plans for developing an ICOC Ministry Training Academy (MTA) that would train future ministry leaders in our movement of churches. The board has three goals:
- To promote standards of excellence and provide curriculum resources for the MTAs.
- To help the MTAs successfully implement the curriculum.
- To issue approved certificates upon the completion of the program.
In actuality, the various geographic families of churches would develop their own MTA in their region of the world. The board decided upon the following mission statement for the Ministry Training Academy:
To train, equip, and inspire students with biblical knowledge, spiritual maturity and character development, and leadership skills for effective ministry in the local church.
In order to fulfill this mission, we have developed an 18-course program in three areas of study: Biblical Knowledge, Spiritual Development, and Ministry Leadership.
Each course in the program will require at least: 12 hours of classroom study, outside reading, and the completion of a paper, test, or project. If an academy wants to go beyond these minimum required goals, it may do so. For example, if an academy wants to add material to fit their cultural context, then that is permissible. However, each academy must meet the minimum required goals in order to graduate students from their program.
Each course will be developed by instructors with expertise in the specific area of study. At times, women instructors will take part of the classroom time to teach other women.
There are 16 core classes that everyone is expected to complete. There are also elective courses from which a student can choose two. The total of core and electives courses must total 18 in order for the student to receive a certificate from the ICOC Ministry Training Academy.
I. Biblical Knowledge
4 Core Classes:
New Testament Survey. This course is a survey of the history, literature, and content of the New Testament, with an emphasis on historical background, geography, and culture of New Testament times. (This class will be offered via Campus Commonwealth Academy 10-11 January 2014 in Roanoke)
Old Testament Survey. This course is a survey of the Old Testament in the context of the history, geography, and culture of Old Testament times.
Biblical Exegesis. This course will acquaint students with the basic principles and practices of biblical exegesis, learning how to use critical resource tools and moving from biblical text to life application. (This class will be offered via Campus Commonwealth Academy 6-8 June 2014 in Pittsburgh)
Church History/Doctrines. This class traces the history of the Christian Church from 70AD to the modern age with special attention given to turning points that affect Christian doctrines and church polity. (This class will be offered via Commonwealth Academy 8-12 November 2013; 8-10 for TentMakers and 11-12 for full time ministers)
6 Possible Electives:
Biblical Theology. This course will provide a systematic approach to examining major themes throughout the bible.
World Religions. This class takes a serious look at the world's major religions and philosophies with practical advice on how to reach out to them with the message of the gospel.
Ethics. This class will discuss pressing issues of the day that cause leaders to ask, “What in the world do I do with this situation?” The class uses biblical principles to examine a variety of difficult topics. Also, the student will learn how to best approach, address and grapple with the complexities of debatable matters.
Life and Ministry of Jesus. Class sessions will provide an inspiring and thorough study of the person, character, leadership, and impact of Jesus.
Holy Spirit. Classes will focus upon a comprehensive study of the person, power, ministry and gifts of the Holy Spirit with a critical analysis of today's charismatic movement.
Apologetics. This course introduces the student to the study of Christian evidences. The student will learn how to put together convincing presentations for unbelievers, and make apologetics a part of his or her own personal ministry. (This class will be offered via Campus Commonwealth Academy 12-13 January 2013 in MD)
II. Spiritual Development
5 Core Classes:
The Minister’s Walk With God. In order to effectively lead others, we must first be in vital communion with God. This class will teach us how to powerfully walk with the Lord in prayer, meditation and personal Bible study.
The Disciplined Life. Spiritual leadership requires that we lead a life of mature, Spirit-led self-discipline. From the management of our emotions and thoughts to the organization of our daily schedule, the goal of this class is to learn to first discipline ourselves before we seek to lead others.
Marriage and Family. Our most important human relationships are those under our own roof. As leaders, our relationships with our spouses and children are the foundation upon which we stand. In this class we will learn how to build families that reflect the highest examples of godliness, love and spirituality.
Personal Purity & Integrity. It is the enemy from within rather than the adversary from without that challenges us most. Therefore we must not only know God and His word, we must also know ourselves – including our weaknesses and flaws - so that we may live lives of purity and righteousness – from the inside out. (This class will be offered via Commonwealth Academy 1-3 February 2013)
MTA Discipling Plan. Jesus’ example shows us that we learn not only in the classroom, but by walking with someone who is out ahead of us in the journey. This course is a practicum that will give us the training provided by a personal discipler who will assist us in three areas: Knowing, Doing, and Being.
1 Possible Elective:
Parenting and Family Building. This course will teach the Biblical principles of how to build a strong, cohesive and spiritual family, and how parents may effectively transmit their faith to their children.
III. Ministry Leadership
7 Core Classes:
Biblical Preaching. This class teaches the student how to develop powerful and practical sermons from the biblical text based upon proven exegetical principles. (This class will be offered via Campus Commonwealth Academy 7-11 June 2013 in Hampton Roads, 7-9 for TentMakers and 10-11 for full time ministers and interns)
The Power of Discipleship. The student will learn the importance of healthy, biblical discipling relationships. The class focuses on both the practical aspects of being discipled as well as how to disciple others.
The Making of a Disciple. This class is an in-depth exploration how to study the Bible with people that goes well beyond the basics of First Principles.
Principles of Biblical Counseling. This course illuminates the power of the Bible to help people grow, and change and how we may help them, by applying Scriptural principles, to overcome obstacles and barriers to their ongoing maturity in Christ.
Building the Church at Every Level. The student will learn practical lessons on how to build an effective ministry across a broad spectrum of life stages.
Powerful Ministry Leadership. This class focuses on the practical aspects of leading a dynamic and effective ministry.
The Church. Biblical teaching about the structure and function of the church, including team building principles, church discipline, various biblical roles, and best practices of men and women working together in the ministry.
2 Possible Electives:
Missions. This class focuses on powerful principles from past and present mission plantings.
Women of the Bible. This course will cover life lessons from significant women in the Bible.
Friday, April 19, 2013 at 12:18PM
