Ministry Training That Meets You Where You Are!
Rob O’Lynn, D.Min., Dean of Distance Education[bscolumns class=”one_half”]
If I have learned anything in the last couple of years, it is that change is both perpetual and constant. As Jesus promised, each day has its own set of concerns, worries, and trouble (Matt. 6:34). Yet, I am also reminded that each day brings new mercies, new joys and new opportunities to experience God’s grace (Psalm 30; Lam. 3:22-23; 2 Cor. 8:1-9).
This is why I, personally, love teaching and training people for ministry. Teaching is an exercise in hope; it is missional and gospel-oriented work. Ministers and ministry leaders need to learn how to be creative, flexible, and adaptable in today’s ever-changing cultural context. For Christians, the message—the gospel—never changes. Yet, how we share that message has changed from papyrus scrolls to Instagram stories.
However, how do we address these concerns and learn the skills need to partner with God to continue spreading the gospel? In former times, one would need to pack up and move to a college, university, or seminary to receive the training they needed to participate in God’s missional work. And while that is certainly a valid option, it may not be for everyone.
To be honest, it was not an option for me. In January 2005, I entered a graduate program that catered to ministers who were already serving in full-time ministry and could not reasonably go back to school. Not only did that program continue preparing me for ministry, it revealed to me the beautiful possibility for online education.
At Kentucky Christian University, we want to provide you with ministry training that meets you where you are in ministry. In our online programs, we promise an exceptional educational experience that will guide you to provide effective ministry that is creative, adaptive, and mission-centered. All of our online courses are taught asynchronously by qualified instructors, many of whom are involved in some form of local ministry (including myself). We are not just a collection of videos but real-time teachers and mentors who looks forward to partnering with you on your educational journey.
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We currently offer the following online programs:
- Certificate in Small Church Ministry—This program is geared to people serving in smaller congregations who are looking for foundational training in Biblical studies, theology, and ministry in order to serve more effectively.
- MA in Biblical Studies—This programs seeks to provide rich, in-depth training in Biblical studies for preaching, teaching, or further research.
- MA in Christian Leadership—This program seeks to provide in-depth training in contemporary models of discipleship, leadership, and administration.
- MA in Religion—This program seeks to provide an advanced introduction in Biblical studies, theology, and ministry to persons who are called to serve God’s mission in ways other than traditional congregational ministry, such as working in nonprofits or serving as a medical missionary.
We are also in the process of launching online Associate of Arts programs in Bible, ministry, and missions, as well as an online Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible!
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