The Joshua Project is an exciting new combined initiative involving Tilsley College and local churches to develop key church members in Christian ministry. The focus will be on understanding and communicating the Christian faith both in church and in society. It is especially formulated to enable potential leaders in regular employment to access significant Biblical, theological and practical training to enhance their capacity to serve in local churches. The course has particular relevance for people interested in preaching, teaching, eldership, pastoral care and outreach work.
What are the key features of the course?
Þ 2 year programme of evening classes with 20 sessions spread through each year from Sept to June
Þ Significant Biblical and Theological core
ÞCollege-based studies with local church training
Þ Personal growth with the help of a church-based mentor
Þ Significant Biblical and Theological core
ÞCollege-based studies with local church training
Þ Personal growth with the help of a church-based mentor
All students will cover the core studies, as these are foundational for all believers seeking to serve God effectively in a local church. In addition to the core studies each one can choose one of three specialisation streams that will focus on three key areas of ministry
Two additional sessions will be held each year for briefing and debriefing of students and their mentors to maximise the effectiveness of this training experience.
The core studies (75%) will include:
Þ Biblical Studies to get to grips with the text
Þ An introduction to Theological issues
Þ Apologetics for contemporary challenges
Þ Understanding Leadership principles
Þ Intentional personal spiritual growth
Þ An introduction to Theological issues
Þ Apologetics for contemporary challenges
Þ Understanding Leadership principles
Þ Intentional personal spiritual growth
The elective studies (25%), from which each participant will select one stream, will cover:
Preaching - The art of preaching and public communications.
Pastoral - Leading with care by developing skills in pastoral care.
Mission - Growth through culturally relevant outreach and mission.
Pastoral - Leading with care by developing skills in pastoral care.
Mission - Growth through culturally relevant outreach and mission.
Who is it for?The course is aimed at two groups of people:
1. Individuals identified by the church leadership as potential leaders for the future. By "sponsoring" such individuals the church leadership is asked to ensure that opportunities in preaching, pastoral care or mission would be available to the individual so that he/she will be able to develop his/her skills in conjunction with the teaching offered in the College.
2. Individuals who may or may not see themselves as future leaders but who wish to benefit personally from the course.
The aim of this new course is to focus on the Biblical and theological perspectives which equip us to face the practical challenges of giving leadership in the church in the 21st century. The course is designed for busy people who have limited amounts of time available for study. However there is no escaping the fact that training is hard work but the rewards are great - "no pain no gain!"
When and where will it be held?The college-based sessions will run on selected Tuesday evenings from September to June and are likely to be in short blocks of 3 to 4 weeks to allow space for private study, reflection and related practical activities.
Each evening session will last for 2 hours. The course will be run at Tilsley College in the GLO Centre, Motherwell.
As a combined initiative, the course leaders will include both teaching staff at Tilsley College as well as experienced church leaders from throughout central Scotland.
Each evening session will last for 2 hours. The course will be run at Tilsley College in the GLO Centre, Motherwell.
As a combined initiative, the course leaders will include both teaching staff at Tilsley College as well as experienced church leaders from throughout central Scotland.
How much will it cost?The cost of the course is £180 per year (payable in instalments), which will include all course materials, use of the college facilities (such as library) and refreshments on each evening. It is anticipated that sponsoring churches may be able to assist participants in paying the fees.
Are there details of the actual course content?Yes. Click here to see the draft first-year programme.
How do I enrol?Click here to access the registration form.
Please complete and submit your registration form by Monday, 6 September 2010.
While no formal qualifications in previous studies are required for entry to the course, some reasonable basic knowledge of the Bible will be assumed as the background for the studies.
