Added to Church Leadership Program
By: Whitney Knight
Two years ago, Bishop Timothy J. Clarke initiated a conversation with President Dr. John Fozard about what could be done to help strengthen the pastoral staff personnel, volunteers and others who desire to develop their leadership skills and their biblical and theological knowledge. One key area of knowledge being sought was the area of Wesleyan theology. Dr. Cliff Sanders, retired MACU professor and creator of the School of Wesleyan Studies, stepped up to lead two 5-week certificate classes covering the subject. Since then, the certificate project has flourished, with courses in six additional areas being added and ample room for future growth.
Since launching the program, more than 100 students have achieved certification in one or more of the 5-week courses. But Dr. Julie Nance, Adult School of Ministry Program Director, says the success goes far beyond numbers.
“There is a ripple effect of serving one student who turns around and serves others.” Nance said. “One needs to look at how people are implementing what they are learning.”
She said students who have completed the courses said that what they are learning and experiencing in each certificate session is improving their leadership skills, their ministries and their personal desires to continue to dig deeper and become successful leaders. Several students have since gone on to enroll in a degree program at MACU, while another was accepted into Leadership Focus ministry training with the Church of God.
This spring, four new certificates were added to the program’s lineup: A Visionary Communicator & Leader Like Jesus led by Rev Todd Braschler, An Emotionally Healthy Leader and Life Leader led by Rev. Dr. Gary Kendall and Women in Ministry led by Dr. Melissa Pratt. New topics are anticipated to be added during the fall semester.
The cost of each course is only $195 plus textbooks and shipping, but $100 scholarships are available to qualifying students, bringing the course down to just $95 plus materials. If you would like to know more about MACU’s leadership certificates or enroll, please visit www.macu.edu/churchleadership. We are continuously adding new start dates and certificate offerings to help our students train their theological knowledge and practical skills.