Practical Learning

Location of Training

With regard to the training environment, the modern trend is moving away from a seminary training environment towards short course training in the church, which allows for experiential learning in a real Church-life environment. This method is a form of on-the-job training.

This brings about a specific advantage: A larger percentage of students study a basic and general set of learning objectives; they then progress into more advanced learning. Members begin to train as workers then become leaders and finally may even enrol for pastoral training. These naturally layered objectives have greater appeal to a wide student base.

Practical Work Environment

At the same time this has an advantage for the church in that its group of new believers is established in the principles of discipleship training, and the workers of the church are trained to support the pastor in his work, while they become leaders. They may also discover their own ministry to enhance church life.

In the beginning stages, students study courses that have a general application which adds to the portability of their credits. Studies take place in the practical Church environment. This is where they will learn discipleship and sharpen necessary skills for the work of ministry such as Christian leadership, church management and a pastoral calling.

The student does not learn through intellectual conjecture or an academic searching through theological concepts, but will rather gain experience from real life in the Church.

Project/Mission Experience

Students may even submit proposals for community projects. These projects can be discussed, consolidated, and improved upon in discussion groups. A portfolio or mission plan can be drawn up to convey the idea to role-players in commerce and industry for possible financial support. The students should also participate in a mission trip to a near or distant mission field to acquire practical experience of ministry in Church life.