Albany School of Ministry
The School of Ministry (SoM) is in the process of offering six courses over the span two years; beginning in the fall of 2023 through spring 2025. Courses that have been offered and will be offered include: Old Testament Introduction & History, RCA Doctrinal Standards, New Testament Introduction and History, Biblical Exegesis, Preaching and Sermon Preparation, Systematic Theology
Details about the School of Ministry...
These, and other courses, will cover the subjects that the RCA Book of Church Order requires potential preaching elders to study, prior to their commissioning. All SoM classes will all be taught primarily online, making it possible for students from the farthest flung corners of Albany Synod to participate by videoconferencing.
There will be eight 3-hour evening sessions per subject. A central gathering may be requested by the instructor on occasion and will be announced prior to registration.
The School of Ministry classes will cost $300 due at the time of registration. Students are encouraged to seek scholarship assistance from their local church and classis.
The School of Ministry is overseen by the Albany Synod Ministries Board: Rev. Matthew J. van Maastricht, Rev. Steven Rodriguez, and Elder Lois Fiegl.
Who should sign up for SoM classes?
● those in training to be preaching elders (PE)
● those in training to become Commissioned Pastors (CP)
● Anybody else who is interested in the subjects offered! Church leaders, elders, deacons, Christian educators, pastors etc.
Potential PEs and CPs should be aware that their classes may require additional work in these subject areas beyond completing the SoM class. Classes also will conduct their own examinations of PE and CP candidates, to explore their mastery of the subject matter. PE and CP candidates who are under care of their classes must submit a written classis endorsement as they register for SoM classes. Classes will be updated by the School of Ministry administrator of the student’s performance and course completion.
A note to potential Commissioned Pastors and their classes:
In addition to the six courses listed above, CPs must also be examined in church history, the constitution (including polity, sacraments and liturgy), practices of ministry and pastoral ethics. If classes and candidates express sufficient interest and need for courses in these subjects, the SoM board will undertake to provide them.
These courses will cover the subjects that the RCA Book of Church Order requires potential preaching elders to study, prior to their commissioning. All SoM classes will all be taught primarily online, making it possible for students from the farthest flung corners of Albany Synod to participate by videoconferencing. There will be eight 3-hour evening sessions per subject. A central gathering may be requested by the instructor on occasion and will be announced prior to registration
Interested in taking one or all of these classes?
Or, would like more information?
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