The Asia-Pacific Leadership Academy is being established to train leadership for churches in Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Guam and the Philippines.
PROGRAM VISION & PURPOSE
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea – Isaiah 11:9
The need for leadership training in the Asia-Pacific Region, which includes the nations of Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Guam, and the Philippines (with a total population of 310 million people), is both obvious and urgent. We are grateful for the Board of the Beam Missions Fund for approving a three year grant to fund a number of projects in this region of the world, including the Academy.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Academy will consist of three tracks of training: a track for those who are church supported leaders (Ministry Track); a second track for more mature disciples who can be trained to fill shepherding roles, some of whom will ultimately be appointed elders (Shepherding Track); and a third, individually customized type track to further train those who serve in a variety of leadership roles (Elective Track).
- Old Testament Survey
- New Testament Survey*
- Homiletics
- Church History*
- Romans
- Christian Evidences
- Paul’s Ministry and Message*
- Prophecy*
In addition to these courses, several practical courses will be added from the Shepherding Track in order to equip Ministry Staff to handle a variety of life challenges faced by their members. Each track will be well-defined and a Diploma of graduation offered to all who successfully complete the required courses (eleven total for the Diploma). Further elective courses will also be offered in the future once the basic required courses are completed. Eight courses will be required for certification in the other two tracks.
- Old Testament Survey
- New Testament Survey
- Sound Doctrine and Church Discipline
- Marriage and Family I
- Marriage and Family II
- Regaining Emotional Health
- Building Healthy Relationships
- Leadership Development
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
Many different approaches to ministry and leadership training have been used in our movement over the years. We appreciate all of these efforts and all who led in developing and teaching them. Much has been learned, including the need for developing more effective ways of providing such training. (Photo of original Manila Mission Team)
Perhaps the biggest weakness encountered from an educational perspective has been the retention rate of material covered. The Seminar approach, complete with advance reading assignments, has been our main approach. All of us who have been involved in this approach as teachers or students can attest to the results at each end of the spectrum. It has been amazing how much can be learned in a short span, and equally amazing how quickly it can be forgotten!
Second, advance assignments will broken down into several sections, each of which will include: reading from a primary book on the subject (trying to read too broadly in a short time contributes to the lack of retention); short research papers written; formal reviews of assigned material; guided group discussions via the Internet; and tests taken on each section. All of this will be followed up by a three or four day Seminar setting (depending on the subject) and a final cumulative exam.
Gordon Ferguson, who has experienced both types of training mentioned (ministry training school − Preston School of Preaching, and Seminary − M.A. in New Testament Studies from Harding Graduate School of Religion) will serve as the Dean of the Academy and do much of the teaching, especially in the early stages. He will be coming off the ministry staff of the Phoenix church at mid-year of 2008 in order to assume these and other related training duties.Other well qualified brothers will also be asked to teach in the Academy. Gordon’s main colleague in the development and administration of the Academy will be Rolan Monje, evangelist and teacher in the Manila church, who oversaw the AIM Program in the Philippines and is currently working on his Doctor of Ministry degree (Pastoral Theology) at American Bible College.
PROGRAM ADMISSION
Members of the International Churches of Christ, constituent congregations in the Asia-Pacific regional group, and affiliated congregations may enroll. Our vision is to create both a family and an institution brimming with rich diversity, with people from various backgrounds, each with a love for God and ministry.
For now, the APLA considers the following as fair requirements for enrollment:
The steering committee approves the list of enrollees for each trimester.
** For those who cannot meet this requirement, there will be special provisions available in the future.
PROGRAM COSTS
Higher education is not an inexpensive proposition. Neither is education for ministry. At APLA we offer high quality education with international standards at a financial level within reach for those in third world Asia. With many add-ons the rates become prohibitive; yet we also understand that cutting costs too much can have serious consequences.
At APLA we have the average Asian student in mind as we deliberate on the running budget and work on our costs. Our goal is to keep our expenses moderate by accepting gifts and grants, and in the future will seek to acquire scholarships to assist our needy brothers and sisters.
APLA operates on a trimester basis. The average student is expected to take two or three courses per year (possibly four for those in the Ministry Track). A full-load student can finish the Diploma in Christian Leadership (eleven courses, three of which are from the Shepherding Track) in three to four years. The actual costs will depend on the number of courses in which a person enrolls. For further details regarding the specific costs and other information, please contact Rolan Monje at rmonje@gmail.com.
The Genesis of the Academy
The opening session of the Academy will begin in early 2008, with the Seminar portion of a class on Homiletics being taught in Manila on March 6-9. Should you have further questions, please e-mail Gordon or Rolan at:
