Core Courses
Our mission is to build a community of believers who worship and obey God and
share the Good News of Jesus Christ with all people. From the essential beliefs
of the Brethren in Christ as stated in our Articles of Faith and Doctrine, ten
core values were derived.
Participant Testimonials
Based on our mission and core values, the denomination has established eight priorities for the current decade. One of these is Leadership Development "designed to raise up men and women as workers and leaders for an expanded network of congregations and ministries."
Core courses are an ongoing part of that development. In light of the fact that the Brethren in Christ Church does not have a seminary, the General Conference of the Brethren in Christ Church in 1984 approved the offering of core courses as part of the requirement for ordination in the Brethren in Christ Church.
Designed as "an initial means for study in an acquaintance with the Brethren in Christ, its perceived mission in the larger Kingdom of Christ, and its understanding of ministry," these courses were designated to be in the areas of Brethren in Christ history, theology, leadership and structure.
Revised and updated over the years, these interactive courses introducing the Brethren in Christ doctrinal convictions and applied values are a vital part of the credentialing process. Therefore, they are to be completed before the end of the first four-year ministerial license and prior to ordination.
While these courses are essential for the credentialing process, lay people and those in ministry not requiring credentialing are welcome to take these courses as well.
The above grid is the pattern for future planning. However, dates and places may be changed as needed. Therefore, see below for exact dates and locations.
Theology of Salvation
Leadership and Structure Within the Brethren in Christ Church
Brethren in Christ History and Values
Theology of the Church
Gobierno y Liderazgo en la Iglesia Hermanos en Cristo
Registration is required for each course. Because these courses require preparatory work, the registration deadline is two weeks prior to the beginning of class.
Courses will be limited to 30 participants. In cases where courses are oversubscribed, extra classes will be added as feasible.
Persons who have completed college or seminary courses that may be similar to one or more of the core courses can send transcripts and course descriptions to the CMD office for equivalency evaluation.
Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own lodging, transportation and meals. Congregations are expected to participate in the cost for their pastor. When this is not feasible, the CMD may be contacted for financial assistance.
For 2009 the cost of a course is $125 (USD) for credentialing credit.
However, if participants wish to enroll for 2 credits from Ashland Theological Seminary the cost for 2009 will be $175 (USD) for seminary credit
Courses taken for seminary credit require extra course work and evaluation.
