A DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF THE METROPOLITAN CHRISTIAN BIBLE INSTITUTE OFADVANTAGE COLLEGE AT THE EDGEMONT CHURCH OF GOD AS A MINISTRY TRAINING TOOL

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1 A DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF THE METROPOLITAN CHRISTIAN BIBLE INSTITUTE OFADVANTAGE COLLEGE AT THE EDGEMONT CHURCH OF GOD AS A MINISTRY TRAINING TOOL By Ferrell LaVoz Roddy A thesis for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Trinity Theological Seminary Newburgh, IN USA Submitted to Trinity Theological Seminary Faculty for Approval November 28, 2012 i

2 ABSTRACT A DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF THE METROPOLITAN CHRISTIAN BIBLE INSTITUTE OF ADVANTAGE COLLEGE AT THE EDGEMONT CHURCH OF GOD AS A MINISTRY TRAINING TOOL Ferrell LaVoz Roddy Trinity Theological Seminary, 2012 PhD Thesis Advisor: Ray L. Parker, EdD, PhD The purpose of this project is to determine the viability of churches collaborating with theological institutions to offer college-level ministry training in the local church. The Metropolitan Christian Bible Institute of Advantage College that is a ministry at Edgemont Church of God for eight years is used as the model for evaluation. Student questionnaires are to be used to evaluate the effectiveness of this program. The Biblical basis for an equipping ministry in the local church will be examined. The effectiveness of distance learning programs will be examined using literature from the field of education. Conclusions are to be developed using information from the previous processes. Abstract Length: 106 Words ii

3 DEDICATIONS To My Father, Finzee Roddy (February 15, 1930 December 27, 2011), whom I dearly loved and will see again in heaven, who died during the course of completing this project. To My Mother-In-Law, Pastor Emeritus Myrtle Willetta Harrison Moore (June 8, 1923 January 10, 2002, who introduced me to Pacific Coast Bible College (Advantage College) in Sacramento, California which the Metropolitan Christian Bible Institute ignited. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Completing doctoral studies is a difficult accomplishment especially when working a fulltime job and balancing family life. There are many people I wish to acknowledge by name, but I am sure that I will overlook someone, so thanks to all my unnamed supporters. Thanks to my wife, Elder Donna Rochelle Roddy, a noble woman who s faithfulness and encouragement has enriched my life and ministry, plus the members of Edgemont Church of God, East St. Louis, Illinois for their prayers, encouragement, support, and participation. Very special thanks to one person whom I owe everything I am today, my mother Corine Smith. Thanks to my son Joseph L. Jones, Antwan V. Herndon and all my grandchildren. iii

4 Declaration Concerning Thesis Presented for the Degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY I, Ferrell LaVoz Roddy Of 519 Barcia Drive, Rock Hill, Missouri Solemnly and sincerely declare, in relation to the Ph.D. thesis entitle: A DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF THE METROPOLITAN CHRISTIAN BIBLE INSTITUTE OF ADVANTAGE COLLEGE AT THE EDGFEMONT CHURCH OF GOD AS A MINISTRY TRAINING TOOL (a) That work was done by me, personally, (b) The materials has not been previously been accepted in whole, or in part, for any other degree or diploma Signature Ferrell LaVoz Roddy Date iv

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION... 1 Statement of Problem... 4 Statement of Scope and Limitations... 5 Theoretical Basis for the Project... 6 Statement of Methodology.6 Operational Definition of the Study.8 CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE...10 A Synoptic History of the Bible Institute Movement in America Examples of Quality Bible Institutes...19 CHAPTER THREE: DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY: THE BIBLICAL DERIVATION FOR AN EQUIPPING MINISTRY...33 The New Testament Mandate The Biblical Description of the Church The Biblical Description of the Christian The Role of the Pastor According to the Equipping Model The Description of an Equipping Ministry..55 CHAPTER FOUR: DISTANCE LEARNING IN MINISTRY TRAINING 60 The History and Development of Distance Education Programs 61 Various Models in Education Effectiveness of Distance Education...74 CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY OF FINDS, DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS.81 Launch of the Metropolitan Christian Bible Institute...83 MCBI and Advantage College Integrate Evangelical Training Association Material Metropolitan Christian Bible Institute Evangelical Training Association and Advantage College Metropolitan Christian Bible Institute and Advantage College...97 Essential Design for Bible Institute Evaluation of the Metropolitan Christian Bible Institute Collaborating with Advantage College at Edgemont Church of God Evaluation based of student interviews v

6 Conclusions..121 Appendix A: Consent Form 123 Appendix B: Questionnaire.125 Bibliography 130 vi

7 CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION OF THE PROBLEM Every Christian desires to be equipped for ministry in which the body of Christ at large has been called to participate. Relatively, few churches today are sufficiently fulfilling their God-given responsibilities to both teach and train their people. Instead, in depth instruction can in large measure only be found in Bible colleges and seminaries 1 which the majority of Christians never attends. One resolution to this problem, although not the only resolution is to establish a training center or theological institute within the context of a local church where members and even other Christians can be taught. This thesis will present a design and evaluation of one such institution. This author s thirst for knowledge in ministry training has been an indispensable part of his ministry for twenty-three years. Throughout the early days of his ministry, this author passionately aspired to comprehend the Bible and theology, but lacked a clear way to accomplish this goal. Simultaneously, this author became involved with the Church of God Reformation Movement, whose general offices are located in Anderson, Indiana while preparing for ministry and ordination. Much of this training involved learning basic Bible study, ministry skills, and Church of God doctrine. Stimulated by the associations during his early years of ministry at Edgemont Church of God in East St. Louis, Illinois, which is affiliated with the Church of God Reformation Movement, the author expanded his dream. The single most important factor in this experience for the author was to learn more about providing the training and education needed to effectively do what God has called him to do. He sought to offer this college-level training in the local church. Author assumed that other Christians had this same desire to pursue further training and education. This assumption proved to be correct. While not all Christians desired this opportunity for collegiate level training, many did take advantage of it. Another motivation for the author was as he witnessed a group of twenty-seven candidates preparing to pursue their state ministerial licensure before the Illinois Ministries Credentials Committee of the Church of God in Decatur, Illinois. Not one candidate had any college-level training in the Bible and theology. 1 It must be noted that even some of these institutions are providing inadequate training. 7

8 Relocating employment, changing position in his local church, or moving to a distant city to a Bible College none was supported by the author s pastor or mentors, nor seriously considered during the early days of ministry. Questions of academic recognition and accreditation were unknown to the author. As a result, the author spent several years involved in correspondence with Pacific Coast Bible College located in Sacramento, California, Master s Divinity School of Biblical Counseling, Master s School of Continuing Studies, Master s Divinity School, and Trinity Theological Seminary all located in Evansville, Indiana plus Trinity College of The Bible located in Newburgh, Indiana. These studies were beneficial however lack the opportunity to participate in lectures, small group discussions, student presentations, one to one conversations with instructors and accreditation. This experience inspired the author to find ways to offer college level courses in the local church when pursuing further training and education. During the course of earning five degrees and seven ministerial certificates from various institutions, the author became involved in almost every type of learning model available in distance or non-traditional educational programs. This involvement prompted an interest in evaluating different delivery systems for distance learning. The goal was to determine an effective model to integrate college level training and education into the ministry of the local church. Soon after becoming as senior pastor of Edgemont Church of God in September 1996, the author met with thirty-eight leaders and congregational members in the church (ministers, deacons, trustees, Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, musicians, ushers, and laypersons). None in the group had received any formal ministry training. The first step was to meet with representatives of Advantage College (San Jose, California) formally named Pacific Coast Bible College (Sacramento, California) about the possibilities for distance learning in a group setting. Mr. Bill Terry, the executive officer to the Board of Regents at Advantage College, and the author began meeting to explore a collaborative opportunity to offer college-level training at Edgemont Church of God, using the Evangelical Training Association curricula equivalent to Advantage s college-level courses. Second step was to inquire with Evangelical Training Association in reference to Graduate and Standard Teacher Diploma. It is a lifetime approval to teach Evangelical Training Association courses for certificate credit. 8

9 This approach deviated from that followed by Edgemont Church of God. In this collaborative program, students would be immersed in college-level courses in which college credit and degrees could be earned. The first course began in September 2004 with sixty-four students. Course offering was Old Testament Survey I and Old Testament Survey II. Fifteen courses were required to earn ninety credit hours in the Associate of Theology Degree Program in group studies. Since that time 194 students have enrolled in one or more courses. Four ministers that were in the Edgemont Church of God meeting who encouraged this author to provide ministry training and education in the local church enrolled in that first course. Others that participated in this course included were deacons, Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, and other interested laypersons. Pastors, youth workers, lay people, and ministerial students from neighboring churches also participated in this study. Statement of the Problem The basic question addressed in this thesis stands, "Is it feasible for the local church to make college-level training available to its membership?" Some secondary issues must be addressed in seeking an answer to that question. The Biblical mandate to the local church to equip its membership for ministry must be examined. The question in relation to this is "Should the local church provide training for every level of Christian ministry?" The common practice has been to provide some basic training for Christians at the local church level, then direct the ministerial students to a college or seminary for ministry training. If the mandate to the church is to "equip the saints for the work of ministry, 2 why is the local church not providing training for all aspects of ministry within the context of the ministry of that church? If the church should be providing that level and type of training, how can it do that? Another issue relevant to this matter is the nature of ministry. The number of what we commonly refer to as laypersons who were interested in this type of Biblical training caused this author to re-examine the issue of the man-made distinction between clergy and laity. The author is reminded that every Christian is a minister and should have the opportunity to study Biblical, theological, and ministry training courses at the college level. 2 Ephesians 4:12. Unless otherwise noted, all Biblical references are from the New King James Version of the Bible. 9

10 The question here is "Can a local church partner with an academic institution to provide quality, accredited Biblical training that leads to recognized credentials for that training?" Many feel that distance learning programs are not of the same quality as resident programs. Basic information and examples of lay institutes are presented. These are used to evaluate the institute in this author s church. This study and evaluation can serve to assist other churches to develop a quality lay institute. Statement of Scope and Limitations The scope of this thesis is to address the effectiveness of one program of ministry training, the Metropolitan Christian Bible Institute, in one local setting, Edgemont Church of God. Feedback will be received from students who participated in this program. It is not the purpose of this thesis to examine a number of different programs that have been used in various ministry settings. However, principles for evaluating and improving such programs will be developed in the course of this project. This study was limited since this project will have been in place for eight years, only the short-term impact of this program can be evaluated. Data for comparing students from a ministry-based training program and from a residential-college program ten years after graduation is not available. Design and evaluation of the Metropolitan Christian Bible Institute will be somewhat subjective. The survey will reveal that some students have been licensed and ordained as ministers during this time while others have moved into larger ministry settings. These concrete steps of ministry growth provide a more objective evaluation of the impact of the program. Theoretical Basis for the Project Contemporary theologian R.C. Sproul stated, For the soul of a person to be inflamed with passion for the living God that person s mind must first be informed about the character and will of God. There can be nothing in the heart that is not first in the mind. Though it is possible 10

11 to have theology in the head without its piercing the soul, it cannot pierce the soul without first being grasped by then mind. 3 The first theoretical basis for this project lies in two fields. The Biblical/theological basis for this project lies in the firm conviction of this author that all Christians are ministers of Christ and that the primary purpose of the pastor is to equip the saints to serve in ministry according to their gifts and calling. An entire chapter in this thesis will be devoted to examining the Biblical and theological data confirming that conviction. In light of this conviction, it seems reasonable that quality and challenging theological training should be made available to every member of the local congregation. The second theoretical basis for this project lies in the area of education. While distance learning programs have been widely criticized in the past, there is a growing realization that distance learning programs are viable means of providing education to the rooted learner. This is seen in the rapid development of such programs by major universities. It is the position of this author that the local church can collaborate with academic institutions to provide quality, accredited ministry training. Statement of Methodology The opening chapter of this thesis will consist of the rationale for the project, the statement of the problem, the statement of scope and limitations, theoretical basis for the project, operational definitions of the study, and the statement of methodology. Chapter two in the literature review of this thesis will examine the history of the Bible institute movement in North America. It will investigate some remarkable helps that can aid in the development of a theological institute. Three qualities lay institute programs will be scrutinized namely: 1. New York of the Bible that operates in conjunction with the Calvary Baptist Church in New York, NY. 2. Birmingham Bible Institute that function as a ministry of Grace Baptist Church in Birmingham, MI. 3. Logos Bible Institute that is connected with Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, CA. 3 R.C. Sproul, Essential Truths of the Christian Faith (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 1992), xx. 11

12 Key features of these programs as well as important insights will be highlighted. Chapter three will be devoted to examining the Biblical data related to ministry training in the local church. The key Biblical passage examined in this chapter will be Ephesians 4:12. Does this passage teach that the pastor is to equip the saints to do the work of ministry or that the pastor is to do the work of ministry as the congregation functions as spectators? This is a fundamental question that determines the nature of ministry in the local church. Related issues such as the priesthood of the believer, the call to Christian ministry, and spiritual gifts will also be examined in this chapter. Chapter four will examine the matter of distance learning programs. This is essential because the Metropolitan Christian Bible Institute is a distance learning program. Issues related to the effectiveness and credibility of distance learning programs will be examined. The strengths and weaknesses of distance learning programs will be compared in this chapter. Resources for this examination will be found in literature from the field of education. Chapter five will describe the Metropolitan Christian Bible Institute that was ignited at Edgemont Church of God for more than eight years. Various ways in which the program could be implemented will be described as well as how the program was implemented at Edgemont Church of God. Printed material from Advantage College describing the program as well as the personal experience of this group will be involved in this description. This chapter will summarize the evaluations from the participants in this ministry. The data from the four-page questionnaires that have been sent to the students will provide the basis for this summary. This is an essential component of the thesis for it evaluates how the lives and ministries of the students have been impacted by their participation in this program. Personal interviews will also be conducted with a select number of the students with that information being included in the evaluation of the program. The author's summary evaluation of the Metropolitan Christian Bible Institute along with recommendations for improving this and/or similar ministry training programs. This summary will be gleaned from all the materials previously described as well as the personal experience of the author while involved in this program. These personal evaluations will be reviewed with other ministers and teachers who have been involved in similar programs. Operational Definitions of the Study For the purposes of this study, the following terms are used as defined below: 12

13 1) Theology: The study of God and the relation between God and the universe; and the study of religious doctrines and matters of divinity. 2) Biblical Studies: Studies focused in keeping with or according to the Bible; extensive and intensive, formal studies of biblical scriptures. 3) Institute: A school set up for studies in a particular field or a short teaching program established for a group concerned with a special field of work. 4) Design:Is the creation of a plan for the construction of a system; in the case a roadmap or a strategic approach for someone to achieve a unique expectation. 5) Evaluation:Involves assessing the strengths and weaknesses of programs, policies, personnel, products, and organizations to improve their effectiveness. (In this study developing and selecting from among alternative program approaches, trying different curricula or policies and determining which ones best achieve the goals.) 6) Christian: Belonging to the religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. 7) Training:The education, instruction, of discipline of a person; it is a learning process that involves the acquisition of knowledge, sharpening of skills, changing of attitudes and behaviors to enhance the performance of students. 13