International Christian Youthworks Europe. Bachelors Programme Offered through the Australian College of Ministry

Transcription

1 International Christian Youthworks Europe Bachelors Programme Offered through the Australian College of Ministry

2 A note from Colin and Melissa Piper Thanks for your interest in our European Bachelors programme offered through the Australian College of Ministry. For the last four years we've been piloting the programme in the UK but from September 2010, we are very excited about offering the programme across continental Europe. It offers you the chance to study Theology at a very high level right where you are and alongside whatever you're doing. The course is very Biblical, practical and missional, It is also very affordable. And the best bit we think is that you study as part of a Europe wide learning community, which get together five times a year at inspirational conferences across Europe. We're trying to bring together the best of every world. We want you to have the flexibility you would have on a correspondence course but without the hassles of having to study alone. We want you to have the joy of being a part of community you would have at a Bible College but without having to go away from what you're doing and pay loads of money for it. We want you to have the fulfilment of ministry and being part of a missional team without having to sacrifice a desire to study and gain a qualification. Our prayer is that after three years you will have a great theological understanding and qualification, practical ministry training and fruitfulness, and friendships which will last a life time. Our first few years of graduates in the UK are testimony to what is possible and we want now to be a part of raising up a whole new generation of European young leaders equipped for Kingdom ministry. We'd love it if that included you, so give this a read and get in touch with any questions you may have. Colin and Melissa ICY Exec. Directors 19 Buckles Way Banstead Surrey SM7 1HB UK colin@icy.org.uk

3 Whats it all about? Our Bachelors programme is designed for those who want to train and study at a high level without having to leave the ministry they're doing. It is for those who want a Biblical and practical course which will challenge them to grow personally and equip them for a lifetime of ministry. It is for those who are committed to local church but also have a wider vision for their nation and continent and who want to be a part of a dynamic learning community of others studying and training across Europe. It is for those who love the idea of traveling and joining in inspirational conferences in various parts of Europe and learn from other who are applying what they're learning together in a wide range of contexts and cultures. Is this you? Well, you need to be at least 18 have completed secondary education at a good level (if under 21) or else can demonstrate a commitment to study (if over 21) be able to pass an IELTS English test, (yes, it's in English, although some of the group work will be in other languages and you will have language and learning support for assignments!) have a passion for and gifting in sharing Christ with young people be able to organise your life well enough so you can minister and study at the same time, and be able to attend five week long conferences a year for three years have a local ministry base and someone to mentor to you. What does it look like? You need to be working in a local youth ministry context for at least 20 hours a week. This might be your local church or a para church youth ministry. You will need to find someone local to you who can mentor you, both in ministry and your personal spiritual formation- this is a vital element of the programme! You will need to meet with this person once a month at the very least. Ideally, we'd love it if there were others local to you who were studying and training with you, so you could form a small learning community who meet together regularly. We'll send you all the materials you need to study the different modules and each week you'll need to be disciplined enough to work through the reading. However you aren't on your own. In addition to any local learning community, five times a year you will be invited to an inspirational conference. These conferences run from Monday to Friday, though many come early or leave late so they can get a bit more time with their friends in some amazing parts of Europe- this year conferences for instance are being planned in England, the Austrian Alps and Sweden!

4 The conferences are incredible times. They gather youth workers from right across Europe and beyond- Africa, America, even sometimes random places like Australia! For five days together with the others sharing your study journey and an experienced youth worker you will get the chance to work through all you've learning. However we also invite the best worship leaders and inspirational speakers we can find so the evenings are times of spiritual refreshment and envisioning. Believe me there is no better context to learn! We recognise its hard work, and it isn't for everyone. However we will support those committed to the programme as fully as we possibly can. As well as your mentor, we provide additional support. As we said, where possible you should be a part of a local learning community. But this isn't always possible, so the international team have made themselves personally available to those studying on mainland Europe. This means for instance you can SKYPE Colin and Melissa about the course or indeed anything more personal or ministry related. So to recap: You work in your local youth ministry, read through the course material, and are mentored locally by an experienced worker, with back up from a local learning community or the ICY team. You come to five international conferences a year where you work with others studying with you through the modules you've been reading, and receive inspirational input and more personal support. You go home from the conferences to write assignments upon which your study is assessed, supported by our team locally or internationally. Oh and by the way there's a bit more too. The relationships you build with youth workers around the world will give you a chance to go visit on mission and gain experience of youth ministry in places as diverse as the African bush, Jerusalem or Nashville! You can even complete the programme overseas with a final year placement in Africa, New Zealand or the US. Tell me more about the study? The way it works is we sign you up with our partner college and then mentor you as a group through their extension course, on our conferences and through our on-going support. You get all the support of a college without having to go to college! We have chosen an academic partner, Australian College of Ministry, (ACOM), whose courses are missional, unashamedly Biblical and deliberately general in scope in order to prepare you for a lifetime of ministry, whether youth ministry or not. The course encourages you to see youth ministry in the context of a Biblical framework and wider ministry. It is though applied exclusively in youth ministry and we supplement the modules with further specialized youth ministry input. The degree is accredited through the globally renowned and recognized Sydney College of Divinity. and is accepted for entry to postgraduate studies in the EU and top Theological Seminaries in the USA. For instance ACOM and Fuller Theological Seminary in California co-partner to run one of the world's best Doctorate in Ministry programs..

5 The course is modular which means it is broken down into a number of self-contained subjects, or modules. You take eight modules a year for three years, and need as a group to take 8 core modules and 16 electives. The curriculum is constantly being updated and revised. For 2009/10 it was: Subject Area Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Bible/Hist/Theol BCB 101 Intro to the Bible PCB 202 Biblical Interpretation BCB 330 Poetry and Wisdom TCB 106 Intro to Biblical Theology BCB 215 The Pentateuch BCB 369 General Epistles & Revelation HCB 102 Important Leaders in Church History BCB 262 The early Church in Acts, Romans and up to 300AD TCB 334 God, Creation and Suffering BCB 267 Paul s Writings HCB 360 The Restoration Movement TCB 232 The Mission of Jesus TCB 377 Christian Ethics (9 credits each) TCB 236 The Holy Spirit in the Church and the World Practical Theology LCB 122 Introduction PCB 261 Becoming a PCB 320 Youth to Missional Leader Ministry and Personal Preaching/storytelling growth (9 credits each) PCB 211 Youth Ministry: Foundation and Strategy LCB 222 Advanced Preaching PCB 363 Mastering Change PCB 147 Foundation PCB 239 Mission and PCB 329 Church

6 for Pastoral Care Culture Planting PCB 173 The Practice PCB 224 Youth of Christian Ministry: Culture, Spirituality Context and care The most important module! PCB 174 Personal Formation 1 PCB 265 Principles of Christian Leadership PCB 388 Dissertation (18 Credits) PCB 174 Personal Formation 2 PCB 275 Personal Formation 3 Tell me more about all those involved. INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN YOUTHWORKS There is a whole manual on ICY available on the ICY website, In essence though ICY is an informal family of youth ministers and ministries around the world, each independent but united through relationship, shared passions and values. It is headed up by Colin and Melissa Piper, who are also the youth advisers to the European Evangelical Alliance, Colin is also on the World Evangelical Alliance Youth Commission. AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF MINISTRY The Australian College of Ministries (ACOM) is one of Australia's largest Bible colleges, specialising in Christian leadership, discipleship and ministry training. ACOM's philosophy is that training should take place in real life contexts where the practice of ministry is undertaken with people you know and trust. While committed to academic excellence, the primary intent of ACOM's training is the development of practical skills that work in both the church and community. ACOM are committed to preparing Missional leaders who will not only transform churches but who will also impact the communities that surround these churches. In order to fulfil their philosophy, ACOM provides an integrated study programme that develops knowledge, values and skills needed by a leader for the future while fostering personal development and spirituality in the midst of the busyness of life. For more details visit

7 SYDNEY COLLEGE OF DIVINITY The Sydney College of Divinity is a tertiary education institution providing high quality, accredited awards in theology and related areas through the teaching colleges that are its member institutions. The Sydney College of Divinity is a leading Christian theological provider, offering high quality, accredited awards to equip people for effective professional and lay ministry in a rapidly changing environment. The Sydney College of Divinity aims to: provide high quality, accredited education in theology and related disciplines from undergraduate to postgraduate levels encourage theological scholarship and train future theological scholars prepare leaders and ministers, both ordained and non-ordained, who are well-qualified to build the Church contribute to the public discussion of issues of faith encourage a theologically literate membership of the Church. The Member Institutions of the College, (like ACOM) commit themselves to sustain a teaching programme of excellence in Higher Education, integrating best practice in adult teaching and learning with theological enterprise. They seek to foster self-directed and lifelong learning among their students. This extends to actively encouraging graduates to engage in further study and research, both within the College and in other institutions of higher learning. For more information visit: How much does it cost? The whole thing presently costs just 3950 per year for three years. There are small rises in these fees for 2011/12 and 2012/13 but these fees include all materials, the five residential conferences and learning and ministry support. The only additional cost will be your travel to and from the conferences. The fees are normally due in advance at the beginning of each year, but we are a faith ministry and realize the sacrifices involved for many in doing this programme so are happy to arrange a payment plan if that would help. We also have programs to help you fund raise. OK, I'm interested. How can I follow things up? Probably the best thing to do is have a chat to Colin or Melissa personally. For instance you can skype Colin through his SKYPE address: colindpiper. You can then prepare all your questions and work out if this really is for you. If it is, you'll need to submit an application form. (There's one at the end of this manual).if you're accepted in principle, there's a few things to sort out like a mentor, a local learning community if at all possible, and an English test- sorry it's an essential! We'll help you with all that.

8 Then we'll send you an introduction pack which tells you for instance exactly when and where the conferences are. One great thing about the programme is that you don't need to start in September but you can get involved any time during the year. We simply register you at your first conference. To find out more about the conferences click here So there you have it! If you're interested, do arrange to have a chat and then when you're ready you can start the application process by completing the application form below or on the website, and ing it to us: at colin@icy.org.uk

9 European Bachelors Application Form Surname First name Address Title Marital status Nationality Zip/Postcode SKYPE Country Telephone Age Tell us a little about about your home church/youth ministry you want to study from: Do you have someone who could act as your mentor? If so tell us about them. How did you hear about ICY? Why are you interested in the course and role?

10 Have you had previous experience of youth work or other relevant Christian work, and what do you consider your particular gifting and passions? Tell us a bit about yourself, your family, your interests. Explain briefly how and when you became a Christian.

11 How has your faith developed in the past year? What major factors have helped you most in your spiritual life? Name and address of Church currently attending Name and of Church Leader What was your Church Leaders reaction to your application?

12 What was your family s reaction to your application? Educational Establishments attended from High School onwards Dates : Establishment : Subjects and grades : Other Qualifications / courses attended (including IELTS English Test if already taken) Dates Course Grade if applicable List your most recent jobs. Dates Employer, Job Title and Description

13 Do you have any plans or ideas of what you will be doing in the future? List any serious illnesses you have had with dates. Do you suffer from any recurring illness or allergy, if so what? Have you ever been convicted or cautioned with respect to a criminal offence? If the answer was Yes please give full details If you have any questions or would like to tell us anything else please include here References Please give 3 referees one whom must be your church leader and the rest should have known you for at least 2 years. Name and Title : Address and address: Name and Title : Address and address : Name and Title : Address and address:

14 Finally ICY has adopted the Evangelical Alliance Statement of Faith, and we ask that all workers agree with their statement of faith, as set out below. Please indicate whether you agree with this, and if you don't use the box above for further comments to detail what you disagree with and why. WE BELIEVE that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. WE BELIEVE in the deity and perfect humanity of our Lord Jesus Christ; in His virgin birth; in His sinless life; in His miracles; in His atoning death through His outpoured blood; in His bodily resurrection; in His ascension to the right hand of the Father and His personal return to power and glory. WE BELIEVE in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life. WE BELIEVE the Bible to be inspired in its entirety by God s Holy Spirit through human authors revealing God s truth to humanity. It is without error in all that it affirms. Christians must therefore submit to its supreme authority. WE BELIEVE in the personal and visible return in glory of the Lord Jesus Christ to raise the dead and bring salvation and judgment in final completion. WE BELIEVE in the spiritual unity of believers in Christ. Yes/No This post requires a Criminal Records check. Disclosure will be requested at enhanced level. CRB encourage all applicants called for interview to provide details of their criminal record at an early stage in the application process. This is not mandatory but will avoid later delays in the process. The information should be sent under confidential cover to the counter signatory in the first instance. Further information about Disclosure is available on request from the person who is responsible for this appointment Please to Melissa@icy.org.uk or post to ICY, 19 Buckles Way, Banstead, Surrey SM7 1HB