Basic Evangelism Certification
This certification training will equip ambassadors with more than the necessary foundational skills and abilities to evangelize their community.
Core Courses
Introduction to Secular Humanism (3 Certification Hours)
We are living in a time when people are increasingly searching for answers concerning the meaning of life and their particular role in the world. Some are looking for quick painless solutions to problems while others are questioning and rebelling against the value, moral and ethical systems which governed the lives of their parents and fore-parents. Because of these influences, persons are coming into the church or already in the pews who erroneously believe that the Bible is not the final authority of their lives. This course will further define the effects of “secular humanism” and discuss ways to challenge and address its impact on our communities and congregations.
Spiritual Formation (3 Certification Hours)
This course explores the importance and “how to” of the spiritual disciplines (prayer, bible study, meditation, fasting, tithing, hospitality, etc.) that are necessary for sanctification and spiritual growth.
Old and New Testament Survey (3 Certification Hours)
This course provides an introduction to each book of the Holy Bible, considers the theme or purpose of each book and explores the importance of the Old Testament to understanding the New Testament.
Doctrine of Sin and Salvation (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore the understanding of original sin, imputation of sin, and the nature and consequences of individual and corporate acts of sin. This course will also explore the person and atoning works of Christ.
Central Christian Doctrine (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore the fundamentals of Christianity, the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Trinity. It will point up the fact that as Methodists we are Trinitarians.
Faith Sharing ~ Teaching Others to Share Their Faith (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore the “Why” of faith sharing and what it means to share one’s Christian faith. Further, it will teach students the principles that guide us in our faith-sharing. This study is a product of the World Methodist Evangelism of the World Methodist Council.
Evangelism to a Broken World (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore how to share the gospel or “good news” of Jesus Christ with those spiritually and/or emotionally bruised, battered and/or broken.
Understanding Current Trends of Evangelism and Church Growth Through the Use of the Class System (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore the importance of and “how-to” in the use of the Class System (or small group dynamic) to evangelize the unchurched.
Understanding the Great Commission (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore the Great Commission from three (3) perspectives; students will lean the purpose and empowering of God’s Spirit. Students will learn the power of discipleship – the heart of the Great Commission – to raise up mature Christians who lead others to the Lord.
Introduction to Church Growth: A Study of the Science and Practice of Church Growth (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore the biblical foundations for church growth and renewal as well as challenge students to learn and understand the science of church growth.
Evangelism Practicum (5 Certification Hours)
Each person seeking certification must complete an Evangelism practicum. In consultation with the local pastor and the Department of Church Growth and Development, the student under the supervision of the local pastor will engage in an evangelistic ministry that is different from what he/she presently is involved in. A final paper will be submitted that shares what was learned about doing evangelism in a different context. It will serve to chart the student’s spiritual growth and development during the course of the practicum. A final report from the supervising pastor will be submitted verifying to the student’s work and spiritual growth and development during the practicum.
Evangelism Project (5 Certification Hours)
Each person seeking certification must complete an Evangelism project. In consultation with the local pastor and the Department of Church Growth and Development, the student will design and execute an evangelistic project in their local community. A final paper will be submitted in which the student will share what was learned bout doing evangelism and in which they will describe the outcomes of the project (how many souls, if any, were reconciled to Christ.)
Electives
The Role and Function of an Evangelistic Mission Statement (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore the many complex dynamics of developing a mission statement that is evangelistic in nature and function.
The Role and Function of Spiritual Gifts in Evangelism and the Church (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore the theology and practical use of spiritual gifts and their relationship to evangelism and church growth (in the context of the AME Church).
Understanding the Theology and Practice of Evangelism (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore the biblical and spiritual relevance and dynamics of evangelism. Further it will examine the theological importance and “how to” in evangelizing men, women, children/youth, street and tract ministry.
Jesus Christ the Cornerstone (3 Certification Hours)
This course will focus upon the mighty act of God in the ultimate, full disclosure of the living God in creation. Primarily this course will focus on the unique intervention of God at the first Christmas, Good Friday, Easter and Pentecost. This is a product of World Methodist Evangelism of the World Methodist Council.
Church School Evangelism (3 Certification Hours)
This course will engage in a comprehensive study on how to create a new dynamic of classes for community outreach and engender the interest in the untouched population segments of the community. Moreover, it will describe how to develop an enrollment campaign and how to instruct teachers on how to appeal to students to accept the Lord Jesus Christ specifically in relation to the church school lessons. In addition, the course will explore the use of class electives as a means to peak interest in church school. This material can be used in established churches for the purposes of church renewal or as a prelude for church planters.
Evangelizing HIV-AIDS Patients and Their Families (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore how to witness to HIV-AIDS patients and their families. Consideration will be given to the transmission of the disease as well as the emotional and spiritual impact the disease creates on church and society. Furthermore the course will teach persons how to develop an HIV-AIDS ministry in the local church.
Small and Rural Church Ministry (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore how to utilize congregational studies and spiritual and numerical principles of church growth to motivate and enhance the evangelistic fervor in small churches.
Crisis Evangelism (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore how to witness to and support persons in the immediate aftermath of natural and man-made disasters. Consideration will be given to the spiritual and emotional impact disasters create in the lives of individuals and groups.
Evangelizing Through Grief Ministry (3 Certification Hours)
This course explores the ministry of grief and bereavement and how to witness to those who are in the various stages of grief and bereavement. Consideration will be given to the spiritual and emotional impact of grief and bereavement on children, youth and young adults. Exploration will also address homicidal and suicidal grief and bereavement.
Prison Ministry (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore the dynamics of witnessing to: adult and juveniles who are incarcerated, on probation or parole and to those who are charged to guard and/or oversee their care and the families of each group. Consideration will be given to the spiritual, emotional and psychological impact on those behind bars including victims of rape, abuse, and gang intimidation.
Justice Ministry (3 Certification Hours)
This course explores the dynamics of evangelism in a global context with an emphasis on biblical justice, peace, forgiveness and reconciliation. Consideration will be given to the spiritual and emotional impact of social, educational, environmental and economic injustices on the marginalized and disenfranchised and what the Bible requires of the church in response.
Church Planting (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore the practice of planting new AME churches nationally and internationally. Students will learn the most efficient and effective strategies for planting new churches. In addition, students will learn administrative and managerial principles that cause newly planted churches to grow faster.
Plan of Salvation (3 Certification Hours)
This course explores the most important question in life, “Are you going to heaven when you die?” Consideration will be given to answering questions of seekers and skeptics according to Scripture.
Certified Community Addiction Educational Specialist (CCAES) (3 Certification Hours)
Provides student with the core knowledge, attitudes and basic skill essentials to biblically address family and friends with information concerning how addiction erodes and blocks religious and spiritual development.
Certified Chemical Dependency Specialist (CCDS) (3 Certification Hours)
Provides student with the latest technological tools to expertly address the causes and symptoms of experimental alcohol and drug use among children and adolescents. (CCAES certification required before taking this course).
Baccalaureate Addiction Counselor (BAC) (3 Certification Hours)
Provides student with the expertise in working with children, adolescents and adults using the current technological tools in the areas of drug and alcohol prevention, intervention, withdrawl and referrals.