EVANGELISM CERTIFICATION IN CHILDREN AND YOUTH EVANGELISM
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 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, etc.) that are necessary for sanctification and spiritual growth.
Old and New Testament Survey (5 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.
Leading Children to Christ (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore the spiritual dynamics of leading children to Christ. Students will learn what the Bible teaches about child evangelism and learn creative and innovative means of establishing a healthy spiritual environment that is conducive for children to accept Christ at an early age.
Impacting Children and Youth Influenced by Trends and Subcultures (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore current trends of evangelism in the 21 st century. Students will be challenged to learn contemporary methods of evangelism that lead them to receptive harvests.
Keeping Covenant (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore the congregational covenant made with children and youth during their sacramental initiation of baptism and discuss ways that the family of God can order its life so that children and youth “surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.”
Children/ Youth 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 presently involved. A final paper will be submitted that shares what was learned about doing evangelism in a different context and further charts the student’s spiritual growth and development during the course of the practicum. A final report from the supervising pastor will be submitted attesting to the student’s work and spiritual growth and development during the practicum.
Children/Youth Evangelism Project (5 Certification Hours)
Each person seeking certification must complete an Evangelism practicum 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 with specific attention to evangelizing children and youth. A final paper will be submitted that shares what was learned about doing evangelism and further share the outcomes/results of the project.
Electives
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 the 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 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. Furthermore, the course will teach persons how to develop an HIV-AIDS ministry in the local church.
Crisis Evangelism (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore how to witness to persons in the immediate aftermath of natural and man-made disasters. Consideration will be given to the spiritual and emotional impact disasters create in 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.
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.