EVANGELISM CERTIFICATION TRACK FOR LAITY
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 for laity 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.
Faith Sharing ~ Teaching Others to Share Their Faith (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore the “Why” of faith sharing for laity and what it means to share Christian faith. Further it will teach laity the principles that guide us in our faith sharing. This study is a produce of the World Methodist Evangelism of the World Methodist Church.
Understanding the Great Commission (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore for laity the Great Commission from three (3) perspectives; students will learn the purpose and empowering of God’s Spirit. Further, students will learn the power of discipleship – the heart of the Great Commission – to raise up mature Christians who lead others to the Lord.
Central Christian Doctrine (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore for laity 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.
Apologetics ~ Knowing and Defending the Faith (3 Certification Hours)
This course will examine for laity the foundations and principles of knowing and defending the Christian faith up and against arguments from those outside the faith.
The Christian Challenge: Responding and Witnessing to New Age’rs, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Muslims (3 Certification Hours)
This course explores for laity the ways and means to effectively address the challenges of Jehovah’s Witnesses, New Age’rs and Muslims. Also examines ways to for laity to witness to the members of these same groups.
Church School Evangelism (3 Certification Hours)
This course will engage laity 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.
Communicating the Gospel (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore for laity the fundamentals of effectively telling the Good News to skeptics, seekers, as well as new and seasoned believers in relation to contemporary issues.
Praying and Fasting for Evangelism (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore for laity the foundations of prayer and fasting, and the use of these spiritual disciplines in evangelism.
Understanding the Power and Purpose of the Holy Spirit (3 Certification Hours)
This course explores for laity the role and work of the Holy Spirit, as witnessed in the Book of Acts, as a means of reaching persons for Christ.
Doctrine of Sin and Salvation (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore for laity 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.
Marketing the Local Church for Evangelism (3 Certification Hours)
This course explores for laity the various marketing strategies available for the local church to use in order to reach persons for Christ.
21 st Century Technology and Media Ministry (3 Certification Hours)
This course examines for laity the use of television, radio, You Tube, iPods, Blackberry’s, DVD’s and other media sources as means of evangelistic in-reach and outreach.
Street Ministry – Basic (3 Certification Hours)
This course explores for laity the fundamentals necessary to engage in effective street ministry, marketplace ministry, and will include intercessory prayer and the use of tracts. Role playing is a part of this course.
Evangelizing Men (3 Certification Hours)
This course explores for laity the essentials for reaching men for Christ through evangelism. Attention will be given to reaching men who are living in crisis, un-churched and/or unsaved as well as seekers and skeptics.
Evangelizing Women (3 Certification Hours)
This course explores for laity the essentials for reaching women for Christ through evangelism. Attention will be given to reaching women who are living in crisis, un-churched and/or unsaved as well as seekers and skeptics.
Lifestyle Evangelism (3 Certification Hours)
This course explores for laity the ways of living a Christian lifestyle that draws others to Christ. Attention will be given to Christian witness in the home, on the job, in school and other activities in which Christian’s participate in outside of the local church. In addition, befriending and softening the hearts of non-believers will be taught.
Essentials for Leading a Person to Christ (3 Certification Hours)
This course examines for laity the fundamentals required to effectively listen to others, ascertaining their readiness for salvation. This course will explore the fact that every Christian is called to witness for the Kingdom of God. This study is a product of the World Methodist Evangelism of the World Methodist Council.
Wesley’s Words on Witnessing (3 Certification Hours)
This course examines John Wesley’s thoughts on witnessing, including the spiritual development of the believer.
Evangelism Practicum (5 Certification Hours)
Each lay 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 lay 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 (or setting approved by the local pastor). 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 the Holy Spirit (3 Certification Hours)
This course examines for laity the Third Person of the Holy Trinity – The Holy Spirit. Students will learn of the role and function of the Holy Spirit in their personal lives.
Presence Evangelism (3 Certification Hours)
This course explores the methods employed for laity to reach the un-churched, unsaved through the work of being present with others. Attention will be given to the various settings in which the lay member’s presence can lead to soul-winning.
Crisis Evangelism (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore how laity can 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.
Reaching the Unreachable for Christ (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore for laity the reasons and ways to reach atheists, skeptics, agnostics and others who deny and/or don’t believe the Christian message.
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.
Evangelizing Through Grief Ministry (3 Certification Hours)
This course explores the ministry of grief and bereavement and how laity can 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.
Evangelizing to HIV-AIDS Patients and Their Families (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore how laity can 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 laity how to develop an HIV-AIDS ministry in the local church.
Prison Ministry (3 Certification Hours)
This course will explore the dynamics of witnessing to: adult and juveniles who are incarcerated, on probation or parole in addition to those who are charged to guard and/or oversee their care and the families of each group. Consideration will also 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.
Old and New Testament Survey (3 Certification Hours)
This course provides laity with 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.
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.
Bridge Activities for Evangelism (3 Certification Hours)
This course explores various activities for laity that can be developed for un-churched persons outside the walls of the church. These are activities that can lead to the introduction to salvation.
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.