Intro to Glory of Christ’s School of Ministry

As some of you know, I was recently accepted into the Doctor of Ministry program at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, located in Deerfield, Illinois (www.tiu.edu/divinity). The program is designed for full-time Christian workers, especially pastors, and strives to enhance, not only their lives and ministries, but the overall health and effectiveness of the churches and organizations they serve. My concentration is in preaching, but given the path I have hewn out for myself it will essentially be in Biblical studies.

The program requires students to participate in two or three seminars per year which are scheduled in March, July, and November, and last four days each. The seminar sessions normally begin on a Monday and end on a Thursday, lasting about 8 hours each day, after which students have 90 days to complete a final project which must apply one's learnings from the seminar to the particular ministry in which he or she serves. In this way, each seminar is designed to equip the minister and bless the ministry!

My first course, “The Epistle to the Hebrews,” is scheduled to begin bright and early tomorrow morning. It will be taught, Lord willing, by leading New Testament scholar, Dr. Don Carson. I am very eager to learn from this faithful man of God.

I wanted to share this with you for three reasons. First, one of the reasons I chose to enter this program is to prepare myself to lead Glory of Christ’s School of Ministry, which launches this fall, Lord willing. We envision a day when potential pastors, church planters, missionaries, and even professors will come to Elk River to train for their respective callings. My entrance into this program is a step in that direction, and I wanted you to see the connection between my schooling and our common ministry here at Glory of Christ.

Second, since my journey to Chicago is connected to our life as a church, please pray that the Lord will work in me while I’m there so that I’ll be better able to lead for his glory and your good when I ‘m back here. And also, if you think of them, please pray for Kim and Rachel who are my closest partners in this journey of life.

Finally, I want you to know that I will be available this week for emergencies, so please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need to. But for all non-emergencies please contact Pastor Kevin.

With thankfulness for your love & partnership in Christ,
Pastor Charlie