Definition:

Continuing education It is an attitude of learning, a desire to understand, be well informed, and know or find out the answers. It is an opportunity to get a new perspective on issues, to step aside and see things from a new point of view, and to grow to new heights of understanding and maturity. It provides time and space to adapt to changes in workplace and community expectations and to explore new ideas and opinions and reflect on the future. Continuing education optimizes the work of the church through the development of its human resources.

Pastors are advocates of change and should know what impacts their community and church, prioritize the issues, and actively offer appropriate solutions to them. Pastors must learn skills that can be used to assess needs after they complete the Course of Study.

Characteristics:

Be:

  • grow in love
  • good listener
  • develop maturity
  • a life-long learner
  • develop motivation
  • know your strengths
  • develop God’s call to ministry

Know:

  • cultivate learning skills
  • know something about everything
  • knows where to find new information

Do:

  • develop people
  • edify the church
  • develop the team
  • build community
  • instill enthusiasm
  • develop new skill set
  • develop existing skills
  • keep people informed
  • develop ministry skills
  • expand interpersonal skills
  • improve management skills
  • become a trainer of trainers
  • improve communication skills
  • enhance the potential of the flock
  • improve the quality of work habits
  • understand local laws and regulations
  • develop a list of educational resources

Outcomes:

  1. Develop the mind of Christ through growing closer to God, studying God’s Word, the needs of the cultural context, and ways to help others grow spiritually. CED-1
  2. Identify the themes and teaching methods Jesus used and be able to use them in the church and community. CED-2
  3. Demonstrate how to evaluate and prioritize church and community issues in light of social and environmental aspects in order of urgency. Actively collaborate with local officials, demonstrating an awareness of their roles, and seek to bring appropriate solutions that make the church a positive asset in bringing remedy or relief. CED-3
  4. Demonstrate active collaboration with local officials, demonstrating an awareness of their roles, and seek to bring appropriate solutions that make the church a positive asset in bringing remedy or relief. CED-4
  5. Develop a long-term plan for personal ministry development that would benefit the local church and community. CED-5