ACTS

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Academy Certified Training System (ACTS)

2009-2010 Academic Year

The Brethren Academy offers a variety of certificate and continuing education programs. Certificate programs are intended for lay people who want to learn more about the faith and calling of Christian community; licensed ministers who are part of the certificate training program to fulfill minimal educational requirements for ordination; and ministers seeking continuing education.

Courses are offered concurrently throughout the five partnering districts. Students may cross register for the courses. Districts may provide some financial assistance according to district policy.

The ACTS certificate program is a carefully designed program of 13 courses plus a series of ministry formation experiences that are repeated approximately every four years. Completion of a minimum of 12 courses is required for ordination, although participants are encouraged to complete all 13 courses and the ministry formation series.

12 or more academic courses are needed to complete the program:

3 Biblical (Old Testament, New Testament, Interpreting the Bible)
3 Historical/Theological (History of the Church, Brethren Life & Thought, Theology)
5 Ministry Skills (of these seven—Church Leadership & Administration—required; Pastoral Care & Counseling, Teaching & Learning in the Church, Preaching, Worship, Evangelism & Church Growth, Communication Skills for Pastoral Ministry)
1 elective (can be an additional ministry skills course, on-line class, or another approved course.)

Training experiences:

Ministry Formation
Supervised Ministry
Annual Conference
District Conference

Ministers can earn 1.5 CEU credits through completion of these courses as continuing education.

To register for these courses call the SVMC at 1-717-361-1450.

Courses by district:

Atlantic Northeast

ACTS Courses

2009-2010

Course	Instructor	Location	Dates & Time
Introduction to the New Testament	Ken Stewart	Ephrata COB	Thursdays, Sept. 3, 17, Oct. 1, 15, 29, 2009 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Introduction to Theology	Pat Horst	Spring Creek Church of the Brethren	Thursdays, Jan. 21, 28 Feb. 4, 11, 18 2010 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Interpreting the Bible	Alan Miller	Conestoga COB	Tuesdays, March 23, April 6, 20, 27, May 11, 2010 9:00-3:00

Middle PA District

ACTS Schedule

2009-2010

Course	Instructor	Location	Dates
Introduction to the New Testament	Wayne Brockway	Middle PA District Center	Thursdays, Sept. 3, 10, 17, Oct. 8, 15 2009 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Introduction to Theology	David Banaszak	Middle PA District Center	Tuesdays, Jan. 19, 26, Feb. 2, 16, 23 2010 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Interpreting the Bible	Connie Maclay	Middle PA District Center	Tuesdays, March 16, 30, April 13, 27, May 11 2010 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Southern PA District

ACTS Schedule

2009-2010

Course	Instructor	Location	Dates
Introduction to NewTestament	John Hess	Carlisle COB	Tuesdays Sept. 8, 29, Oct. 13, 27 Nov. 10, 2009 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Introduction to Theology	Larry Dentler	Carlisel COB	Mondays, Jan. 18, 25, Feb. 8, 15, March 1, 2010 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Interpreting the Bible	John Hess	Carlisle COB	Tuesdays, March 23, April 6, 20, May 4, 10, 2010 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Western PA District

ACTS Courses

2009-2010

Courses	Instructor	Location	Dates
History of the Christian Church	William Wenger	Moxham COB	Aug. 15, 29, Sept. 12, 2009 9:00-3:30
Church Leadership and Administration	Eric Fether	Ligonier COB	Oct. 10, 31, Nov. 14, 2009 9:00-3:30
Introduction to Pastoral Care	Horace Derr	Indiana COB	Feb. 27, March 13, 27, 2010 9:00-3:30
Brethrne Life and Thought	Ron Beachley	District Office	April 17, May 1, 22, 2010

Mid-Atlantic District

ACTS Courses

2009-2010

Courses	Instructor	Location	Dates
Introduction to New Testament	Brandy Liepelt	Frederick COB	Mondays Sept. 14, 21, Oct. 5, 19, 26, 2009 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Introduction to Theology	Rodney Smalls	Westminster COB	Tuesdays Jan. 12, 19, Feb. 2, 9, 23, 2010 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Interpreting the Bible	Brandy Liepelt	Frederick COB	Mondays March 22, 29, April 12, 19, May 3, 2010 9:00-3:00

Communication Skills for Pastoral Ministry

This course is designed to strengthen communication skills for ministry. Two class meetings plus individual discussions with the instructor will take place. Goals are to develop effective writing and speaking skills and produce several kinds of communication pieces. Kenneth Gibble will be the instructor with date, location, and times to be announced. Please call the SVMC office to indicate your interest.

On-line Courses

2009-2010

Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center

Judges

(TAL—TRIM academy level course)

Instructor: Susan Jeffers

September 28 - November 6, 2009

http://read-the-bible.org/SVMC-Judges.htm

2 Corinthians

(TAL—TRIM academy level course)

Instructor: Susan Jeffers

February 8 - March 19, 2010

http://www.read-the-bible.org/SVMC-2Corinthians.htm