The following testimonies illustrate how a Distance Learning Center (DLC), a program of Church of God Ministerial Development/School of Ministry, affected one church.
Left to right: Lanny Jones, Pastor Hathaway and Julia Byrd of the Lake City Church
After the conclusion of studies by members who completed the Certificate In Ministerial Studies (CIMS) program at his church, John Hathaway, pastor of Evangel Temple in Lake City, Florida, and a long-term DLC coordinator, wrote this letter to Ministerial Development/School of Ministry:
As you know, we have completed two CIMS programs here. In the first group, Reverend Carroll Lee completed all the courses. This time there are two who completed all the courses: Julia Byrd and Lanny Jones. It has been an exciting nine years. When I first thought about having a CIMS program here in Lake City, it was scary to say the least. The CIMS program was just starting. Many changes have taken place along the way. Yet I have enjoyed and looked forward to sharing the school with all who have come through it. Some were here for only one term, others completed several terms. As I just stated, only three have made it all the way through. I have seen growth in the lives of the students. Some had a hard time getting back into the routine of study, but they did. Their comments and testimonials along the way made it worthwhile.
Personally, I have grown. Even though I chose not to take the courses for credit, as I already have a bachelor’s degree from Lee, I did take them along with the students, including the tests. I renewed things I had learned. There were some things that I must have missed in college, because I learned them in the CIMS program. It was great and exciting. The way the program is shared, many times the students and I found ourselves worshiping and rejoicing. The fellowship and closeness that happens is wonderful. There is a feeling of oneness.
I can truly recommend the CIMS program to every minister and layperson. It will cause you to grow in the Lord, as well as in your relationship with the Church of God. It will cause you to excel and grow educationally also. The twenty courses over the nine terms will help you to be “a workman that needeth not to be ashamed” (2 Timothy 2:15).
Lanny Jones, one of the students who completed the CIMS program, writes:
I began my studies in the Church of God School of Ministry three years ago to occupy my time and to keep my mind active since retiring. What began as a time-filler became much more than I expected. The Lord has become more to me than just someone to call upon in the time of trouble.
The School of Ministry studies have enabled me to find others who need a kind word, someone to just listen to their problems, or just to give them a word of hope. All of these were covered in the studies, and I will continue to review my books. These studies are Biblically sound and give scripture’s for studying and learning to walk by faith.
I would like to express my gratitude to all who authored and taught the School of Ministry. One of the main truths I gained from my study is pray, pray, and pray again. God hears His children when they pray.
Julia Byrd, another student who completed the CIMS program, writes:
I was thrilled to be a part of the CIMS program of the church. I feel that my life was spiritually enriched by each discipline of study. I plan to enroll in the Center for Adult and Professional Studies (CAPS) and complete my bachelor’s degree through Lee University. What an opportunity for laypeople to further their education and receive good Biblical teaching as well.
The testimonies of Pastor Hathaway, Lanny, and Julia illustrate the value of operating a Distance Learning Center (DLC) in your church. From these testimonies, it is evident that a DLC instills worship, trains workers, and bonds a church. You and your church will benefit from beginning a DLC.
Call the Ministerial Development/School of Ministry (MDSOM) Department at (877) 344-0488 for a free DLC start-up packet. MDSOM will be glad to assist you in starting your own DLC so that you can disciple and train your people for ministry.