Information That Impacts for Ministry
By Dr. Don Bennett, Church of God School of Ministry
Nelson Almodovar and Reinaldo Candelaria recently completed the Certificate In Ministerial Studies (CIMS) program in their Distance Learning Center (DLC) at the Rivers of Living Water Church of God in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where Paul Keeter is the senior pastor.
Nelson remarked that the CIMS program opened his eyes to see the needs of people, prepared his mind to better understand their needs, and made his heart sensitive to minister to their needs. According to Nelson, Equipping People for Ministry greatly impacted his life. From the course, he gained: (1) Purpose—every Christian is created for ministry, (2) Gratefulness—every Christian is saved for ministry; (3) Obedience—every Christian has been called to ministry, and (4) Empowerment—every Christian has been authorized for ministry.
Reinaldo stated that Leading With Integrity helped him understand the challenges a leader faces. Some principles he learned were . . .
1. Articulate your vision. Define and state your view of the future.
2. Define the principles for which you stand: Identify your highest principles, values, and convictions. When two or more conflict, know which one is the more important one.
3. Respect other’s beliefs. By listening and asking the right questions, you will find that the gulf separating differences is often narrower than you think.
4. Build trust and credibility. When you make a mistake acknowledge it, and let others know you will address it. Give others the credit they deserve.
5. Demonstrate emotional self-control. Few people want to follow a screamer or a whiner.
6. Pay attention to how you use your authority and expertise. Keep your eye on the goal and on the best possible solution rather than having to be right or having your way.
7. Be the person you would choose to follow.
Richard Skinner, the DLC coordinator, shared that the CIMS program is not “just another program; it is a dynamic force that can really enhance your church, life, and ministry.” According to Richard, disciples of Jesus need practical understanding of the Bible by which they can conduct their life, affairs, and ministry. And he says this is where the Certificate In Ministerial Studies (CIMS) program helps. CIMS provides Biblical principles to stay on course in discipleship and ministry. For example, Richard writes that CIMS teaches: (1) the way of denial, (2) the way of desire, (3) the way of development, and (4) the way of direction.
You can be impacted like Nelson, Reinaldo, and Richard by enrolling in the Certificate In Ministerial Studies (CIMS) program. In CIMS, you will focus on three areas: (1) Biblical studies, (2) doctrinal studies, and (3) ministry studies. The courses in these three areas cover a variety of topics, such as themes in the Bible, the Holy Spirit, and equipping people for ministry.
You may enroll in CIMS in one of three ways: (1) Internet study, (2) DVD study, or (3) Distance Learning Center (DLC). In the Internet study and the DVD study, the courses are completed individually. In a DLC, you will study with a group of people. Any one of these venues will enable you to acquire more knowledge about the Bible and ministry.
Call 877-344-0488 for information on how you can enroll in the CIMS program.
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Proud CIMS graduates from Rivers of Living Water church. |
