Fla. Church Discovers Value of School of Ministry
Under the direction of Pastor Bud Mickins, the Pahokee Church of God began a Distance Learning Center (DLC), and many of the students have completed the doctrinal studies in the Certificate In Ministerial Studies (CIMS) program. What is more important is how dramatically they have grown and have been enriched.
Pastor Mickins gave the following insightful and powerful description of how the Church of God School of Ministry helped him train his church members:
We heard a presentation by Dr. Don Bennett of the School of Ministry at a Florida (Cocoa) State Church of God workshop. We had been expecting to provide training at our local church and this seemed the ideal program that God had made known to us. Therefore, we called the School of Ministry about more information. We received the packet and scheduled an informational meeting with Dr. Bennett and the member’s that were interested in attending. We had a great turnout—approximately 20 members were present.
Students from the Pahokee Distance Learning Center.
The courses offered really excited me. These courses could be studied to receive college credit, which would really help in training and preparing the members for works of service (see Ephesians 4:12).
We began our classes in August 2006 with 20 students taking the courses for CIMS credit and ten students for personal enrichment. We started with the course, Faith Foundations for Life and Ministry in the 21st Century. This was the beginning of Doctrinal Studies. We have now completed all of the courses required to receive the Certificate of Completion for Doctrinal Studies.
The courses gave us great information and helped us to better understand the Christian life. These studies caused me to view things from a different perspective than I had previously. In fact, they helped me to be a better Christian.
Seven students are receiving Certificates of Completion for CIMS credit, and two students completed the same courses for personal enrichment. We are very grateful and thankful to the Lord for the School of Ministry. Thank God for this group of participants.
The following are testimonies from the students in Pastor Mickins Distance Learning Center (DLC) at Pahokee:
The School of Ministry has been an inspiration in my life. In these classes I have gotten a better understanding of the Bible and God’s will for my life. I have had to re-examine myself to see if my life lines up with the Word of God. I learned to pray more and seek the face of God. These classes have helped me to grow spiritually.
It is said “walking the truth” simply means we as Christians are to walk in the truth; but, after studying this book, I was forced to look more closely at myself—being a female—and look at how I am to be humble, but at the same time a strong woman through the character of Jesus Christ. The topics that were discussed—core beliefs, Christian ethics from Paul, Biblical views, and other social events—taught me how to see every aspect of my life with a totally different perspective. I will refer to these topics over and over again in my spare time because of the wealth of knowledge they hold. I will be challenged each and every day of my life to live a more Spirit –filled life and to look at my fellow man, whether saved or unsaved, in a way of love that I can only show through the rules and character of Jesus Christ.
I believe Walking in the Truth should be taught in every Church of God church so that people will get an understanding of what people of God should know concerning the things of the world and just everyday living (things that we think we have knowledge of but know nothing). Not having prior knowledge of such things, this course has taught me many things about the issues, social views, ethics, and the character of Christ. I have learned to possess the spiritual and natural value of discerning the very heart of God in my decision making. I thank God for the classes and the man of God whom God inspired to put it together. These are messages from God instructing His people in every walk of life.
When I first decided to take classes with the School of Ministry I was afraid because I thought I couldn’t pass the test. But I said to myself, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I had some difficult things going on in my life while taking the courses, but the Church of God School of Ministry classes really helped me to make it through. I learned so much in the School of Ministry classes. They helped me to understand a lot about my life and how God wants me to live my life. The course also helped me in the midst of going through trials and made me strong. I thank God for the Church of God School of Ministry.
Through it all, I made it.
These testimonies—like being moved to tears while learning how the Holy Spirit works in our lives and being motivated to possess a strong character in Christ—are inspirational stories we hope to hear from all our members; and we will, if we study God’s Word. The Certificate In Ministerial Studies (CIMS) is a vibrant resource that you and your church can tap into like Pastor Mickins and his church did. For information, call the toll-free number, 877-344-0488, and request free information about the CIMS program.
