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WHEN Ward Gasque, a founding faculty member of Regent College, returned to
Vancouver after an absence of 15 years, he brought with him the curriculum of
an accessible lay training program called Koinos.
The purpose of the program is to equip men and women who are committed disciples
of Christ with the basic theology and skills they need to be effective as lay ministers.
All Christians need good theology, but not all can afford to go to seminary. Nor
is it necessary for everyone to earn a theological degree. Koinos packages the
essence of a seminary education into a series of certificate programs, each
consisting of 10 Saturday seminars offered once a month in local churches. The
teachers are all experienced theological educators.
In the past three years, more than 700 individuals have participated in these
seminars.
Host churches have been Richmond Chinese Alliance, West Vancouver Baptist, and
two Vancouver churches: Lord’s Grace and Pacific Grace Mennonite Brethren.
Peace Portal Alliance and Orcas Island Community Church are offering the
Certificate in Christian Foundations over three years.
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The oral content of the first two certificate programs is available on the
Christian Info website at canadianchristianity.com/koinos.
The site also contains a schedule of seminars planned for 2010-2011.
“Offering Koinos classes at our church has had a very positive response from our
congregation,” said James Postlewaite, adult education pastor at Peace Portal.
He added: “The one-day format works very well considering people’s busy lives, and the instructors are of the highest quality, presenting the
material in a digestible and interesting manner. I’m thankful to Ward Gasque for having the insight and willingness to organize
this ministry for local churches.”
The series hosted by Pacific Grace MB starts up again on September 18, with
Christian Theology 101 taught by Dr Archie Spencer of Trinity Western
University.
The Certificate in Christian Ministry (301) series begins September 18 at
Richmond Chinese Alliance with ‘Marriage Mentoring,’ led by Paddy and Carole Ducklow.
The cost is $30 per seminar or $250 for all 10 (including lunch and materials).
Contact: 778.887.2350. – DFD
September 2010
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