The Mechanics of Ministry
Price
$600.00
Duration
6 Sessions
About the Course
This course is in many ways the “how-to” of ministry. After courses in theology, preaching, ethics, leadership etc… are completed, a candidate for ministerial orders may be technically trained, yet unequipped on how to conduct ministry. That is, since ministry, and especially pastoral ministry is so much more than preparing to deliver a sermon, the real work of ministry must be trained.
In this course, ministers are trained on how to prepare for and conduct a funeral. Students learn and practice the sharing of the communion elements, how to conduct pre-marital counseling, and even practice on how to conduct the prayer of confession for those who have given their lives to Christ. What does the invitation to discipleship entail, how do you conduct a foot-washing service, or even, how do you structure a Christmas worship?
These are a sampling of what Mechanics of Ministry teaches. The course is literally a step by step work on how to serve as a minister or pastor in God’s Church.
Your Instructor
Dr. Mark Thompson
Reverend Doctor Mark W. Thompson, M.Div., D.Min.
Rev. Dr. Thompson is a seasoned Pastor for over thirty (30) years, and a Seminary Adjunct Professor for over sixteen (16) years. Doctor Thompson earned his Master of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, with a concentration in The Psychology of Pastoral Care and Counseling. Dr. Thompson further earned his Doctorate of Ministry from The United School of Theology in Dayton, Ohio. His dissertation was entitled: From Side-Line Religion to Enduring Spirituality. The study focused on the efforts of increasing Christian spirituality, not only for daily living, but also for Spiritual depth.
Dr. Thompson hails from Akron, Ohio, but for the last thirty-five (40) plus years, he and his wife (Stephanie) have resided in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Thompson is the father of two, and grandfather of five (5). Further, Dr. Thompson has over twenty-five (25) Spiritual sons and daughters. He has been the Senior Pastor of Four churches: New Bethel A.M.E. Church in Lithonia, Georgia; Big Bethel A.M.E. Church in Atlanta, Georgia; Allen Temple A.M.E. Church in Cincinnati, Ohio; and currently he serves at Redemptive Life Christian Fellowship in Conyers, Georgia.
As a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, my objective is to lead as a servant, and to serve with integrity as I teach the principles and constructs of the Christian faith. Further, my desire is to equip people through the teaching and praxis of spiritual disciplines in order that they might gain an abundant experience in and deeper intimacy with God. As an additional pressing of my soul, I am called to teach and prepare those who have been called into the ordained and or Pastoral Ministry. My passion is to prepare ministerial candidates with as much spiritual knowledge and leadership skills as possible, so that they can live out their calling to the glory of God. To this end, the Ministers In Training Institute has been established.