Course Requirements and Outline

The requirements for PR-412 are as follows:

Unit One — Jan. 12 - Mar. 3  — Notes, Reading, Research, Social System Simulations   

Unit One Assignments: During the first unit, the student shall:

1.        Take detailed notes over class lectures (do not expect the professor to take notes for you!) 

2.        Read pages 1-119 of  The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.  Important: To do well on the exam, the student must keep up with the reading.

3.        Read pages xiii-94 of Robert's Rules in Plain English.

4.        Review the application for ministerial credentials with the Assemblies of God at http://ag.org/top/general_secretary/Forms/district_forms.cfm 

5.        Review the credential renewal form:  http://ag.org/top/general_secretary/Forms/renewal/lic_form.pdf

6.        Study the Assemblies of God's Constitution and Bylaws well enough to answer the study guide questions below.  For an online copy, go to http://www.ag.org/top/about/constitution_bylaws.cfm.  

7.       Study the Recommended Bylaws for Local Assemblies well enough to answer the study guide questions below.  For an online copy, go to http://ag.org/top/about/recommended_ch_bylaws.pdf. 

8.       Visit http://www.smith-lawfirm.com/mandatory_reporting.htm. Be prepared to answer the question: “Are ministers required to report known or suspected incidents of child abuse in your state?”

9.       Visit http://www.nawoonline.com/clergylawbystate.htm.  Be prepared to answer the question: “What is required for credentialed ministers to legally perform marriages in your state?”

10.      Exam #1 (33%):  Successfully, complete an objective exam.  The exam is scheduled for Friday, March 3.  It will cover all class notes through Wednesday, March 1, the articles specified above, the reading of pages 1-119 of  The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and the reading of pages xiii-94 of Robert's Rules in Plain English.  The exam will have questions inquiring whether the textbooks pages have been read or not.  The exam will be objective in design (true or false and matching). 

Unit One Learning Objectives.  The student should be able to:

1.        List 10 signs of a healthy children’s ministry (class notes).

2.        Write a one-page description of your call to ministry.  Approach this as though you are answering the question posed to you by the credentialing committee.

3.        Write a one-page explanation of your view of the baptism in the Holy Spirit and the initial physical evidence.  Include Scriptural references.  For help go to http://ag.org/top/beliefs/baptism_in_the_holy_spirit/index.cfm  Approach this as though you are answering the question posed to you by the credentialing committee.

4.        List three eschatological errors disapproved by the Assemblies of God.

5.        Explain why the Assemblies of God disapproves of ministers being members of “secret orders.”

6.        Explain the circumstances under which a divorced and remarried person can receive ministerial credentials with the Assemblies of God.

7.        Explain the circumstances under which a divorced minister must surrender his or her credentials with the Assemblies of God.

8.        Explain the Assemblies of God position on women serving as ministers.

9.        Why would it be unethical for an assistant pastor to entertain confidences detrimental to the senior pastor?

10.     Under what circumstances can you use a non-Assemblies of God minister in an Assemblies of God church?

11.     Under what circumstances can an Assemblies of God minister work in a non-Assemblies of God church?

12.     What are the financial obligations of a licensed minister to his or her district (your specific district)?

13.     What are the financial obligations of a licensed minister to the General Council of the Assemblies of God?

14.     Explain what is meant by the phrase “voluntary cooperative fellowship” as it relates to Assemblies of God churches and ministers.

15.     State the Assemblies of God position on performing a marriage ceremony for a divorced person whose former spouse is still living.

16.     Describe Sam Henning’s “Cycle of New Life” (class notes).

17.     State and explain Sam Henning’s 5 “Revitalization Problem Specifics” (class notes).

18.     List Sam Henning’s 8 “The Eight Steps Of Successful Change” (class notes).

19.     Explain what is meant by the statement, “Revitalization/Turn-Around is a process not an event!” (class notes).

20.     List 6 principles for becoming a “turn around” pastor (class notes).

21.     List 4 things that cause discouragement in the ministry (class notes).

22.     List 4 things the “releases” encouragement (class notes).

23.     Define “pastoral care” (class notes).

24.     Contrast the old pastoral leadership paradigm with Jesus’ Leadership Model (class notes).

25.     Contrast a policy and a procedure (class notes).

26.     List 11 guidelines for effective visitation (class notes).

27.     Prepare a proper resumé.  Have a friend help you prepare a digitized photo for inclusion.

28.     List six steps of budgeting for a local church (class notes & handout).

29.     Define “restricted funds” (class notes).

30.     Define “contingency fund” (class notes).

31.     Contrast between SECA and FICA (class notes).

32.     Describe how a minister pays his or her social security taxes (class notes).

33.     Detail the procedure that must be followed in designating a portion of a minister’s salary as a “ministerial housing allowance” (class notes).

34.     Explain what is meant by the maxim: “We pay for money with our time” (class notes).

35.     Explain what is meant by the old Texas saying: “Big hat, no cattle” (class notes).

36.     Describe how most millionaires in the United State accumulated their wealth (class notes).

37.     State the danger in the “more-is-better mentality” (class notes).

38.     Explain the following statements:

39.     “You work hard for your money.  Work hard to keep it!” (class notes).

40.     “You work hard for your money.  Make it work hard for you!” (class notes).

41.     State the two possible ways to fix an out-of-control budget (class notes).

42.     Contrast how paying the regularly scheduled payments on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage affects what is actually paid for a house with the affect of paying a little extra each month against principal (class notes.)

43.     List ten sure ways to save money (class notes).

44.     Fully explain the importance of a church or ministry being incorporated as a not-for-profit organization with the state in which it is located (class notes & handout).

45.     What is the clergy-penitent privilege?

46.     What steps should be taken by a local church to guard against the possibility of a paid worker or church volunteer sexually abusing a minor?

47.     What safeguards should a church use in avoiding a libel or slander suit in disclosing information regarding a church member who sinned and is being disciplined by the church?

Unit Two — Mar 13–May 01 - Notes, Reading, Research, Social System Simulations  

Unit Two Assignments—During the second unit, the student shall:

1.        Take detailed notes over class lectures (do not expect the professor to take notes for you!) 

2.        Read pages 121-226 of  The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.  Important: To do well on the exam, the student must keep up with the reading.

3.        Read pages 95-120 of Robert's Rules in Plain English. 

4.        Work with a ministry team to prepare a polished and meaningful special occasion service. Consulting a minister’s manual and interviewing an experienced pastor is recommended.  See resources below.

a.        A typed manuscript of the service and sermon must be submitted at the beginning of the class when the service will be presented.  Important: A formal cover page must contain the students’ names and a campus box number.  The first page after the cover should list the service components and participants. 

b.       The service manuscript should begin on the third page.  Careful attention must be paid to grammar, spelling, and punctuation.  Proper credit must be given when quoting or referring to Scripture or other sources.  It should have one-inch margins and be double-spaced.  The font should be easy to read (i.e., 12-point Times New Roman).  Black ink should be used.  The pages must be numbered and stapled.  IMPORTANT!  Failure to comply with these requirements will result in a grade reduction. 

c.        The service should be 40 minutes in length including congregational singing.

5.         Final Exam (34%):  Successfully, complete an objective exam. The exam is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 1.    It will cover all class notes through Thursday, April  27, the reading of pages 121-226 of  The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and the reading of pages 95-120 of Robert's Rules in Plain English.  The exam will have questions inquiring whether the textbooks pages have been read or not.  The exam will be objective in design (true or false and matching).

Unit Two Learning Objectives.  The student should be able to:

1.        Utilize a the Bible and a minister’s manual in preparing a meaningful presentation for a special occasion.

2.        Describe and explain Jim Bradford’s “System Theory of the Church (“Black Box”) (class notes).

3.        From a pastor’s perspective, state the significance of Steve Covey’s statement, “Seek to understand before seeking to be understood” (class notes).

4.        List Steve Larson’s “Six Steps to Settling Differences” (class notes & handout).

5.        List Jim Bradford’s “Ten Core Values for a Staff Team” (class notes & handout).

6.        List Denise VanEck’s seven steps in preparing for a difficult conversation (class notes & handout).

7.        Explain the importance to a church or ministry of a pastor being emotionally healthy (class notes).

8.        Contrast self-denial and self-neglect (class notes).

9.        Describe the role of the modern-day evangelist (class notes).

10.     Explain what is meant by “follow the direction of the Holy Spirit and preach to the need” (class notes).

11.     Explain what is meant by “deflect the praise back to the pastor” (class notes).

12.     List some ways an evangelist can help to demonstrate to a congregation that there is cohesiveness between the pastoral staff and the evangelist (class notes).

13.     Describe the role music plays in altar ministry (class notes).

14.     State the message an evangelist should communicate upon arriving at a ministry location (class notes).

15.     List 3 ways one might get started in an itinerate ministry (class notes).

16.     Explain the historical, west coast origins of the term “holy roller” (class notes).

17.     Identify Rachel Sizelove (class notes).

18.     Give the characteristics (as specified by George Barna) of the “Mosaics” (those born between 1984 and 2002) (class notes & handout).

19.     Explain the benefits of basing youth ministry convictions on the principles of the Word of God rather than on the patterns of the world (class notes & handout).

Course Procedures

Seminar in Church Leadership will include lectures by guest speakers, the professor, reading, research, participation in group projects and two examinations. 

Attendance Policy

ATTENDANCE & PUNCTUALITY:  In accordance with the CBC Student Handbook, satisfactory attendance and punctuality are course requirements.  It is the student’s responsibility to sign the attendance sheet during each class period or he will be considered absent for the day.  Do not leave class until you have signed the sheet.  A seating chart also will be used.  The student must check with the professor after class if he is tardy, otherwise he may be counted absent rather than tardy.  Lateness in excess of ten minutes constitutes an absence.  Students leaving class early without permission will be counted absent.  In accordance with the school’s attendance policy, the student will be automatically dropped from the course if he or she accumulates 15 absences.  It does not matter what the reason for the absence.  See the CBC Student Handbook.  Regular attendance will positively affect your grade see below.

Assignment Policies

RESPONSIBILITY FOR INFORMATION:  The student will be responsible for all material presented during a class period he misses, regardless of the reason for the absence.  This includes lecture material, assignment instructions or dates, test dates, changes in course requirements, etc.  The student should check with a classmate to determine what was missed.  Do not expect the professor to keep copies of handouts, study guides, etc. when you miss class.

ASSIGNMENTS:  The student should expect to devote two hours of individual study for every hour of class attendance. 

REQUIRED READING:  The student will be held responsible for assigned reading.  Specific questions will ask whether the reading has been done thoroughly and carefully (i.e., not scanned or skimmed).  The study guide will direct the student to specific portions of the textbook that will be treated on the final exam.

MISSED SERMON or EXAM:  If a student must miss an exam, a sermon delivery date or sermon critique date due to serious illness or major emergency, he must call (Extension 1150), email (DArnett@cbcag.edu) or see the professor the day he returns to any CBC classes to arrange an alternative.  Missing for such reasons as oversleeping, alarm not going off, forgetting, not being prepared, or extending a holiday or weekend will not merit a make-up opportunity.  The professor reserves the right to schedule make-up dates during other classes.  If a student fails to make-up his sermon or is not permitted to make-up a test, he will be given a 0% rather than an F.  See the CBC Student Handbook.

PLAGIARISM, CHEATING OR DISHONESTY:  Any form of dishonesty in assignments, tests, or attendance will be grounds for receiving an “F.”  See the CBC Student Handbook.

Classroom Policy Concerning Electronic Devices

Policy on Use of Cell Phones, Palm Pilots and Wireless Computers in Classes

As a member of the CBC academic community, each student has a responsibility to professors and fellow students.  When cell phones or pagers ring and students respond in class or leave class to respond, it disrupts the class.  Therefore, Central Bible College prohibits the use by students of cell phones and pagers in class.  All such devices must be turned off or put in a silent mode and cannot be taken out during class.

Wireless/laptop computers, palm pilots, and similar electronic devices may be used for taking notes in class, subject to professor’s approval.   However, these devices are never allowed to be used during exams.  They must always be kept in silent mode during class sessions and they may be used for academic use applicable to that course only.  All special circumstances or exceptions should be cleared through the VPAA.

All unauthorized use of such devices during an exam shall be considered as “cheating” or academic dishonesty and additional sanctions under the Student Academic Integrity Policies on pp. 9-10 in the Student Handbook may be applied.  It is also available online at www.cbcag.edu/view.asp?id=168 .

The appeal process is dealt with in the Faculty Handbook. (Appeals Committee Divisional Chair and VPAA).  A sanction for class disruption may be appealed using this appeal process; however, a violation that involves a charge of academic dishonesty must be appealed before the VP for Student Development and the Student Conduct Committee.  Students have the right to continue attending class while an appeal is in progress.  

Evaluation Procedures & Course Grading