ASSOCIATE MINISTER PROGRAM
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ASSOCIATE MINISTER 300 LEVEL - Classes and Descriptions
(Classes available to everyone; Completion of all classes Required for Certification)
CLASS | DESCRIPTION |
---|---|
Advanced Symbols Interpretation*: | This class will offer the Medium a more in-depth comprehension of the communication avenues used by the spirit world. We are forever changed by the symbols conveyed to others through our mediumship. As Mediums we are spokesperson, translator and interpreter for Spirit.*Prerequisite: Symbols I and II |
Basic Unity of Religion: | An introduction to religion and spirituality (e.g. elementary vs. higher religions; revealed vs. non-revealed religions; ultimate realities of the major religions and sacred texts), this class com-pares the similarities and differences between the world's great religions, focusing on the basic tenets for each of the following religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, with brief introductions to Shintoism, Sikhism, and Jainism. |
Discernment of Call*: | Ministry is a vocation. How do you know it is your vocation? This class will assist the student in determining their for-ward movement into ministry by using the four basic steps of discernment, and reflective questions to explore a call to Spiritualists ministry. *Prerequisite: Medium Missionary Certificate. |
Good Grief: | In life, we encounter a wide variety of grief experiences in our personal lives as well as in the lives of others when we try to assist them. This class will help the student better understand the small griefs in life as well as the larger grief experiences which can overwhelm us. Learn how to move beyond grief to good grief. |
Introduction to Pastoral Care & Counseling: | The heart of pastoral care and counseling is to facilitate spiritual wholeness. This class covers basic types of pastoral care and counseling situations (meaning of life, crisis, bereavement, relationship, etc), and explores a variety of essential helping skills that every pastor should cultivate and use in their care for others. |
Prayer: | Prayer is a very powerful and essential tool for everyone, particularly those in the ministry. This class will help students understand the four basic types of prayer that a minister may be called to make during their public ministry. The student will also learn about different ways of praying, and how to create powerful, meaningful prayers. |
Preparation for Ministry I: | Responsibilities of the minister as speaker, counselor, leader, and friend are explained. |
Sermon & Lecture Preparation I: | The student will learn the structuring of a lecture or sermon and the difference between the two, in addition to topic selection and techniques of delivery. |
Spiritual Healing I: | This class teaches methods, techniques, and philosophy of spiritual healing. |
Spiritualism and the Study of the New Testament: | Focusing on specific passages which refer to “Spiritualism” (i.e. Physical phenomena and Mediumship), this course gives the students the tools to independently study the New Testament while offering an overview of the Gospels, Jesus, the writings of Paul, and other related material such as the history, structure, translations and versions found in the New Testament of the Bible. |
Spiritualism and the Study of the Old Testament: | Focusing on specific passages which refer to “Spiritualism” (i.e. Physical phenomena and Mediumship), this course gives the students the tools to independently study the Old Testament while offering an overview of the Torah, prophets and other related material such as the history, structure, translations and versions found in the Old Testament of the Bible. |
Four (4) Elective Classes: | Elective Classes |
ASSOCIATE MINISTER
(information for those interested in becoming Certified)
- Indiana Association of Spiritualists (IAOS) member in good standing for three (3) years.
- Minimum of three (3) years of on-going study at Chesterfield Spiritualist College.
- Hold a current IAOS Medium Missionary Certification.
- At least one (1) full year of study after receiving Medium Missionary certification.
- 40 Academic Credits (10 Spiritual Seeker, 15 Mediumship, 15 Associate Minister).
- Development Classes: Four (4) classes with one (1) certified staff mediumship or trance development class teacher during a week-long seminary. These four (4) classes will be the student’s choice of either mediumship development or trance development.
- Development Class Alternative: Regularly attend classes with a certified staff mediumship or trance development class teacher. A minimum of 4 classes and signature of the teacher is required.
- Student Services: Minimum of two (2) sermons during two different week-long seminaries.
- Public Worship Services: Demonstration of sermon and clairvoyance at the same service. Six (6) public worship services at a minimum of three (3) different churches. A letter from each church served stating date, service performed and signed by presiding minister or board member.
- Community Service: 30 hours of community service with a maximum of 10 hours at Camp Chesterfield. Community service must be approved by the Dean prior to performing the service.
TESTING REQUIREMENTS for ASSOCIATE MINISTER (for those testing for Certification)
All academic and practical requirements must be completed before Intent to Test is submitted.
Intent to Test and all required documentation must be submitted to the Dean of Education one month prior to the seminary in which the student plans to test.
Application to test along with the testing fee must be completed at walk-in registration for the seminary in which the student plans to test.
Identify Ordination sponsor at time of Associate Minister application.
Pass a comprehensive written exam covering current Associate Minister classes with a score of 85% or more.
Successfully present a two to three minute demonstration of inspirational speaking based on scripture to the testing committee. Scripture will be determined by the testing committee.
Following recommendation by the Dean of Education and approval by the Board of Trustees, the candidate will be approved for consecration during the consecration ceremony.