Associate Minister Program Banner

ASSOCIATE MINISTER PROGRAM

RELATED DOWNLOADS: Academic Resource Course Offering Book  

Not sure where to start?  Watch this short video...

 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all are welcome. Classes, Workshops and Special Events all require registration. You can view all events in our Calendar and registration forms can be found on the event page or in the Downloads section. Do not be concerned if you see the term “Seminary” next to an event, anyone on a spiritual path of learning may attend those classes as well. Many events allow you to register on-line too.
The best place to start is to visit our Calendar; there you will find a listing of special weekends, week-long classes as well as Summer Series Workshops and other Special Events. Click on an event and you will be taken to the event page with all the details and registration information. You can also visit our Downloads page for registration forms. Most can register for most classes and workshop on-line.
Mediumship Development Classes are hands on classes taught by Certified Development Teachers with many years of experience. These classes are held in a small group setting. You must contact a Development Teacher of your choosing directly. Go here to view a listing of Mediumship Development Teachers.
You will find all the information related to Church Services by clicking here.