An investigation into the phenomena and practices of spiritual ...

wished to have baptism in the way Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, they should notbe prevented from doing so. He explained that a member of the URC could requestimmersion baptism in another church and continue in membership with the URC.The URC has many courses on healing, children‟s ministry and other ministerial courses.In contrast to COGIC the URC support and strongly recommend that any member whowishes to develop a deeper understanding of the Christian faith and become active ingiving service to others undertakes some kind of formal training. The URC churchnationally has an approved training for ministers. This training is a one, two or three yearcourse which gives a formal qualification for different aspects of the ministry. These couldbe elders, worship leaders youth leader, non-stipendiary minister (volunteer) or stipendiaryminister (salaried). These courses are accredited by a university or other Higher EducationInstitution. Any progress in an educational setting contributes to the appointment of theperson to a particular office for those in full membership and whose Christian life isregarded as suitable for that office. This means that they have to be assessed by their localminister and church as a suitable candidate for this office.For COGIC members there is practical theology teaching in Sunday school on Sundaysbefore divine service and this is open to members and non members. Members can take aministry course which requires them to undergo a seven year apprenticeship to become aPastor. An academic minister‟s course does not provide automatic entitlement to become arecognised minister. A period of apprenticeship which demonstrates commitment toservice is still required.The order of service in each church is different although there are common elements,67