Program Brochure - Virginia Union University

PROGRAM FACTSTHE HISTORYThe School of Theology Institute for Lifelong Learning (STILL) is the currentname for various programs of church ministry and leadership training. One suchprogram, The Evans-Smith Leadership Training Program, was birthed in 1975 at theVirginia Union University School of Theology with a Lilly Foundation grant. Theoriginal name was Education for Leadership in the Black Church (ELBC). From itsinception the program was designed to assist local congregations in developing a wellequippedbody of local leaders to implement and oversee their various ministries. Thefirst classes were small and held only in Richmond. After success in accomplishing itsmission and increased attendance, the program expanded to include two new sites,Norfolk, and Northern Virginia. In 1980 it was renamed the Evans-Smith LeadershipTraining Institute (ESI) and a second level of learning was added; this in response to aneed at that time to address specific areas of ministry and also equip persons with theskills to serve effectively in these ministry areas. For the next thirty years--ending in2010--Evans-Smith continued to operate as a quality center for church leadershipeducation and training. During this time thirteen new sites were added and a third levelof learning was established.The program began as a cooperative enterprise with the Baptist GeneralConvention of Virginia. The second name change honored two former BGC staffmembers, Dr. C.L. Evans and Mrs. Lena Smith, pioneers in statewide education forchurch leaders. BGC continues to support the program and encourage attendance ofpersons from local congregations across the State. The current name change to LifelongLearning Institute reflects the perspective on learning, relative to church leadership, thatsurfaced during the latter half of the 20 th century and continues to describe ministry in the21 st century.Congregations are encouraged to rethink their mission and ministry, to bemeaningful witnesses in the world, and to strive to bring all persons to the level of amature faith. Christians must participate in lifelong learning for those ministrypreparation experiences which help make evident the fact that evangelism and socialjustice need to co-exist if the church is to significantly impact the world with the messageand mission of Jesus Christ.THE INSTITUTE STRUCTURE AND OBJECTIVESThe Institute structure now includes learning opportunities in four separate and distinctbranches:1) The Evans-Smith Leadership Training Program (for area churches),2) The Ministry Empowerment Program (for individual congregations),3) A Pastors’ School (for local pastors, pastoral assistants & associates).4) The Johnson A. Edosomwan Institute for Evangelism, Mission & GlobalChristianity (for more information contact Dr. Lynne Caldwell 804/342-3917).2

THE REMAINDER OF THIS BROCHURE DETAILS THE SPECIFICS OF THEEVANS-SMITH LEADERSHIP PROGRAMTHE MISSIONThe School of Theology seeks to partner with local congregations in cultivatingleadership for various expressions of ministry. Recognizing that many church leaderslack—and cannot qualify for—formal theological education, STVU and BGC consider ita duty to offer quality educational opportunities that will assist all persons in fullydeveloping their potential for Christian church leadership.THE GOALThe goal of Evans-Smith is to offer opportunities for persons to grow spiritually, toexpand their knowledge of ministry essentials, and to sharpen the necessary skills formore effective and efficient service as leaders in the local congregation. Further, the goalis that persons who participate in this program will render an improved quality of serviceto their local congregations and in the world.THE EVANS-SMITH PROGRAMThe Evans-Smith Program offers education and training at thirteen local sites within theState of Virginia. Each Site has at least one Site Coordinator who oversees the localprogram. There are three (3) levels of learning available in the total Evans-Smithprogram.LEVEL ONE is the BASIC level. Enrollment at this level provides opportunity forstudents to: acquire knowledge of the Bible, church history, Christian beliefs, andthe diversities of a call to ministry; function with keener perception of the church and its mission in the world; select an area for ministry focus at a higher level of religious studies.Persons must complete twelve (12) prescribed courses to qualify for the basicCertificate in Religious Studies. The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is the programmeasuring tool. A first certificate is pre-requisite to enrolling in Level Two.3

LEVEL TWO is the MINISTRY CONCENTRATION level. Enrollment at thislevel offers students opportunity to study in one of two combined areas of ministrywith intent to expand and enhance the skills necessary for effective service in eacharea. The two specific areas of concentration are: Proclamation and Pastoral Careand Christian Education and Leadership. Upon satisfactory completion of six (6)prescribed courses in each area students receive a Certificate in (the chosen area).Level Two prepares persons to: perform more effectively in a selected area of congregational ministry; integrate course learning with practical application of skills; function with distinction as an enlightened and trained leader.The evaluation mode for Level Two is Pass or Fail, in addition to the CEU.NOTE: Two certificates are required as pre-requisite for study in Level Three, i.e.the Basic certificate plus one Ministry Concentration certificate.LEVEL THREE is referred to as ADVANCED PREPARATION IN BIBLE ANDTHEOLOGY. This level prepares persons to engage in more intense, in-depth, andextensive study of the Bible and theology with application for practical ministry.Level Three prepares persons to: engage the biblical text with advanced understanding and skills, critically read and analyze theoretical material; express their beliefs orally and in written form with clarity and conviction.Term length, fees, and classroom performance requirements differ from those for Levels Iand II. Level III is the only branch of STILL where students receive academic grades asindication of their progress. Level Three courses prepare persons to function with greaterease in a seminary program, if they are accepted after following the normal prescribedapplication procedures.4

GENERAL INFORMATION & COURSE REQUIREMENTSThe School of Theology’s Institute for Lifelong Learning is not a degree-grantinginitiative. No certificates awarded by STILL shall be considered as standardcriteria for admittance to a Master of Divinity degree program or any otherprogram where academic credit is the standard of measurement. (See“Unit of Measurement” at the end of this section.)* FEES$50.00 Registration Fee (one time only)$85.00 Tuition per class, Level I$100.00 Tuition per class, Level II$125.00 Tuition per class, Level III(cost of textbooks, etc. additional for all classes)$10.00 Curriculum Record processing fee (after first one, which isfree) Request must be made by contacting Rev. Anderson (804)354-5923.(See Seminar Fees in the SEMINARS section later.)A fee will be assessed in connection with the Certification Exercise. This fee coversthe cost of regalia, preparation of certificates, and other incidentals. The fee variesfrom year to year based on prevailing prices as set by suppliers.SCHEDULEEach local Site develops its own schedule. However there will be a minimum of two(2) sessions per year at each site. Most sites will run a Fall, Winter, and Springsession, from September to April or early May. (Starting dates will vary at sites.)LENGTH OF PROGRAM CLASSESLevel I Classes -Level II Classes -Level III Classes -6 weeks per session8 weeks per session10 weeks per sessionUNIT OF MEASUREMENTFrom its inception the intent of the program was to offer education and trainingopportunities to persons who, for some reason, would not matriculate in a four-yearprogram of academic study leading to a baccalaureate degree. The ContinuingEducation Unit (CEU) was deemed to be the appropriate measuring criteria. TheCEU is a nationally recognized and standardized measure of performance in similarprograms of education and training.5

One CEU is defined as: “ten contact hours of participation in an organized continuingeducation experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction and qualifiedinstruction.”To maintain the integrity of the Evans-Smith program and ensure the graduate’sethical standards, it is suggested that the following guide be used when referring toprogram completion in resumes, biographical data, etc.:(Graduate’s name) completed a program of study at The School of TheologyInstitute for Lifelong Learning, sponsored by Virginia Union University’sSamuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology. S/he received the (name thecertificate).NOTE: Some schools may recognize CEU’s when considering the application ofpotential students. Graduates of The School of Theology Institute for LifelongLearning are advised to contact a potential school’s enrollment office to determineits policy regarding acceptance of CEU’s.The CEU is the only measure for Level I; Level II students receive Pass or Fail plusCEU; Level III students receive grades (A-F) plus CEU. Rationale for grades: ahigher level of performance is expected as students are being prepared for possiblefuture academic work in a regular graded program of study.PROGRAM FACULTYAll Evans-Smith instructors must hold at least a graduate level degree from acollege or university accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body. Atheological degree shall have been awarded by an institution accredited by theAssociation of Theological Schools (ATS). All instructors are approved for teachingby the Program Consultant and the faculty of STVU.6

PROGRAM LEVEL COURSE DESCRIPTIONSLevel I consist of twelve (12) courses. Students must complete all courses for theLevel I certificate. This certificate must be earned prior to enrolling in Level II.BASIC COURSESB-1 Old Testament: This course is an overview of the Old Testament, withparticular attention to the history of the Hebrew people and theirrelationship with God.B-2 New Testament: This course is an overview of the New Testament withattention given to the Synoptic Gospels and the major events in thelife of Jesus. The Epistles of Paul and his missionary journeys helpexplain the life and mission of the early church.B-3 Understanding the Call to Ministry: This course will assist learnerswith the task of discerning the call to various forms of Christianministry and making an appropriate response. An overview ofchurch ministries (proclamation, worship, evangelism, missions/stewardship, fellowship, and teaching) plus other ministry functionscomplete the course.B-4 Communication Skills - One: This course is designed to review the basicprinciples of communication such as grammar, word usage, gestures, etc.Included will be principles of written communication, i.e. punctuation,spelling, and organization of ideas. Students will practice developingeffective listening skills to ensure better communication.B-5 Communication Skills – Two: This course will prepare students to bemore effective in the art of public speaking. Utilizing the material from B-4, students will have opportunity to further develop ability to write anddeliver speeches. They will be critiqued on their ability to inspire as wellas to persuade audiences through a skillful handling of the spoken word.B-6 Congregational Care and Concern: This course introduces studentsto the basic principles, skills, and techniques related to the capableshepherding of souls. The skill of active listening is studied andapplied through role play. Students experience a reorientationto values as they study the rules of confidentiality and integrity.B-7 Faith and Human Development: This course explores the basic stagesand levels of human growth and development, e.g. cognitive, moral,and faith. Attention will focus on how this information is of value toteachers/leaders working with others in church ministries.7

B-8 Church History: This course reviews the history and development ofthe church following the apostolic period; the evolution of the Blackchurch; and how these impact church life today.B-9 Introduction to Christian Beliefs: This course provides the student withan overview of basic beliefs including: God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Bible,the Church, humanity, sin, salvation, and the end times. Special attentionis given to how beliefs relate to the mission of the church in the 21 stCentury. Attempt will be made to compare traditional and contemporarythought.B-10 Church Administration: This course introduces basic practices for thetransaction of church business. Bylaws, budgets, and financialrecord-keeping are introduced along with the importance and use oftechnology. Qualifications for persons holding positions in churchadministration are considered.B-11 Spiritual Gifts in Ministry: This course will aid learners in identifyingtheir spiritual gift(s) for ministry and determining how to use themto fullest potential in church ministry and for personal faith growth.B-12 Church Meetings and Group Dynamics: This course will enablestudents to identify the dynamics of small groups. Focus will be on thecharacter of individual and group behaviors, development ofagendas, use of parliamentary procedures, and conflict management.MINISTRY_CONCENTRATIONLevel Two has been revised to more accurately reflect what the church of the LivingLord should be and do in this 21 st Century. Beginning September 2011 there aretwo major areas of concentration for ministry. These two areas will help leadersmeet challenges that surround and confront us. Six (6)) courses are required forcompletion of each area.AREA ONE: CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIPCEL 1. Teaching for Learning: This course is designed to provide teachers withbasic skills for good teaching. Concentrated attention will be given to preparationof lesson plans, formulating questions for reflection and introspection, creating alearning atmosphere, and teaching for faith growth.CEL – 2. Planning Christian Education: This course will assist the studentin developing a plan for total church education. It will introduce a system that canbe used by various ministry groups using the Christian calendar as a guide to8

planning without overlap. Mission and Vision as foundational to the total churchplan will be explained.CEL – 3. Essential Leadership Skills: This course will explore the importanceof skills necessary to lead effectively. Attention will be given to key servantleaders, i.e. deacons, trustees, deaconesses, and other ministry leaders. Focus willbe on relating these skills to the spiritual well-being of church members. Conflictmanagement will be introduced here as preparation for later in-depth exposureand understanding.CEL – 4. Curriculum Evaluation and Selection: The course introducesstudents to a method of curriculum resource evaluation and selection based oncertain foundational issues, user-friendly perspectives, and attractiveness offeatures. Primary attention is given to resources in relation to learners’ faithgrowth.CEL - 5. Biblical Foundations for Leadership: This course provides thestudent with basic understanding of a biblically-based model of church leadership.Focus will be on recognizing the necessity for returning to the biblical mandate totake the church to the world and re-shape it for the 21 st Century.CEL -6. Conflict Management: This course will assist students in developingskills for working through conflict to reconciliation. They will recognizethat conflict is normal and natural for groups. The challenge is to use conflictrather than to be abused by it.AREA TWO: PROCLAMATION AND PASTORAL CAREPPC – 1. Introduction to Preaching and Interpreting the Text: This coursewill introduce the student to methods for preparation and delivery of sermons.The importance of working with a biblical text, faithfully researched anddeveloped, will be critical to the process along with employing effectivecommunication skillsPPC – 2. Preaching and Worship: This course is designed to further equipthe student in the art of sermon development and to guide the student incrafting a sermon for delivery within the context of actual worshipexperiences.PPC – 3. Skills for Pastoral Care: This course will help students develop theability to think, feel, and react to crisis as it affects their lives and thelives of others. Focus is on developing skills of caring for persons inspecial situations, e.g. marriage, family, terminal illness, loss of job, etc.Students will be required to submit verbatim to be critiqued for progress.9

PPC – 4. Grief and Family Care: This course will introduce students tothe stages of grief and equip them with skills for responding to variousgrief-producing situations and circumstances. Needs of children dealingwith grief-producing issues will be explored.PPC – 5. Clinical Experience: This course is designed to offer opportunityfor hands-on, first-time experience in the clinical setting. Students areassigned to a mentor who will guide the process of dealing with actualpatient situations, in the home, local health care facility, or penal institution.PPC – 6. Self-Care for Spiritual Leaders: This course is designed to assist thepastoral leaders in the struggle to care for self while concentrating on caring forothers, both in the family at home and in the church family. They will beencouraged to view self-care as a means of service and worship.PREPARATION IN ADVANCED BIBLE AND THEOLOGYLevel III is the highest level of learning offered in Evans-Smith; therefore more isrequired of students enrolling in these courses. Generally, persons must havereceived the Certificate in Religious Studies and at least one Certificate in (a ministryconcentration area). Exceptions are made for persons who present evidence ofeither a baccalaureate degree (from an ATS accredited school or its equivalent) orvalid certification in a particular field of study. Six (6) courses completerequirements for a Level III certificate.Introduction to Research Methods: This course introduces the student tolibrary resources, including journals, and will assist the student inacquiring a higher level of skill in the use of these for doing basic researchwork for papers.Bible in Depth 1: This course is designed to engage participants in study ofthe Bible in ways that will challenge them intellectually and increase theircomfort level with the academic study of scripture.Bible in Depth 2: This course continues the in-depth study of the Bible.Students will demonstrate their advanced comfort level with the academic studyof scripture through various assignments.Critical Reading and Analytical Thinking: This course is designed to assistthe student in acquiring a higher level of skill in reading with a critical eyeand preparing written reflections on the material with analytical skill.Writing in Theological Context: This course will assist students in developingthe skill of writing within a theological context, i.e. devotional materials,journal articles, and sermons.10

Religions in America: This course will introduce students to various religionscurrently being practiced in America. Students will develop familiarity withsome of the tenets and customs of the religions studied.SPECIAL SEMINAR TRACK*The Institute for Lifelong Learning is structured to meet the needs of all official churchleaders as well as those church members who desire to be better informed regardingimportant issues of ministry and social concerns facing Christians today.This Special Seminar Track in the Evans-Smith Program is being revised effective withthis 2013-2015 brochure. The track will be available at all sites, dependent on thedecision of the Site Coordinator with the approval of the Program Consultant.The Seminar Track is not restricted to persons already enrolled in Evans-Smith.Any interested person may register and enroll in a seminar. Interested persons shouldcontact the nearest Site Coordinator for Seminar Information.Persons enrolled in a seminar will receive the special Seminar Certificate engraved withthe title of the particular seminar. Seminars will earn CEUs appropriate to the number ofhours committed to the seminar, e.g. a twelve hour seminar earns 1.2 CEUs, a 6 hourseminar earns .6 CEUs, etc. The regular CEU fee of $20.00 for record-keeping andcertificate preparation will apply, in addition to the seminar fee.The fee for a seminar shall be determined based on the seminar length, special materialsused, and the facilitator’s expertise.Each Site will publish, and distribute, its own list of Special Seminar offerings (withfees) for the particular year in which a decision is made to offer seminars.*NOTE: Seminars may NOT be offered every year at all Evans-Smith Sites.Seminars may vary year to year at any Site.Separate brochures or flyers with details for the Ministry Empowerment Seminar Trackand/or the Pastors’ Enrichment Program may also be requested from Rev. JacquelineAnderson, (804) 354-592.The Johnson A. Edosomwan Institute for Evangelism, Mission & Global Christianityis another opportunity for persons to receive a certificate at the School of Theology,VUU. Contact Dr. Lynne Caldwell, Director at (804) 342-3917 or (804) 257-5715.11

EDUCATIONAL TRAINING SITESCHARLOTTESVILLEPETERSBURGMrs. Barbara Edwards, CoordinatorDr. Rosa Wynn, Coordinator434-471-8616 804-796-7553CULPEPERRICHMONDDr. Milton Branch, CoordinatorDr. Ray McKenzie, Coordinator540-786-2653 804-342-3904FREDERICKSBURGROANOKEDr. Sabrina St. Clair, CoordinatorRev. Amy Ziglar, Coordinator540-891-5432 540-342-4954 or 540-400-8737FRANKLIN & VICINITYSOUTH BOSTONRev. Anthony Goodwyn, CoordinatorDr. William Carr, Coordinator757-777-7297 434-575-8164KEYSVILLERev. Neville Kidd, Co-coordinatorDr. Herman Lundy, Coordinator 434-476-2732434-955-7036TIDEWATERNORTHERN VIRGINIARev. Juanita Davis, CoordinatorDr. Darrell White, Coordinator 757-489-7898703-360-4170VIENNA & VICINITYPENINSULADr. Clevester Hawkins, CoordinatorDr. Dwight Riddick, Coordinator 703-938-8528757-244-8833WILLIAMSBURGRev. Leonard Davis, Coordinator804-861-5270 or 804-892-0234NOTE:For information regarding class offerings at the various sites listed above, please callthe site Coordinator. You may also contact the main office at (804) 354-5923 andspeak with Rev. Jacqueline Anderson, Executive Assistant.12

Additional sites can be established. For further information regarding establishment,contact Rev. Jacqueline Anderson, (804) 354-5923 at the Samuel DeWitt ProctorSchool of Theology, VUU.PROGRAM STAFFRev. Jacqueline D. AndersonExecutive Assistant, Lifelong Learning Institute(804) 354-5923Dr. Gloria C. TaylorConsultant, Evans-Smith Program(804)321-2409Dr. Lynne CaldwellDirector, The Johnson A. Edosomwan Institute(804) 342-3917Dr. John W. KinneyDean, School of Theology(804) 257-582613