Ministry Programs, Services Available for Churches and Church Leaders
A minister calls and says, "I need information about churches that are looking for a minister."
A member of a minister search team calls asking, "Do you know of any good ministers looking for a church?" An elder calls inquiring, "We have a crisis in our church, and we think we may need some help from someone outside. Do you know anyone who could help us?" Or, an elder calls, saying, "We have just selected additional elders, but we think we need help blending these new elders in with our previous elders. Can you help us do some team building with our leaders?" The answer to all of the above questions is, "Yes."
For decades ACU has endeavored to serve churches. Now we are becoming more intentional in making our various programs and services accessible to those needing them. The mission of the Ministry Services Team is to deliver the resources of the College of Biblical Studies to those who lead and serve in Christian ministry worldwide. Dr. Charles Siburt, Frazer professor of church enrichment and professor of ministry in the Graduate School of Theology, has been named associate dean for ministry programs and services to coordinate the delivery of these resources to churches and church leaders.
Resources available to church leaders from the College of Biblical Studies include all academic degree programs currently offered through the departments of Bible, missions, and marriage and family therapy plus a variety of other valuable programs, events and services. The Certificate in Ministerial Counseling – a five-course sequence – is available for those interested in basic training for ministering in crisis situations (for more information, call 915-674-3722).
A new Graduate Certificate in Conflict Mediation, a five-course sequence for those interested in the ministry of reconciliation in the workplace, in the professions or in the church, has been launched this fall through ACU’s newly-established Center for Conflict Management (for more information, call 915-674-2979).
A long-standing menu of annual renewal events has included the Bible Lectureship (each February) and the Lectures on Preaching (each September). Each July the Bible Teachers Workshop, the Elders and Leaders Workshop, and the Equipping Women for Ministry Workshop occur simultaneously on campus.
Some key ministry services are available to churches and church leaders. Two services most often used are the Churches Looking for Ministers List and the Ministers Looking for Churches List, the first assisting congregations who seek minister candidates to interview and the latter supplying ministers with information about congregations needing candidates. For more information about this free service provided by ACU’s Ministry Programs and Services Team, visit the Web site at www.bible.acu.edu/ministry or email your question to looking@bible.acu.edu.
The popular Marriage Enrichment Seminar, featuring Drs. Carl Brecheen and Paul Faulkner, has blessed thousands of marriages with reinforcement and guidance. Several faculty make themselves available to congregations needing consultation, training, intervention or teaching and preaching.
Another special service is the Ministers Support Network, which offers ministers and spouses a time of encouragement, fellowship and renewal in a safe and supportive environment. The MSN hosts two ministers sabbaticals, which are Thursday evening through Sunday noon retreats for eight minister couples, one in the fall in Atlanta, Ga., and the other in the spring in Texas. These retreats, by invitation only, are designed to facilitate sharing and listening without being intrusive or invasive. Host couples are Paul and Gladys Faulkner, Eddie and Annette Sharp, Charles and Judy Siburt, and David and Jeanne Wray. Participants pay no fee but are responsible for their own travel expense to the retreat site. The MSN may also provide crisis care for ministers, minister families, and congregations who need the assistance of outside caregivers. If you or someone else you know could benefit from the services of the Ministers Support Network, please call 915-674-3732 or fax 915-674-6180.
Several centers offer resources and services in a wide range of interests. The Center for Church Ministry Programs and Services Available for Churches and Church Leaders Enrichment, directed by Dr. Ian Fair (915-674-3732), offers leadership seminars and resources to elders and other leaders. The Center for Youth and Family Ministry, directed by Robert Oglesby (915-674-3798), strives to empower youth and family in their work with teenagers and families in the church context. Job placement assistance for youth ministers is a major service supported by the center. The Center for Women in Christian Service, directed by Jeanene Reese (915-674-3750), serves and equips Christian women serving the Lord in biblical, responsible and effective ways. Those interested in research or information concerning the history of the Stone-Campbell Movement may contact the Center for Restoration Studies, directed by Dr. Doug Foster (915-674-3795). The Center for New Testament Language and Literature, directed by Dr. Carroll Osburn (915-674-3799), provides special teaching series for churches on a variety of New Testament books.
Still more resources available from ACU include: access to the Christian Education Association (a network for those who lead in spiritual formation and other related ministries), Restoration Quarterly (a scholarly publication for serious Bible students and leaders), and Abilene Education Supply (a retail distributor of Christian books, supplies and Christian music). Of special importance for those with increased interest in missions is the Missions Mall, which includes multiple resources on the ACU Web site.
Updated information about these and other programs, resources and services is always available on the ACU Web site. Also, planning continues for new services to help our ministry partners even more. For more information, check out our Web site: www.acu.edu/ministry.
