Participants break into groups to discuss issues. Photos by Tammy Lindle.

MEADS Certificate Program Open to All

We are pleased to announce that the Ministerial Education and Discipleship Studies (MEADS) program is now open to any student interested in ministerial development. MEADS is co-sponsored by the Community of Christ Seminary and Temple School. This twelve-course certificate program is designed to empower participants for ministry. The courses offer a concentrated study of foundational theology, church history, scripture, and practical ministry formation.

Completion of the certificate for MEADS represents 240 hours of classroom participation over several years, in addition to hundreds of hours of reading, reflection, and preparation of assignments. It is a substantial commitment of time and resources by the student and the church in order to prepare ministers for faithful, accountable service.

We are pleased to honor the following ministers who are spring 2008 graduates of the certificate program:

Estate and Financial Planning Ministers:

Larry Cleveland
James Deering
Jared Fears
Richard Kramer
Sterling Respass
Terry Smith

Field Ministers:

Gary Elrod—Headwaters
Della Goodson—Alabama-Northwest Florida
Judith Hubbard—Gateway
Donald McLaughlin—Midlands
David Loy —Cedar Valley/Nauvoo
Francisco Trevino—Coastal Bend

MEADS courses are challenging, life-changing, and empowering. The following testimony is from Jenn Killpack following her first MEADS session:

It will be hard to express in words the depth of my gratitude for what was shared during MEADS classes. I was apprehensive going into these classes because I’ve been out of the classroom for so long. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that I learned a ridiculous amount from both the New Testament class and the theology class.

After reading the books and attending the theology class all week, I was elated to discover that there are whole theological philosophies that support/define what it is I believe. I also was reassured that I do have ministry to share and this gave me an incredible boost in my confidence.

The New Testament materials and class time opened the scriptures to me in a whole new way. Honestly I was entirely frustrated when I would sit down and try to just read the Bible. Being exposed to the exegetical method and all the resources available to assist a person in their study was like breaking out of a cocoon and feeling the breeze on my wings for the first time.

MEADS classes are offered twice a year in separate venues. Two classes are offered during each session at Winter Field School (WFS) at the Temple in Independence, Missouri, and each summer, usually at the Congregational LIFE Workshop (CLW) at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa.

Along with the other great educational opportunities available at the 2008 Congregational LIFE Workshop, we are pleased to offer the following MEADS courses:

History of Christian Thought—Ruth Ann Wood, instructor
Church Polity and Administration—Scott Murphy, instructor

Complete details about the Congregational LIFE Workshop can be found at www.CofChrist.org/clw or by contacting Tammy Lindle at 1-800-825-2806, ext. 2383.

Here is the proposed schedule for the 12 MEADS courses through winter 2013:

Congregational LIFE Workshop 2008 and Winter Field School 2011

• Church Polity and Administration
• History of Christian Thought

WFS 2009 and Summer 2012:

• Mission and Evangelism
• Spiritual Formation

Summer 2009 and WFS 2012

• Public Ministry
• Hebrew Scriptures

WFS 2010 and Summer 2013

• Pastoral Care
• Community of Christ Scriptures

Summer 2010 and WFS 2013

• Community of Christ Theology
• Community of Christ History

Summer 2011

• Theological Foundations
• New Testament

—June 2008 Herald, pp. 36-7.