Students in Chennai have completed their Certificates in Bible and Ministry.,,,
A total of 152 students in southern India celebrated the successful completion of their studies at the first graduation ceremony of the Maranatha Elim Lay Leaders Training.
The students, from the district of Chennai, had completed their Certificates in Bible and Ministry in February, despite their studies being disrupted by the pandemic.
Their course, which was studied within their churches, offers a mix of practical and doctrinal training and is aimed at people throughout India in lay leadership or those in full-time ministry who have not undertaken foundational studies.
“It equips lay leaders with a sound knowledge of the Bible and enables them to take up ministry leadership roles such as lay pastors, evangelists and church planters,” explains President of the Maranatha Full Gospel Association Reverend Charles Finny Joseph.
“It is beneficial for lay leaders who cannot attend regular Bible colleges due to employment and domestic commitments. It is convenient for them to study the Bible systematically and get involved in ministry.”
The course material was supplied free of charge in eight sections by Elim minister Keith Warrington, director of Word & Spirit, covering topics such as the books of Mark, Ephesians and James, and subjects including Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the art of preaching, healing and suffering.
“The material is intended to provide people with the opportunity to explore issues that are central to Christianity, but to do it in a safe environment where they have some teaching,” Keith explains.
“We’re very keen to help Christians engage with the Bible. In Chennai, it was important for me to be able to use our resources to help these students, especially because leaders there don’t have many resources to help them develop their knowledge of basic issues like who is Jesus, the Spirit and so forth.”
With the first graduation successfully completed, a second cohort of students have begun their training, while students from north and south India have enrolled on upcoming courses too. Rev Charles is now looking to the future and the possibility of expansion.
“Our desire is to take this course to other districts where lay leaders and untrained pastors want systematic training and understanding of the Bible.”
From Direction Magazine issue 237
