History, Purpose and Goal
HISTORY
During the spring of 1994, the American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware (ABCOPAD) and the Pittsburgh Baptist Association (PBA) joined together to establish the American Baptist Lay Pastoral Institute of Western Pennsylvania (now know as the Church Leadership Institute.) The desire was to offer an educational program for people (1) seeking to become certified lay ministers and for people (2) seeking classroom opportunities for personal enrichment of their Christian faith. Based on a program used in 1988-1990 by the Ten Mile and Monongahela Associations (specifically at the First Baptist Church of Waynesburg), this Institute's new collaborative program began on February 5, 1994 with three different locations (Wesleyville, Monroeville, and Waynesburg). In the spring of 1996 twenty-nine persons were graduated from the three combined sites. Twenty-six graduates received a Certificate in Lay Pastoral Ministry.
Including the graduates from the class of 2006, the Institute now has over 150 graduates, and over 60% of those graduates are working in churches throughout Western Pennsylvania and other states. We are continuing to build the programs of the CLI, offering continuing education in specialized areas of study- not only for our own graduates, but for ordained pastors, and by introducing new areas of study , such as Youth Ministry.
PURPOSE
1. To provide the curriculum requirements for those who desire to prepare for becoming certified lay ministers.
2. To provide educational opportunities for those who sense a call to lay church leadership.
3. To provide experiential opportunities for development of pastoral skills.
4. To provide classroom opportunities for those who desire self-enrichment and a deeper understanding of the Christian faith.
5. To provide continuing educational opportunities for ordained or certified clergy.
GOAL
Upon the completion of the requirements the student shall have developed skills as an effective preacher using sound methods of Biblical interpretation, demonstrating a grasp of the overall content and theology of the Old and New Testaments. He/she shall be able to lead meetings, administer the overall organization of a local American Baptist congregation, and coordinate programs, including stewardship, Christian education, evangelism and missions.
As a leader in worship, the student shall demonstrate abilities to organize a service and perform the ordinances. He/she shall be able to organize his/her understandings of ministry into a theological framework. In all of these areas, the student shall perceive how each relates to our Baptist heritage, and shall show willingness and ability to work within our current American Baptist structure.