2010/2011 Applications available in early April
What Is It?
In 2009-2010, Southland is launching the initial year of the School of Ministers, an eight-month journey of discipleship. The overall mission of the School will be to “provide young disciples with the opportunity to develop intimacy with Christ, and then with His power & unique calling on their lives, minister in this local church, this region and beyond.” Applications have already been received, and interviews done – we praise God for providing us with an incredible group of 24 students. What a first year it will be!
In 2 Timothy 2:2 Paul tells his disciple, and partner-in-Christ, “and the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” What Paul is addressing in this verse is the process of “passing on” from experienced believers to young disciples who are eager & hungry for more. We believe that Jesus is releasing us to start the School at this time because we now have staff & leaders in our midst who are ready to “entrust” what they have both learned and experienced. This, by no means, will be a one-way exchange – “experts” dispensing their knowledge to “ignorant” students. NO! Instead, we believe that students within the School of Ministers will greatly contribute to the overall work of Christ in this local body, and beyond. We fully expect that our students will go beyond merely receiving – Exciting!
The School of Ministers will challenge young disciples to not only minister within the walls of the church, but also in the marketplace, their neighborhoods, universities, their families – really, wherever God may send them. Further, the School is intended to take into consideration one’s unique calling – leadership, preaching, intercession, administration, worship, ministry to the poor, etc. – whatever God is forming each student into, they will be able to first receive a strong foundation, then take opportunities to “specialize” with mentoring received from people who are already operating in their area of calling.
If you have questions about the School of Ministers, you may contact Chris Puhach, one of Southland’s Associate Pastors, at 326-9020. Further details are also provided in our Question & Answers section.
Questions & Answers
- What will students in the School of Ministers be doing?
On Wednesday & Fridays, they will be at the church from 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. During this time, they will be receiving teaching, developing intimacy with the Lord through individual & corporate prayer and worship, participating in discussion groups, ministering to one another & participating in ministry outside of the church walls. Students will also be committing to 8-10 hours of ministry time outside of Wednesday/Fridays, and 8-10 hours of additional time for spiritual study. Finally, many of the students will receive mentorship in their area of calling/passion.
- Why is Southland starting a School of Ministers?
Already in 2006, we sensed that we had a growing number of young people who were hungry to grow in the Lord. While our existing ministries provide many opportunities to do so, we recognized that we needed something even more intentional. This, combined with the desire of many students to better prepare themselves for ministry, life and further education, caused us to say – “one day, when we sense the Holy Spirit saying, ‘go’ – we will have a school”. Through various factors, we have sensed that “now is the time”. We believe that the School will provide a place for those who feel a strong calling to grow in the Lord and His service. We also believe that it will provide a place for many to “ground” themselves in preparation for their future – full-time employment in the world, education, etc.
- Can I apply for the School?
The School is full for the 2009-2010 school year. Applications for 2010-2011 will be available in early April.
- Are students encouraged or discouraged from working during the School of Ministers?
The School of Ministers schedule has been intentionally designed in a way that will allow students to work part-time. We have encouraged each student to honour their parents by preparing for the School with much prayer and planning regarding their personal finances. If this means working part-time during the school year, then they are strongly encouraged to find appropriate employment or to continue in existing jobs.
The School will run from September 9 until April 30. Students will get a break over Christmas, and a spring break.
- Will all students end up working at Southland, or some other church? Is the goal to train up students for full-time vocational ministry?
No and no! While our goal at Southland is to hire staff from within, where possible, the School of Ministers will not guarantee anyone employment at Southland or any other church. Further, we believe that God wants ministers who are driven by intimacy with Christ in every sphere of society. It is our expectation that God will raise up many young people, through the School, to take Christ into government, education, factories, their homes, etc. Indeed, some will end up in full-time vocational ministry, many will not. We believe that School of Ministers’ graduates will be excellent moms, dads, teachers, pastors, employers, employees, and post-secondary students!
- Is this an alternative to college or university?
No. Many young people enter college and/or university and either lose their faith or their fire for God. Much research bears this out. Instead of being an alternative to college or university, we believe that God will use the School of Ministers to better prepare students to face the challenges of post-secondary education – if they choose to pursue this route after their year in the School.
- Will the school eventually be more than a one-year program?
This has yet to be determined.
- Who will the teachers & leaders be in the School of Ministers?
The teachers and leaders will consist primarily of staff from Southland, although guest speakers and specific volunteers may also contribute. Moreover, it is possible that some students may be asked to teach or lead specific components, if Southland’s leadership feels that they are capable of doing so. At times, students will be teamed up with specific staff members for learning purposes, accountability and special projects.
- Will the school allow students to focus on a unique calling that they have – i.e. missions, prayer?
There will be ample room - through open-ended assignments, prayer time, mentoring - to zero in on a specific calling one may have from the Lord. At the same time, we believe that it is important to get broad exposure, through teaching, impartation and experience, to a wide variety of areas. Why? First, even if the Lord requires a student to focus over the long-term, such broad exposure will allow them to appreciate the callings that others have. Second, it is vital that we have certain foundational factors in place (i.e. the ability to hear the Lord accurately) if we are to fully realize our potential in Christ. Overall, we look forward to observing how the Lord will uniquely shape and use each student through the School.
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