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Chas Stevenson

This course is a refreshing and powerful launch class for those in Christian ministry of any sort. It is designed with insight to aid people in deciding if they are called to Ministry or not. And it is designed to prepare and empower Ministers and Church leaders to be effective and successful for their Kingdom work. It's highly Bible-based as well as experience-based, as Chas and Joni Stevenson have combined their 30+ years in Ministry to unmask the reality behind the scenes (behind the pulpit). Just what are Ministers all about? And what really must happen from heart to house to pulpit?

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This course is a refreshing and powerful launch class for those in Christian ministry of any sort. It is designed with insight to aid people in deciding if they are called to Ministry or not. And it is designed to prepare and empower Ministers and Church leaders to be effective and successful for their Kingdom work. It's highly Bible-based as well as experience-based, as Chas and Joni Stevenson have combined their 30+ years in Ministry to unmask the reality behind the scenes (behind the pulpit). Just what are Ministers all about? And what really must happen from heart to house to pulpit?

If you're serious about serving God, you'll love these classes, as they were taught live to a group of about 70. There are about 20 hours of instruction spread over 22 videos, each video being personal and engaging.

A Minister's Handbook (eBook manual) is also included in the course, which is a comprehensive reference compilation of the content.

Every Minister of the gospel will benefit from this course. And every sincere believer who feels a call to Church leadership will benefit from this course.

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What's inside

Learning objective

Gain a precise and biblical perspective of real gospel ministry that pleases god, understand every minister's true assignment, and learn the spiritual and practical secrets for successful christian ministry and church leadership

Syllabus

Introduction

It's time for a crash course in Ministry. So, get ready to go behind the scenes of the Church, see what Jesus truly assigned us to, and get the insight and revelation you need to fulfill it.

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How can you know if you are called to a Ministry Office? What makes a person a Minister?

What are the Ministry Offices? There are five. Standing in a Ministry Office is different than the general ministry that all believers are called to.

Jesus gave some Apostles.

And He gave some Prophets...

And He gave some Evangelists...

And He gave some Pastors...

And He gave some Teachers...

Other ministries that God has "set" in the Church / life gifts that everyone has

The Holy Spirit gives supernatural gifts to those empowered by Him...not natural abilities, but supernatural ones that manifest for moments in time rather than permanently.

Weddings, Funerals, and Christmas plays? Or something else?

Something else.

Weddings, Funerals, and Christmas plays? Or something else?

Something else.

Part 2

Preparation for a life of Ministry is no small matter and requires diligence, excellence, and commitment.
Topics of Discussion:

  • Consecration
  • Commitment for a Lifetime
  • Passing the Tests
  • Mastering God's Word
  • The Holy Spirit - Your Best Friend
  • Prayer and Fasting
Topics of Discussion:
  • Apprenticeship
  • Being Number Two, Three, or Four
  • Full Speed

Topics of Discussion:

  • Ministry Excellence
  • Vision
  • Sermon and Meeting Preparation
Topics of Discussion:
  • Associations and Impartations
  • Never Forget the Main Thing
  • Beware of Major Pitfalls
  • Ordination
  • Missionaries

All Ministers must be trained how to handle God's money with holiness and honesty as well as Biblically and effectively.

Scriptural insight and wisdom for dealing with sin and resolving conflicts in the church.

Leading a sheepfold requires keen discernment. Using the analogy of Jesus being the Great Shepherd and Pastors being His under-shepherds, we describe the attributes and behavior types of sheep, goats, wolves, and sheepdogs, so you can easily recognize who's who in the Body of Christ.

How should Pastors treat a traveling Minister? How should traveling Ministers treat Pastors and churches? It's all for the benefit of the people and the local church, so let's get it right.

The winds of doctrine will continue to blow, but if you are rock solid in your Bible knowledge, you will recognize error and help those you minister to avoid these traps.

Areas of Doctrinal Conflict
  • Cessasionists
  • Theodicy, suffering, sovereignty
  • Can women teach, preach, and lead churches?
  • Righteousness, grace, forgiveness of sins
  • Faith and healing
  • The unpardonable sin
  • and more...

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a Biblical perspective on gospel ministry, which may resonate with those seeking theological grounding and practical guidance in their service
Aids in discerning whether one is called to ministry, which can be valuable for those exploring their spiritual path and considering vocational ministry
Covers handling finances with holiness and honesty, which is crucial for maintaining integrity and trust within a ministry setting
Explores the attributes and behaviors of different types of people in the church, such as sheep, goats, and wolves, which can aid in discernment and leadership
Includes preaching tips, which may be helpful for improving communication skills and delivering effective sermons
Addresses doctrinal conflicts, which may help ministers navigate theological debates and maintain a solid foundation in their beliefs

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Reviews summary

Practical ministry guidance and foundation

According to learners, this course offers a powerful launch for those in or considering ministry. Students appreciate the highly Biblical and experience-based insights shared by the instructors who draw from 30+ years in ministry. The course provides a solid foundation, covering essential topics like understanding ministry calls, handling church finances, sermon preparation, and conflict resolution. Many found the practical advice and "Minister's Handbook" particularly useful for applying learned concepts. While some areas might be more foundational, the overall sentiment is strongly positive for those seeking practical guidance and Biblical perspective.
Aids decision-making about ministry.
"It helped me greatly in deciding if I am truly called to Ministry or not."
"If you feel a call to Church leadership, this course clarifies what that entails."
"The module on 'Discovering A Call' was very insightful."
Manual is a valuable resource.
"The included Minister's Handbook is a comprehensive reference I'll use often."
"Having the eBook manual to accompany the videos is very helpful for review."
"The handbook compiles all the content for easy access later."
Benefits from experienced teachers.
"Chas and Joni share invaluable experience from their 30+ years in ministry."
"The instructors are engaging and share real-world wisdom."
"You can tell the advice comes from seasoned ministers who have 'been there'."
Strongly rooted in scripture.
"The course is very strong biblically and gave me a new perspective on true gospel ministry."
"I appreciate how everything taught is backed up by scripture, making it very solid doctrine."
"It's highly Bible-based as well as experience-based, which is exactly what I was looking for."
"The solid doctrine module was great, helping me recognize error."
Offers actionable advice for ministry.
"The sections on handling money and church discipline were incredibly practical and needed."
"I found the 50 preaching tips to be immediately applicable to my own sermons."
"They really unmask the reality behind the scenes, giving practical tips for ministry life."
"Helped me learn the spiritual and practical secrets for successful Christian ministry."
Best suited for beginners/intermediate.
"For someone already deep in ministry for many years, some parts might feel foundational."
"It's a 'crash course,' so it provides an overview rather than extreme depth on every single topic."
"Great launch class, perhaps less suited for advanced theological study."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Minister's Crash Course with these activities:
Review Biblical Theology
Strengthen your understanding of core theological concepts to better grasp the nuances discussed in the course.
Show steps
  • Review key theological terms and concepts.
  • Read summaries of major theological viewpoints.
  • Reflect on how these concepts relate to ministry.
Read 'The Purpose Driven Life'
Gain insights into purpose-driven ministry and leadership principles.
Show steps
  • Read the book and reflect on each chapter.
  • Discuss the book's concepts with others.
  • Apply the principles to your ministry context.
Volunteer at a Local Church
Gain practical experience by serving in a ministry setting.
Show steps
  • Contact a local church and offer your services.
  • Assist with various tasks and activities.
  • Observe experienced ministers in action.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Discuss Ministry Challenges with Peers
Share experiences and learn from others in similar ministry roles.
Show steps
  • Connect with other ministers or church leaders.
  • Schedule regular meetings to discuss challenges.
  • Offer support and encouragement to one another.
Create a Sermon Outline
Practice sermon preparation skills to improve your communication abilities.
Show steps
  • Choose a relevant biblical passage.
  • Identify the main points of the passage.
  • Develop an engaging introduction and conclusion.
  • Write out the main points of the sermon.
Develop a Personal Ministry Philosophy
Articulate your core beliefs and values that will guide your ministry work.
Show steps
  • Reflect on your experiences and beliefs.
  • Research different ministry models.
  • Write a statement of your ministry philosophy.
  • Share your philosophy with a mentor for feedback.
Read 'Spiritual Leadership'
Study the principles of effective spiritual leadership.
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
  • Reflect on your own leadership style.
  • Identify areas for growth and development.

Career center

Learners who complete Minister's Crash Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Pastor
A pastor leads a congregation, providing spiritual guidance, conducting services, and overseeing church activities. This course, 'Minister's Crash Course,' is designed to empower ministers and church leaders, making it highly relevant for aspiring pastors. Topics covered in the course, such as ministry offices, responsibilities, and preparation, provide a solid foundation for someone seeking to become a pastor. The course includes practical advice on sermon preparation, and offers a biblical perspective of ministry, which is crucial for anyone in this role.
Church Leader
Church leaders are responsible for guiding and organizing the various aspects of church life, which can include administration, finance, and outreach programs. The 'Minister's Crash Course' directly addresses the needs of church leaders by preparing them for effective service. The course material covers a wide range of topics from ministry preparation to handling finances, all of which are essential practices for a successful church leader. The course also deals with conflict resolution, which will be extremely helpful in a leadership role.
Evangelist
An evangelist focuses on spreading the gospel, often traveling to different locations to preach and share their faith. The 'Minister's Crash Course' is useful for evangelists, as it covers the core aspects of ministry, including the understanding of various ministry offices. The course's focus on discovering a calling to ministry, coupled with practical instruction on ministry preparation and effective communication, can help evangelists refine their approach. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on biblical principles provides a strong foundation for their work.
Missionary
A missionary travels to different regions or countries to spread their faith and often engages in humanitarian work. The 'Minister's Crash Course' offers useful guidance for missionaries, as it covers topics such as ministry preparation and responsibilities. The course's comprehensive approach, including both spiritual and practical aspects of ministry, can help missionaries be effective in their work. The course especially helps by addressing topics such as handling money according to biblical principles, an essential skill for a missionary.
Chaplain
A chaplain provides spiritual care to individuals in various settings such as hospitals, schools, or the military. A 'Minister's Crash Course' may be beneficial for aspiring chaplains, because it discusses responsibilities and preparation for ministry. Topics such as understanding different ministry offices, developing a biblical understanding of ministry, and learning how to handle various conflicts will be useful in this role. The course provides a robust approach to ministry, which will be instructive for a chaplain.
Bible Teacher
A Bible teacher instructs others in the teachings of the Bible, often in churches, schools, or community settings. The 'Minister's Crash Course' may be beneficial for aspiring Bible teachers, as ministry offices and the importance of solid doctrine are discussed. The course's emphasis on practical ministry preparation can also help Bible teachers develop effective teaching methods. The course provides a strong foundation in biblical understanding, which is crucial for a Bible teacher.
Youth Minister
A youth minister focuses on the spiritual development of young people within a church or religious organization. The 'Minister's Crash Course' may be useful for youth ministers because it provides a foundation in biblical teaching and practical ministry. The course covers important topics concerning ministry offices, responsibilities, and preparation, which are all relevant to youth ministry. Additionally, information on conflict resolution and leadership will help a youth minister.
Religious Educator
A religious educator develops and delivers religious education programs in various settings. The 'Minister's Crash Course' may be useful for religious educators, as it provides a Biblical perspective of ministry. This course's focus on the spiritual and practical aspects of ministry, along with its emphasis on biblical doctrine, may be helpful in this career path. The course also offers tips for teaching, which will be valuable for a religious educator.
Worship Leader
A worship leader guides congregations in music and worship during religious services. A 'Minister's Crash Course' may be helpful for someone interested in becoming a worship leader because of its focus on practical ministry and preparation. Although this course does not focus on music, it does offer the foundational understanding of ministry necessary to lead worship services. It also covers ministry ethics and responsibilities, which are particularly relevant for a worship leader.
Spiritual Counselor
A spiritual counselor provides guidance and support to individuals seeking spiritual growth and healing. The 'Minister's Crash Course' may be helpful for those aspiring to be spiritual counselors, as it offers a biblical understanding of ministry and its various responsibilities. The course's emphasis on ministry preparation and handling conflicts can equip spiritual counselors with valuable tools. Additionally, the course's focus on a relationship with God can help a counselor personally.
Nonprofit Director
A nonprofit director manages the operations and development of a non profit organization. The 'Minister's Crash Course' may prove useful for a nonprofit director, especially if the organization is faith based. This course may help a director understand the biblical and practical aspects of leading an organization. The course also discusses the ethical handling of finances, which can be highly beneficial for a director.
Church Administrator
A church administrator manages the day-to-day operations of a church, handling tasks like scheduling, finances, and communication. The 'Minister's Crash Course' may prove useful for a church administrator. Although this role is more administrative than spiritual, a course that discusses handling church money, conflict resolution, and the importance of efficient ministry can help administrators in their work. A foundational understanding of ministry can be beneficial.
Religious Writer
A religious writer creates content for various publications, covering religious themes, scripture, and spiritual guidance. The 'Minister's Crash Course' may be helpful for a religious writer, as this course has an intensive, bible based curriculum. The course's comprehensive approach to ministry, combined with its emphasis on strong doctrine, can help writers better articulate religious concepts. The course also offers an understanding of real world ministry that can enhance writing.
Theological Researcher
A theological researcher studies religious texts, doctrines, and historical contexts. The 'Minister's Crash Course' may be helpful for a theological researcher as it includes a comprehensive look at ministry, including the importance of doctrine. The course's emphasis on biblical understanding can assist a researcher in their work. This course is applicable to anyone in a church leadership role, including researchers.
Community Outreach Coordinator
A community outreach coordinator develops and manages programs that connect religious organizations with their local communities. The 'Minister's Crash Course' may be helpful for a community outreach coordinator as it provides a strong foundation in ministry principles and practices. Understanding various ministry types and responsibilities can help coordinators plan and execute effective outreach programs. This course may be useful for anyone seeking to make an impact in their community.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Minister's Crash Course.
Explores the concept of finding and fulfilling God's purpose for your life. It provides a framework for understanding your calling and aligning your actions with God's will. It valuable resource for anyone seeking clarity and direction in their ministry.
Explores the qualities and characteristics of effective spiritual leaders. It emphasizes the importance of character, integrity, and a servant's heart. It classic resource for anyone aspiring to lead in a Christian context, providing timeless principles and practical guidance.

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