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Academy
The Via Christus Academy provides educational opportunities for young leaders and prospective leaders. There are no formal teaching programs in this country to equip and prepare pastors and church leaders. Many pastors have requested instruction in basic theological and biblical knowledge. The Academy seeks to enrich their skills by providing quality teaching led by seminary graduates and former seminary instructors.
The desire to start a Bible Academy for leaders in Turkey has been one of our most exciting goals. We had our first lecture series during the Winter of 2015. It was devoted to a study of Early Church History led by Joel P. Johnson. In the Spring of 2016, Pastor John van Eyk presented a series of lectures on Hermeneutics. Our most recent lecture series was completed this past September. Dr. Tim Trumper led participants in a study of Biblical Theology. The course of study was rich in theology and practical applications, and it was a great time spent in fellowship with one another. We had 14 students from 8 different cities (7 Turkey and 1 Bulgaria). All of these people are involved in various ministries in their cities. All expenses for attendees, including transportation, accommodations, and meals are paid for through support given to Via Christus Ministries.
The curriculum consists of modules, presented throughout the week, twice a year. Each module focuses on one specific topic. The main purpose of the Academy is to develop leaders who are strong in Biblical knowledge and demonstrate the desire for living a Christ Centered life. The lecture series has also contributed to continuing communication and networking among attendees. In addition to the 20 hours devoted for lectures, there are also visits to local historic sites, and time devoted for students to gather in small groups to discuss and reflect upon the lecture series.
We will welcome the return of Pastor John van Eyk for the next Academy Lectures Series to be held in May, 2017. The subject of this lecture series will be a Survey of the Old Testament. Future lecture series will address the topics of: Systematic Theology, Survey of the New Testament, Pastoral Theology and Ministry, Homiletics, and Counseling.
The desire to start a Bible Academy for leaders in Turkey has been one of our most exciting goals. We had our first lecture series during the Winter of 2015. It was devoted to a study of Early Church History led by Joel P. Johnson. In the Spring of 2016, Pastor John van Eyk presented a series of lectures on Hermeneutics. Our most recent lecture series was completed this past September. Dr. Tim Trumper led participants in a study of Biblical Theology. The course of study was rich in theology and practical applications, and it was a great time spent in fellowship with one another. We had 14 students from 8 different cities (7 Turkey and 1 Bulgaria). All of these people are involved in various ministries in their cities. All expenses for attendees, including transportation, accommodations, and meals are paid for through support given to Via Christus Ministries.
The curriculum consists of modules, presented throughout the week, twice a year. Each module focuses on one specific topic. The main purpose of the Academy is to develop leaders who are strong in Biblical knowledge and demonstrate the desire for living a Christ Centered life. The lecture series has also contributed to continuing communication and networking among attendees. In addition to the 20 hours devoted for lectures, there are also visits to local historic sites, and time devoted for students to gather in small groups to discuss and reflect upon the lecture series.
We will welcome the return of Pastor John van Eyk for the next Academy Lectures Series to be held in May, 2017. The subject of this lecture series will be a Survey of the Old Testament. Future lecture series will address the topics of: Systematic Theology, Survey of the New Testament, Pastoral Theology and Ministry, Homiletics, and Counseling.