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The Free Methodist Church in Canada™

Foundational Courses

HEART OF CANADIAN FREE METHODISM

Date: April 18, 19 & 20, 2008

Start Time:  9:00 am each day *PLEASE NOTE - THIS COURSE WILL RUN FRIDAY AND SATURDAY ONLY STARTING AT 9 AM EACH DAY (NO CLASS ON SUNDAY)*

Instructor: Rev. Greg Pulham

Location: Wesley Chapel Free Methodist Church, Scarborough, ON

The purpose of this course, in brief, is to present the origin and development of the beliefs, mission, values and practices of the Free Methodist Church (especially in Canada).  On this foundation, we seek to understand what the Free Methodist movement in Canada stands for and is called to today.

There are three goals of this Foundational Course:

• To provide a clear sense of our roots in the World Methodist Movement, rooted in orthodox Christianity and its development over the centuries to the present day.  The focus will be on how our roots shape our present behaviours and passions for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
• To provide a description of The Free Methodist Church in Canada as a growing movement of God carrying the gospel of Jesus Christ within the context of our distinctives as Methodists today.  We are thoroughly evangelical with distinctives that God has called us to offer to the Church.  You will receive a description of how we are functioning today using the best of what research and tools are available to the wider Christian community, but used by us to fulfill our distinctive call.
• To provide sufficient information and communicate our passion for impacting the world with the claims of Christ through our movement that will determine if you will be able to assent to live in harmony with our movement.

PERSONAL AND CHURCH STEWARDSHIP *NEW* foundational course

Date:  Apr 18, 19 & 20, 2008

Start Time:  9:00 am each day

Instructor:  Mrs. Joanne Bell, Stewardship Development Director

Location:  Northview Community Church, Regina, SK

Date: Oct 17, 18 & 19, 2008

Location:  TBA - in Ontario

The purpose of the stewardship foundational course is educate and inspire regarding biblical stewardship. We will examine biblical stewardship from both a personal and church management perspective.

At the conclusion of this course, the student will:

1. have gained an understanding of how God wants us to manage the time, talents and treasure He has entrusted to us personally

2. have the practical tools necessary to move from financial bondage to financial freedom in Christ and living a generous life

3. be more knowledgeable about the concepts of biblical stewardship and their application within the context of church administration and management

4. have gained an understanding as to what an effective stewardship ministry in the local church looks like

5. have been reminded of the joy of giving, the reasons to give and God's promises for those who are faithful stewards

WESLEYAN THEOLOGY

Date: April 18, 19 & 20, 2008

Start Time:  9:00 am each day

Instructor: Rev. David Ashton

Location: Peterborough Free Methodist Church, Peterborough, ON

Course Description:  This Course will investigate the life and times of John Wesley, and the unique practical and theological contribution he made to Christendom, with particular focus on the doctrines of Salvation and Sanctification.

Why such a course?  In recent years across Christendom there has occurred a revival of interest in John and Charles Wesley.  It has been sparked by several recent phenomena.  The Church Growth movement, the Small Group movement, the Evangelical Movement, the Charismatic Movement, the Ecumenical Movement, and the Openness of God theology have all focused considerable attention on the Great Awakening of the 18th Century and in particular the contribution of the Wesley Bothers.  This course will introduce us to what happened in history and how it affects our perception on many of the central issues of church life today.

CULTURE & THE MISSIONAL CHURCH   *NEW* foundational course

Date:  Nov 21, 22 & 23, 2008

Start Time:  9:00 am each day

Instructors:  Rev. Dan Sheffield and Rev. Jared Siebert

Location:  TBA - in Ontario

Course Description

The Church is God’s chosen instrument for accomplishing Missio Dei (God’s Mission). This course is designed to introduce an understanding of culture and theology of mission that informs our engagement with our own communities, with peoples around us who are not like us, and gives foundations for involvement in mission beyond our own borders. Processes and practices for engagement with our own communities, and beyond, are introduced and discussed.

Course Objectives

Upon completion, participants will have been

1. introduced to basic issues in understanding culture in both society and organizations
2. introduced to basic principles for research and analysis of local church culture(s)
3. introduced to processes for leading congregations through the “change cycle”—the basic ministry rhythm of the missional church
4. introduced to several leadership practices for the missional church

INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE (Thinking Like a Christian)

Date: TBA

Start Time:  9:00 am each day

Instructor: Rev. John Vlainic

Location: TBA

Course Description

Introduction to Christian Doctrine (“Thinking Like a Christian”) is a survey course, which aims to provide us with an introduction to the basic beliefs of the Christian Church. This is not intended to be sectarian in any way, but will serve as an introduction to the "Christian Consensus" that has anchored the church throughout the past two millennia.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course the student is expected to:

• Come to a basic understanding of the theology of the Christian Church as it has been articulated down through the centuries;
• Become a more adept theologian, having developed the skills to think clearly about the central issues of Christian belief;
• Become more skilled in reading, writing, and conversation.

INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE *CANCELLED*

Date: March 28, 29 & 30, 2008

Start Time:  9:00 am each day

Instructor: Rev. John Vlainic

Location: Bramalea Free Methodist Church, Brampton, ON

Course Description:  “Introduction to the Bible” is a survey course, which aims to provide us with an introduction to the Old and New Testament Scriptures of the Christian Church. 

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course the student is expected to:

- Come to a basic understanding of the basic content and direction of the Old and New Testaments

- Become a more adept interpreter of the scriptures, having developed the skills to think clearly about the central message(s) of the Christian faith.

- Become more skilled in taking an ancient text and moving to its modern application.

For more information contact

Susan DePlanché

Director of Personnel Office
7360 Merritt Avenue
Niagara Falls, ON L2G 5C4
905.354.7006/tel & fax

email - deplanches{at}fmc-canada{dot}org
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