Class begins Saturday, February 11, 2012
The purpose of this institute is to assist our pastors and churches in equipping men to become pastors and found new churches. Men who desire further equipping for ministry may also apply, even though they do not sense God is leading them to found a new church. Below you may download a a brief explanation ofthe institute, a description of the courses and who will teach them.
What will it take to reach with the gospel every neighborhood, every street, and every family in Maryland and Delaware?
A letter from James Dixon, Jr to the pastors......
Dear Pastor,
What will it take to share the gospel in every neighborhood, on every street and with every family in Maryland and Delaware? We praise God for every church He has founded in our region. Each of them plays a significant role in the answer to this question. Individually and together as we seek to fulfill the Great Commission in our own Jerusalem, we know we must preach the word of God and make more disciples. In God’s sovereign plan He founded the church of which you are the pastor, and like me, you may be the only pastor your church has ever known. We are rich in His blessings, and I am sure you share with me the dream that each of our churches would double or triple in size with new followers of Jesus Christ.
It is my desire that every person in my Jerusalem would hear the gospel and be compelled to receive Jesus Christ. Even if our churches triple in size it would still not be enough to reach every neighborhood in our area. Therefore, brother, I ask you to join me in the Antioch Initiative. For several years I have been praying and planning with our Advisory Council about how we can increase our efforts to fulfill the Great Commission. In addition to the good ministry of each of our churches, we need to found new churches among ethnic groups, neighborhoods, and social segments where there is little gospel presence.
The Antioch Institute serves churches throughout the Maryland Delaware region to equip pastors and leaders to found and pastor new churches. It operates under the leadership of the African-American Advisory Council of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) and in partnership with the North American Mission Board through Embrace Baltimore. We are now entering our second term starting early next year.
The primary ministry student for which this institute exists is the adult believer who has not attended, completed Bible College or seminary training. We affirm the benefit of Bible colleges and seminaries. We also recognize circumstances do not make it possible for all who desire to fulfill their thirst for Biblical education or for those who are called into ministry to attend them. The primary design of this curriculum is to prepare and sharpen the knowledge and skills of leaders, and lay persons both men and women even if they do not sense God is leading them to found a new church; this will enhance and maximize their spiritual growth. Even so, any pastor, associate pastor or potential church planter who has not completed formal theological training will benefit from this training, and we encourage them to apply.
The Antioch Institute provides a strong foundation in evangelism, discipleship, pastoral ministry, and biblical studies. It also provides practical instruction and coaching on founding new churches. Throughout their training students will gain a broad, yet practical foundation for ministry.
Pastors, seminary professors, and ministry leaders serve as the instructors of the Antioch Institute. Students will benefit from an emphasis on application and the years of ministry experience these men bring to every course.
Most students will have marketplace jobs. Therefore, instructors will limit assignments and reading. They will focus their training and teaching on the time they spend with students the second Saturday of each month.
A new course is taught every month, and courses will be taught through 6-hours of instruction, the second Saturday of every month for 18 months. Upon completion, students will receive a certificate endorsed by the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware and the North American Mission Board.
By partnering with existing churches the Antioch Institute will foster healthy relationships among existing pastors and new pastors. Encouraging and supporting the unity of the body while boldly and sacrificially seeking to fulfill the Great Commission are hallmarks of this institute.
I am appealing to you to seek guidance from the Lord to discern whom He has already placed in your ministry that will benefit from this experience and encourage them to enroll in the Antioch Institute which will begin on February 11, 2012. I have enclosed a registration form as well as a calendar of courses, instructors and class information for your convenience. Your friendship and partnership in the ministry are important to me and I am available to talk to you and to answer your questions. You may contact me anytime at 202-258-1427.
In His Name,
Rev. James Dixon, Jr.
Contact: Rev. James Dixon, Jr., the director of the Antioch Institute is available at (800) 466-5290, ext. 227 and jdixon@bcmd.org
Application Deadline: All applications must be submitted by Friday, January 13, 2012.
Send applications to Rev. James Dixon, Jr., El Bethel Baptist Church,
11384 Livingston Rd, Fort Washington, MD, 20744.
Application Fee: $15, which will be applied to the fee for the first course.
Schedule: Classes will be held the second Saturday of every month, and the first class will be held on February 11, 2012. Classes will meet 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided.
Location: Classes will be held at First Baptist Church of Upper Marlboro,
7415 Southwest Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro, Maryland, 20772
Expectations: Students are expected to complete all courses. Students should work with the director to make up any course they miss. Instructors will provide optional reading and optional assignments to be completed between monthly meetings. Students are encouraged to complete the optional work as it will enhance their growth and learning experience.
Cost: Students will pay $25 per month. Payment should be made for 3 months at a time, so students will pay $75 every 3 months. The first payment of $65 ($75 less the $15 application fee) is due on February 11, 2012. Checks should be made payable to El Bethel Baptist Church. They may be brought to the first class or mailed in advance to El Bethel Baptist Church, 11384 Livingston Rd,
Fort Washington, MD, 20744.
Mentors: The institute desires each student to have a mentor during their training. These mentorships will encourage the students and foster their spiritual growth. The institute will work with students to ensure they have a mature ministry leader who will serve as their mentor throughout this training program.
Church Starter Assessment: The Church Multiplication Team of the BCM/D will conduct assessments for students looking to found new churches. The Church Multiplication Team will also assist the Antioch Institute in securing a church starting coach for each student who is preparing to found a new church.