Certified Emerging Christian Minister (CECM)
Tuition: $650.00
COMING SOON!
You are aware of many Christians who are leaving their church because they challenge the validity of the literal interpretation of the Bible. They are tired of being taught interpretations of biblical passages that they feel have no relevance in today's society. You wish to provide a spiritual bridge between those leaving their churches and Christianity. You wish to meet today's Christian from the source of Love that is the foundation of the teachings of Jesus. You wish to serve emerging Christians and support their desire and need to dwell within the Heart of Jesus, and live their Christian Faith. You are called to be an Emerging Christian Minister.
As a modern, or emerging Christian, it is helpful to understand that the practice of applying literal interpretations to the Bible finds its roots in the 16th Century (Protestant Reformation) when such reformist as Martin Luther and John Calvin promoted the Word as infallible, thereby taking power away from the Church and replacing the Church's authority with the infallibility of the scripture.
Viewing the scripture as direct dictation from God, the Reformists were able to preach the Word as they interpreted it rather than relying on Church doctrine. Because the Bible was not available for reading by the common person, (until the printing press and the translation of the Bible from Latin, Hebrew and Greek) the interpretation of its meaning was left to the educated and elite and thus these interpretations directed the lives and beliefs of Christianity in that era.
With the invention of the printing press, the Bible was available to be read by the common people and thus became open to controversial thought. This has caused a great divide among Christians as older literal interpretation ideology struggles to promote its view and emerging Christian understandings take root.
Today's literalists still believe in the teachings of the Reformation in that they view the Bible literally unless it is clearly speaking in a metaphorical sense. The emerging Christian is called to view the Bible within its cultural context and study the Word as to its spiritual guidance and application in the modern world.
This course of study is designed to aid the emerging or modern Christian Minister who wishes to provide a spiritual home to fellow Christians through the formation of a ministry or church that is open to and applicable for the modern day Christian. Rooted in Spirit and Christ's fundamental teachings of love, this course welcomes the student home to the heart of Christianity that is founded in the love of God.
This course is divided into 12 study sections and includes the study of the Bible, the preparation of worship services, funerals and weddings. In addition, time is spent on understanding human development as it applies to Christian development across the life span and incorporates contemplation, prayer and meditation.
The graduate of this course will feel prepared to meet the requirements asked of the Emerging Christian Minister and will have completed a life-changing spiritual journey.