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We are bringing English GATEWAY to Madison!
FAQ:
Q: What is GATEWAY?
A: It is an alternate pathway to credentialing in the EFCA. The first year is based on the EFCA Statement of Faith. Subsequent years will provide what is needed for a student to attain the theological mastery needed for ordination.
Q: Why does this exist?
A: GATEWAY has started with Spanish speaking leaders and pastors who want to gain a language specific and high quality education that leads to licensing and ordination. Many of these leaders simply can not follow the normal track of college and seminary. GATEWAY is broad enough to include other languages and to provide the same training for any setting where this could unleash the potential of the church.
Q: Why English GATEWAY in Madison?
A: We have already identified several students seeking to pursue quality training, some of whom would want to seek licensing. We would like to make this available to any area EFCA congregation who may have students who fit this profile: Capable leaders needing training on location in English.
Q: What does it look like?
A: The students meet with a facilitator, who is an experienced EFCA pastor with an MDiv degree. After an orientation, classes occur monthly, for four hours on a Saturday. Students come having read their assignments and having prepared a short paper on each topic. The monthly meetings combine instruction and interaction. Students can take notes and re-submit their papers in the following week. By the end of the first year, they will have prepared a paper suitable as a Licensing paper for a Board of Ministerial Standing.
Q: What are the costs?
A: The first year is $300 plus the price of books ($68 English, $55 Spanish). The following years involve collaboration with TUMI, a program developed by World Impact. GATEWAY II – TUMI has 16 modules (courses) which cost $200 plus books. (see www.tumi.org and click on “Capstone Curriculum”) Some students are supported by their churches with these costs.
Q: Who will facilitate?
A: At this time Dave Carlson, pastor at Bethany EFC in Madison, WI is assuming this role, there may be others to join. Bethany is working with several language ministries who have asked for this ministry. Bethany is also interested in supporting and providing experience for students who may not be part of the church.
Q: What are the books and their cost?
A: In the first year: GATEWAY Manual; Bible Doctrine, Wayne Grudem; This We Believe, A. T. Olson. The books will be available through GATEWAY and the total cost will be $68 (English) $55 (Spanish).
Q: Where can I look on the Web?
A: http://www.efca.org/reachnational/efca-gateway/-students - here you will find a sample syllabus.
Q: When will this begin?
A: The Orientation is Septermber 19, 2009 and the classes start in October on the 3rd Saturday of each Month – exact time of day to be determined by student schedules.
Q: What credential could I earn?
A: This depends on the policy of your district. The Forest Lakes District is very supportive and we are exploring the specifics of the Licensing and Ordination pathway. In some cases completing year one can allow someone working in ministry to go forward to apply for a provisional license. Completing the program would prepare you to apply for ordination.
Q: What if I am not with the Evangelical Free Church?
A: While GATEWAY is an EFCA ministry, we also desire to be a blessing to the broader evangelical community. We will welcome like minded students.
Q: How do I show interest or get more information?
A: Contact Dave Carlson at dcarlson301@gmail.com – (608)244-3656
Kris Driscoll at GATEWAY@efca.org – (956)961-9665
Q: Where do I start?
A: Complete a Student Application.
Q: Do you have a Blog?
A: Yes – http://gatewaymadison.wordpress.com/
7/03/2009
