What We Offer
The Network pursues four strategic initiatives:
The centerpiece of the Network's ministry is the provision of Continuing Education Opportunities. Through a partnership with the John Leland Center, one of our Virginia Baptist education partners, the Network aims to "bring the campus to you," providing convenient and affordable study options in a variety of locations. Toward that end, the Network offers both undergraduate and Masters classes for ministry training.
The courses offered by the Network allow undergraduate students to pursue 48 hours of undergraduate credit (sixteen 3-hour courses), leading to a Diploma in Theology. Masters students will receive a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies by completing 20 hours of Masters academic credit (ten 2-hour courses). Both programs provide a strong foundation for ministry and represent a significant accomplishment that will be recognized by churches. Students can also take individual classes and even audit a class. Then, for students who wish to pursue a full Bachelors or Masters degree, articulation agreements with other colleges and seminaries are in place to transfer Leland credits. Our students include those exploring a call to ministry, those just beginning ministry, those entering ministry as a second career, those serving as bivocational leaders, and those who simply want to make a difference in their church or community.
Helpful information related to Continuing Education:
- Current courses being offered
- Diploma Program FAQs
- Masters Program FAQs
- Admissions and Registration materials and information
- Christian Leadership Network scholarship application
(available for those who are members of BGAV churches)
Because ministry can be a lonely calling, opportunities for Networking are essential.
- Ongoing learning and renewal through affinity groups:
- Groups facilitated by Network
- Other groups throughout Virginia, including contact person
- Groups facilitated by Network
- Certified life coaching for ministers and lay leaders:
The Network provides Resources through print and electronic materials, including a monthly newsletter, Quick Bits, which highlights ideas and articles for leadership training.
- View latest issue of Quick Bits e-Newsletter
- View archived versions of Quick Bits
- Sign up to receive Quick Bits
Workshops and Conferences are periodically offered, dealing with personal needs and topics related to the "nuts and bolts" of church ministry. Training workshops can be tailored to address a specific need in a church, assisting them in pursuing the vision God has already planted in them. Simply contact us and we'll arrange a date for you to host a workshop or put you in touch with a resource person for that particular event.
In achieving its mission, the Network focuses on three target groups:
- Bivocational ministers, with emphasis on ministers, not just pastors. Many churches are turning to persons already in their church or community for staff ministry positions as well as pastor. This can be a healthy trend since these folks will be familiar with a church and its culture and may already have established relationships in the church. Also, because they are employed in the community, they have roots and income that make them less likely to be so transient. The major drawback is their lack of formal training and that's where the Network steps in to assist.
- Obviously, one of our target groups is full-time ministers, some who may be just starting out or those who find themselves running in place later and needing a jump start. Our intent is to offer personal and professional refueling along the journey.
- Volunteer leaders who make a difference in our churches and our communities.
