The College Board met for its regular quarterly meeting on June11th and we thought you might like to see a picture of the members in person and pray for them. Apologies for the rear view of Eric Purves but you can see his face here!
Advanced Ministry Apprenticeship Programme
Since EBC started our Diploma course in 2013, we have been privileged to train Christian workers who are now serving in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, Germany, USA and Poland. There are also others who are doing further training or are simply better equipped to live for and serve the Saviour in their own community and church. At the heart of our commitment to training is a desire to see men and women equipped for practical ministry through a transformational engagement with the Scriptures and with the Lord.
A healthy development in church life in Scotland has been a move away from a fixation with academic qualifications underwritten by secular bodies, as well as a realisation that the best training for service and ministry is one that combines the classroom experience with a hands-on, closely mentored, exposure to ministry.
We have been seeking to provide that since we started and are now taking that up a gear with the introduction in the autumn of our Advanced Ministry Apprenticeship Programme. We are running this in collaboration with Dr Adrian Holdsworth who put the course together and has successfully run it elsewhere.
Adrian says, “The Programme is a 9 month vocational training programme conducted in diverse settings under the leadership of EBC and external mentors. The Programme exists to transition students from the full-time college environment to full-time Christian ministry while transforming them in five key areas of personal development – knowing the Scriptures, Self, People, God and Ministry Skills.
“Students’ academic and ministry activities will be assessed in the field by the mentor, and by College staff. The essential characteristics of character, calling and competence will be the three main areas under review.
“At the core of the Ministry Apprenticeship Programme are mentored placements, tailor-made to fit the gifting and calling of the student, where they will observe, participate and receive assessment in the everyday work of an evangelist, cross-cultural worker, or pastor, for example.
“Running alongside the placement ministry will be a number of assignments set by college staff. The focus will be on preparation for full-time sustainable ministry, with emphases on knowing God, the Scriptures, one’s self, people and ministry methods. These assignments will be set up and reviewed during periods of study at the College.”
The Advanced Ministry Apprenticeship Programme is primarily designed as a third year option for our Diploma students but we are aware there may well be others, already in some form of ministry, or perhaps sensing a lack in the training they have already received, who would benefit from this course and we would welcome enquiries from them as well.
We also hope, through the Advanced Ministry Apprenticeship Programme to be able to partner with and support local churches who are not in a position to maintain a full-time worker or trainee, and this programme may be a way to enhance their ministry and outreach as they provide a training opportunity for a student.
Our first intake of students begin the programme in September 2018 and if you would like more information, please contact us via the Contact Us page.
2018 Graduation Celebration
A reminder that our 2018 Graduation Celebration takes place on Thursday 14th June at 7pm. Our guest speaker is author, preacher, writer and apologist, Dr John Blanchard. As well as marking the end of another College year and celebrating the achievements of our students, we will have news of new courses, news from our ministry in Poland, details of our exciting Advanced Ministry Apprenticeship Programme which launches this autumn and more. Put the date in your diary – June 14th – and make sure you don’t miss this.
Summer Term @ EBC
All classes held at 1 Clovenstone Park, Edinburgh EH14 3BG
EBC in Poland
After many months of planning and preparation we have just launched our designated Polish website with details of training courses we are making specifically available to Christians in Poland. This initiative has been spearheaded by one of our former students, Pastor Adam Urban, who is now pastoring a church in his home country.
You can access to site here and if you have any Polish friends or contacts, please do make them aware of this resource.
Open Door Day
We’re always glad to welcome visitors to EBC, especially those considering a course of study, but we’re making a special effort on Friday 3rd March. If you, or anyone you know, are exploring study possibilities – either full-time or part-time – why not come along for even part of the day and see what we have got to offer.
9.00-9.30 Devotions
9.30-10.30 Bible Overview: John’s Gospel
10.30-11.00 Tea / coffee
11.00-1.00 Introduction to Children’s Work (part 1)
1.00-2.00 Lunch
2.00-4.00 Preaching – principles and practice
If you can, please let us know that you’re coming, but if you decide at the last moment, then come anyway!
Spring Term at EBC
Our Spring term gets underway next week, and here are the three new courses we are teaching and which are open to anyone to attend. Feel very free just to come and listen and enjoy or you can do the set assignments and gain study credits if you so wish.
Saturday Bible School
We are delighted to announce a new partnership between EBC and Roman Road Hall in Motherwell. Our newest Saturday Bible School begins on Saturday 11th March 2017 and will be held on the second Saturday of every month, except for July or August. EBC and Roman Road are keen to welcome anyone to come and enjoy a day of study and fellowship. More information here