During the past few years I've been prayerfully investigating opportunities to begin working on a Master's Degree. It looks like I've landed on a program. In the fall I'll begin working on a graduate degree with AGTS. They are partnering with Church Life Resources to provide a Master's in Church Leadership.
There are several things that attracted me to this program. Most importantly, my work for each class will be specifically geared toward my leadership at Church of the King. For example, when we study small group ministry I'll write about the development of small group discipleship in our church. And when we study evangelism strategies, I'll write about our developing philosophy at COTK.
I'm also looking forward to building relationships with other lead pastors in the cohort. I'll be working through the program with the same guys from start to finish.
As the summer has progressed so has my vision for what Jesus wants to do in Metro Detroit. I can feel my energy increasing every week for ministry in our church. As I set my sights toward a the dream of serving our city I feel more and more the drive to grow as a leader and pastor.
The program is 16 months long. It starts in September and finishes in December, 2008. Two of the classes will actually take place on site at our church. The other 14 will be out of town. They are usually during the first week of the month, Tuesday through Friday.
Beginning this fall I'm making some changes to my schedule to accomodate the classes. I've decided to limit my out of town speaking commitments to the few that I've already scheduled. I've also accepted my dad's offer to preach for me on the Sundays following a class. He'll step right into the flow of our current series. Having my dad speak will free me to focus on school during class weeks.
I'm sure I'll continue to process this journey via the blog. And I can't wait to start getting student discounts at stores again:)
brilliant!
Posted by: Chilly... | July 17, 2007 at 12:11 PM
my dad grew so much as a leader after that class, that is so sweet you have the opportunity to get your masters this early.
Posted by: jonathan | July 18, 2007 at 03:17 PM