Opening Doors to Discipleship

by Candace C. Hill
Associate for Christian education and Presbyterians Organized in Nurture and Teaching (POINT)

Opportunities for learning through online sources are increasing every year: colleges and universities offer degrees through the Internet, faith communities post articles and organize discussion groups through forums
and bulletin boards on the Web, and children regularly experience “virtual teaching” in interactive classrooms. Members of your congregation can now participate in learning online with a new teacher training resource for
Reformed educational ministry, Opening Doors to Discipleship: Teacher Training Online.

Launched in fall 2007, Opening Doors to Discipleship is a project sponsored by five Reformed denominations in North America, member denominations of the Presbyterian Reformed Educational Partners (PREP).
The partner denominations for this online learning resource are The Cumberland Presbyterian Church, The Moravian Church in America, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), The Presbyterian Church in Canada and The Reformed Church in America. The site can be accessed through links on the partner denominations’ Web pages.

This training tool, when complete, will offer three courses: Teaching Skills, Bible Background and Presbyterian/Reformed Faith. Each online course has 12 sessions. Teaching Skills is available now with the other
two courses, Bible Background and Presbyterian/Reformed Faith, due online September 2008. Courses offered through Opening Doors to Discipleship are provided at no cost to partner members or congregations. Other denominations are welcome to participate in this online learning opportunity by contacting the Web administrator to register.

The goal of Opening Doors to Discipleship is to equip leaders as they walk beside others on the discipleship journey. It invites individuals who are involved in the educational ministry of the church to ask questions like:

How can I use activities to engage students in a life of faith?
How can I communicate Bible stories so learners “enter” into them?
How can I speak with passion and witness through my actions to the power and promise of my Reformed faith?

Each lesson of the Teaching Skills course follows the same outline: a “how to get started” section; an introduction to the purpose of the session; a time for meditation, prayer, and Bible study; three learning
modules with practice exercises and a summary to wrapup the session. Optional extras are also available for each session: a resource side bar, a chance to listen in (video interviews from a variety of leaders) and a bibliography for additional reading.

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Opening Doors to Discipleship.

Are the three courses difficult?
The courses are designed as introductory, but lifelong learners can use them to brush up on their teaching skills, to explore Bible themes or to review Presbyterian/Reformed theology.

Are these courses for teachers of children only?
The courses are intended for leaders of any age group. Some examples may be specifically for children’s ministry, however the basic concepts can apply to leaders of youth or adults.

Do I study courses alone?
You can, but you may want to establish a learning group within your congregation. Your group could include other leaders, your minister and anyone interested in educational ministry. You may learn more in a group, but you can also learn alone with Opening Doors to Discipleship.

Who supervises my learning?
If you are working in a learning group from your congregation, your pastor or church educator may supervise the process. If you work alone, we suggest you find a mentor who can talk with you about what you
are learning and the experiences you have as you work through the course materials.

How can I learn more about Opening Doors to Discipleship:Teachers Learning Online?
Visit the Web site to learn more about this exciting resource or to register
as an online learner. Contact your denominational representative listed on the site or the Web administrator for more information.