Frequently Asked Questions

	Frequently Asked Questions
TABLE OF CONTENTS -What is CLI? -Where are the classes taught? -Who teaches the classes? ________________________________________________________________________________________________ -Will the classes be taught in a manner that lay people can understand what is being taught? -How is the program structured? -What courses are offered? ________________________________________________________________________________________________ -How do I know this is a quality program? -Can a student start anywhere in the program, or it is required that students begin with the first course offered in January? -Is it possible to audit a class or must one enroll for the whole program? ________________________________________________________________________________________________ -How many students are now enrolled in CLI? -Who is eligible to enroll in CLI? -I completed the Certified Lay Ministry Program. Should I attend CLI? -Are CEU’s available? ________________________________________________________________________________________________ -It sounds like CLI is primarily for persons interested in being bivocational ministers. Will it benefit someone like me who just wants to learn more about God and how to better serve Him and my church? -How much do the classes cost? -Are scholarships available? -You’ve convinced me! How do I enroll? ________________________________________________________________________________________________

What is CLI? The Church Leadership Institute (CLI) was developed to replace the Certified Lay Ministry training program. It is designed to provide training for persons interested in becoming more effective leaders within their churches and for those persons who may be considering serving in bivocational ministry. Where are the classes taught? All courses are taught at Franklin College. Each course meets for four Saturdays over a two month period. Classes are held in January-February; April-May; July-August; and October-November. Classes run from 9:00 – 3:00. Who teaches the classes? We have been privileged to have excellent instructors for each of our courses. Most of our instructors have earned doctorates in the fields in which they teach, and many of them have experience teaching in an academic setting. Will the classes be taught in a manner that lay people can understand what is being taught? Our instructors understand their audience and teach appropriately. Our students find the classes challenging, but well within their ability to understand what is being taught. The one criticism we often receive from students is that they wish the classes could last for more than four weeks because they are learning so much. How is the program structured? CLI is developed in two tracks. The first track consists of eight courses. Students who complete this track receive a Certificate in Christian Leadership. A second track is available for those students who want to continue their training. This track includes an additional five courses, and those who complete this track receive a Diploma in Pastoral Ministry. Both tracks can be completed in slightly over three years, but students have five years to complete the program. What courses are offered? A listing of the courses is found elsewhere on this website. How do I know this is a quality program? Oakland City University will grant credit hours to our CLI graduates who wish to pursue their education through that university. Students wanting to enroll in one of their bachelor programs will receive 15 hours of credit, and CLI graduates who already have a bachelor’s degree and want to pursue a Master of Divinity degree will receive nine credit hours. Oakland City University is an accredited institution. They have reviewed our program and believe it to be a quality program. Can a student start anywhere in the program, or it is required that students begin with the first course offered in January? Many of our students start in January and follow the class progression, but the program is developed so a student can start at any time. However, the diploma classes cannot normally be taken until the student completes the first eight courses. Is it possible to audit a class or must one enroll for the whole program? We allow students to audit up to two classes. This provides an opportunity for the student to learn more about CLI. It also provides an opportunity for someone who has seminary training to attend a particular class in order to improve his or her skills in that area. How many students are now enrolled in CLI? We have nearly 100 students enrolled. Who is eligible to enroll in CLI? Anyone who attends one of our ABC/IN&KY or ABC/GI churches is eligible to attend CLI. We have both pastors and laypersons attending classes. I completed the Certified Lay Ministry Program. Should I attend CLI? Graduates of Certified Lay Ministry are eligible to enroll in the diploma program without taking the first eight courses. You could earn your diploma after taking only the five courses required in that track. However, you are also welcomed to enroll in the certificate track to enhance your education. Oakland City University would not grant credit hours for the classes taken through the Certified Lay Ministry program. Are CEU’s available? CEU’s are available for anyone enrolled in ABPS. We are currently discussing with them how many CEU’s will be granted for each class. It sounds like CLI is primarily for persons interested in being bivocational ministers. Will it benefit someone like me who just wants to learn more about God and how to better serve Him and my church? Absolutely! In fact, you are the person for whom CLI was primarily designed. We know that in every church there are persons who want to learn more about God and become more actively involved in their church. CLI was designed to provide this type of training for you. How much do the classes cost? Our current fee is $120.00 per course which also includes lunches at the college for those four days. This is a very reasonable fee when compared to what most educational organizations charge for their classes. There are additional costs for books for each class, but we have asked our instructors to try to keep these below $40.00 per class. Are scholarships available? We do provide scholarships for students who have financial need. We will provide scholarships for up to $60.00. Scholarship applications have to be signed by the church pastor to verify the need exists. We do encourage students to ask if the church would be willing to invest in the training CLI provides. This training will benefit the church, and many churches have agreed to pay the fees for their students to attend CLI. You’ve convinced me! How do I enroll? Enrollment forms are found on this website. Complete the application form and send it to the Region office. Congratulations…you are about to begin an exciting journey!
Back HOME to ABC/IN-KY Questions? Comments? Contact us at abcin@abc-indiana.org 1350 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46202-2493 Ph (317) 635-3552/FAX (317) 635-3554 This page was last updated on February 18, 2008