CHURCH LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE of Western Pennsylvania



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(Formerly known as Church Leadership Institute)

(a ministry team of American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware)

Rev. Eleanor Siegrist, Dean of Academics

1331 Logan Blvd.

Altoona, PA 16602

acts@

Prospective Student Information Packet

Thank you for your interest in the Academy of Christian Training and Service. The enclosed information comes primarily from the Student Handbook. These selected pages will give you a basis for understanding what "ACTS" has to offer. We trust it will help you decide whether God is calling you to become a Certified Lay Minister, a Youth Minister, or whether your call is to deepen your understanding of the Bible and practical ministry, to become a more effective church leader.

As you will notice, there are four different programs/tracks of study: Certified Lay Minister (CLM) track (completion of all 10 courses plus a supervised ministry/mentoring component), Youth Ministry (YM) track (which is its own, unique curriculum through Eastern University), Christian Studies (CS) track (requires completion of 10 required courses), Personal Enrichment (PE) track (occasional course selections). It should be noted that The Academy does not certify, license, or ordain anyone. We offer CLM track students a means of preparation for certification, but we cannot guarantee that any of our graduates will be granted certification. This is the official role of your church of membership and your local American Baptist Association. Students who are successful in their studies with us and who are interested in working toward an advanced degree may be able to use some of the ACTS credits toward advanced placement at an ATS accredited school, and those in the YM track will receive course credit through Eastern University. However, our courses are not typically designed to be transferred to other institutions.

Enclosed are a number of forms and information sheets. Note the New Student Application (Appendix C) and Request for Letter of Support (Page 8). The latter should be given to your pastor and the appropriate church board. The church must respond to this letter according to the guidelines it lists before you may be accepted into The Academy, except as a personal enrichment student. (Personal enrichment students are not required to submit this letter.) Upon registration for a course you will receive the full Student Handbook and any other supporting documents we will require of new students at that time.

The Academy reserves the right to change the course schedule. Courses are only offered one time during a two-year period. All of our courses are offered online. Please call should you have questions. Our staff works part-time and out of home offices. Our answering machines are always on! Appropriate contacts from the ACTS Council are provided in this packet. You are welcome to contact anyone on that list.

We look forward to having you join us next term!

________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Academy of Christian Training and Service is a ministry team of the

American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware.

ACADEMY OF CHRISTIAN TRAINING AND SERVICE

STAFF, COUNCIL, AND REGION EXECUTIVE DIRECTORY

Dean of Academics

Rev. Eleanor Siegrist

1331 Logan Blvd

Altoona, PA 16602

(814) 944-1468

ewsiegrist@

Treasurer Youth Ministry (YM) Track coordinator

Mrs. Carolyn Frischkorn Rev. Eric Kraihanzel

15 Wild Rose Lane ABCOPAD Regional Pastor for Student Ministries

Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 1224 Maple Street

cfrischkorn@ Bethlehem, PA  18018

610-410-5871

Email:  ejk1970@

Regional Contact Regional Contact

Regional Pastor with Congregations Regional Pastor with Pastoral Leaders

Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Johnson Rev. Dr. Kevin Walden

c/o FBC Pittsburgh 84 Thayer Road

159 N. Bellefield Avenue Birdsboro, PA 19508-8596

Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Phone:  (610) 575-0320

(888) 687-0883 Email: kwalden@

jjohnson@

Regional Contact

Region Executive Pastor Regional Pastor For Mission & Communications

Rev. Dr. Frank Frischkorn Rev. Mark Mahserjian-Smith

106 Revere Lane 1523 Smokey Corners Road

Coatesville PA 19320-1036 Williamsport, PA 17701

1-800-358-6999 Fax: 610-466-2013 570-435-2001 (o)

CAB2644@ msmsmail@

Academy of Christian Training and Service

2015-2017 ACADEMIC CALENDAR (CLM, CS and PE)

All regular term courses are held on Saturday mornings, from 8:00-10:00am; 10:15am-12:15 p.m. J and M Term courses are held as Friday/Saturday intensives. Check with course syllabus for individual course time schedule.

Fall Term 2015 Courses: Theology, Pastoral Care & Counseling

Dates: Sept. 12, 19, 26, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov. 7,14,21 and Dec. 5, 2015

Location: Online

January Term 2016 Courses: Missions/Evangelism

Dates: January TBA

Location: Online

Spring Term 2016 Courses : New Testament (NT), Biblical Interpretation

Dates: February 6,13,20,27; March 5,12,19; April 2,9,16,23,30, 2016*

Location: Online

M Term 2016

M Term 2016 Course: Clergy Ethics weekend intensive Dates: June 3-4 (6-10pm Friday, 8-4:30 Sat)

Location: Comfort Inn, Duncansville, PA

Fall 2016 Courses: Preaching, Pastoral Leadership

Dates: Aug. 27, Sept. 3, 10,17,24 Oct. 1,8,15, Nov 5,12,19, 2016

Times: 8am – 12:15pm

. Location: Online

J Term 2017 Course: Baptist History & Polity (a 2-part, 2-weekend intensive)

Dates: January 6-7 & 20-21, 2017

Times: Friday 6-10pm, Saturday 8am – 4:30pm

Location: Online

Spring 2017 Courses: Old Testament, Christian Education & Discipleship (2 hours/12 weeks each)

Dates: February 4,11,18,25, March 4,11,18,25, April 1,8,22,29 *

Location: Online

.

*Dates and locations are subject to change based on church conflicts on ABCOPAD calendar.

Academy of Christian Training and Service

HISTORY, PURPOSE AND GOAL

HISTORY:

During the Spring of 1994, the American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware (ABCOPAD) and the Pittsburgh Baptist Association (PBA) joined together to establish the American Baptist Lay Pastoral Institute of Western Pennsylvania (later known as the Church Leadership Institute.) The desire was to offer an educational program for people: (1) seeking to become certified lay ministers and for people (2) seeking classroom opportunities for personal enrichment of their Christian faith. Based on a program used in 1988-1990 by the Ten Mile and Monongahela Associations (specifically at the First Baptist Church of Waynesburg), this Institute's new collaborative program began on February 5, 1994 with three different locations (Wesleyville, Monroeville, and Waynesburg). In the Spring of 1996 twenty-nine persons were graduated from the three combined sites. Twenty-six graduates received a Certificate in Lay Pastoral Ministry. In later years, CLI expanded to include programs based in Harrisburg and Northeastern Pennsylvania, and these programs expanded the number of graduates statewide. Including the graduates from the class of 2013, CLI now has over 110 graduates, and over 60% of those graduates are working in churches. In 2007, CLI expanded to include the Youth Ministry (YM) track, which, while training students in the practice of Youth Ministry, also began on-line instruction, which brought in students from as far away as Michigan. Online instruction continues to be a feature of many classes.

In the fall of 2012, representatives from all three CLIs and met with ABCOPAD Regional Staff to consider consolidating our administrative structure. From these sessions the name “The Academy of Christian Training and Service” (A.C.T.S) was born. All present felt God’s Holy Spirit leading us. We feel a strong desire to do our part in helping return the Bride of Christ, the Christian church, to the dynamic growth she experienced in the New Testament book of Acts. As always, the Christian church faces challenges. We will continue to build the programs of the ACTS in order to serve the Lord in training church leaders to meet those challenges.

PURPOSE:

1. To provide the curriculum requirements for those who desire to prepare for becoming certified lay ministers.

2. To provide educational opportunities for those who wish to become youth ministers.

3. To provide educational opportunities for those who sense a call to lay church leadership.

4. To provide experiential opportunities for development of pastoral skills.

5. To provide classroom opportunities for those who desire self-enrichment and a deeper understanding of the Christian faith.

6. To provide continuing educational opportunities for ordained or certified clergy.

GOAL:

Upon the completion of the requirements the student shall have developed skills as an effective preacher, youth minister or lay leader using sound methods of Biblical interpretation, demonstrating a grasp of the overall content and theology of the Old and New Testaments. He/she shall be able to lead meetings, administer the overall organization of a local American Baptist congregation, and coordinate programs, including stewardship, Christian education, evangelism and missions.

As a leader in worship, the student shall demonstrate abilities to organize a service and perform the ordinances. He/she shall be able to organize his/her understandings of ministry into a theological framework. In all of these areas, the student shall perceive how each relates to our Baptist heritage, and shall show willingness and ability to work within our current American Baptist structure.

ACADEMY OF CHRISTIAN TRAINING AND SERVICE

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS FOR CLM, CS, PE

(For YM course descriptions, contact Rev. Eric Kraihanzel)

Ministry

Pastoral Leadership

This is a course covering the basics of being a leader in a Baptist church. It will include: the pastor as a person; an introduction to different personal styles of leadership and their effects; an introduction to the organization of a Baptist church; and ways a leader works with and can direct the various boards and committees. It will also present methods to be used in organizing worship, officiating at child dedications, performing baptisms, and serving the Lord's Supper.

Christian Education

An introduction to the leading of a complete Christian Education program, i.e., Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, youth work, and nursery programs. The needs of various age groups will be presented. Skills will be built for working with church leadership, for looking at and selecting materials, and for providing guidance to the teachers involved. Basic teacher skills will also be discussed.

Missions and Evangelism

Methods for evangelization and growth in the local church will be introduced. An overview of international missions support will be presented. Different ways of reaching non-believers, church members who have become inactive, and borderline attendees will be discussed. Plans for organizing growth and a broad vision will be encouraged. Ways of establishing missions support and encouraging missionary interest in the local church will also be covered.

Pastoral Care

An introduction to the role of the pastor in caring and counseling covering: The effect of the role of pastor on the person under care; the influence of the personality of the pastor in care and counseling; the need to refer to others; introductions to listening skills, home visiting, hospital visitation, and visiting in special settings; helping parishioners deal with marriage, death and other major events in life. Resources, services, and problems in conducting marriages and funerals will be presented. Counseling techniques and resources will be discussed.

Preaching

Communicating God's Word effectively will be stressed. The personality of the preacher, styles of preaching, ways of organizing the sermon, creativity, illustrations, and delivery of the sermon will be covered. Each student will present at least one sermon for the class.

Biblical Studies

Old Testament

The early parts of Genesis will be examined, followed by a history of the nation of Israel. The poetic, wisdom, and prophetic books will be discussed. Authorship, dating, type of literature, and theology will be discussed. The geography of Palestine and the surrounding region will be covered. How the modern Old Testament text came to be will be explained.

New Testament

Covers the entire New Testament including the history and writing which make up its background. Each book will be analyzed as to the setting in which it was written, the author, the group of people to whom it was written, the content, the type(s) of literature contained, and its theology. The Gospel accounts will be examined to see how they relate to each other. The modern text of the New Testament and how it is put together by scholars will also be discussed.

Biblical Interpretation

This course will cover the principles of understanding the Bible. It will examine how Scripture uses Scripture, how the Jews of Jesus' time used Scripture, and how Scripture uses changed from Roman Catholicism to the Reformation to today. It will examine our assumptions about the Bible and the resulting principles we use in understanding the Scripture. A carefully though out process for examining passages will be presented. It will include examining the assumptions, background, text, different versions (or the original language), grammar, literature, people, places, concepts and context of a passage. All of these will be used in helping the student arrive at an appropriate meaning of the text. Principles for applying this meaning of the text to our lives will be discussed.

Courses (continued)

Christian Thought

Baptist History and Polity

This course is an introduction to the origin of the Baptists and the resulting church organization. After a brief introduction to early church history and the Reformation, this course will focus on the history of Baptists, both in England and America. The course will discuss the organization of a Baptist church with an emphasis on pastoral leadership.

Theology

This course is an introduction to organized thought about God. This course will briefly examine the early church and how it developed doctrines. The course will present different ways to organize systems of thinking about God. A number of different approaches will be discussed, including early church fathers, Reformation leaders, and contemporary theologians. Issues covered will include revelation, God, creation, humanity, sin, salvation, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the church, and eschatology. Students will be encouraged to examine how they organize their thought about God, that is, their own system of theology. Each student will write a paper stating his/her personal theology in a clear and consistent way.

Academy of Christian Training and Service

ADMISSIONS STANDARDS

Certified Lay Minister Preparation Program

Persons who desire to enroll in the Academy of Christian Training and Service seeking credit toward the Certified Lay Minister preparation program must meet the following criteria:

1. Be at least 21 years of age.

2. Be a high school graduate or the equivalent.

3. Be an active member of an American Baptist church within the participating Associations of the American Baptist Churches, U.S.A. Members of other denominations may be accepted, but should understand that two of the required courses are American Baptist History and Polity. We do not offer similar courses related to other denominations. Non-American Baptist applicants should check with their church leadership about how to fulfill the polity and history requirements of their particular denomination.

4. Using the form provided by The Academy as a guide, submit a letter of recommendation from the church of membership stating its willingness to:

a. formally endorse the student's gifts for ministry by a vote of the church (either by the congregation as a whole or by an appropriate committee or group within the church).

b. provide a brief background of the student's current involvement in the life of the church.

c. be willing to consider the student for certification.

d. provide support and prayer for the student as he/she pursues the program.

5. Submit three other brief letters of recommendation (no more than one minister and one relative can be included) commenting on the applicant's fitness for ministry.

6. Read and sign the Student Behavior Policy (Appendix A) and adhere to the conditions set forth therein.

Students who meet these requirements and are accepted into The Academy must make note of the fact that the ACTS does not certify persons for ministry. Completion of studies does not guarantee a student will be certified nor placed in a pastoral position in a church. Please see the page in the Student Handbook entitled "A Word About Certification and Placement" for further details on this subject.

Certificate in Christian Studies Program

The Certificate in Christian Studies is offered to students who do not feel called to Certified Lay Ministry, but who complete all of the course work satisfactorily. These students have the same entrance requirements as outlined above, except for point 4(c, d) and point 5. In addition, Christian Studies students will not participate in the supervised ministry/mentorship program.

If a Christian Studies student wishes to transfer into the Certified Lay Minister Preparation program at a later time, this person shall meet the additional enrollment criteria for that program at that time. All applicable fees for the new program shall then apply at the rate published at the time of transfer. An additional administrative fee for program transfer may also be charged.

Personal Enrichment Entrance Requirements

In order to be able to benefit from and participate fully in the courses offered, it is suggested that the personal enrichment student who is only taking a few selected courses meet the following minimum standards: Be at least 21 years of age and have a high school diploma or the equivalent. If a personal enrichment student later wishes to transfer to a certificate program, he/she shall meet the enrollment criteria for that program at that time. All applicable fees for the new program shall apply at the rate published at the time of transfer.

Youth Ministry Track

Contact Rev. Eric Kraihanzel, contact info: p.2

Academy of Christian Training and Service (A.C.T.S.)

Request for Letter of Support from Church

(Give this form to your pastor or moderator as a guide for them to write the letter.)

_______________________________________________ is seeking admission to the Academy of Christian Training and Service with the intent to study in one of the following diploma programs:

_____ Certified Lay Minister Preparation or _____ Certificate in Christian Studies. One of the requirements for admission to these programs is a letter of support/recommendation from his/her church. For persons indicating interest in studying in preparation for certified lay ministry we will require the letter to address all 5 points noted below. Upon confirmation of the support of the church it will be assumed that this student is a suitable candidate for certification by your congregation through the process outlined by your local American Baptist Association. It is in the best interest of the student if you are completely frank at the beginning of the program about his/her call to certified lay ministry. If the student is not so suited, he/she may choose to pursue the certificate in Christian Studies which does not include a supervised ministry requirement. The student may also take courses for enrichment. (The letter for Christian Studies students need only address points 2 and 5 as outlined below.)

"ACTS" is a ministry team of the American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware (ABCOPAD). The certified lay minister program is designed for persons seeking to be certified as a lay minister in ABCOPAD. The program requires ten multi-week courses while also being involved in a mentoring program and pastoral field service (supervised ministry) in a church setting during the 2 years (minimum) of study. Certified Lay Ministry students will also be required to show participation in the Lord's Supper, Believer's Baptism, a wedding, a funeral, a child dedication, and board participation.

The student's formal acceptance is dependent upon our receipt of your church's letter at the earliest possible convenience, addressing the following issues. The Academy of Christian Training and Service requests that your church:

1. Formally endorse the (certified lay ministry) student's gifts for ministry by a vote of the church (either by the congregation as a whole or by an appropriate committee or group within the church).

2. Provide a brief background of the student's current involvement in the life of the church.

3. Provide the opportunity for practical ministry experiences which are required by The Academy and which will be designed and supervised in cooperation with and under the guidance of his/her assigned mentor.

4. Upon completion of the program, be willing to consider the student for certification.

5. Provide support and prayer for the student as he/she pursues the program.

The Academy keeps the costs of tuition (currently $225 per course, subject to change), fees and textbooks as low as possible. However, your church should seriously consider assisting the student financially. Supporting future ministry is an important outgrowth of the mission-minded church.

Thank you for your attention to this request. Please send your letter to Rev. Eleanor Siegrist, ACTS, 1331 Logan Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602. If you have any questions, please call Rev. Siegrist at (814) 944-1468. We look forward to hearing from you.

FINANCIAL POLICIES

Application Fee

A one-time non-refundable registration fee is to be paid at the time of application. The fee will be $25.00. (Exception: a student who does not register for courses in two consecutive terms will need to apply for reinstatement and will be charged an additional $25.00 fee.)

Late Registration Fee

An additional $10.00 non-refundable fee will be added if registration is received after the published deadline.

Tuition

Tuition is currently $225.00 per course (subject to change). Tuition must be paid to the Academic Dean by the third week of class. There will be no refund of tuition after two weeks or eight hours of instruction. Those who withdraw during the first two weeks will be charged a $25 administrative fee. A Promissory Note will be required if you need to defer a portion of the required fees.

Mentor Fees

A fee of $100 per year will be assessed for the mentorship program (supervised ministry) which is required of Certified Lay Minister Preparation students. This fee must be paid to the Academic Dean prior to the first meeting with the student's assigned mentor. There will be no refund after a mentor is assigned.

Textbooks

Using the course syllabus, students are now responsible for purchasing their own textbooks, using Christian bookstores, seminary bookstores or online resources such as , or . If students have any difficulty finding a particular textbook, please contact the Academic Dean.

Petition for Extension

A $25 instructor's fee will be required at the time a petition to extend the time for completing coursework is submitted.

Transcripts

You are entitled to one free copy of your official transcript after concluding your program. Each additional copy will be provided upon receipt of a $10.00 transcript processing fee.

NOTE: The Academy reserves the right to change fees if necessary.

APPENDIX A

Student Behavior Policy:

Students enrolled in the Academy of Christian Training and Service’s Pastoral Leadership track shall sign the Covenant and Code of Ethics form approved by ABC-USA (Appendix B) prior to beginning classes. Additionally, the contents of the Pastoral Ethics Class collectively shall be the basis of the students’ behavior, growth, maturity and Christian development.

Unacceptable behavior, including but not limited to the following, is defined as: 1) lack of financial responsibility according to ACTS financial policies, 2) disruptive classroom behavior, 3) failure to mature in the Christian lifestyle expected of a church leader, 4) lack of respect for instructors and/or other students, and 5) sexual harassment.

When a student exhibits unacceptable behavior, that student shall meet with a committee composed of the ACTS Dean of Outreach, the Academic Dean, Chair of ACTS Council, and at least one Regional Pastor. If there is need for a second meeting, the Academy of Christian Training and Service reserves the right to dismiss the student from the program.

I acknowledge that I have read both the Student Behavior Policy and the Academic Integrity Policy (Appendix B), and I agree to abide by the contents enclosed therein:

Student signature: ________________________________________ Date :________________

Appendix B

Academic Integrity Policy

Students are expected to complete all assignments on time. Students are further encouraged to check the course syllabus carefully, listen carefully in class for assignments and seek clarification from the instructor about any assignments, what is expected and when the assignment is due.

Knowing that life can be busy and that unexpected events do occur: Any assignment that is late will receive a penalty of 5% of the grade for that assignment. If an assignment is more than 48 hours late the penalty is 10%. Any assignment more than 1 week late will not be accepted.

If a student experiences a "major life event" that prevents him or her from completing work in a timely manner, that student should inform the instructor and the Dean of Academics and request an extension according the information below.

Students are expected to complete all course work on time as outlined in the syllabus for each course. If a student is unable to complete the required course work within the 12-week term, he/she may file for an extension of up to three months under the following conditions

A: Prior approval is granted by both the instructor and the Academic

Committee of the Coordinating Council.

B: Student has written a paragraph explaining why the extension is being requested, and the date the student expects to complete the course work. The student must first obtain the instructor’s signature on the petition to the Academic Committee, indicating the instructor agrees to the need for this request. This petition for extension of time to complete the course work must be filed by the 10th week of the term with the Dean of Academics.

C: An instructor’s fee of $25 is paid when the petition is approved by the Academic Committee.

A grade of “Incomplete” will be given until passing work is completed and presented to the instructor by the end of the third month. If the course work is not completed by the end of the third month, or if the work is not of passing quality, a grade of “Not Passing” will be given. If all work is completed on time and meets the instructor’s grade standard, the appropriate grade will be given. Students should not expect the new grade before the end of the semester in which the work is completed.

No extensions will be granted after the 10th week of the term.

“J” term does not allow for any extensions.

Instructors will be able to use their discretion in awarding points for attendance, participation, and additional work to supplement grades earned on papers and tests.

Plagiarism will not be tolerated and may lead to course failure and dismissal.

APPENDIX C

Academy for Christian Training and Service

Statement of Faith

We affirm that the Bible is the inspired, authoritative and infallible word of God, and is our standard and guide for faith and practice. It is the standard by which all human creeds and conduct should be measured.

We believe in one God eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, each having precisely the same nature, attributes, and perfections.

We affirm that human beings are created in the image of God, but, through Adam’s fall are now sinful, lost, and stand condemned. By deliberate choice, all participate in sin, which is open rebellion to God’s law. However, in spite of the fall, all human life through creation has value and dignity.

We believe that human beings can be forgiven of sin and justified before God solely through the redeeming work of Jesus Christ who died for sinners and rose again from the dead. Only by repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ the Lord can acceptance with God be attained. We deny that salvation can be attained by any other means. We affirm that believers will enjoy an eternal state of blessedness in heaven, while unbelievers will experience eternal separation from God in hell.

We believe that the local church is an assembly of believers in Christ, who voluntarily gather together for worship, fellowship, instruction, witness, and service.

Amended 10/2004

APPENDIX D

STUDENT APPLICATION

2015-2017 Cycle

Fill in all 3 pages of form and return to Rev. Eleanor Siegrist, 1331 Logan Blvd, Altoona, PA 16602

(814) 944-1468, being sure to check the desired track and start date. Obtain admissions criteria from Rev. Siegrist if not included with this form. Thank you.

1. PERSONAL

First Name__________________________Initial Last Name__________________________________

Mailing Address: _________________________________City: _______________________State: ______ ZIP+4______________Phone: home (____) _________________ work (____) ______________

Referred by: _____________________________________________

E-mail address: ________________________________________________________________________________

1. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

Church/Association: _____________________________________Pastor:_________________________________

Address: __________________________________City: ______________________State: _____ ZIP+ 4 ________

Church Phone: (____) ________________ Denomination of Membership __________________________________ Church position(s)/Involvement:___________________________________________________________________

2. PROGRAM TRACK SELECTION: I wish to be considered for admission into the following course of study:

___Certified Lay Minister Preparation (complete all courses, Summer Retreat, plus mentoring/supervised ministry) [ ] yes [ ] no I’m at least 21 years of age.

___ Diploma in Christian Studies (complete all 10 courses)

___ Personal Enrichment (occasional course selections)

___ Continuing Education Credit (for professional church leaders, active, inactive or retired)

___ Audit a Class (may take any of the 10 classes, but will not receive credit).

(See tuition cost, 4D)

Note: Students are advised that changes in the sequence of classes may be made in the academic calendar. Such changes will likely extend your completion date. Courses are offered once every two years. If you do not select both courses each term, you will prolong the time it takes to complete the program beyond two years.

3. FEES AND TUITION

A. Make all checks payable to “A.C.T.S.”

1. Registration fee: $25.00 one-time, non refundable fee must accompany this form. (No need to pay this, if you have previously paid.)

C. Tuition: $225.00 per course, payable on or before the first class session

D. Tuition: $75.00 course for Auditing a Class

F. Late fee: $10.00 will be assessed for applications received after the stated registration deadline.

G. Mentor fee: $75.00 each semester in the program, for Certified Lay Minister Preparation students only. Payable at the time a mentor is assigned.

H. Books: Approximately $50.00 per course. (Cost varies with each course).

I. Certified Lay Ministry students are required to attend a May Retreat “Pastor’s Personal Life” (with spouse if possible) on a Friday night and Saturday. The date and details will be announced well in advance. The cost is approximately $250/couple.

J. After a student has explored scholarship opportunities through their local church, they may be granted a scholarship through the Academy of Christian Training and Service. Scholarship assistance may be considered for all American Baptist students, regardless of program track selected. An application for Scholarship Assistance can be obtained from the Outreach Dean and must be mailed in at least two weeks prior to the beginning of each term. Applications must be made separately for each term. After the application is reviewed, the student will be notified of the amount of scholarship given.

5 ADDITIONAL FORMS REQUIRED: Certified Lay Minister Preparation students need to submit a Letter of Support from their church of membership, three letters of personal recommendation and copies of a Record Check and PA Child Abuse History Clearance to be kept in the student’s permanent file. Diploma in Christian Studies students need to submit a Letter of Support from their church of membership and a copy of a Criminal Record Check and PA Child Abuse History Clearance to be kept in the student’s permanent file.

6 TERM YOU WISH TO BEGIN TAKING CLASSES:

____Fall 2016 ____”J” 2017___Spring 2017 ____ Fall 2017 _____"J" 2018 _____ Spring 2018

7. Please answer all of the following questions completely in order that we may process your application:

a. Marital Status (circle one) Single Married Other __________________________

Contact person in case of emergency: ____________________________

Ph # ______________

b. Your occupation: _______________________________________________________________

c. Please list name and location of High School you graduated from: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Date of graduation _____________________

d. Have you ever been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation,

or are criminal charges pending against you? ______ yes ______ no

. What do you hope to receive from the Academy of Christian Training and Service in terms of educational and personal growth?

8. Essay questions

The Academy courses require a significant amount of writing. The purpose of answering the questions below is to review your writing ability to help insure your success in the program. Please write a one-page double spaced response for each of two questions chosen from the following:

1. Explain why you are interested in Academy of Christian Training and Service and your goals after graduation.

2. Elaborate on any issues you disagree with related to the Academy of Christian Training and Service Statement of faith.

9. How I learned about Academy of Christian Training and Service:

[ ] my pastor [ ] a friend [ ] radio ad [ ] newspaper ad [ ] other ____________

DECLARATION: The Academy of Christian Training and Service expects a lifestyle that is consistent with our understanding of Biblical teaching. Therefore, sexual intimacy other than marriage is not acceptable. I hereby certify that the information that I have presented is complete and truthful to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the falsification of any question or statement can result in denial to or expulsion from the program with any and all prior recognized achievements withdrawn.

Signature: _______________________________________________ Date ________________

Send Application and Registration Fee to: Rev. Eleanor Siegrist, ACTS, 1331 Logan Blvd Altoona, PA 16602

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