Diploma In Christian Life & Service

Introduction

This is a two year course and is divided into three parts:

Bible Teaching – this is compulsory.
Christian Life Skills – practical advice and help on how to deal with a range of every-day issues. The training is compulsory.
Christian Ministry & Evangelism – developing Christians in all levels of ministry within the local church. The training is divided into a series of Modules (or blocks of training), one of which is on Evangelism. This part of the training is optional, but students will almost certainly need to study much of it in order to attain the credits necessary to qualify for a Diploma. The Evangelism Module is compulsory.

Levels/Types of Training

It is possible to participate in the course in 1 of 5 ways (see later for further details) : -
(OCN = Open College Network: see later for further details)

ATTENDANCE ONLY leading to RBTC CERTIFICATES OF ATTENDANCE.
VIDEO OR DVD STUDY AT HOME + HOME STUDY
[multiple choice and short answer (250 words) questions] leading to RBTC DIPLOMA + OCN CREDITS.
ATTENDANCE + HOME STUDY
[multiple choice and short answer (250 words) questions] leading to RBTC DIPLOMA + OCN CREDITS.
VIDEO OR DVD STUDY AT HOME + HOME STUDY
[essays (2,000 words) and long answer (500 words) questions] leading to RBTC ADVANCED DIPLOMA + OCN CREDITS.
ATTENDANCE + HOME STUDY
[essays (2,000 words) and long answer (500 words) questions] leading to RBTC ADVANCED DIPLOMA + OCN CREDITS.

Entry Qualifications for the Diploma and Advanced Diploma

The course is offered on an all-inclusive basis for those aged 16 or over irrespective of gender, ability, race, creed or denomination. While it is anticipated that the majority of applicants will be Christians, this is not a requirement or expectation. Thereafter, there are no specific entry requirements.

Attendance or Home Study

ADVANCED DIPLOMA: This can be studied EITHER by personal attendance OR by video/ DVD at home.
DIPLOMA: This can be studied EITHER by personal attendance OR by video/DVD at home.
CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE: This can only be attained through personal attendance.

Library

The RBTC offers a weekly lending library service for those who study by attendance: no library service is available for those who study by video at home. However, all students will be expected to have: (1) a Bible; and (2) either Young’s or Strong’s Concordance. The Library will stock some of the relevant books to meet the training needs of the students and it will also be possible to purchase relevant audio and/or video tapes. Students will be given written notes to assist them in the study of some of the material: these notes are included in the cost of the programme.

Length of the Course

All students will be part-time and the course lasts for two years (although students can take longer than this if they wish).

Exemptions and Credits

Students who can demonstrate that they have already studied a relevant course will be able to apply for credit exemptions, which will be considered on an individual basis.

Timetable

Students will be informed of the timetable in advance.

Applications

Students should complete the separate Registration Form.

SOME COMMENTS BY FORMER DIPLOMA COURSE STUDENTS

“The course has seriously challenged my Christian commitment”. Yvonne Jarvis

“Lots of fun ... an excellent opportunity to be challenged and to grow”. Leon Penny

“This course has brought me to a deeper understanding of God’s Word and taught me how to live it out in my life”. Michael Jackson

“Excellent teaching. Thoroughly recommended as an aid to Christian maturity”. Kath Hodges.

“I’ve grown & matured more during the 2 years of this course than in the previous 20!” Joan Hitchen

“Good, knowledgeable, patient and friendly teachers”. Julie Grainger

“Fantastic and truly refreshing”. Paul Mills

RESIDENT AND VISITING TRAINERS

Rev. Dr. DAVID CARR - Founder and Senior Pastor, Renewal Christian Centre David travels extensively both in the UK and abroad, preaching at leaders’ conferences. He moves in the prophetic and ministry gifts.

Rev. NIALL CLULEY – Elder, Renewal Christian Centre, Principal RBTC Niall has been a Bible teacher since 1973 and Principal of the Renewal Bible Training Centre since its inception in 1988.

Rev. ROB WILLIAMS – Elder, Renewal Christian Centre Rob trained at Capel Bible College before entering the pastoral ministry and is now in charge of the Welcome Department within Renewal.

Rev. RICHARD TAYLOR – Assistant Pastor, Renewal Christian Centre Richard trained at the Birmingham Bible Institute and was then a local pastor before joining the staff of Renewal Christian Centre. He specialises in evangelism and following God’s destiny for your life.

Rev. CLYDE SANDRY - Former Senior Pastor, Amblecote Christian Centre Clyde is experiencing tremendous growth within the ministry and pioneered a cell concept church.

ALAN SCOTLAND - International Speaker Alan now oversees a group of churches within the UK and ministers extensively to the Chinese- speaking population in various parts of the world. He has a teaching/prophetic ministry which will bring a wider church view for all students.

Rev. ALLAN ELLERSHAW – Superintendent, Free Methodist Church, UK Allan has been in ministry in the Free Methodist Church in the UK throughout his adult life, having previously trained at Birmingham Bible Institute.