Information

We are looking for new partner dioceses and students, in order to form a new cohort. If you are interested, please contact Charlotte.

For a downloadable copy of this information, click here.

Online Ministry Formation Program

Your solution to the challenges of training and retaining ministry leaders

Online is a term that describes learning that is facilitated by a computer connected to the Internet, giving learners the opportunity to learn almost anytime, and anywhere. Online learning can be as rich and as valuable as the classroom experience or even more so. Online learning is student-centered, and designed around the unique learning style and needs of the participants. With its unique features, online learning is an experience that leads to comprehension and mastery of new skills and knowledge, just like its traditional counterpart.

Short on time, money, staffing, or expertise to deliver effective training courses to the ministry leaders in your diocese? The Online Ministry Formation Program will deliver the training for you, effectively, creatively, and consistently. With the Online Ministry Formation Program you can provide just-in-time training to new ministers, or refresher training to existing ministry leaders. Online learning is the most effective way of delivering the greatest volume of training to the maximum number of people at the lowest cost. It is flexible, fast, and convenient. It saves time, money, and precious resources.

At Ministry Training Source we have a complete series of online learning courses to help you deliver essential training programs that meet the busy demands of all of your catechetical and youth ministry leaders.

Here are just some of the key benefits of our online learning offerings:

·    Just-In-Time Learning : knowledge on demand with up-to-the-minute learning content and tools.

·    Cost Effective : your diocesan training budget is channeled into training, rather than ever-increasing travel costs or hotel rooms for out of town speakers.

·    Interactive : online instructor-led courses and online resources all combine to give the best learning experience possible to each learner.

·    Timesaving : the commute to class is short and weather is never a factor. Geographical and time barriers are eliminated, opening up broader professional growth options to both paid and professional ministry leaders. Help from an instructor is only an e-mail or phone call away.

Our unique online learning environment is the most effective way of engaging all learners, regardless of learning style. Our online courses are designed for all adults working with adolescents and adults, in parish or school settings, including volunteers and paid staff. As a sponsoring diocese, you may choose to offer a practitioner, professional, or master-level certificate program. We also offer an on-site, face-to-face summer intensive option, should you choose a blended learning approach.

Choose from a wide range of courses to meet your needs, with a wide range of prices to fit your budget.

Ministry Training Source also offers a complete two-year program that includes the twelve courses noted below. Upon completion of all twelve courses, participants have the opportunity to receive a national certificate in lay ecclesial ministry studies with a ministry-specific specialization, local certification through your diocese (if available), and the option of 12 hours of graduate or 18 hours of undergraduate credit.

Course Overviews:

Ministry: Call and Response explores the call to ministry, the gifts of the minister, and the need for a balanced life required to respond to the call and meet the challenges of ministry.

Reaching the Millennial Generation addresses theories of development (emotional, physical, spiritual, etc.), and provides an overview of the current youth population. This information is situated in the context of Church documents on evangelization and youth and young adult ministry.

Theological Foundations : Revelation and Ministry is a study of the basic elements of Christian revelation, including God’s self-disclosure, the human response of faith, and the culmination of revelation in Jesus Christ, in the context of pastoral ministry with youth.

Echoing our Faith explores the aims, principles, processes, and methods of catechesis and their utilization in the implementation of effective programs.

Applied Reflection on Ministry I identifies the key aspects of ministry, including naming the ways the minister currently lives out the call and identifying goals for future growth.

Theological Foundations: Issues for Pastoral Ministry is a study of the theology of pastoral ministry, the principals of the moral life, and the tenets of Catholic social teaching.

Theological Foundations: Sacraments, Liturgy, and Prayer examines the theology of prayer and worship, as well as practical models for their practice. Participants will plan and lead prayer and worship experiences for the community gathered (applies to summer intensive option only).

Theological Foundations: Ecclesiology and Ecumenism examines the structure of the Church throughout history, highlighting the documents of the Second Vatican Council as they relate to ministry. The Church’s relationship with other Christian faith traditions is explored, both historically and in present day practice.

The Minister as Organizational Leader encourages participants to identify their own leadership styles in order to develop skills in leadership, planning, and administration.

The Minister as Collaborative Leader addresses the value of collaboration in ministry in light of current models and theories of collaboration.

The Minister as Empowering Leader focuses on the process of developing leadership in youth and adults by focusing first on their giftedness, then preparing them for ministry in light of the call to discipleship.

Applied Reflections on Ministry II provides participants the opportunity to synthesize their learning and growth through formation and the practice of ministry (portfolio development).

Each (seven week) course averages six+ hours of online computer learning time, including discussion boards, online lecture, and material review , as well as an additional 12+ hours of self-directed reading and project assignments.

Ministry Training Source welcomes the opportunity to tailor training to your organization’s particular needs. Additional courses may be added, and the above courses may be adjusted to meet your requirements.

Faculty:

Outstanding faculty is accessible by e-mail 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Faculty members lead live online sessions with multi-way audio to introduce each course and before each learning module.

Dr. Charlotte McCorquodale, Ph.D.

Dr. Elsie M. Miranda, D.Min.

Leigh E Sterten, M.T.S., M.S.A.S.

Dr. Anastasia Wendlinder, Ph.D.

What others are saying:

Our diocese is large and rural, and many cannot afford the opportunity to “go” somewhere else to study and learn. The OMFP broke new territory with formation, theology, and youth ministry with a blended style of learning. The participants were able to connect their learning and apply it directly to ministry. If you are thinking about growing in competence and learning more about ministry with the young Church, the OMFP is a great fit for you and your busy schedule.

Patrick Mooney, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry

Diocese of Monterey

What I love most about MTS is their passion for providing folks with opportunities for learning and professionalization. MTS works hard to de-mystify online learning and technology. The staff and instructors truly desire to help their clients through the process, so competency and confidence in ministry increase.

Mike Patin, Speaker and Trainer

In this field, we need more than anecdotes and ideas to be effective in the lives of young people today. With MTS you are getting experience and knowledge, delivered in a unique and technologically proficient manner. They are the wise choice to meet your long-term training and development needs.

Jerry Goebel, President and Founder

ONEFamily Outreach

The course has been a great experience for me. I'm going to miss the discussions the most. It was a great way to solve problems and share ideas… Having courses online is a good idea. It helps someone like myself who works full time. It meant that I was “attending” class when it was convenient for me.

Stephanie Gardner, North Carolina

The benefit of the program is that it is allowing me to further my training and education without the cost of commuting to an institution of higher learning. I can work, to some extent, around my own schedule… The workload was manageable; some times were busier than others, but overall it was fine.

Mary Sue Babb, California

Ministry Training Source is forming a new learning cohort in the near future. To be part of that cohort, or to find out more about the kinds of online formation opportunities MTS can offer, contact us at:

P.O. Box 2786

Springfield , MO 65801

417.693.1882

www.ministrytrainingsource.org