(WALNUT RIDGE, Ark.) – Williams Baptist University has entered a partnership that will enable pastors in Arkansas to earn certificates in ministerial training. WBU President Dr. Stan Norman signed an agreement Tuesday, Oct. 20, with Jay Parks, Director of Pastor Training Schools.
The signing took place during the Arkansas Baptist State Convention meeting in Rogers. During his annual report to the ABSC, Norman announced that Williams will award certificates to ministers who complete the prescribed course of study from Pastor Training Schools, with classes to be offered in locations around the state.
“This program is for those who feel called to pastor churches but are not at a place in life where they can pick up, move to Walnut Ridge and work toward a bachelor’s degree,” said Norman. “We will be working hand-in-hand with Pastor Training Schools to set up cohorts all around our state to provide the education these men need to minister more effectively.”
Pastor Training Schools originated in Mississippi and currently has 300 students. The school offers evening classes in locations that are accessible to students. To earn their certificate, students must complete a two-year course of study in subjects such as spiritual formation, hermeneutics, homiletics, Old Testament, New Testament, theology, pastoral ministry, evangelism/missions, church revitalization/planting and discipleship multiplication.
“We are so excited about the Lord opening doors in Arkansas through our partnership with Williams Baptist University to equip full-time pastors, bi-vocational pastors, or men who are exploring a call to ministry,” said Parks. “We look forward to locking arms with local pastors throughout Arkansas to identify and equip God-called men for the churches across the state.”
Williams and Pastor Training Schools hope to launch new cohorts in Arkansas by March. Those interested in taking classes or in forming cohorts in their communities can contact Dr. Brett Cooper at WBU at bcooper@williamsbu.edu or Jay Parks at Pastor Training Schools at jayp@pastortrainingschools.org.
Williams is a private, Christian university in Walnut Ridge.
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