A selective lifelong learning opportunity, the Thompson Scholars
program brings pastors with a special interest in evangelism to
the seminary campus. The annual intensive study experience focuses
on a variety of topics to prepare evangelism leaders for the future.
The program is directed by Steve Hayner, Peachtree Associate Professor
of Evangelism and Church Growth.
The Thompson Scholars program is part of the seminary’s comprehensive
program in evangelism, which was initiated in 1981. This program
includes not only lifelong learning opportunities, but also courses
for basic and advanced degree students. Course work focuses on
the church’s evangelistic mission in the rapidly changing
context of North America. Students wishing to emphasize evangelism
and mission are urged to include an internship (from one summer
to one year) in a teaching congregation with strong missional commitments.
"The May 2009 Thompson Scholars topic is on exploring the missional church. In the words of a prominent missional church blogger, "Jesus told us to go into all the world and be his ambassadors, but many churches today have inadvertently changed the 'go and be' command to a 'come and see' appeal." Due to the ongoing interest in the Missional church, the 2009 Thompson Scholars will repeat last year's topic and explore what being a "go and be" or "missional church" is about. It seems to be more than another church fad. Is the Holy Spirit calling us to a new way of living our lives together?
The event features small-group discussions, family-style meals, evening sessions and visits to other ministry settings. All participants are expected to attend all sessions. Participation is limited to 15 individuals, who are selected after submitting an application via email to Sarah Erickson (ericksons@ctsnet.edu). Applications will be reviewed as they are received and accepted until the event is full or until April 1.
The email must include the following information: name of applicant, church name and mailing address, phone number, email address, and a brief answer to two questions: 1) How would you describe the missional church and 2) Why would you like to participate in this event? The program fee, which includes all meals except breakfast and housing (double occupancy for up to 4 nights) at the Holiday Inn Conference Center, is $150.00. The reduced program fee for this event has been made possible through the financial support of gifts in honor of Dr. Cecil Thompson dedicated to the support of the work of evangelism in the church.
Instructors: Dr. Steve Hayner, Peachtree Associate Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth, CTS; Rev. Sharol Hayner, associate pastor for discipleship, Peachtree Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA."
The reduced program fee for this event is made possible through
the financial support of gifts in honor of Dr. Cecil Thompson dedicated
to the support of the work of evangelism in the church.
For more information, please contact Sarah Erickson.
ericksons@ctsnet.edu