wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] Columbia partners with Montreat Conference Center on

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Note #8607 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

05024
January 14, 2005

Columbia partners with Montreat Conference Center on D.Min. study

Georgia seminary will offer introductory courses starting next fall

by Alexa Smith

LOUISVILLE - Columbia Theological Seminary will begin offering Doctor of
Ministry (D.Min.) courses at the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Montreat
Conference Center next fall, according to spokespersons for the seminary and
the popular retreat center.

	"The seminary is seeking ways to network with the larger Presbyterian
Church in ways that will helpfully resource it," said Charles Raynal, the
seminary's director of Advanced Studies. "So we're taking the introductory
part of our D.Min. program on the road."

	The introductory seminar to the seminary's D.Min. program will be
offered next  fall and two additional elective courses at Montreat will be
offered in the fall and spring of 2006.

	Montreat has embraced the Columbia decision to offer the course work
off-campus with open arms.

	"We are indeed honored to be chosen as a D.Min. site for Colombia
Theological Seminary," said Merri Bass, vice president for program
development and marketing at the conference center. "It is always a joy for
us to continue to build partnerships throughout the church. We've enjoyed
working with Columbia in the certification program for spiritual formation
and look forward to this opportunity to further serve the larger church."

	Columbia has taken its D.Min. course work on the road for nearly 15
years. Other sites have included Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL; First
Presbyterian Church in Summerville, SC; Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC;
and Fondren Presbyterian Church in Jackson, MS.

	"Taking the program beyond the seminary campus has been successful.
It makes it convenient for people to get started on D.Min. study," said
Raynal. "The purpose of a D.Min. is to help people be more effective pastors
and church leaders."

	Columbia's D.Min program requires a student to complete 36 hours of
graduate credit and typically requires three to four years of study to
complete. Much of the course work is designed around a supervised ministry
practicum and a research project in the student's place of ministry. It is
designed for church leaders who have completed a Master of Divinity degree
and at least three years of church service.

	Two informational lunches have been scheduled for prospective
students. The first is scheduled for noon, Tuesday, March 1, at the Assembly
Inn at Montreat; the second will get under way at noon Monday, March 7, at
First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC.

	To register for the lunch or to obtain more program information,
contact Raynal at 404-687-4534 or raynalc@ctsnet.edu.

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