Apologetics Academy to Provide Training to Sunday School Teachers and Small Group Leaders
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2013 /
Christian Newswire/ -- An online apologetics academy has designed a course with Sunday School teachers and Bible study leaders in mind. Many people are intimidated by the fact that they do not have the same kind of education as pastors and other professional church workers, and so they are often reluctant to volunteer as teachers and youth group leaders. Athanatos Christian Ministry's
Academy of Apologetics hopes their new course will instill confidence and inspire people to volunteer to help teach the Faith.
The course is presently available in an eight week online format that gives participants an overview of the entire plan of the Bible, explaining how the Old and New Testaments tie together. Basic theology is presented with an eye towards core concepts that are accepted by most, if not all, conservative Christian denominations. Apologetics is integrated throughout the course. Finally, aware that mastering content is only one part of being an effective teacher, the course offers tips for 'classroom management.'
Anthony Horvath, the Executive Director of ACM, a
Christian apologetics organization, is the primary designer of the course. He says, "There is no substitute for sitting down and studying something, and that includes the Bible and Christian theology. However, it helps to have someone provide a framework and foundation. We provide that. Some people want to learn more but don't know where to start. Others wish they knew better how to teach the material. Our Christian Educator Training Program will provide confidence and direction for further learning."
The course is also designed with pastors and DCEs in mind, offered as a service to congregations that want to ensure their volunteers have a grasp of essential facts and doctrines about the Christian faith. The integration of apologetics into the course is not intended to answer every objection. Instead, the point is to make sure people aren't totally blindsided by questions that people ask and acquaint them with additional resources.
Horvath says that the course is also available in seminar form, with someone from ACM presenting it over online conferencing software such as Skype, or even coming to a congregation personally to guide groups through the material. The next online course begins February 4th, 2013, and is currently enrolling.
