American Baptist Churches of Ohio Leadership Academy

Connecting past, current and future students of the American Baptist Churches of Ohio Leadership Academy!

Our Program and Curriculum
The ABC/Ohio Leadership Academy is a three-year course of study. Classes meet four times per year, hosted by the First Baptist Church of Sunbury. Students participate in five two-hour classes each weekend – one on Friday evening and four on Saturday. These weekends are called Intensives. The four Intensives occur on the second full weekends of November, January, March, and May. Orientation for each year and Graduation occur in September.

Because the instruction is so concentrated, it is essential for students to be present at every intensive to complete the program. In addition, students complete substantial reading, writing, and practical assignments between intensives.

The curriculum is a combination of foundational courses and ones that help students in the practice of ministry they may do as volunteers or professional church leaders. Courses include such subject matter as Biblical studies, systematic theology, Baptist history, worship, preaching, congregational transformation, leadership, missions, family systems, congregational peacemaking, evangelism, ministry in contemporary culture, pastoral counseling, and pastoral self-care.

Our Students
The Leadership Academy welcomes students from ABC/Ohio churches who are recommended by their pastors and appropriate church bodies. Some come for personal Christian enrichment. Others want to serve more effectively as lay leaders in their congregations. Still others have recognized God’s call to pastoral ministry or other forms of ministry. All students begin with the same core of courses. Those seeking to serve in pastoral roles have the opportunity to explore their call as they advance in their studies.

There are no specific educational prerequisites for enrollment. A high school diploma or GED is most helpful. Some students have college degrees. Students also need good reading, writing, verbal, interpersonal, and analytical skills to succeed in the program. While the program does not result in an academic diploma, it is an academically challenging educational experience. In addition to the educational nature of the program, personal spiritual and theological growth also occurs. It is important for enrolling students to be prepared to be challenged theologically and to be open to new understandings in Christian teaching.

Our Faculty
The American Baptist Churches of Ohio Leadership Academy faculty is comprised of American Baptist ministers who are passionate about the Gospel and committed to healthy local church ministry. They are also committed to high quality educational preparation of students who will serve in a variety of leadership roles in ABC/Ohio congregations. All faculty members are graduates of accredited theological institutions and hold masters degrees. In addition, some have completed DMin or PhD degrees. Others have received advanced, specialized training or certifications. Each faculty member is currently serving in professional ministry, utilizing the knowledge and practicing the skills or disciplines he or she teaches in the Leadership Academy.

Our Graduates
Since its inception nearly twenty years ago, the ABC/Ohio Leadership Academy has graduated more than 100 students. All have received personal enrichment through their learning. Most serve in volunteer leadership and ministry capacities in their congregations, leading in ministries related to prayer, visitation, students, children, senior adults, discipleship, administration, and worship. Churches served by graduates in these capacities are grateful for their ability to enhance the quality and quantity of ministry their churches can do. And pastors are pleased to be able to increase their work through volunteer staff without placing a burden on their church’s budgets. More than a dozen graduates are currently serving as pastors in ABC/Ohio churches. These pastors are either licensed by their congregations to serve in pastoral ministry, or they have completed additional requirements and years of professional ministry experience required to become ordained American Baptist ministers.

Contact
The ABC/Ohio Leadership Academy is a ministry of the Board of Regional Ministries of the American Baptist Churches of Ohio. The Academy is guided by a Leadership Academies Leadership Team appointed by the Board. Ongoing leadership for the Academy is provided by:

Dr. Harold VanBroekhoven, Acting Dean
Jeni Gerber, Admissions Coordinator
Rev. Jane Gibbons, Regional Minister, ABC/Ohio Staff Representative

American Baptist Churches of Ohio
136 Galway Drive North
Granville, OH 43023.

Leadership Academy Fees and Application Processes:

Annual Tuition for the ABC/Ohio Leadership Academy is $325 plus a $25 registration fee. This covers the cost of instruction as well as lunch on the Saturday of each intensive. Additional costs to students include: Books, other instructional materials and travel expenses including meals and overnight lodging as needed.

Applications for admission to the program may be downloaded from our website.

Please stay in contact with your Region Ministers for application deadlines and due dates for fees each year.

Applications should be submitted to:
Jeni Gerber, Registrar
c/o First Baptist Church of Greater Toledo
6520 Pilliod Road
Holland, OH. 43528