Training (Praxis)

The word praxis means, “to translate an idea into action.” In this case we seek to translate the idea of a biblical, functioning community into action, and we believe this begins with biblically established elders and deacons.

The praxis discovery track is designed to vet individuals who may sense a calling to either eldership or deaconship within the local church. The purpose behind this program is not to make leaders, but rather to identify the biblically qualified elders and deacons Jesus has already established in our ranks.

Participation in praxis is open to anyone at any level, including those who simply desire to learn, but individuals who specifically desire the formal offices of elder or deacon will be placed under more stringent requirements throughout the track.

Requirements:
For those simply desiring to learn more about church and theology there are no specific requirements to be a part of praxis. You can either come to individual modules that interest you or attend every module throughout the year.

Those seeking the office of deacon or elder must be:
1. A member of Redemption Church for at least 2 years before being considered for elder or deaconship (though they can participate in Praxis before the 2 year mark).

2.Deacon candidates are required to follow along in the course material and go through an interview process, but no additional homework is required.

3.Elder candidates must complete a ½ page synopsis of each module and have those turned in at the start of the following module. In addition they must complete two interviews with the sitting team of elders and receive 100% approval to be submitted to the member for affirmation.

All elder or deacon candidates must complete the full inventory of modules. If a module is missed it must be reviewed via video before the next scheduled module.

Ordination Requirements:
Redemption Church recognizes that a formal process of ordination can be a huge value to the spiritual and theological growth of individuals who are serving in local church ministry. Because of this we have established our own internal path to ordaining people who feel led to a high-level of local church ministry or planting. Individuals in the ordination program are required to read 9 supplemental books (and complete the assignment for each) complete a final philosophy of ministry paper (15 page minimum) and pass an oral examination. All papers are to be double spaced in the 12-point font of your choice.

Anyone interested in Redemption Church’s Ordination program must schedule an entrance interview to see if ordination is the right path for them.

 

2016 PRAXIS SYLLABUS

Mod 1: General Ecclesiology and its relationship to NT Leadership
April 5 (7-9pm)

Mod 2: Biblical Study/Hermeneutics
April 19 (7-9pm)

Mod 3: Old & New Testament Survey
May 3 (7-9pm)

Mod 4: Theology 1 (Father, Son, Spirit & Scripture)
May 17 (7-9pm)

Mod 5: Theology 2 (Satan, Humanity & Sin)
May 31 (7-9pm)

Mod 6: Theology 3 (Atonement & Gospel)
June 14 (7-9pm)

Mod 7: Theology 4 (Church, Mission & End of Time)
June 28 (7-9pm)

JULY – OFF

Mod 8: Model and Function of NT Elders and Deacons
Aug. 9 (7-9pm)

Mod 9: Qualities of NT Elders & Deacons (w/personal evaluation)
Aug. 23 (7-9pm)

Mod 10: Christian Disciplines (Prayer, Fasting, Studying, Solitude & Service)
Sept.6 (7-9pm)

Mod 11: Teaching (Homiletics, small venue and one on one)
Sept. 20 (7-9pm)

Mod 12: Shepherding (multiplying investors and raising up leaders)
Oct. 4 (7-9pm)

Mod 13: Counseling and Consoling (Biblical counseling, visitation and bereavement)
Oct. 18 (7-9pm)

Mod 14: Correcting and Confronting (Biblical parameters for when and why)
Nov.1 (7-9pm)

Mod 15: Defending and Refuting (Apologetics)
Nov. 15 (7-9pm)

Mod 16: Who We Are: Redemption Vision, Values and Vibe
Nov. 29 (7-9pm)

 

REDEMPTION CHURCH ORDINATION TRACK

All ordination candidates must complete the following.

  • Submit a ½ page synopsis of each Praxis module.
  • Read the 9 required books below (and complete the assignment for each)
  • Write a final philosophy of ministry paper (15 page minimum).
  • Pass a final oral exam with only a Bible.

 

Book 1: Missional Leadership by Boswell (write a 4 page synopsis)

Book 2: The Church by Clowney (write a 5 page synopsis)

Book 3: Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics by Kaiser & Silva (write a 5 page synopsis)

Book 4: God’s Glory In Salvation Through Judgment by Hamilton (write a 5 page synopsis)

Book 5: Salvation Belongs To The Lord by Frame (write a 5 page synopsis)

Book 6: The Cross of Christ by Stott (write a 5 page synopsis)

Book 7: Transforming Grace by Bridges (write a 4 page synopsis)

Book 8: Pastoral Ministry by MacArthur (write a 5 page synopsis)

Book 9: The Reason For God by Keller (write a 5 page synopsis)

Final Philosophy of Ministry (15 page minimum).

Final Oral Test
  

2014 PRAXIS SYLLABUS