Training Volunteer Leaders for Ministry
The Crossing in Quincy, Illinois, created its Ministry Development Institute to equip and encourage volunteer leaders through biblical teaching and practical ministry training. The 18-month program combines courses, reading, video lessons, and online discussions.
- The Ministry Development Institute equips enthusiastic volunteer leaders with Bible knowledge and ministry skills.
- The 18-month course includes biblical studies, spiritual formation, worldview, interpretation, and practical ministry.
- Students can also choose “MDI Lite” to access program resources without participating in the formal program.
By Jennifer Taylor
Churches around the country struggle with the wonderful problem of how to expand their work by involving enthusiastic new leaders—people who may have limited Bible knowledge or ministry experience.
The Ministry Development Institute
The Crossing (Quincy, IL) created its Ministry Development Institute in 2009 to equip and encourage these volunteer leaders. The 18-month course of study provides in-depth biblical teaching and training in ministry skills. Classes include Old and New Testament surveys, the book of Acts, biblical interpretation, worldview and spiritual formation, practical ministry, and more. The institute posts syllabi and reading lists for each course on its website, and the students enrolled in each class are also required to participate in online discussions. Many of the classes involve study of both printed textbooks and video lessons. Each six-week course requires a small registration fee.
MDI Lite
Students may also choose “MDI Lite” to opt out of the formal program while still accessing the program’s collection of resources.
