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Theological Training

Ministries In Action's  "IONA" Theological Training ministry responds to the Apostle Paul’s admonition to Timothy...

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.” - II Timothy 2:15 (NASB)

Overview

God requires that His servants prepare themselves with diligence in the knowledge of His word, especially those entrusted with the shepherding of His church. Solid, biblical leadership is essential for a healthy church, yet many church leaders around the world are unable to receive the training in bible and ministry skills that they need and desire. The responsibility of work and family, financial limitations or circumstances, often make it impossible for them to enroll in traditional Bible schools and seminaries, even when such schools are available.

Ministries In Action's IONA program  is committed to providing biblically sound theological training for those who teach God's Word.  This includes pastors, Bible study leaders, Sunday school teachers and other leaders and teachers of the Bible.   Ministries In Action has developed a three year IONA program, which is packaged as Ministries In Action, Inc.’s IONA Centres For Theological Study.  Ministries In Action's IONA missionaries also participate with other Christian educational institutions including Miami International Seminary (MINTS) and Jamaica Bible College.

IONA CENTRES for Theological Training

IONA Centres for Theological Training offer a distinctive approach to theological training designed to meet the needs of such leaders. IONA brings the training to the student, providing a comprehensive and challenging program of theological study in an affordable and convenient framework.   The IONA Centres began when Ministries In Action responded to the urgent request of Jamaican church leaders to develop a method of training workers for their congregations. They had more churches than trained leaders. The first IONA seminar was held at Iona School, on the north coast of Jamaica, in October 1981. Well over 100 church leaders participated in various parts of IONA’s three year program, and over forty received diplomas. Since 1981 the IONA program has been used to bless and increase the effectiveness of over 175 Jamaican church leaders.  IONA Centres have been successful in St. Vincent,  Grenada, The Bahamas, St. Maarten and Martinique.  Ministries In Action is actively looking for opportunities to open IONA Centre's in areas with a need.

From 1988 to 2006, Dr. Michael "Woody" Woodham served as the International Director of the IONA Centres for Theological Studies. Prior to his service as International Director, from 1984 to 1988, he served as the Field Coordinator of IONA Centres for Theological Studies in Mandeville, Jamaica. From 1984 to 2006, Dr. Woodham faithful served the Lord with Ministries in Action, Inc., Miami, FL, seconded from Mission to the World.

IONA CENTRES' Curriculum

The IONA Centre’s three-year curriculum includes Bible, theology and ministry courses in an effort to balance these three important building blocks of Christian service. Knowledge of Bible content is foundational to all Christian witness and service and theology holds the Christian to the realities of the gospel, making him sound and biblically consistent while the ministry courses help the student to put into practice his understanding of the Bible.

Listed below is the format of a typical three year curriculum that can be modified according to the particular needs of the students:

• Year one (1)
  • Annual Conference – 4 days
  • Special Theme – Scripture
  • Regular Seminars – 2 days
  • Courses:
    • Hermeneutics (Biblical Interpretation)
    • Old Testament Survey
    • Doctrine of God
• Year two (2)
  • Annual Conference – 4 days
  • Special Theme – Preaching
  • Regular Seminars – 2 days
  • Courses:
    • New Testament
    • Doctrine of Christ and Salvation
    • Church History
• Year three (3)
  • Annual Conference – 4 days
  • Special Theme – Ethics
  • Regular Seminars – 2 days
  • Courses:
    • Old and New Testament Books
    • Doctrine of the Church and Worship
    • Doctrine of the Holy Spirit and Sacraments

If you would like more information about the IONA Centre's or theological training please Click here for the IONA Inquiry Form