Overview of Alternative Learning Plans (Art. 8)

When Synod 2006 required that all Article 7 and 8 candidates complete the Modified EPMC offered by Calvin Theological Seminary, it also provided for the possibility of exceptions and alternatives. Specifically, synod said that “Article 7 and 8 candidates who demonstrate an inability to fulfill the EPMC residency requirements may, by way of exception, be granted the opportunity by the SMCC to complete the program through a number of alternative means, including, for example, on-line courses, mentor-supported learning contracts, regional educational strategies, and contextually shaped learning opportunities” (Acts of Synod 2006, p. 663). Synod 2007 instructed the Candidacy Committee to “generate more feasible and flexible alternatives to the Modified Ecclesiastical Program for Ministerial Candidacy that take into account the diversity of Article 7 and 8 candidates and ministry settings in the CRC” (Acts of Synod 2007, p. 665).

CMLTs may design localized, individualized learning plans that meet the denominational requirements for ordination into the CRC. These plans are to be designed in consultation with the applicant, mentor, and any other relevant party. Once designed, the plan is proposed to the Candidacy Committee for its approval. The Candidacy Committee may suggest some modifications. Once all three parties (the applicant, the CMLT and the Candidacy Committee) are in agreement, the alternative learning plan is implemented a the classical level.

Alternative Learning Plans, by definition, arise out of the particulars of a given ministry context, the strengths and needs of a specific candidate, the training resources available to a given CMLT, and the experiences of a particular CMLT and classis. Having said that, the Candidacy Committee has identified eight basic components that are part of the Modified EPMC that should be taken into account as the CMLT develops a plan. The materials below are suggestive, not exhaustive. Various teaching/learning strategies may be used for each component including one-on-one mentoring, small group study, Leadership Development Networks, and participation in regional or denominational training events. In every case some form of accountability is expected and should be described in the proposal that is created.

Basic Components of the Modified EPMC:

1. CRC History
Possible Resources:
Grace Through Every Generation, by Scott Hoezee
Dutch Calvinism in Modern America, by James D. Bratt
Our Family Album: The Drama (a DVD from Faith Alive)
Learning to Count to One, by Al Mulder

2. CRC Ministries
Possible Resources:
That They May Know: DVD and brochure describing the CRC ministries
The Banner: most issues can serve as an introduction to the work we share
The CRC and You
CRC Yearbook
The CRC Web Page (www.crcna.org) is a rich resource, especially the “about us” section.

3. CRC Polity
Possible Resources:
CRC Church Order (Note: a fill in the blank “review quiz” tool is available from the Candidacy Committee)
Manual of Christian Reformed Church Government, by Peter Borgdorff

4. CRC Confessions and Creeds
Possible Resources:
Ecumenical Creeds and Reformed Confessions
FAITH Unfolded, by Jim Oosterhouse
Reformed, by Robert DeMoor
Speaking As One, by Scott Hoezee
Speaking of Comfort, by Scott Hoezee
What It Means To Be Reformed (a CRC brochure)
Comfort and Joy: A Study of the Heidelberg Catechism, by Andrew Kuyvenhoven

5. Reformed Biblical Hermeneutics and Theology
Possible Resources:
The Promise of Baptism, by James Brownson
Why Do We Baptize Our Children (a DVD)
The Basic Ideas of Calvinism, by Henry Meeter
How to Read the Bible for All It’s Worth, by Gordon Fee
Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics, by Wlater C. Kaiser, Jr. and Moises Silva.
A Basic Guide to Interpreting the Bible: Playing by the Rules, by Robert H. Stein

6. Ministry Reflection and Formation: Required in all Learning Plans
Resource:
See the document, “The Ministry Reflection and Formation Component”, attached to the “Creating an Alternative
Learning Plans for Article 8” Packet.

7. Sermon Preparation and Presentation: Required in all Learning Plans
Resource:
See the document, “Sermon Preparation and Presentation”, attached to the “Creating an Alternative
Learning Plans for Article 8” Packet.

8. Bible Knowledge: Required in all Learning Plans
Resource:
Applicants can practice their assessment of Bible knowledge by using a free on-line Bible knowledge test that is cross-culturally tested for Presbyterian and Reformed church leaders is available at www.whitneyhq.com/biblecontent. For instructions in taking the test for credit, see the document, “Bible Knowledge Component” attached to the “Creating an Alternative Learning Plans for Article 8” Packet.

NOTE: All of the documents referred to above, along with a template for creating an Alternative Learning Plan can be obtained by requesting the “Creating an Alternative Learning Plan for Article 8” Packet. Send an e-mail request to the Director of Candidacy: dkoll@crcna.org.