PDSOM

The PennDel School of Ministry is a convenient, fast-track, less expensive way that a person can satisfy the academic requirements for credentials with the Assemblies of God or simply go deeper in their understanding of scripture or ministerial topics.

No, courses can be taken at any time they are offered. You can even jump into the cycle in mid-stream, if you miss the first enrollment. However, the courses have been arranged logically in the best order to be taken. Example: The very first course is Hermeneutics, the art of proper scripture interpretation. We feel that a student should know how to “rightly divide the Word of truth” before diving into an intense study of it.

We have attempted to screen our instructors very carefully. Most (but not all) of them have academic degrees that uniquely qualify them to teach the subjects they have been assigned. In some cases, their practical experience or significant success in a given field has given them the authority to speak to their assigned subject. Even so, with over 50 people on our faculty, not every one of them will always hit a home run. Students will be given an evaluation form for every faculty member in every class. This will help us to make changes if, and when they are necessary.

Although it is not absolutely necessary, internet access will be required for email communication. Most of our forms, SG’s, and other materials will all be available for download from our website. We try to keep our costs minimal and avoid postage and handling by not having to mail anything. We do communicate with our students by e-mail; so, an e-mail account is necessary to receive our updates.

For many, the self-study route may still be the best way to go. However, that route has several shortcomings that PennDel SOM does not have.

We will provide the accountability that keeps you on task, moving toward your goal of obtaining credentials, we will provide a classroom environment that promotes exchange of ideas, beneficial dialogue and exposure to differing perspectives on the subject matter, you will be building relationships with your fellow students that you could not get with self-study programs, and you will sit under the teaching of experienced teachers who have been “in the trenches.” These four benefits are available, of course, in a normal Bible college setting; and we still believe that is the best way to go. However, we realize that this is not possible for everyone; therefore the need for PDSOM.

You will arrive at 8:30 for check-in at the site. You will turn in your completed Study Guide at check-in and go directly to class. The first order of business will be the grading of the Study Guides, a brief discussion of your answers, and a review of the material you have studied. After a short break, you will take your final exam for the course and break for lunch. After lunch, the exams will be randomly distributed and you will grade someone else’s exam. The rest of the day (until 5:00) will be spent in practical applications of the material you have learned. This will be a totally different learning experience from the typical classroom. The emphasis will not be on content delivery from teacher to student, but on the practical application of the material you have learned.