Global Association of Theological Studies€¦ · GATS Curriculum Questions 31 12. GATS Credentials...
Transcript of Global Association of Theological Studies€¦ · GATS Curriculum Questions 31 12. GATS Credentials...
Global Association of Theological Studies
Policy and Training
Manual 2020 Edition
1 Global Association of Theological Studies
Page Number
1. FromtheGATSCoordinator22. IntroductiontoGATS43. HowGATSOperates74. BenefitsofGATS85. AdministrativeStructure116. GATSMembership167. GATSCurriculum198. LevelsofStudy209. GATSElectives2310. BachelorDegreeProgram2411. GATSCurriculumQuestions3112. GATSCredentialsandDocuments3413. FacultyDevelopment3814. GlobalEducators4115. GATSTranslations4216. ChangestoGATSPolicy4317. CurriculumDevelopmentPolicy4418. WritingforGATS4519. SampleCourseOutline5320. AppendixA:MembershipApplication5521. AppendixB:FacultyInformationForm5822. AppendixC:MembershipRe-evaluation6023. AppendixD:BachelorWorkLifeForms6824. AppendixE:CredentialRequestForm70
Table of Content
“Excellence is not a gift or a talent,
Excellence is a mindset,
Excellence is an Attitude” Anonymous
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“The true test of Bible school
relevance is like a well.
Someone has said, ‘It’s only what is in the
well, that will come up in the bucket.’”
Bryan D. Abernathy Director of Promotion
OurjourneybeganwithaGlobalEducationNetworkmeetingatWorldEvangelismCenterinOctober2006.TwoofourvisionaryRegionalDirectors,Rev.RobertK.RodenbushandRev.JerryRichardsonhadpresentedaproposalforsuchagathering.AttheinvitationoftheDirectorofEducation/AIM,Rev.L.Shirley,aneducationalrepresentativefromeachregionjoinedourRegionalDirectorsforthreedaysofmeetingstodiscussvariousaspectsofimprovingthewaywegoabouttheologicaltrainingglobally.InthatmeetingtheGlobalEducationCommittee,GlobalAssociationofTheologicalStudies,andtheGlobalUniversityofTheologicalStudieswereenvisioned.TheywerelaterapprovedbytheGeneralDirectorofGlobalMissions,Rev.BruceHowell,PlanningforProgressandfinallytheGlobalMissionsBoard inFebruary2007.Thatwas theeasypart.Undertaking theglobaleducationaladvancementprogram is a gigantic task and has not been accomplished overnight. It is an ongoing process. Itevolves! Letme share a story about a lady I’veworkedwith.Her name isSister Else Lund. She symbolizes a host of dedicatedBible schoolteachersacrosstheglobe.Wherewouldwebewithoutthem?ArnoldCookoncesaid,“Thosethatliveinthepastareblindinoneeye.Thosewhoneverconsultthepastareblindinbotheyes.”Aswelookatthefutureletuspausetolookatthepast.
TheoddsofsuccesswereagainstSisterLundbutcouldnotstopher- childhood polio, a lady in aman’sworld; shewalked on despitecoups,churchproblems,andtropicaldiseases.Shehasclimbedhillstomissionstationsandwalkedmilesdown junglepaths topreachandteachhungrysouls.Shespentoverforty-twoyearsteachingonforeignsoil.Shehassometimesbeenonthelastplaneoutofawar-tornnation.Whatkepther?Whatwereherweapons?
Armedwiththeassuranceofastillsmallvoice,sheheldtwoweaponsin her hands—in one, a tattered Bible—and in the other, a set ofnotes—not therecentreleaseof thenewestresource—no,asetofnotes,treasuredfornearlyahalfacentury.
She has stood in front of eager to learn students and whispered:“Theycantakeanythingfromme,butpleasenotmyBible.”
“YouneedastudyBibleofyourown.UnderlinethatBibleverse.Itisveryimportant.Haveyouunderlinedit?”
Whatcausedher,andBibleschoolteacherseverywheretogoon?
“A student... who is fully trained will be like his
teacher.” (See Luke 6:40)
From the GATS Coordinator
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“BrotherRichardson,”sheoncerespectfullyremarked,“IstillhavealotofTEACHinme.”IsnotthatthereasonwhyBibleschoolteachersspendalifetimeinpreparationfortheclassroom?Thatsameburdengripstheheartofeveryoneofthem.Theyallhaveonethingincommon—theirstrongbelief in the trainingof laborers for theworldwideharvest. They arepursuingministerialexcellence.
ABibleteacher’sgreatestjoyistoleavethetraceofeternityontheheartsofmenandwomen—theprivilegeofinvestinginthefuture.Theytakewhattheyhavebeentaughtandpassitontoothers.Whatisitthatweseeinthislady—SisterElseLund?Itispassion,apassiontoteach.Thesamepassioncanbeseen ineveryBibleschool teacher.Theirpassiontotrainand love forstudentsguaranteessuccessinlife’sclassroom.ThereissomeTEACHleftinthesoulofeveryteacher.Butthereisanothersideofpassionandthewillingnesstoteach.
Wecannotteachunlesssomeoneiswillingtobetaught.Godhasplacedwithinthehumanheartthenaturaldesiretolearn.It isalsoaspiritualthirst,adesiretoknowGod.Weseethepassiontobetaughtintheeyesofcountlesspeople.ItisseenineachofourstudentsinouroverseasBibleschools.
That passion was manifested in village pastors—untrained—who walkedfifty-fivekilometerstoattendashort-termtrainingprogram.Itwasseeninayoung man who begged for a copy of a Bible school textbook, and thenclutchedandtreasureditclosetohisheartwhenhereceivedit.Ourpassiontoteachisonlyequaledbytheirpassiontolearn.Theydeserveourbest—aqualitytrainingwhethertheyareinapoornationorarichone,regardlessofhowdevelopedorundevelopedthechurchintheirnationmaybe.AndthatsummarizesthequestoftheGlobalAssociationofTheologicalStudies.
ThereisalotofTEACHleftinus.Letusjustsay,“We’vebeenbroughtintotheclassroomforsuchatimeasthis!”
EnjoytheGATSJourney,
JamesG.Poitras,CoordinatorGlobalAssociationofTheologicalStudies(TheGlobalAssociationofTheologicalStudieswasofficiallylaunchedatSchoolofMissions2007)
“Teach them to WIN them.
Teach them to SEND them.”
James Poitras Missionary
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TheGlobalAssociationofTheologicalStudiesanditsmembershipnationsdevelopandequipmenandwomentoreachtheirmaximumpotentialinapostolicministry.
Scriptural Mandate for GATS
“The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true”(Ecclesiastes12:10,NIV).“Goandmakedisciplesofallnations”(Matthew28:19,NIV).Go…teach all nations…Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you”(Matthew28:19-20,KJV).“And the [instructions]whichyouhaveheard frommealongwithmanywitnesses, transmit andentrust[asadeposit]toreliableandfaithfulmenwhowillbecompetentandqualifiedtoteachothersalso”(2Timothy2:2,AMP).
Motto of GATS
“PursuingMinisterialExcellence”
Comprehensive Objectives of GATS
Ourcomprehensiveobjectives(expectedresults)include:PreservingtheMessage.Nurtureafaithcommunityandacenteroflife-longlearningtopreserveapostolic doctrine for generations to come (2 Timothy 2:2; Philippians 3:1; 2 John 1-2). Equipministerstocontinuesteadfastlyintheapostle’sdoctrine(Acts2:42;Hebrews2:1);andtodefenditwithintheirculturalcontext(Jude3;1Peter3:15).Providing the Methods. Explore the needs of a diverse and ever-changing society, and developinnovativeprintandnon-printtrainingandlearningresourcesthatarerelevanttoourcross-culturalenvironment.Atthesametimesuchresourcesremainbiblical;faithfultoGod’sWord.Producing theMinistry. Prepare Spirit-filled, Spirit-empowered, and Spirit-directed students forexcellenceinapostolicministry(Ephesians4:11-12).PropagatingtheMission.Trainandmotivatestudentstopossessavisionfor,andparticipationin,globalevangelism—preachingandteachingthewholeGospeltothewholeworld(Proverbs29:18;Luke 24:47). Cultivate leadership development to facilitate, and sustain the harvest the LordcontinuestogiveHisChurch.
Introduction to GATS
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Youmaybewondering,“WhatisthemotivationbehindGATS?”Let’s beginwith a few things that themotivation behindGATS is not. It’s not about a quest fordegrees,oranefforttobelikeanyotherchurchororganization.It’snotaboutmovingtowardsecularorliberalartseducation.It’smoreaboutpreservingandpropagatingapostolictruth.
It’s not about drawing a circle, and keeping other approved trainingprogramsoutofthepicture.It’saboutdrawingacircle,andbringinginallwhowanttojointhiseffort.
WewantallofourschoolstobepartoftheGlobalAssociationofTheologicalStudiesandwilldoourbesttoassistinreachingtheirtraininggoals.
GATSisaboutencouragingeachothertopresseverhigherandclosertoGod.It’saboutUNITY.It’sworkingtogethertodeveloptrainingprogramsthatmeetourneeds.Forstudents,studyingGod'sWordwithbrothersandsistersaroundtheworldisexciting.Unityofpurpose(onemind)increaseslearningpossibilities.Godblessesunity,especiallyforoneofHisownideas–"StudyingtoshowourselvesapproveduntoHim"(2Timothy2:15).Theconnectionwith others of like precious faithwill bring joy and hope toeveryoneinvolved.
It’saboutLOOKINGBACKoverthehistoryoftrainingprogramsgloballyandadmitting,“It’snotwhatitoughttobe.It’snotallthatitcanbe.But,bythegraceofGodneitherisitwhatitwas.It’scomealongway,thankstomenlikeRalphReynolds,authoroftheInternationalAlphaBibleCourse;Rev.Robert K. Rodenbush responsible for the Overseas Ministries Training Course, and others toonumeroustomention.Theysetthepace.
“Since it is not granted us to live long on this earth, it is logical to give our best and our most to something that will last eternally … reaching
sinners and training saints.” Robert K. Rodenbush,
It’s all about souls! “Souls
rescued. Souls
rooted. Souls
readied.” Bruce A Howell,
General Director of Global Missions
The Motivation behind GATS
“The Future of the church in a nation depends on the health of the Bible School.
Shane Hayes
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“The depth of Bible teaching determines the width of people
reaching.” Roger Buckland
Missionary
Wepressontowardthegoaltheyestablished.It’saboutLOOKINGFORWARD.It’saboutVISION,andCOMMITMENTtoreachingtheworldwiththeapostolicmessage.It’saboutMINISTRY–meetingtheneedsofanadvancingglobalsocietyandEQUIPPINGlaborerstobeabletoministereffectivelyinthe21stcentury.It’saboutaCALLING–thosewhoworkwithGATSbelievethatwehavebeencalledintothekingdomforsuchatimeasthis.ThisisthenextstepinwhatGodwouldhaveusdowithourtrainingprograms.It’s about SERVICE – serving God and others by using talents, skills, and expertise to helpmissionaries,nationalleaders,andstudentstoreachtheirmaximumpotential,andeffectivenessinthekingdomofGod.It’saboutSHARING–whatwehavelearned,andwhatworksbestforus–andbeingwillingtoshareitwithfellowmissionariesandnationalsaroundtheworld.It’saboutPREPARATION–forthefuture,andpreparingleadersforthegreatharvestthattheLordhaspromisedintheselastdays.It’saboutRELEVANCE–developingacurriculum,atrainingprogram,astaff,andstudentsdesignedfor,andrelevantto,ourneedswhileremainingfaithfultoGod’sWord.It’saboutIMPROVING–raisingthestandardofministerialexcellencethroughouttheworld.It’saboutACCESS–providingadistanceeducationprogramespeciallyinareaswheretrainingisnotavailable.It’saboutQUALITY,andEQUALITY–thatstudentsaroundtheglobewouldhaveequalopportunitytoreceivethesamequalitytrainingregardlessofhowrichorpoorthecountrymaybe,orhowdevelopedorundevelopedtheUnitedPentecostalChurchInternationalmaybeinthatcountry.Paulconfessed,“NotthatIhavealreadyobtainedallthis,orhavealreadybeenmadeperfect…Idonotconsider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do…I press on toward the goal…”(Philippians3:12-14,NIV)ThisattitudepermeatestheChristianlifeandisanimportantpremisewiththeGlobalAssociationofTheological Studies. We strive for excellence— for quality— and we accomplish this throughcontinuousimprovement.Wewanttodobetter—tobebetter.Ourpurposeistoprepare(andbe)qualityleaders.Letuspushtowardourgoal!
What is GATS about?
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1) GATSisAdministratedthroughtheGlobalEducationCommittee.
2) GATSMembershipNationsagreetousetheGATScurriculumandcomplywithGATSpolicyasstatedintheGATSManual.
3) GATSoffersacorecurriculuminfourlevels.
4) AnnualFacultyDevelopmentseminarshelptrainandequipBibleSchoolfaculty.
5) RegionalandSub-RegionalGATSRepresentativespromoteGATSandgiveassistancetoGATSnationsintheirregion.
6) GATS oversees textbook/curriculum development for courses where we do not have anadequateresourceavailable.ThisiscoordinatedthroughtheGATSCurriculumDevelopmentCommittee.
7) GATS develops and maintains websites in major world languages that include individualsubjectcourseobjectives,courseoutlines,recommendedtextbooks,coursepacksandotherimportantdocumentsandinformation.
8) TranslationisamajorcomponentofGATS.Weareworkingtomakeourcoursesavailableinmajorworldlanguages.OurimmediateprioritiesareEnglish,Spanish,French,PortugueseandRussian.
9) Thebachelordegreeprogramiscurrentlybeinglaunchedinseveralnations.
10) CoursePacketResourcesprovidingsupplementarymaterialforallofourcoursesarecurrentlybeingcompiledandtranslated.
“Bible education is all about Learning & Doing, Knowing & Going, Understanding & Growing
always closer to HIM.” Linda Poitras
Missionary
How GATS Operates
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Pursuing His Purpose…
Go… Reach… Teach.
EveryonebenefitswithGATS.Here’show:Benefits to the Students
1) Being involved in a global training program, rather than merely a local, national, or regionalprogram.
2) BeingconnectedgloballytootherstudentsintheGATSprogram.
3) Havingequalopportunitytoreceivethesamequalitytrainingregardlessofhowrichorpoorthecountrymaybe,orhowdevelopedorundevelopedtheUnitedPentecostalChurchInternationalmaybeinthatcountry.
4) The GATS student's Certificate/Diploma/Degree is recognized (and understood) in othernations.
5) In some nations, this Certificate/Diploma/DegreequalifiesGATSstudentstoteachreligioninpublicschoolsinthatparticularnation.
6) For most students, the GATS program is themost economical avenue for receiving aCertificate /Diploma/Degree in TheologicalStudies.
7) ThroughtheGATSdistanceeducationprogramstudentscanhaveaccesstotrainingwhenaBibleschool is not available in their country, orwhere distance or responsibilities prevent them fromattendingacentralized,residential,orfull-timeschool.Thisprogramisstillinthedevelopmentstage.
Benefits to the Missionary
1) GATSprovidesthemissionarywithahighquality,doctrinallyaccurate,curriculumforuseintraining.
2) Participating in the GATS program saves the missionary valuable timecompilingcurriculumforuseinhis/hertrainingprogram.GATSisavailabletoassisttheminorganizingandadministratingaBibleschoolprogram.
3) The missionary is globally connected with missionaries and studentsaroundtheworldinvolvedintheGATSprogram.
“An educator is an archer who holds the bow of knowledge
and propels students to a designated target.”
Lloyd Shirley Director of Education/AIM
Benefits of GATS
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4) AnyBibleSchoolapprovedbyGATSisnotrequiredtosubmitacurriculumandstafflistingwiththeannualbudgetandcurriculumformsincethiswillalreadybeonfileatGlobalMissions.
5) Thevisionofdistanceeducationisthatwhereapplicable,appropriate,andadvantageous,GATSsavestravelandboardingfundsasstudentsstudythroughthisprogram.Distanceeducationstudentsarebondedwithmissionariesastheyserveasprogramfacilitatorsandeducationalmentorsintheirrespectivenations.
Benefits to the Nation
1) TheGATSmembershipnationsareconnectedgloballyasallnations involvedreceivethesamequalityofeducation.
2) A nation receiving a regional missionary (or aminister from another country) that has completedthe GATS program, whichever level(Certificate/Diploma/Degree), will know preciselytheminimumstandardofhis/hereducation.
3) For nations havingmultiple Bible schools, thoseenrolled with GATS will have standardizedcurriculumandhours.
4) GATS membership nations are greatly benefited by the faculty development program whichimpactseachteacher,andinturnelevatesthelevelofeducationforthatnation.
5) Strong,effectivelytrainedlocalpastors,instronglocalchurches,produceastrongnationalchurch.
6) Abi-annual‘GlobalEducationInsights’newsletterwillbesenttoeverynation.Thiswillkeepthenationsconnectedwithreports,valuableinformation,announcementsandresources.
7) GATSWebsitesinEnglish,FrenchandSpanishmakeTextbooks,CoursePacks,TrainingmaterialsandotherGATSresourcesreadilyavailabletoeveryGATSmembershipnation.
8) AGATSAdministrationTeamandGlobalEducatorsareavailabletoassistthenationalBibleSchoolprogramsuponrequest.
Benefits to the Regional Directors and Global Missions
1) GATSinfluencesBibleschoolsandnationalizedchurcheswhenthereisnoresidentmissionary.2) GATSprovidesasystemofmeasurementfornationsandregionstounderstandhowtheycompare
“Training tomorrow’s leaders is not an option, it is a
command, it is the heart of God, and it is the future of
the church.” Joseph Bir Missionary
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theirtrainingwithothernations.3) GATSestablishesastandardtoascertaintheleveloftrainingbeingdoneineachnation,andchartsacourseforimprovementordevelopment.
4) GATSisdeterminedtoliftthestandardofministerialpreparationglobally.ThedividendisthatministersineachregionarebetterequippedtofacilitaterevivalandtheharvestofsoulstheLordisgivingus.5) ThroughthedistanceeducationprogramGATSisinstrumentalin trainingpotentialministers inunreached areas throughout theregionorwherewedonothaveBibleschools.6) GATSprovidesahighlydevelopedbachelordegreeprogramfortrainingtoplevelleadersfornationaladministrationandteachinginourBibleschools.7) GATSisinstrumentalintrainingregionalmissionaries.8) In the midst of diversity and wide variations in people andphilosophy GATS brings uniformity to the basic Bible curriculumbeingtaughtinourBibleschoolsthroughouttheworld.9) GATSallowsustonetworkwitheducationspecialistsaroundtheglobeproducingsynergy.Liketheoldproverbsays,“Manyhandsmakealightwork!”
GATS Websites:
GATScurrentlyhaswebsitesinEnglish,SpanishandFrenchEnglish:www.gatsonline.orgSpanish:www.agetenlinea.orgFrench:www.agetenligne.orgEachmembershipnationwillbeprovidedwithapasswordfortheprotectedareasofthewebsite
Global Education Insights Newsletter:
GATSprovidesabi-annual‘GlobalEducationInsights’newsletterwithupdates,reports,announcementsand resources. This ismade available in English, French and Spanish andwill be sent via email tomembershipnations.
“Train pastors and national leaders
NOW for the revival and
growth of TOMORROW.”
Carl Varnell, Former Secretary of Foreign
Missions
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TheGlobalEducationCommitteeisthegoverningbodyofGATSanditconsistsof:
1) GeneralDirectorofGlobalMissions–ExOfficio2) DirectorofEducation/CoordinatorofGATS(Chairman)3) AssistantCoordinatorofGlobalAssociationofTheologicalStudies(Co-Chairman)4) GlobalMissionsRegionalDirectors5) RegionalGATSRepresentatives6) GlobalEducatorRepresentative(RotatingConsultant–2yearterm)
Appointments to GATS
TheDirectorofEducationandShortTermMissionsbyvirtueofappointment,servesasthe“CoordinatoroftheGlobalAssociationofTheologicalStudies.”ThisofficeiscurrentlyfilledbyRev.JimPoitras.TheGlobalMissionsBoard,attheirdiscretion,mayappointan“AssistantCoordinatorofGlobalAssociationofTheologicalStudies”.In2017,Rev.BradThompsonwasappointedtothisposition.TheGlobalEducatorRepresentativeisincludedasaconsultantwithavoice,butnovote.
Regional Representatives (as of 2020)
Region RegionalRepresentativeAfrica Rev.GeraldMcLeanAsia Rev.PrinceMathiaszCentralAmerica/Caribbean Rev.BradThompsonEurope/MiddleEast Rev.MarkShutesPacific Rev.TroyWickettSouthAmerica Rev.JosephAnthonyBir
Communication with GATS Administration
GATSmembershipnationsareaskedtocommunicateallquestionsandconcernswiththeirsub-regionalorregionalGATSRepresentative.TheInternationalGATSofficeemailis:[email protected]
Administrative Structure
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Assistant Coordinator of the Global Association of Theological Studies:
1. Works incooperationwithandunder thedirectionof theDirectorofEducation/ShortTermMissions.
2. MaintainshiscurrentGlobalMissionsappointment,buthisjobdescriptionwillbemodifiedtoaccommodatetheseaddedresponsibilities.
3. Hewillresideinthenationofhisappointmentandcoordinateanytravel fromthere.TravelcommitmentswillbeapprovedbytheDirectorofEducation/AIMandhisRegionalDirectorwillbeinformed.
4. ServesastheVice-ChairmanoftheGlobalEducationCommitteeandco-chairsmeetingswiththeDirectorofEducation/ShortTermMissions.
5. Facilitates the goals of theGlobalAssociationofTheological Studies to each region, via theRegionalDirectorandtheRegionalRepresentativeoftheGlobalEducationCommittee:a. ByworkingwiththeRepresentativeofeachregiontoensurethequalityofeducation.b. Bypromotingannualfacultydevelopmentopportunities.c. Bycoordinatingtheimplementationofthecorecurriculumforeachlevelofrecognitionby
theGlobalAssociationofTheologicalStudies.d. BymaintainingthelevelofeducationexpectedbytheGATSe. By giving endorsement to each student when signing, along with the Director of
Education/ShortTermMissions,anycertificate/diploma/degreetobeissued.f. Bycoordinatingtheexpansionofcurriculumdevelopment.g. BycoordinatingthetranslationofallGATSmaterials.h. ByfulfillingadditionalresponsibilitiesasdeemedbytheDirectorofEducation/ShortTerm
Missions.6. MaintaintheGATSMasterFileofallGATScurriculum,documentation,applications,transcripts
andanyotherfilesrelatedtotheGATSprogram.7. Hewillserveasthecoordinatoroftranslationoftrainingmaterials.
a. Hewillwork in harmonywith the Director of Education and AIM andmaintain closecommunicationwiththetranslatorsworkingwithGlobalMissions.HewillkeeptheDirectorofEducationandAIMinformedoftheprogressofalltranslationsandsubmittohimeachcompletedtranslationandrequestforpayments.b. Hewill ensure that the GATSwebsites aremaintained to datewith currentmaterialsavailableanddocumentsneededfortheimplementationandadministrationofGATSintheBibleSchools.c.HewillformateamoftranslatorsforeachofthemajorworldlanguagesapprovedbytheGEC(namelySpanish,French,Portuguese,andRussian).
8. HewillserveastheCoordinatoroftheGlobalEducators,whichcombinesAGEandGATSFacultyEducationa.HewillmaintainrecordsoftheFacultyEducationProgramsaroundtheworld
9. HewillserveasViceChairmanoftheGATSCurriculumCommittee.a. HewillcoordinatetheexpansionofGATScurriculumandfacultyeducationdevelopment.
10. HewilltravelasnecessarytothedifferentregionsascoordinatedbytherespectiveRegionalDirectorandRegionalRepresentativeforthebettermentoftheschoolsinthatRegion.Hewillalso travel to UPCI World headquarters when deemed necessary by the Director ofEducation/ShortTermMissions.
Job Descriptions
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Regional Representative of the Global Association of Theological Studies:
1. WillbeselectedbytheRegionalDirectorinwaysdeemedbestfortheregion. Theywillbeappointedforatwo-yeartermbytheGMAC.Theappointmentcanberenewedasmanytimesasdesired.
2. WillserveasamemberoftheGlobalEducationCommittee.3. WillfacilitatethegoalsoftheGlobalAssociationofTheologicalStudiestotheBibleSchoolsin
hisrespectiveregion:a. ByworkingwiththeBibleSchoolsinhisregiontoensurethequalityofeducation.b. Bypromotingandcoordinatingfacultydevelopmentwithinhisregion.c. By implementing the core curriculum of each level of recognition as approved by the
GlobalAssociationofTheologicalStudies.d. BymaintainingthelevelofeducationexpectedbytheGlobalAssociationofTheological
Studies.e. By ensuring that membership nations receive their membership certificate and that
membershipre-evaluationiscompletedeverythreeyears.f. Byreceiving,verifyingandapprovingstudenttranscriptsandcertificate/diploma/degree
requestformsandsendingthemtotheAssistantGATSCoordinatorinatimelymanner.g. Byfulfillingother responsibilitiesasrequested by the Global Education Committee /
GATSCoordinator.
Sub-Regional Representative of the Global Association of Theological Studies:
ThefollowingisaguidelinefortheSubRegionalGATSRepresentative.Thespiritofthispositionistoassist theRegionalGATSCoordinator in effectivelypromotingGATS in theentire region, assistingGATSnationsinamorepersonaland‘handson’fashionandenablingtheestablishmentofeffectivetrainingprogramsinnationswherethatislacking.TheSub-regionalGATSRepresentativewillkeeptheRegionalGATSRepresentative informedofallthings related to GATS in the sub region. They will work together with the Regional GATSRepresentativeintheplanningofallGATSeventsinthecorrespondingsub-region.ThefunctionoftheSubRegionalGATSRepresentativeisasfollows:
1. TheRegionalDirectorandAreaCoordinatorwillselectqualifiedindividualstofillthisrole.2. WillserveasamemberoftheRegionalGATSCommittee,whichwillconsistoftheRegional
GATSRepresentativeandtheSub-regionalRepresentatives.ItisunderstoodthattheRegionalDirectorisincludedonthiscommitteeandcanchairthemeetingsshouldhedesire.
3. The SubRegional GATSRepresentativewillwork in complete harmonywith theRegionalGATSRepresentativetopromoteGATS,FacultyDevelopmentSeminarsandeffectivetrainingprogramsinthenationsofthesub-region.
4. Attend and teach in Sub Regional GATS Faculty Development Seminars as needed/whenpossible.
5. PromoteGATSinnon-GATSnationswithinthesubregion,keepinginmindthatinmanycases
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planningaFacultyDevelopmentSeminarinthesenationscanbeaveryeffectivefirststepinbringingthemonboardwithGATS.
6. Maintain communicationwith national leadership, and in particularwith theBible SchoolDirectorsofthenationsinthesubregionkeepingbeforethemwhatGATShastoofferandendeavoring to maintain the level of education expected by the Global Association ofTheologicalStudies.
7. PromoteGATSinsubregionalevents.TheSubRegionalRepresentativeneedstobethe‘face’ofGATSintheirsubregion.
8. AssesstheneedsintheBibleSchoolsandtrainingprogramsofthenationsinthesubregion,including the needs of materials and Faculty Development lessons, communicating theseneedstotheRegionalDirectorandRegionalGATSRepresentative.
9. AssistGATSnationswithtranscriptsoftheirgraduates.10. Represent GATS at Bible School graduations in the sub regionwhen possible andwhen a
properinvitationhasbeenextended.11. EstablishgoalseachyearforGATSinyoursubregion,communicatingthosewiththeRegional
GATSRepresentative.12. Ifthesub-regionalrepresentativeisnotamissionary,thenfundingwillneedtobegivenas
assistancefortravelandworkinthedifferentareasofthesub-region.13. The national leadership of each sub-region (in the presence of the regional director and
regional GATS representative) shouldmeet together and decide how to support the sub-regionalrepresentative.Thiscouldpossiblybedoneatthesub-regionalconference.
Introducing New Regional GATS Representatives: ~Introduction Letter AnofficialcommunicationfromtheGATSofficeandtheregionaldirectorshouldbesenttotheregion.ThiswillserveasanintroductionofthenewGATSrepresentative.Oncethishastakenplace,thenewlyappointedGATSrepresentativeshouldfollow-upwithhisowncommunicationtotheregion.~Transition Ideally,atransitionshouldtakeplacebetweentheoutgoingGATSrepresentativeandtheincomingGATSrepresentative.Thistransitiontimemayverybutshouldbebetweenthreetosixmonths.ItissuggestedthatallGATSrepresentativesparticipateinafacultyeducationprogramtoobserveandlearntheprocessbeforehavingtoleadoneindependently.~Orientation TheoutgoingGATSrepresentativeshouldsitdownwiththeincomingGATSrepresentativetomakesurethatthefollowingpointsarecovered.1.WorkthroughtheGATSpolicyandtrainingmanualwithexpanded insightbeinggiven fromtheoutgoingGATSrepresentative.
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2.Taketimetohighlightthejobdescriptionfromthepolicyandtrainingmanual.3.The incomingGATSrepresentative shouldaccompany theoutgoingGATSrepresentative for thefirstsGlobalEducationCommitteeMeetingifatallpossible.Thiswillgiveopportunitytoexplainwhatis required of a GATS representative during GEC meetings and offer hands-on explanations andinsights.4.AcompletetransferofallelectronicGATSregionalfilesisveryimportant.Thisshouldincludebutisnotlimitedtothefollowing:
a) Recordoffacultyeducationprograms,includinglocations,dates,lessonsandfacilitatorswhotaught.
b) Membershipnationinformation,includinglocalBibleschoolrepresentatives.IntheeventthatanorientationandtransitionalperiodbetweentheoutgoingGATSrepresentativeandtheincomingGATSrepresentativeisnotpossible,theorientationandtransitionalperiodshouldbedelegatedtotheassistantGATScoordinator.Academic Review Committee: TheAcademicReviewCommitteeismadeupof:
1. TheDirectorofEducation/ShortTermMissions/CoordinatorofGATS2. TheAssistantGATSCoordinator3. TheappropriateRegionalDirector4. TheappropriateRegionalGATSRepresentative
Thiscommitteewillservetomakedecisionsconcerningcurriculumoracademicdiscrepanciesthatmayarise. ItwillmakefinaldecisionsconcerninggivingcreditstostudentstransferringtoaGATSschoolfromanothereducationalinstitutionorBibleSchool.SchoolstransitioningtoGATSCurriculumwillneedatransitionalplantobringtheircurrentstudentsintocompliancewithGATSpoliciesandtoassesstheabilityofpastgraduatestobebroughtintotheGATSprogram. Sinceeachsituationisunique,theAcademicReviewCommitteewillconsidereachcaseindividually.AllinquiriesshouldbesubmittedtotheCoordinatorofGATSatjpoitras@upci.org.
“The person responsible for training is in control of the culture. The culture is created by the training.”
Tony Golobic Founder and CEO of Great America
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“Training is the most effective way to reach any country”
Brad Thompson Missionary
~Why do you use the term membership nation rather than membership school?
ThereisonlyoneapplicationtoGATSpernation.Thisapplicationcoversalltrainingprogramswithinthesaidcountry,ratherthansubmittinganapplicationforeachschooland/ortrainingprogram.
Wealsowanttomakesurethattheschoolortrainingprogramhasthepermissionof itsnationalboardbeforeprocessinganapplication.A localchurchcouldbeauthorized/approvedwhileotherschoolsinanationarenotinvolved.However,wewouldstillneedanapprovalfromthenationalorgeneralboardinthenation.
~What are the requirements for becoming a membership nation of GATS?
Any nation can apply, but the application usuallywouldcomefromandthroughthenationalboard.
Application is made through completing theprovidedapplicationforms. Application formsareavailable on the GATS website under the“Resources”taborinAppendix‘A’ofthismanual.
EachmembershipnationpledgestoadopttheGATScurriculum.ForGATSpurposes“curriculum”isdefined as all required subjects, suggested electives, total classroom hours, and courseobjectives/concepts.
MembershipnationsneedtocomplywiththeteacherqualificationsstipulatedbyGATS.Allrequiredreportsandfeesmustbeprovidedtomaintainmembership.
~What are the teacher qualifications required by GATS?
TeachersmusthaveagodlycharacterandadheretotheInternationalArticlesofFaithoftheUPCI.
Theyshoulddemonstratecompetenceinone’sdiscipline(areaofinstruction).
Teachersshoulddemonstrateevidenceofabilitytocommunicateeffectively,aptitudeforprogress,andmaintainagenuinespirituallife.
Theyshouldhaveacademicand/orworklifeexperiencecredentials.Although,itisrecommendedthateachteacherisaBibleschoolgraduate,thisisnotalwayspossibleorpractical.
“The progressive church is
committed to training men and women around the
world to take their gospel to
their own people.” James Poitras
Missionary
Membership Nations
17 Global Association of Theological Studies
Apersonalgrowthplanforeachteacher,includingpresentcredentials,andfutureacademicplans,isrequiredwiththeapplicationtoGATS.(SeeAppendixB)GATSFacultyDevelopmentSeminarsshouldbeprovidedineachregion,sub-region,cluster-nations,orwithinindividualcountriestoelevateteachersthroughouttheregion.~What is the procedure for obtaining membership status? Intent Status ~
Toinitiatetheapplicationprocess,apotentialmembershipnationorschoolshouldsenda“letterofintent”totheDirectorofEducation/ShortTermMissionsatGATS@upci.org.Thenationcouldalsobeginthisprocessbysendingtheapplicationformandotherpertinentdocuments.Applicant Status ~
UponreceiptofapplicationinGATS,theformswillbescreenedbythecoordinator.Ifanyadjustmentsare needed, the coordinator will make appropriate comments and return the application orexplanationlettertotheapplyingnation.If the application seems complete, a letter will be sent to the applying nation stating that theapplicationhasbeenreceived,isonfile,andwillbereviewedbytheGlobalEducationCommitteeforapproval into membership status. Applications received throughout the year, when the GlobalEducationCommitteeisnotinsession,areapprovedbytheApplicationReviewCommittee.Thisismade up of the Director of Education/Short TermMissions, Assistant Coordinator of the GlobalAssociationofTheologicalStudies,appropriateRegionalGATSrepresentativeandRegionalDirector.Oncetheapplicationhasbeenreceived,anduntil it isapproved, theapplyingnation isviewedashavingapplicantstatuswithGATS.Membership Status ~
Whenapprovalisgiven,acertificateverifyingmembershipwillbesenttotheapplyingnation.StatusissubjecttoreevaluationeverythreeyearsforcontinuedcompliancewithGATSrequirements. Under the ‘Resources’ tab on the GATS website, and in Appendix C of this manual, there is a‘Membership Re-evaluation’ form which should be filled out by the national Bible Schooladministrator.ItmustbesignedbytheBibleSchooladministratorandthesuperintendent/presidentof theUPC insaidcountry.Thiscommunicationshouldbesent to theGATSrepresentativeof theregion,whowillverifythateverythingisinorderandthensendittotheDirectorofEducationandShort-TermMissionsatGlobalMissions. Ifproblemsbecomeevidentatanytime,themembershipnationanditstrainingprogramswillbegiven advice and opportunity to correct the problems as per the recommendations of the GATSadministration.Themembershipnationwillbegiventhreemonthstocomp
18 Global Association of Theological Studies
FailuretomaintainthestandardsofGATSmayresultinremovalofmembershipstatus.Inactive Status ~
1. Atrainingprogramthatbecomesinactiveornon-compliantwillbetermed“inactive.”2. Shouldtheperiodofinactivityexceedtwoyearsanewapplicationmustbepresentedfor
approval.3. Iftheinactivitycoverslessthantwoyearsthemembershipnationwouldneedtoconfirm
compliancewithGATS,provideascopeandsequence,andalistoffacultywiththeirqualifications.
Annual Report ~
An annual report is required to verify compliance with GATS standards. This report allowsmembershipnationstoreaffirmtheyareoperatingaccordingtoGATSguidelines.TheAnnualFieldReportcanservethispurposeifitindicatesthatyouareusingGATSCurriculumontheform.Anychangesincurriculum,faculty,and/[email protected].~What provision is there for applying nations that may need a period of time to transition to GATS?
Membershipstatuswillnotbewithheldaslongastheapplyingnationindicatesatransitionalprocess,andisworkingdiligentlytowardit.~How can we receive a copy of the GATS membership application?
E- mail [email protected] or visit http://gatsonline.org to receive an electronic copy. The currentapplication fee is $100.00 USD and payment or instructions for payment should accompany theapplication.~Where do we send the application?
Rev.JamesPoitras,CoordinatorGlobalAssociationofTheologicalStudies36ResearchParkCtWeldonSpring,MOUSA63304Or:JPoitras@upci.
19 Global Association of Theological Studies
The Quest for Excellence
Our staff at GATS takes developing cutting-edge curriculum seriously. Jim Poitras in AchievingExcellence in Bible School Administration stated, “There is tremendous value in awell-conceivedcurriculum.Itforcesustofocusontheneeds,objectivesandreasonsfortheschool’sveryexistence.Jesussaid,“Supposeoneofyouwantstobuildatower.Willhenotfirstsitdownandestimatethecost…”(Luke14:28,NIV).Someonehassaid.“Ifyoufailtoplan,youplantofail.”Excellenceisneveranaccident.Acarefullyplannedcurriculumascertainswhattheschoolistryingtoaccomplish;anddetermines:
(a)why?(b)when?(c)where?(d)who?and(d)how?Itensuresthatthereisabalancebetweencurriculumcontentandexperience;betweenlearninganddoing.Truth transforms(John17:17).D.L.Moodysaid, “TheBiblewasnotgiven to increaseourknowledgebuttochangeourlives.”Agoodcurriculumandcomprehensiveobjectivesrequirecarefulplanning,implementation,evaluation,andcontinuousimprovement.CurriculumcomesfromaLatinwordthatmeans“racecourse”andsharesthesamerootwordas“current”–theflowofwatermovinginthesamedirection.Awellplannedcurriculumwillenablestudentstoruntherace,moveintherightdirection,reachtheirgoals,andsaywithPaul,“…Ihavefinishedmycourse…”(2Timothy4:7).AtGATSwearealsoinvolvedwiththepursuitofqualitycurriculum.Inthatracethereisnofinishline.Itisadailyquestforcontinuousimprovement.Aschoolarmedwithavision,solidobjectives,excellentcurriculum,aqualityacademicdeanorprincipal,dedicatedfaculty,anddiligentstudentsthatexploreacademicexcellencecanonedaysay, “Ihave foughtagood fight, Ihave finishedmycourse,Ihavekeptthefaith”(2Timothy4:6-7,KJV).TheywillheartheMasterTeacherrespond,“Welldone!”(Matthew25:21).
Policy for Changes to Core Curriculum
~Areas of Possible Changes
1)Title2)Hours3)Textbooks4)CourseOutline5)Changethelevel6)Additionordeletionofcourses
~ The Process
1)AproposalforchangewouldbesubmittedtotheCurriculumDevelopmentCommitteeforconsiderationandreview.
2)TheCurriculumDevelopmentCommitteewouldthensubmittheirproposaltotheGlobalEducationCommitteefordiscussion.
3)TheGlobalEducationCommitteewouldapproveanychangestothecorecurriculumproposal.
~Implementation
1)CommunicateallchangestoFMACandnations/schools.2)UpdateallGATSdocumentstoreflectthechanges.
GATS Curriculum
20 Global Association of Theological Studies
Levels of Study
GATS offers four levels of educationwith a core curriculumbased on required classroomhours,clearlystatedcourseobjectives,andrecommendedtextbooks.
Certificate of Theology in Foundational Biblical Studies
Basic Bible Knowledge 150 Classroom Hours
Diploma of Ministerial Development Ministerial Development 1 600 Classroom Hours Associate of Theology Degree Ministerial Development 2 750 Classroom Hours Bachelor of Theology Degree Future Educators/Leaders 510 Classroom Hours
Atotalof1,500classroomhourswouldmeritanAssociateDegree;atotalof2,010classroomshourswouldearnaBachelordegree.Thisisinkeepingwiththestandardrequirementsofcolleges.Thebachelordegreeprogram includes credit forvariousoptionsofworklifeexperience;(theGATSAssociateDegreeoritsequivalentandthesis).Thebachelordegreeleveliscurrentlybeinglaunchedinseveralnations.
Curriculum Structure
Below,findthecoursesthatmakeupeachlevelofeducation.
First Level
Certificate of Theology In Foundational Biblical Studies
Course Description ClassroomHoursActs 24BibleIntroduction GeneraloverviewofBible 24ChristianLiving Christianlivingasitpertainstothe
mind,heart,andactions.Incorporatesaspectsofprayer,fasting,andgiving
24
PentecostalDoctrine Oneness,repentance,baptisminJesusname.
30
LifeofChrist 24Evangelism 24TotalHours 150
“GATS brings uniformity while allowing you to be unique.”
Nick Sisco Missionary
21 Global Association of Theological Studies
ThiswouldbetheminimumrequiredstandardfortheCertificateLevelissuedandsignedbyGlobalMissions.Amembershipnationor school canoffer these courseswithmore classroomhours (itwouldjustbeconsideredelectivehours).
Second Level
Diploma of Ministerial Development
Course Description ClassroomHoursBibleSurvey OldTestament 24BibleSurvey NewTestament 24BiblicalViewofMissions 24SpiritualLeadershipI 24LifeofChristII 24Tabernacle 36MinisterialEthics 24MinisterialDevelopment 24EvangelismII 24BibleDoctrineI 36BibleStudyMethods 24ChurchPlanting 24ChristianEducation 24FamilyLife 24Homiletics 24PrayerandFasting 24PracticalHoliness 24SpiritualGifts 24Stewardship 24CoreCurriculumHours 480ElectiveHours 120TotalHours 600
Intermediate Diploma Level
ForthosewhoareunabletoattainthenumberofclassroomhoursforthefullDiplomaLevel,wedooffertheoptionofanIntermediateDiploma.Uponcompletionof300classroomhoursofDiplomaLevelstudy,oftheDiplomalevelcoursesofyourchoice,(whichmayincludeupto60electivehours),anIntermediateDiplomacanberequested.
22 Global Association of Theological Studies
Third Level
Associate Degree Level
Course Description ClassroomHoursOldTestamentHistory OldTestamentHistoricalBooks 36SpiritualLeadershipII 24Romans 36WorldMissions 24MajorProphets 24MinorProphets 24Hebrews 24PastoralDuties 24PentateuchI(Genesis) 24PentateuchII 24DanielandRevelation 24BibleDoctrineII OnenessofGod 24ChurchGrowth 24PastoralEpistles 24PaulineandGeneralEpistles
24
PentecostalHistory 24
ChurchOrganizationandAdministration
36
ChurchHistory 24ComparativeReligions
24
Hermeneutics 12PastoralCounseling 24RevivalPrinciples 24WisdomLiterature 24WritingTechniques 24CoreCurriculumHours
600
ElectiveHours 150
TotalHours 750
23 Global Association of Theological Studies
TheFollowingisalistofpossible/suggestedElectives: Diploma Level – 120 Hours 1)PracticalMinistries–24hours–IncludingbutnotexclusivelyGangMinistry,PrisonMinistry,Elderly,CampusMinistry,WorldNetworkofPrayer,Youth,etc.2)Accounting–243)BiblicalArchaeology–244)Computer245)IndigenousChurchMusic–246)HomeBibleStudies–247)Five-FoldMinistry/AltarWork–24 Associate Level – 150 Hours 1)StudiesforAssistantPastors–242)HomeCellMinistry–243)Construction–carpentry,electrical,plumbing–244)PublicSpeaking–245)ForeignLanguage–246)Inter-TestamentStudies–247)TeachingTechniques-248)StrategicPlanning–369)IndigenousChurchMusic-24
Other possible Electives:
InformationTechnology(IT)AdvancedWritingSkillsMetalScienceChurchHistory(Localorregional)BusinessLawPersonalSpiritualDisciplinesChurchGovernmentandBy-Laws.EschatologyInstrumentalMusicGraphicDesignVocalMusicCommunicationSkillsMulti-MediaGrammarChapelandPracticumhourscanbeincludedaselectivesiftheschoolhasasystemofstudentevaluationforthem.Keepinmindthateachcoursemusthavetwoformsofevaluation.(GEC2010pgs.21-22)
Electives
24 Global Association of Theological Studies
Fourth Level
Bachelor of Theology Degree
Mission Statement for the Bachelor Degree Program:Preparingleadersandtrainingeducatorstoachievemaximumpotentialinapostolicministry.
Goals of the Bachelor Degree Program:
1.) Prepareforapostolicservice2.) Provideeffectiveministrytools3.) Identifyanddeveloprolesinpresentandfuturechurchleadership4.) Cultivateprimarycallingthroughconcentratedstudy
Requirements for Entering the Bachelor Degree Program
1.) GATSAssociateofArtsdegreeorapprovedequivalent.2.) RecommendationfromNationalBoardand/orSuperintendent/President.3.) RecommendationfromBibleCollegewherethestudentattendedandgraduated.4.) TwoyearsofactiveministryintheUnitedPentecostalChurchInternational(orapprovedsister
organization)5.) Successfullypassing(above70%)ofacomprehensiveexamination(providedbyGATS
Administrartion)coveringtheAssociateDegreeCurriculum.
Bachelor Degree Classroom Hours/ Credits Overview
Fifteen(15)ClassroomHoursOne(1)creditTotalclassroomhours510Hours(34Credits)TotalCoreCurriculumHours 240hours(16credits)BachelorLevelConcentrationHours 150hours(10credits)ElectiveHours 120hours(8credits)*Work/LifeExperienceisincludedunderelectivesTotalBachelorDegreeHours/Credits510Hours/34Credits
Bachelor Degree Curriculum Overview
TheBachelorDegreeProgramismadeupof510classroomhoursoritsequivalentof34credithours.Theywillconsistofthefollowing:
1. ACoreCurriculumconsistingof:
a. Thesis(90)(6credits)b. ThesisResearchandDevelopment(30)(2credits)c. AdvancedMinisterialDevelopment(30)(2credits)
Bachelor Degree Program
25 Global Association of Theological Studies
d. ProfessionalChristianEthics(Integrity)(30)(2credits)e. ActsApplied(30)(2credits)f. OnenessofGodintheGospelofJohn(30)(2credits)
2. BachelorLevelConcentrations:
OrganizationalLeadershipEducationMissiologyGeneralStudies
OrganizationalLeadership
Education Missiology GeneralStudies
TeachingStrategies(30)
(2credits)
IntroductiontoBiblicalLanguages
(30)(2credits)
Interchangeablewith:EducationalPsychology
(30)(2credits)
StrategiesofCross-Cultural
Communication,ChurchPlanting,andChurchGrowth
(30)(2credits)
PrinciplesofLeadership
(30)(2credits)
TeachingStrategiesI(30)
(2credits)
IndigenousChurchandLeadershipDevelopment
(30)(2credits)
TheCorinthians(Doctrinal)
(30)(2credits)
TeachingStrategies2(30)
(2credits)
InterculturalStudies(30)
(2credits)
OrganizationalAdministration
(30)(2credits)
TeachingStrategies3(30)
(2credits)
TrendsandCurrentIssuesinGlobal
Missions(30)
(2credits)
LeadershipandTeamDynamicsina
GlobalSetting(30)
(2credits)
EducationalAdministration
(30)(2credits)
LeadershipandTeamDynamicsinaGlobalSetting
(30)(2credits)
26 Global Association of Theological Studies
Theology is not mentioned in this level of study because the whole Associate Degree Level istheological.Theseconcentrationsareforthespecialtiesinthelastyearafteryouhavethefoundationcompleted.GATSusestheterm“concentration”asitworkswellwithtranslationandeducationalcircles.
3. Electives(120classroomhours)
Thefollowingaresomesuggestedelectiveoptions:
• ChristianPsychology(30)(2credits)• Religions,Cults,andtheOccult(30)(2credits)• SpiritualWarfare(30)(2credits)• BibleGeography(30)(2credits)• BiblicalCulture(30)(2credits)• ExpositoryPreaching/AdvancedHomiletics(30)(2credits)• Accounting(30)(2credits)• God’sPatternofWorship(30)(2credits)• AdditionalelectivecoursesapprovedbytheGATSacademicreviewcommittee
Electivesmaybechosenfromanyotherconcentrationortheelectivelist.
4. Work/LifeExperienceUpto90classroomhoursfortheinitialprogramareallottedtowork/lifeexperience.Thiswillbeupfor discussion as the program advances. At this time the Bachelor degree program is specificallydesignedforthe initial targetgroupofBibleSchool instructorsandnational leaders,afterwhich itdropsinhalftoamaximumof45classroomhours.Upto90classroomhoursofelectivesmaybeusedwithwork/lifeexperience,butitmustbeproperlydocumented using the layout and forms provided. This provision is specifically designed for theoriginal target group of Bible School Instructors andNational Church leaderswho completed theAssociateDegreeandhavebeenwaiting foraBachelorDegree forsometime.After thisgrouphascompleted their work, the amount of time allowed using work/life experience will drop to 45classroomhoursand3credits.GATSprovidesformsfortrackingandreportingwork/lifeexperience.TheyareavailableontheGATSwebsite,inAppendixDatthebackofthismanual,orbycontactinggats@upci.org.Thefollowingchartexplainsthevariouscategoriesofwork/lifeexperience.
27 Global Association of Theological Studies
WorkLifeExperiencecaninclude:
Preaching 100sermontitles,andscriptures,10sermonoutlines,withresultsofpreaching.
Teaching 100lessontitles,withscripturalbasis,10sampleoutlines,andresults.
Evangelism Includesstreetpreaching,wheredidyoupreach,when,whatkindof message did you preach? Includes revival and evangelismmeetingsoutsideyourlocalchurch.
ChurchPlanting Document100hoursofactivitiesinvolvedinactuallyplantingachurch,explainyourplan,andhowyouarrivedatit.
ChurchGrowth Document what you have done to promote the growth of yourchurch.Doyouhaveaprospectlist?Wewouldliketoseeagraphchartingthegrowthofyourchurch.
LiteratureDevelopment
Writingoftracts,SundaySchoollessons,lessons,booklets,etc.
LeadershipService Document100hoursofworkasapresbyter,nationaldepartmentleader,etc.
PastoralDuties Document100hoursofcounseling,visitation,weddings,funerals,baptisms,anddedications.Includeinformationonwhenyoudidit,forwhom,where,etc.
PersonalGrowthPlan Documentyourpersonalgrowthplanforthenexttenyears.
ChurchConstruction Wewouldliketoseeyourplans,costanalysis,budget,etc.Mentoring Documentinformationonhowyouhavedevelopedleadersunder
yourministry.LiteratureTranslation Documenttheworkthathasbeendone,andsubmitoneofthe
documents.DistanceEducation Thiscouldbedoneonline,orthroughcorrespondenceclasses.AdvancedCreditsfromotherInstitutions
Thisshouldbeatthepost-secondarylevel.
OrganizeandImplementChristianEducationprograms
Thesecouldbeinthelocalchurch,nation,orregion.Documentwhatyouhavedone.
EquipmentOperation Doyouoperateequipmentusedinthechurch?Doyoutype?Doyouhavea computer?Showus someof the resources thatyou haveprinted.
Work/Life Experience
28 Global Association of Theological Studies
Thesis
AthesisisthecrowningachievementoftheBibleschool’sBachelorProgramthatwillpropelstudentsintotheirfuture.Itwillrequirethemtofocusonnotonlywhattheyhaveaccomplished,butwhattheyenvisionfortheirfutureinministry.Thiswillserveasastrategicplantoguidethestudentforwardineffectiveministry.
1.HistoricalReviewoftheUPCIchurchintheirhometown/section/district/nation(2,000–2,500words)
2.ApersonalassessmentofhowtheirBibleschooleducationhasequippedthemmentallyandspirituallyforministry(2,000–2,500words)
3.Apersonalvision(thenextfiveyears)ofhowtheybelieveGodwillusetheirministryinthefutureofthegrowingchurchintheirnation(2,000–2,500words)
Thiscomputesintoapaperconsistingof:
• 6,000wordsminimumto7,500wordsmaximum• 24-30pages(doublespaced)maximumwithafontsizeof12(TimesNewRoman)• Thoseworking on a thesismust submit reports periodically to their supervisor. The time of
meetingwiththesupervisorwillbedeterminedbytheadministration.• WorkonthethesisshouldcommenceatthestartofthefinalyearofBachelorDegreestudy.• Thethesismustbecompletedatleast2monthsbeforethegraduationdate.Thisgivestimefor
evaluationofthethesiswork.• Intheprogressreportandfinalassessment,thesupervisorshouldprovidethestudentwithone
ofthefollowingcomments:Excellent,MeetsRequirements,NeedsImprovement,orFailed.• Thefinalevaluationwillbepass/fail.• Thesiswouldcover90classroomhours.
Guidelines for Thesis Preparation
Bio Sketch (1 week) ~ Beginwithapersonaltestimonyofthestudentincludingthefollowingpoints:1)Whatisyourfamilybackground?2)Wheredidyouhearaboutthischurch?3)Whoencouragedyou?4)Whathelpedyoulearnofthistruth?5)Whatwasyourconversionexperience?6)Whathavebeenyourministryopportunitiestodate?7)Whatisyourcalling?8)Whatisyourministerialvision?
29 Global Association of Theological Studies
Survey of Resources (1 month) ~
Thisiswherewillyoufindinformationaboutyourlocalchurch,section,nation?1)Whoisfounder?2)Whoarethechurchelders?3)Arethereanychurchrecords?4)Whatarethestrengthsofthechurch?5)Howlonghasthechurchbeenactive?(3monthstodoactualinterviewsandresearch.)Formulate Title ~
Thetitlewilldevelopfrominformationgathered.1)Titleneedstoreflectcontent2)TitleneedstoreflectinformationreceivedThesis Statement ~
This is a statement ofwhat youhope to achievewith thewriting of this thesis. The following is anexampleofapossibleThesisstatement:
ThisthesiswillshowhowthehistoricalinformationIdiscoveredinfluencesmyministry.Itwilldescribewhathasbeengleanedfrommyprogramconcentrationofstudybasedonmycalling,visionandministry.ItwillalsodefinetheachievablegoalsIproposetoaccomplishthroughmyministryinthenextfiveyears.
Scriptural Foundations for 21st Century Church/Ministry (1 month)
1)Supportyourwritingwithscripture.2)Relatethesescripturestoyou,yourchurchandyourministrytodayOutline (1 month) ~
ThisistheactualwritingusingresearchnotesthatrelatetoobjectivesIntroduction ~
IncludetheThesisstatementinyourIntroduction,plusoneparagraphrelatingtomaterialsandmethodsusedforwritingofthesis.Body (12 months) ~ (Thereisaneedforperiodiccheck-instoadvisortomonitorprogressandrewrites)
1)Howhasthehistoricalinformationyoudiscoveredinfluencedyourministry?2)Whathaveyougleanedfromyourprogramconcentrationofstudybasedonyourvision,mission,programandaction?3)Whatachievablegoalsdoyouproposetoaccomplishthroughyourministry?
30 Global Association of Theological Studies
4)Wherewereyou/whereareyou/whereareyougoingasthedesiredoutcomeofyourwriting?5)ScripturalreferencesshouldbewovenintothissectionwithcomparisonsappliedtothischurchtodayConclusion ~
ThiswillconsistofacommitmentstatementtocarryoutthefindingsofmythesisandaccomplishthemissionaccordingtowhatIknowandamcapableofnow. Publish (8 weeks) ~
1)Sufficienttimetogetthethesisreadyforprintandsuitableforsharing2)Printedinchurchpaper/newsletters3)Printedoutforclassmates/administration/churchleaders
TheSchoolAdministratorneedsachecklistformfilledoutbyfacultyadvisorwithsignatureofcompletionateverysegmentofthesiswork.Thisshouldbeformattedwiththeaboveinformationandstipulations.
Our Delivery System
ThecurriculumfortheGlobalAssociationofTheologicalStudieswillbe:
Biblically-rooted,Cross-cultural,Values-driven,Objectives-based,Criteria-referenced,
Transformation-oriented.
Globally connected Academically stretched Truthfully based Strategically developed
Becky Buckland Missionary
31 Global Association of Theological Studies
~Where can one find the detailed program of study for the various levels?
Theprogramof study for thevarious levels is in theportionof thismanualmarked “CurriculumStructureforGATS.”ItisalsofoundontheGATSwebsites.~Where can one find the course outlines for each course, along with copies of recommended textbooks?
Thesearepostedonthepasswordprotectedportionofwww.gatsonline.org.TherearelinkstotheSpanishandFrenchwebsiteonthemainpageofourEnglishwebsite.RequestsforPortugueseandRussianmaterialscanbemadetogats@upci.org~How does a membership nation receive copies of recommended textbooks?
RecommendedtextbooksareavailabletodownloadfromtheGATSwebsites. ThesematerialsarepasswordprotectedonthewebsiteandareonlyforuseoutsideofNorthAmerica.Ifthereisnobookavailable on thewebsite please contact [email protected] to seewhatmaterialswe have to offer orrecommend.GATShasanagreementwithAfricaAflameandGlobalMissionstoprintanyoftheirbookswithoutroyaltybeingpaid.ThePentecostalPublishingHousehasanagreementwithnominal fees forprintingsomeof theirbooks.Termsofthisagreementinclude:
1. Thepublishedproductscanonlybedistributedoverseas.2. Eachproductmustcarrytheappropriatelogos,copyrightnotices,creditlinesandthelocation
wheretheseitemswereprinted.3. Eachitemcanbetranslatedandtheartworkcanbealteredtomakethematerialrelevantto
eachculture,butthedoctrinalmessagecannotbealteredinanyway.4. FivecopiesofeachfinishedworkmustbesenttothePentecostalPublishingHouseforthe
filesofthosedepartmentsinvolved.5. OneelectroniccopyofthetranslatedworkshallbesenttothePentecostalPublishingHouse
forpossibleuseinthefuture.MostofourrecommendedtextbooksareuploadedtoourEnglishGATSwebsiteandtheapplicablereplicawebsitesinmajorworldlanguages.IfyouareunabletolocateatextbookorresourcepleasecontactGATS@upci.org.
GATS Curriculum Questions
32 Global Association of Theological Studies
“GATS purposefully promotes the
pursuit of excellence by
raising the academic
standard in this world-class, innovative program.” Roger Buckland
Missionary
GATSwillalsoprovideanoverviewshowingeachtextbook,itscost,andwhereitisavailablefrom.Contactourofficeforupdatedinformationonallbooks.Wealsoserveasaresourcecenterforyourtraining needs. Contact uswith any questions you have about textbookmaterials, supplementaryresources,orCoursePacketResourcesforanyofourcourses.Weareheretohelpyou.~Does a Bible School have to use the recommended textbook for every course? ABibleSchoolmayhaveapreferenceofatextbooknotrecommendedbyGATS.Thereisnotproblemwiththat,aslongasthecourseobjectivesandrequiredclassroomhoursaremet.~What is the passing grade for the GATS programs?
The passing grade is 70%. To qualify for certificates and or degrees students would need tosuccessfully(pass)completetherequirednumberofclassroomhoursofinstruction.Allcorecurriculumcourseswouldneedtobepassedorrepeateduntilpassed. When a student fails (or appears to be failing) a corecurriculumcourseaprovisioncanbemadeforremedialexercisesortesting. The highest grade a student could achieve on a remedialexercise,test,examorcoursewouldbe70%.~What is the attendance policy of GATS?
Studentsarenotpermittedtomissmorethan10%oftheclassroomhours. Beyond that a doctor’s excuse is required. This should bebrought to the administration of the school. School administrationwouldcertify/verifytheconditionofthestudentandhowmuchtimewillberequiredforhim/hertobeaway.AnyvariationtothispolicywouldhavetobepresentedtotheRegionalGATSRepresentativeandapprovedbytheGATSAcademicReviewCommittee.Attendancerecordsshouldbekeptforeachsubject.Studentsmissingmorethanthepermissiblenumberofclassroomhourswill receive“incomplete”ontheirtranscriptfortheapplicablecourse.~What are the minimum requirements for evaluation for each course?
Instructorsshouldimplementvariousmethodsofevaluationincluding(butnotrestrictedto)exams,tests,quizzes,essays,papers,assignments,homeworkandpracticalexercises.Onetestorprocedureisnotadequatetodeterminethatastudenthaslearnedthematerial.Theremustbeatleasttwoformsofevaluationimplementedforeverycourse.
33 Global Association of Theological Studies
~Are examination weeks considered as classroom hours?
Theexaminationhourscanbecountedaspartoftherequiredhoursforthecourse.~What does GATS consider to be a Classroom hour? Classroomhoursareconsideredtobe50to55minutesinlength.
34 Global Association of Theological Studies
~Who issues Credentials, Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees? The GATS office will extend Credentials, Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees when requested byindividualnations.TheywillbeprintedatWorldHeadquartersandmailedtotheaddressprovided.Insomecases,itmaybeeasierforthelocalBibleSchooltoprintthedocumentonsite.InthatcasetheGATSofficewouldsendaPDFoftheindividualdocuments.GATScanonlyprovidethisservicefortheCertificateandDiplomaLevelofGATS.ItisimportanttorememberthatthesameprocessmustbefollowedforPDFdocumentsasforhardcopies.ABibleSchoolmayopttonotextenddocumentsprovidedbyGATStotheirgraduates.IftheywouldliketoincludetheGATSlogoontheirlocaldocument,theycandownloaditfromthe‘Resources’tabontheGATSwebsite. IftheywouldlikeaGATSsealtoplaceontheirlocalgraduationdocumentspleasecontactgats@upci.org.Inordertoreceivedocuments,certificates,diplomasanddegreesthefollowingisveryimportant.
1. On the GATSwebsite under the ‘Resources’ tab, there are certificate, diploma and degreerequest forms. The corresponding formmust be completely filled outwith no spaces leftblank.TheserequestformsarealsolocatedinAppendixEofthismanual.
2. Therequestformandcorrespondingstudenttranscriptsshouldbeemailedtoyourregional
orsub-regionalGATSRepresentative.3. It is very important that thenameof the school, nationanddatebewritten clearly in the
languageandformatthattheschoolwantstoissuethedocumentsin.Also,pleasemakesurethatthestudentnamesarewrittenexactlyasyouwantthemtoappearonthedocuments.
4. Itisveryimportantthattherequestformsandtranscriptsaresentwithaminimumof6weeks
anticipationbeforethedocumentsareneededinyournation.5. GATSpreferstosendthedocumentsusingFedEx.Ifthisispossible,pleaseincludea
physicaladdressontherequestform.
6. Onthetranscripts,thecoursesneedtobeclearlymarkedusingtermseasilyunderstood.Weneed to verify that all core curriculum subjects have been covered using the requiredclassroomhours.
7. Transcriptsshouldverifythateachrequiredsubjecthasbeenpassedwithaminimumof70%.8. YourGATSrepresentativewillverifythatalloftheinformationiscorrectandwillproceedto
sendthedocumentstotheGATSofficeforprintingapproval.
GATS Documents
35 Global Association of Theological Studies
~Is a fee for certificates and degrees required?
Therewillbeanominalfeeforthecostofcertificatesordegrees,folders,andshipping.Shippingwillbechargedto thenations fieldaccount,supervisingmissionaryor to the localBibleSchool.~How often should we send student transcripts to GATS?
ItisrequiredthatcompletedstudenttranscriptsbesenttotheGATSofficesixweekspriortowhenthecertificatesordegreesareneededforgraduation.Provisionismadebypolicyfortranscriptstobereleasedinthefinalsemesterofanacademicprogramwiththeunderstandingthattheacademiccredentialwillbewithheldbythelocalschoolifthestudentfailstomeettherequirements.Thelocaladministration shouldwrite “pending” in place of a course that is being undertaken in the finalsemesterandnotavailableatthetimeofsendingthetranscript.Care shouldbe taken to indicate the coursenames, classroomhoursattempted, classroomhoursachieved,andthefinalgradeforeachcourseindicatedonthetranscript.It isalsorequired that thecompleted transcriptbesent toGATSadministrationquicklyafter thecompletionofthefinalsemester.We need to know the name of each student as it should appear on the academiccredential/certificate/diploma/degree;thenameoftheschool;thecountry;andthegraduationdateinthelanguagethattheschooldesirestohavethedocumentprintedin.TherequestformsmaybefoundontheGATSwebsiteundertheresourcetab.PleasebeadvisedthattheGATSofficewillcopyandpastenamesandallinformationexactlyassent.~Is it required to use the student transcript form provided by GATS?
Schoolsmayopttodesigntheirownstudenttranscriptformsandsendthosetous.Whenusingalocalschool’stranscriptitisimportanttoindicatecoursenamesasusedbyGATSorsomecommentofinterpretation.Otherwise,thereleaseoftranscriptscouldbedelayedinbackandforthcorrespondencetryingtoverifyhowtheschool’sselectionofcoursenamesmatchthecontentoftheGATScurriculumstructure.
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~Are you obligated to use electives provided in the listing by GATS?
A listing of possible elective courses is provided for you. Youmay easily receive approval to addelectivestothislisttouseinyourtrainingprograms.SendrequestsforapprovaltoGATS@upci.orgorconsultwithyourRegionalorSub-RegionalGATSRepresentative.~ What happens when a nation does not have a fulltime training program but would like to be part of GATS?
ThatisthebeautyofGATS.Itisbasedonclassroomhoursandnotoncredithours,numberofyearstocompletetheprogram,andsoforth.EvensmallnationsorthosewheretheUPCIisjustgettingstartedcanbeinvolvedinGATS.Insuchcasesoneormorecoursescouldbetakenatatime,andrecordofgradeskept.ClassescanbeheldintraditionalBibleSchoolsettingsorasweekendoreveningclasses.~ What is the policy for students transferring to GATS from other Bible School programs? (GEC 2010 pg. 42-43)
1. AllcaseswouldbereferredtotheAcademicReviewCommittee.
2. Provisionismadeforstudentsenrolledand/orcompletingprogramsinanUPCIBiblecollegeandwhowouldliketoreceiveacertificate,diploma,ordegreefromtheGlobalAssociationofTheologicalStudies.
3. AGATSpriorityisforteachers,prospectiveteachers,andleadershipwithinanationtobebroughtuptothehighestleveloftraining/educationofferedwithinthenation.
4. Coursesnotcoveredinpreviouseducationprograms,butrequiredbyGATS,wouldneedtobecovered.
5. Exemptionmaybeconsideredforcoursesobjectivelycoveredbutwhereclassroomhours,grades,ornumberofevaluationmethodsutilizedbythecourseinstructor,maybebelowourstandards.
6. Aproposalneedstobepresentedfromthedirectoroftheschool.ThisneedstobesenttotheGATSCoordinatorandwillbeentertainedbytheAcademicReviewCommittee.
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Planting People; Growing Giants
I’moftenasked,“Whatbusinessareyouin?”IsometimesponderwhatreactionI’dgetifIsaid,“I’min the people-growing business.” Ministers are grown. Students don’t arrive in our Bible schoolclassroomsasspiritualgiants.Theycomewithwillingheartsandpassthroughaspiritualformationandmaturationprocess.EffectiveBibleschoolprogramsenablestudentstoreachtheirmaximumpotential.We’reequippingothers forworksof service inGod’skingdom(Ephesians4:12)and inapostolicministry.LikeRobertDaleoncesaid,we’re“sowingseedsofministryandgrowingbelieverstowardleadership.”ThatisthesolepurposebehindtheGlobalAssociationofTheologicalStudies.LikeasignIsaw,“WebuildPentecostalleaderstogrowPentecostalchurches.”Spiritualgrowthisoneofourfourcorevalues.Wevaluehelpingpeoplegrow!GATSismadeupoffiveacademicprograms,inmultiplelanguages,withagrowingedge:certificate,intermediatediploma,diploma,associatedegree,bachelordegree;distanceeducationand facultydevelopment are also being undertaken. I guess you could really say we have seven academicprogramsandendorseoneortwoothers.It’sagiganticprojectencompassingnearlyonehundredsubjectsthatarebeingrevised,written,andtranslatedintomajorworldlanguages.Iusedtothinkofitasamountaintochipawayat;anobstacle.Now,I’mchangingmyattitude.It’sanopportunity,amighty tree thatwearegrowing. Itsencirclingshadeprovidesaglobaleducationcovering.GATScausesustostretchheavenwardtooursupplyingGod;outwardtoawaiting,wantingworld.Itcallsustocontinuouslyimprove.Inclassesandamongstaffwemustcreatea“cultureofgrowth.”It’sthewaywedothingsaroundhere.InvolvementwithFacultyDevelopmentprovidesoverfiftyopportunitiestogrow.Newfacultydevelopmentcoursesarebeingwrittenonacontinualbasis.Instructorsonlytrulyhelpothersreachmaximumpotentialwhentheyhaveattemptedtoreachitthemselves.IsometimeslamentwhenIseeotherchurcheswithmoredevelopededucationalprogramsthanours.Wecanmakeadifference.JohnMaxwellinGoforGoldmentionsanurseryinCanadathatdisplaysasignonitswall:“Thebesttimetoplantatreeistwenty-fiveyearsago…Thesecondbesttimeistoday.”WehopeyouwillavidlysupportGATSanditsprograms.Come,growwithus!Ourworkwillaffectlongafterwe’regone.AGreekproverbsays,"Asocietygrowsgreatwhenoldmenplanttreeswhoseshadetheyknowtheyshallneversitin."Bedeliberateatleavingamarkonthisplanet,todosomethingthatimpartsseedsoftruthtothenextgeneration,andimpactseternityforourworld.Someoneoncesaid, “Ifyourvision is forayear,plantwheat; ifyourvision is foradecade,planttrees;butifyourvisionisforalifetime,plantmen.”BecauseofyourhelpwithGATS,whenafriendasks,“Whathaveyoudonetoday?”thankfullyrespond,“IsawsomeonegrowtodayandIhelped.I’vebeenplantingpeople;growinggiants!”JimPoitras,editorandauthorofmanyoftheFacultyDevelopmentLessons
From the GATS Coordinator
38 Global Association of Theological Studies
Faculty Development Lessons
Faculty development is crucial to an excellent Bible school program. GATS professionals havedevelopedawiderangeoflessonsthatwillassistBibleschoolteacherseverywhere.Thisincludesthelessonslistedbelow:
TheTeacherandTheBigPicture(Theschool’svision,over-allpurpose–introductiontoGATS)EffectiveTeacherAssessmentTeacherandaFreshLookattheGreatCommissionTeacherandAuthority,ResponsibilityandDelegationTeacherandBiblicalEducationalPrinciplesTeacherandBiblicalTheologyofChristianFormationinCultureTeacherandBiblicalViewofConflictResolutionTeacherandBuildingaPositiveLearningCultureTeacherandCoreValuesTeacherandCoursePlanningTeacherandCreatinganIslandofExcellenceTeacherandCreativeImpactTeacherandCriticalThinkingTeacherandCriticalThinkinginSpiritualDevelopmentTeacherandEducationalPsychologyITeacherandEducationalPsychologyIITeacherandEffectiveStudentAssessmentTeacherandHisFamilyTeacherandtheBibleSchoolGoingLocalTeacherandHelpingStudentsDiscovertheWillofGodTeacherandHisCallingTeacherandHisLectureTeacherandHisResponsibilityTeacherandIncreasingStudentLearningTeacherandLeadershipTrainingCommitmentTeacherandLessonPreparation
TeacherandBreakingContentintoChunksandTimeProcessing
Faculty Development
39 Global Association of Theological Studies
TeacherandMentoringTeacherandMotivationTeacherandOvercomingTemptationTeacherandPersonalDevelopmentandEvaluationTeacherandPersonalGrowthPlanforLifeLongLearningTeacherandPrioritiesTeacherandChristianEducationBeginsatHomeTeacherandRemainingTruetoApostolicDoctrineTeacherandTeachingMethodsoftheMasterTeacherandHisValuesofEducationTeacherandBreakingContentintoChunksandTimeManagementTeacherandtheRoleoftheHolySpiritintheClassroomTeacherandAssistingtheUniqueLearnerTeacherandtheWellDrivenNailTeacherandThinking,TeachingandLearningStylesTeacherandLovingBibleDoctrineTeachingwithPrincipleandPassionTeamworkinEducationITeamworkinEducationIIBibleSchoolAdministrationIBibleSchoolAdministrationIITeacherandtheAnointingTeacherandHisHealthTeacherandPatienceTeacherandOralCultureTeacherandHisSpiritualLifeTeacherasaDiscipleMakerTeacherandtheirRoleandResponsibilityinTeachingTeacherandResponsibilityandRewards
These ninety-minute lessons are developed in print and digital format, some have power-pointsavailableaswell.Eachlessoncontainsclearlyoutlinedlessonobjectives,thelessontext,aswellasan evaluation. At the end of each eighteen lessons,wewill provide a certificate for successfullycompletingthat levelofthecourse. ThelessonsareallavailableontheGATSwebsiteundertheFacultyDevelopmenttab.
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Jim Poitras, in Achieving Excellence in Bible School Administration, wrote: “Ongoing facultydevelopmentisapriority.Eachstaffmemberneedstobeinvolvedin life-longlearning,andhaveapersonal growth plan. A facultymember should strive for excellence in his area of concentration.Specializationisessentialincurrenteducationaltrends.Continuingeducationproducesfacultythatareexperts,contentspecialists,whoarebotheffectiveandonthecuttingedgeoftheologicaleducationwithin the culture. New technology, improved teachingmethods, and understanding the learningstylesofadultlearners,allservetobettertrainthetrainer.Infacultydevelopment,weask:(a)Whatarewe doing? (b) Howwell arewe doing? (c) How canwe improvewhatwe are doing? (Rita JWolotkiewicz, 1980, 210)Approaches to faculty developmentmay include: (a) distance educationoptions;(b)facultyretreats;(c)seminars;(d)professionaldevelopmentdays;(e)sub-regionalfacultydevelopmentprograms;(d)mini-courses;(e)visitstootherschools(tolearnwhattheyaredoing);(f)educationalsabbaticals;(g)takingcoursesatlocalinstitutionsofhigherlearning;(h)discussions/andbrain-storming; and (i) articles, audio resources, or books—anything that promotes continuousimprovement.”~What are some of the subjects that could be studied in a Faculty Development program?
Such subjects may include: Christian education for adults, communication skills and methods,curriculum/instructional design, Bible school administration, educational measurement andevaluation, educationpsychology, teamwork,Bible studymethods, ethics (professional conduct),culturalanthropologyandcross-culturalcommunication,life-longlearning,andsoforth.
Anycoursethatwouldassistinfacultytrainingandequipping could be considered for a facultydevelopmentprogram.
~Can credits earned in faculty development result in any certificate or degree?
CreditsachievedinfacultydevelopmentseminarsmaybeusedforteachersthatarepursuingtheGATSBachelordegreeprogram.Inordertodothisthestudentmustbepresentintheteachingandtwoformsofevaluationmustbeused.
Theymayalsobeusedtosatisfytheeducationoptionunderworklifeexperience(toamaximumof100classroomhours). ItisveryimportantthatthelocalBibleSchoolmaintainsrecordsoftheseeventsandthegradesobtained.
An advanced certificate may be awarded for a given number of classroom hours and subjectscompleted.
“Developing leaders with a purpose and for a purpose.”
Nick Sisco Missionary
Faculty Development
41 Global Association of Theological Studies
~How may we find instructors for a faculty development seminar?
Thereisateamofover50GlobalEducatorsavailabletoassistyou.Contactyourregionaldirector,yourregionalGATSrepresentative theAssistantCoordinatorofGATSortheDirectorofEducationandShortTermMissionsforthe list of qualifiedGlobal Educatorswho are ready toserveinthiscapacity.
GATSAdministrativeTeamemail:[email protected]
~How is a faculty education program organized?
1. Contactyoursub-regionalorregionalGATSrepresentativetosetadateforaFacultyDevelopmentSeminarandtobegintheplanningstage.
Seminarscanbeheldinavarietyofformats:
a) Seminarscanbeplannedfromaone-dayseminartoaweek-longseminar.Theycanbeheldduringtheday,intheeveningsoronweekends. GATSwilladapttotheseminarcultureofyournationorregion.
b) Cluster nations (nations in close proximity) or sub-regions may come together for such
programs.c) Individualnationsbringingtheirteacherstoacentrallocation.d) Individualnationsarestronglyencouragedtobringtheirteacherstogetheronaregularbasis
forprofessionaldevelopment.
2. Togetherwith yourGATSRegional or Sub-regional Representative the location, schedule anddetailsoftheseminarwillbedecided.
3. Thereareover50GlobalEducatorswhocanbeinvitedasguestinstructors4. Thenationsinvolvedintheseminarwillneedtocomeupwithaplanforfinancingtheevent.A
feeforattendancecouldbecharged,itcouldbepartoftheBibleSchoolornationalwork’syearlybudget.
5. TheGATSRepresentativesandGlobalEducatorswilltakecareoftheirownexpensesintravel,
lodgingandfood.Theywillnothaveadditionalfundstopayfortheseminarexpensesorhelpingoutwiththecostsofthelocalmissionariesorleaders.
GATS feels very strongly that each membership nation should participate in an annual FacultyDevelopmentSeminar.
“The people perish for a lack of knowledge.
Teachers are the antidote.” E.J. McDougall
Global Educators
42 Global Association of Theological Studies
GATS textbooks, coursepacks, and facultydevelopment lessonswill be translated intomajorworldlanguagesasapprovedbytheGlobalEducationCommittee.IfanationdesirestotranslateGATSmaterialintootherlanguagespleasecontacttheGATSofficeatgats@upci.orgformoreinformation.WhendecidingonaddinganewlanguageforofficialGATStranslationpurposes,theGECmusttakeintoconsiderationthetotalnumberofpossiblecandidatesfortraininginsaidlanguage,notthetotalnumberofworldspeakers.Theprocessfortranslationisasfollows:1. Itishighlyrecommendedthatthetranslatorsusedbetranslatingintotheirmothertongue.
2. Thetranslationmustbefaithfultotheoriginalmanuscript.3. Thetranslationshouldavoidcolloquialisms/clichés.4. Theoriginalformatmustbemaintainedthroughthetranslation.5. Oncethetranslationiscomplete,itmustbecarefullyedited.Itmustbeproofedonitsown
merit(withoutcomparisontotheoriginalmanuscript)byasecondparty,toensurepropergrammar,continuityandclarity.
6. FinalReview:Afterthecompletionofstepsonethroughfive,afinalreviewwillbedoneby
someonewhoisqualifiedtocheckthetranslationforcontentaccuracywiththeoriginalmanuscript.
7. Ifdiscrepanciesarefoundinthedocument,itwillbereturnedtotheoriginaltranslatorfor
correctionsandthenstepsfiveandsixwillberepeated.
TranslationTextbooksneedstobecopyrightedbyGATS.OncecompletedtheywillbereturnedtoGATSforthisproceduretobedone.
AlltranslationsareintheGATSmasterfileandmaybeavailableonrequesttoGATS@upci.org
GATS Translations
34
43 Global Association of Theological Studies
Changes to GATS Policy 1. AllrequestsforachangeofGECpolicywillbesenttotheDirectorofEducationat
jpoitras@upci.org.a.TheDirectorofEducationwouldfilterthepolicychangesbeforesendingthemontothecommittee.
2. TheDirectorofEducationwouldcreateastandingcommitteeforchangeofpolicy,consistingoffivemembers:a.DirectorofEducationb.AssistantGATSCoordinatorc.OneRegionalDirectord.OneRegionalGATSRepresentativee.OneothermemberfromtheGECappointedbytheCoordinator
3. TheCommitteewouldstudythepolicychangeproposalsandsubmitadecisiontotheDirectorofEducation.
4. TheDirectorofEducationwouldrequesttheCommitteetopresenttheirreportduringtheGECmeetingastheGECistheapprovingbodyforchangestotheGECPolicy.
5. The committee would be encouraged to use electronic methods to reduce the committee’soperationalexpenses.Thecommitteecouldberequested,bytheDirectorofEducation,tomeetonedaypriortotheGECmeeting.Additionally,ameetingcouldbeheldonedayaftertheGECmeetingiftheDirectorofEducationfeelsitisnecessary.
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Mission StatementTocreate,assess,andre-evaluateallwrittenmaterialsneededforGlobalBibleSchools.Objectives of the Curriculum Committee
1. Toidentifytheneededmaterialsforprimaryandsecondarytextbooksforeachofthecourses.Toresearchandlocateanypossibleexistingmaterialsthatcouldbeusedforthatcourse.
2. Tosetcourseobjectivesandtextbookcomponents.3. Toassignthewritingoftextbooksgivingadeadlinedateandtrackingtheprogressofeachwriter
withinthatspecifiedtimeframe.4. Evaluatethewrittenmanuscriptandseethattheeditingiscompleted.Thiswouldincludetaking
itthroughtheEditorialDivisionoftheUPCI.5. Todeterminetheneededmaterialsofthecoursepacksforeachcoursedependingoneachcourse
anditsobjectives.6. CoordinatetranslationofallmaterialsintothemajorworldlanguagesasdecidedbytheGEC.7. ToreceiveandevaluatequalitymaterialsinlanguagesotherthanEnglish,todetermineifthey
would meet the objectives and could be used by GATS Bible Schools for a specific course.DetermineifsaidmaterialshouldbetranslatedintoEnglishandintootherapprovedlanguages.
The Curriculum Committee shall consist of:
Permanentmembers. 1. ThechairofthecommitteewillbetheDirectorofEducationandAIM 2. TheCo-ChairwillbetheAssistantCoordinatorofGATS 3. Bro.DorseyBurk–Texbookeditor 4. TheTranslationCommitteeCoordinator 5. Sis.DarlineRoyer,Consultant 6. Sis.LindaPoitras,Consultant
RotatingMembers:1. OneRegionalDirectorasappointedbyGECCommittee2. OneoftheRegionalGATSRepresentatives(Thispersonwillalsopersonifythevoiceofthemissionary)3. OneNorthAmericanBibleCollege/SeminaryRepresentative4. UptotwoProfessionalEducatorsselectedbytheChairman(takingintoconsiderationGErepresentatives)
Thefiverotatingmembersbeappointedforatwo-yearterm,butnottoexcludethepossibilityofbeingreappointedforanothertwo-yearterm.Thesemembersshallbeappointedinalternatingyears. TheChairmanhastherighttoinviteotherswhomhedesirestocarryforththeneedsofthiscommittee,ashedeemsnecessary. Thechairmanshallbringaneutralpersonintothemeetingtoactasrecordingsecretary,andnotuseoneofthemembersthemselvesforthepurposeoftakingminutesofthemeeting.Thispersonwouldbethereforthesolepurposeoftakingtheminutes,whichwouldleaveallcommitteemembersfreetobeabletoenterintothedecisionsbeingmade,anddiscussiontakingplace.
Curriculum Development Committee
45 Global Association of Theological Studies
Writing for the Curriculum Development
Welcome to the challenge of writing a textbook orlessonmaterialforGATS.Yourinvolvementwillhaveafar-reachingimpactasGod’sWordisspreadaroundtheglobe.Youaretrulytakingthethingsyouhavelearnedandpassingthemalongtofaithfulmenandwomenwhowillbeabletoteachothers(2Timothy2:2).
ThewritingguidelinescontainedinthisdocumentwereproposedbytheGATSCurriculumDevelopment
CommitteeandthenapprovedbytheGlobalEducationCommittee.Some Things to Keep in Mind:
• Thepronoun“I”shouldbeavoidedinwritinglessons.Manydifferentinstructorsmayteachyourmaterialindifferentpartsoftheworld.ThiswillallowtheInstructortoteachiteasily.
• Words like “Africa” or “Russia” shouldbeminimized to give a broaderperspective for yourmaterial.Makingconstantreferencesneedlessly,maylimittheuseofyourmaterial.Itwouldbe difficult to use a lesson constantly making reference to Ghana in another country, forexample,Serbia.
• Illustrationsshouldbechosencarefullyinordertoberelevantcross-culturally.• MaximizetheuseofBibleScriptures,themes,andstories.
• Thelevelofwritingshouldbegearedtobeingsimple.WriteattheGradeSixtoGradeEightlevelorbelowfortheCertificateandDiplomaprograms.Thehighschool levelwillworkbest forAssociate,Bachelor,andFacultyeducationprograms.
TheApostlePaulwasaneducatedman.Hesatat the feetofgreat instructors.Hewas intelligent.However,hewasstillabletogetdowntothelevelofunderstandingofthepeopleheministeredto.Ithinkthatisatruetestofintelligence;theabilitytogetonthelevelofthepeopleyouareinstructing.
Paulconfessed,“…thatinsimplicityandgodlysincerity,notwithfleshlywisdom,butbythegraceofGod,wehavehadourconversationintheworld,andmoreabundantlytoyou-ward.Forwewritenoneotherthingsuntoyou…(2Corinthians1:12-13,Emphasismine)“Seeingthenthatwehavesuchhope,weusegreatplainnessofspeech”(2Corinthians3:12)
“Andmyspeechandmypreachingwasnotwithenticingwordsofman'swisdom,butindemonstrationoftheSpiritandofpower”(1Corinthians2:4,Emphasismine)
Writing Curriculum
46 Global Association of Theological Studies
Thereisaworldthatiswaitingtohearfromyou.“Write…andmakeitplain”(Habakkuk2:2).
1. Avoidclichésand“playonwords”phrases.
2. Allquotationsorothersourcesmustbeproperlydocumented.
3. Youwillwanttousethesamefontsthroughoutyourresourcetomakeitlookprofessional.Youmightwanttoworkonastyleguideinthebeginning.AtemplateoptionisavailableinMicrosoftWord.Thiswouldhelpyoukeepmateriallayoutuniformandconsistent.
4. MicrosoftWordisequippedwitha“readabilitystatistics”option.TheFlesch-KincaidGrade
levelscoreisdeterminedbyratingtheaveragenumberofsyllablesperwordandwordspersentence.ItratesthetextonaU.S.grade-schoollevel.Thisispartofthespellingandgrammarcheck.Usingthisoptionwillenableyoutocheckthegradelevelofyourmaterial.Lowerthegradelevelbygoingbackandshorteningafewsentences.
5. TheKingJamesVersionisnormallyused.Itisappropriatetouseanothertranslationalso,but
(whereappropriate)maintainbothversionswithinthedocument.
6. TimesNewRomanisusedandeasilyidentifiedglobally.TimesNewRoman12shouldbeusedforthebodyofthelessons.Acomplementingfontcanbechosenforheadings,call-outs,andtitle.
Checklist for Simplifying Material:
• Eliminate‘hardwords’(wordsthreesyllablesormoreinlength.)• Fortechnicalwordsthatyoufeelreaderswillnotunderstand,explaintheirmeaningsina
sentenceoraphrase.• Shortensentencesthatappeartoolong.Trimthefatfromyourwriting.Don’tusethreewords
whenonewordwoulddo.Bigmindsuselittlewords;littlemindsusebigwords.• Themostfamiliarwordsaretenshortones:the,of,to,a,in,that,it,is,I.Theymakeuptwenty-
fivepercentofallthatiswrittenandspokeninEnglish.
• Putactioninyourverbs.
• Writetoexpress,notimpress
• Makeuseofvariety.
• Lookatyourwritingfromthepointofviewofthereader.
• Writeuntoothersasyouwouldbewrittento.
47 Global Association of Theological Studies
• Simplicityishardtoachieve.Itisoftentheresultofseveraldrafts.
• Useshortsentences,andeverydaywords.Fifteenwordspersentencewouldbeagoodgoal.Somesuggest8-10wordspersentence.
• Repeatyourmainpointstoenhancecomprehension.• Avoidstatisticaldata,graphs,and complexcharts. Readersmayfindthemdifficult to
understand.
• Itismuchhardertosimplifythancomplicate.• Verybasicreadersneedsomewhitespace,butmoreadvancedreaderscanhandlethedensely
packedtext.
• Leftjustificationisconsideredeasiertoreadthanfulljustification.• Useuppercaseandlowercasenormally.Typingtextinalluppercaselettersisdifficulttoread.
• Editandre-edit.Leaveacoupleofdaysbetweenwhenyoufirstwritesomethingandwhenyouedit.
• Limit theamountof information thatyoupresent.Deleteall information that is justnice toknow. Toomuch informationwill turn the reader off. This does notmean that you shouldprovide“skeleton”materialwithoutanymeat.Skeletonistooslim.Somemeatisjustright.Toomuchmeattendstowardtoomuchfat.Informbutdon’tover-inform.
• Get others to proofread yourmaterial. The “tracking” option inMicrosoftWordwill allowothers toproofreadandmakesuggestedchanges toyourdocument.Whenthedocument isreturned,youwillbeabletoacceptorrejecteachchange.
Avoiding Plagiarism:
So,youarereadytowrite.Youhavediligentlysearchedforinformation,readbooksonyoursubject,andaretrustingGodforinspiration.Yourfilefolderisbulgingwiththegoodiesyouhavecollected.Nowitistimetostartwriting.Whichquoteswillyouuse?Willitbeadirectquotation?Aparaphrase?Somethingtranslatedintoyourownwords?Whendoyouprovidecredit?Usequotationmarks?Inwritingwetakeideasandwordsfromotherpeople.Propercreditshouldbegivenforallborrowedmaterial. A large percentage of research material comes from information gathered from othersources and collected in the form of quotes. The remaining information comes from personalexperienceandknowledge.Thewriter’staskistoweavetheresearchashecraftsitintoalesson,story,orbookthatwillbecomeinteresting,active,informativeandablessingtothereader.Sincemostresearchinvolvestheideasofotherpeopleitisimportanttoknowhowtoproperlyquote,paraphrase,orcredittheinformationweusefromothersources.Propercreditshouldbegivenforinformation taken fromboth spokenandwritten sources,whether the information is consideredcopyrightedornot.
48 Global Association of Theological Studies
When quoting beyond what would be considered as fair use the author must obtain writtenpermission from the owner of the copyright, usually the publisher. The individual author isresponsibleforrequestingpermissiontoquotefromacopyrightedsource.Therearenospecificnumbersofwordsthatcanbequotedwithoutpermission.Theinterpretationof“fairuse”issubjective.However,writersandeditorshaveestablishedguidelines.Quoting100-250wordsfromabookwithoutpermissionseemstobeacommonpractice.(Writer’sEncyclopedia,editedbyKirkPolking).Guidelines for Quotations:
A quotation is using someone’s words. When an author quotes and cites his source(s) he addsstrengthtohiswriting.Placethewordswithinquotationmarksanddocumentthesource.
• It is common practice among most publishers and writers to quote a maximum of fiftyconsecutivewordsfromacopyrightedsourcewithoutobtainingpermission.(“WordAflameHouseRules”)Thiscanbedoneseveraltimesinyourmanuscriptaslongasyoudonotquotemorethantwohundredtotalwords.
• DavidK.Bernardinane-maildatedNovember8,2001statesthefollowingconcerning“fairuse”:“Ingeneralitmeansusingarelativelysmallportionofatotalwork,givingpropercredit,andrepresentingtheworkproperly(i.e.,notmisrepresentingwhatitsays).Forabook,onecouldprobablyuseseveralpages,butforapoemorsongundercopyrightperhapsonlyonelineor so.”Word Aflame Press (United Pentecostal Church International) specifically asks thatpermission be secured for “quotation(s) totaling more than 200 words from any work incopyright.Thismeansthetotalnumberofwordsquotedfromanyonesource,nomatterhowsmallanyindividualquotation.”
• GATSendeavorstofollowestablishedguidelines(fromWordAflamePressandWordAflamePublications) concerning quotations, plagiarism, and generally all “Word Aflame HouseRules.”
• Somevariationmayresultinguidelinesneededtoreachreadersindevelopingnationsoftheworld.
• When quoting from a song or poetry, only two lines should be used without obtainingpermission.
• TheWordAflameWriter’sBookletsays it best: “We strongly encourageyou touse extremediscretioninyouruseofother’sworks.Ineditingwehavenowayofeliminatingmaterialthathas been unethically copied from other sources unless by coincidencewe happened to befamiliarwiththesourceandwouldaccidentlyrecognizeit.”
Give Credit to Who Credit is Due: Plagiarism is a big word that refers to a big problem. It is using someone’s work or writing,pretendingit isone’sown,andnotgivingpropercredittothesource.It iswrongtotakeandusewritingthatdoesnotbelongtouswithoutgivingtheownercredit.Wheretheinformationcomesfromshouldbeclearlyacknowledged.
49 Global Association of Theological Studies
An Internet resource entitled “Avoiding Plagiarism, Mastering the Art of Scholarship”(http://sja.ucdavis.edu/avoid.htm,accessed10/27/01)explainshowtoavoidplagiarism:
1. Iftheexactwordsareusedyoumustusequotationsmarksandcitethesource.Thisreferstoboththespokenandwrittenword.
2. Paraphraseisrestatingtheauthor’sinformationinyourownwords.Creditshouldbegivento
theoriginalauthorbutquotationmarksarenotneeded.Paraphrase:usingsomeone’sideasbutputtingtheminyourownwords.Readoveryourresearchcarefully.Coverthetextwithyourhand,orcloseyourresearchcompletely.Writeouttheideainyourownwordswithoutpeeking. Use your own words and still allow the reader to know the source of yourinformation.
3. Makingminorchanges(changingorrearrangingafewwords)intheoriginalmaterialkeeps
theworkessentiallythesameastheoriginalandcreditmustbegiven.
4. Agoodpracticewouldbetociteandgivecredittowords,information,andideasyouusethatarenewtoyouregardlessofwhereyoufindthem.Thisincludesspeeches,messages,Internet,book,etc.“Whenindoubt,cite.”
5. Youdonothavetodocumentmaterialthatisconsideredtobecommonorgeneralknowledge.
Thisreferstoinformationthatisgenerallyknown.One commonmethod of giving credit to a source is identifying the informationwithin the text.Exampleofgivingcreditwithinthedocument:JamesPoitrasinActsGod’sTrainingManualforToday’sChurch says, “We can write tracts and gospel messages in various languages for the people tounderstand.EventhoughGodmaynothavecalledallofustobepastors,evangelists,ormissionaries;eachofuscandistributethepaperpreachers.”A bibliography should be attached to all textbooks or lessons. Our Editors will decide if thebibliographyneedstobeincludedinthepublication(ormaintainedinourfiles).WefollowastylelistedintheChicagoManualofStyle,withthefollowinginformationandorder:
• Nameofauthor(lastnamefirst)
• Titleofbook(initalics)
• Cityofpublication
• PublishingCompany
• Dateofpublication(year)
• Pagenumberofquotation
50 Global Association of Theological Studies
Example:Poitras,James.Acts:God’sTrainingManualforToday’sChurch.(Andalusia,AL;WritehandPublishing,2001)p.24.GATS Course Development Basics:
TheGATSCurriculumDevelopmentCommittee(2010)envisionedthefollowingforeachofourcoursesbeingwritten:
• Coursesshouldbeuser-friendlyforstudentsandshouldpossessastronginstructionaldesign.
• Thereshouldbealogicalprogressionfrompointtopoint.
• Majorpointsandsub-pointsshouldbeeasytolocateandtofollow.
• Shortlessonsarepreferredoverlongones.
• Thereshouldbequestionsattheendofeachlesson.• Clipart,graphics,anddiagramscanbeused.Becarefulofcopyrightrequirementsor
restrictionsforsuchuse.• Rememberthatthecurriculumwillbeusedcross-culturally.
• Suggestedhomeworkassignmentsorcooperativelearningexercisesshouldnotmerelybebusyworkbutbridgethegapbetweenlearninganddoing.
• Avoidmerepersonalopinion.Keepwritingbiblicallyrooted.
• Wewilluse8½by11asthepageformatorsize.
• Measurementsshouldhavethemetricconversionsbesidethem.• Writersshouldletusknowifresourcematerialsneedtobepurchasedtoassistinwriting
courses.Components for Each Lesson:
Thelessonstructureforourcoursesisasfollows:
• LessonNumber.
• Title/Topic.
• KeyScripture(asappropriate).
• Lessonobjectives.Itispreferredthatthisbekeptwithinthreeobjectivesperlesson.Objectivesserveasadvanceorganizersandallowthestudenttoknowwhatiscoveredwithinthelesson.
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• Citationsshouldbewithinthetext,withabibliographyattheendofthelessonorthebook.• Lessonlengthshouldbethreetofivepagesofmaterialnotincludingthestudyquestions.This
isageneralguidelineforlessonlength.Somelessonsmaybealittlelongerifneeded.
• Lengthyscripturalpassagesshouldbeareferenceonly.• Thereshouldbeastrongintroductionandconclusion.Thisallowsthestudenttoknowwhere
wearegoing,andoncegoingthere,itallowsthestudenttoknowwherehehasbeen.• Studyquestions shouldbeprovided at the endof each lesson.Avoid fill-in-the-blank typeof
questions.Thiscausesdifficultywhenthematerialistranslatedintootherlanguages.
• Answerkeysshouldbeprovidedbytheauthorforalllessonswritten.
• Double-spacedispreferredforeditingpurposes.• Anagreementwillbemadewithwritersthattheirworkisunderourcopyright.
• Anagreementcouldalsobemadeforawritertoreceiveanhonorarium.
• Ifpreviouslywrittenworkbyawriterisused,thereshouldbeanagreementonfile.
Cover Design:
• Therewillbeacommoncoverforeachlevel.Thecolorsusedand/orthegraphicusedcouldchangebasedonthelevelorthebook.
• Thefollowingshouldbeidentifiedonthecover:GATS,level,andcoursename.• Thedesignofthecoverandthetextbookwillbehandledbyadesignersoisn’tthemajor
concernoftheindividualauthor.ItisthegoalofGATStofollowtheWordAflameRulesasmuchaspossible.
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The Book of Acts
ClassroomHours:24(minimum)Description/Overview:ThiscourserevealsthecontinuingministryoftheLordJesusChristintheworldthroughtheHolySpirit, andGod-calledmenandwomen. It assists the student inunderstanding thehistorical anddoctrinal value of the Book of Acts. The Church marches forward despite persecution, personalsetbacks, trials, and difficulties. The unchanging truths and principles gleaned from Acts will betaughttobetterequipthestudentsforthetaskofworldevangelism.ActsisGod’strainingmanualfortoday’s church and will motivate believers to evangelize, receive understanding of the apostles’doctrine,andtoshareitwithothersinsupernaturalpower.StudentswillstartoutstudyingtheBookofActs,andwillhopefullyenduplivingit.Objectives:Attheendofthiscourseofstudy,studentswillbeableto:
1. ExplainLuke’sintentinwritingLuke-Acts;identifyandbefamiliarwiththemajorevent(s)ofeachchapteroftheBookofActs.
2. Prove,usingScripturesfromActs,thatspeakinginothertongues,astheSpiritgivestheutterance is the initial, physical evidence of receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit.Understandthisisnormative(expected,willhappen)ineveryinstanceofsomeonebeingbaptizedintheSpiritfromtheDayofPentecosttothesecondcomingofJesusChrist.
3. TracetheadvanceofthegospelthroughouttheBookofActsandunderstandtherole(s)oftheHolySpiritinaccomplishingthis.
4. Outlineoridentifychurchgrowth,churchplanting,evangelism,leadershipdevelopment,missionary, cross-cultural outreach, prayer, gifts of the Spirit principles and strategiesfoundinActs.Incorporatetheseintoyourministry.MovebeyondmerelystudyingActstoputting these strategies and principles into life practice. Practicing New TestamentprincipleswillproduceNewTestamentresults.
5. Show,explainordefendthatActshasadidactic(instructional,teaching)purposeratherthanbeingmerelyahistoricalrecordoftheearlychurch.ActsisGod’strainingmanualfortoday’schurch.
6. Recall instances inActswherebaptismwasdone in thenameof theLord JesusChrist.Adoptthispracticepersonally.Defenditsnecessity.
Sample of Course Outlines
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7. Locate exampleswhere preachers supplied further truth to serious seekers. Refuse tocompromiseapostolicdoctrine.Speakthetruthinlove,takingpeoplefromwheretheyarespirituallyandshowingthemamoreexcellentway.Knowtheway,gotheway,showtheway.
8. StudythefellowshipofthebelieversinActs2:42–47.Identifythepillarsoftheapostolicchurch,andexpresstheircontinuingrelevanceinthecontemporarychurchtoday.
9. Lukerevealswhat Jesusbegan todoand teachwhileonearth.Actsrevealswhat JesuscontinuestodothroughHisdisciples.PossessafirmunderstandingofwhatJesuslongstodoinyouandthroughyou.
10. Actstellsofthejourneyofmissionsorevangelism.IdentifythejourneysofPeter,Phillip,andPaul.
Topics/Concepts:
• BackgroundinformationonActsanditsauthor.• Overviewofthetwenty-eightchapterscoveringmajoreventsineachchapter.• BirthoftheChurchatPentecost.• SalvationintheBookofActs.• CharacterstudiesorbasicunderstandingofthelivesofPeter,Barnabas,Stephen,
Paul,Phillip,Timothy,Aquila,Priscilla,andApollos.• MissionaryJourneysofPaul.• TheroleoftheHolySpiritinadvancingtheGospelthroughouttheworld.• Unfoldordiscovermissionary,cross-culturalevangelism,churchgrowth,church
planting,leadershipdevelopment,prayer,giftsoftheSpirit,principlesstrategies,andexamplesthatcanbeincorporatedintoone’spersonallifeandministry.
• MapswillneedtobeusedintracingtheadvanceoftheGospelespeciallyduringPaul’smissionaryjourneys.ThisincorporatesaBibleGeographyelementintothiscourse.
RecommendedPrimaryTextbook(s):
ACTS(OverseasMinistriesTrainingCourse)DarlineRoyerandRalphVincentReynoldsAsitisinmanyofourcoursestheHolyBibleisafundamentalandpivotaltextbookforthiscourse.
RecommendedAlternatives:
ActsI,II(IABC),RalphVincentReynoldsActs,JetWitherspoonTooleActs,J.P.Hughes
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Acts:ArloMoehlenpahActs:God’sTrainingManualforToday’sChurch,JamesPoitras(LevelA,C,T,SselectedlessonsavailableinEnglish,Spanish,French,andotherlanguages)
OverviewofLessonsavailableintheRecommendedPrimaryTextbook:
• TheChurchisBorn• TheChurchintheJewishWorld• TheChurchintheGentileWorld
LanguagesAvailable:
IABCisavailableinSpanishandFrenchCoursePacketResources:
TheJourneyoftheSpiritinActs,JamesPoitrasBaptismoftheHolySpiritRevealingEvidencethatDemandsaVerdict,JamesPoitrasDebate,Defense,andExperienceoftheBaptismoftheHolySpirit
Comments:DateofLastRevision:
October11,2011
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1. Country/location(s)? __________________________________________________________________________ 2. Name of school(s)? ___________________________________________________________________________ 3. Mailing address(es)? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Physical (street) address(es) of your school(s)? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. What is the name of the authorized contact representative for GATS correspondence and application purposes? ______________________________________________________________________________________ 6. What is his/her mailing address (if different from above)? __________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. What is the e-mail address of this authorized contact representative for your training programs?_____________________________________________________________________________________ 8. What is the telephone number? _________________________________________________________________ 9. What are the various training programs (with locations) that are included in this application? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. Describe your present training program(s) (number of years, semesters, hours, days a week, and weeks per semester). Attach your curriculum structure or scope and sequence. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. Have you read the GATS Policy and Training Manual and/or studied the material provided on the GATS Website (www.gatsonline.org)? _______________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. Do you agree to comply with the guidelines provided in this material? _________________________
Appendix A GATS Membership Application Form
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Explain, if necessary. ____________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 13. Explain briefly the steps that you have taken, are taking, or will be taking to implement the GATS academic program (core curriculum). ______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Indicate which academic programs you are applying to be a part of presently: Certificate Program Diploma Program Associate Degree Program Bachelor Degree Program Faculty Education/Development Program
14. What problems (if any) do you anticipate in implementing the GATS curriculum and guidelines? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 15. What assistance do you need from the Coordinator of GATS or your regional representative(s) to institute this program? __________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 16. Do you have any questions concerning the GATS program that we can answer for you? (If so, what are they?) _________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 17. Are you aware that approval of this application places you as a membership nation or school with GATS, but in order for your students to receive certificates, diplomas, or degrees from us it will necessitate such students completing all required aspects of the program (core curriculum, objectives, and classroom or course hours), and to be in compliance with all academic policies of our association and the credential issuing body?__________________________________________________________________________________________ If you have any comments, please add them: _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 18. Attach the following to this application: _____Resolution from the National Board requesting membership in GATS. _____Copies of your school or training program policies. _____Copy of your prospectus, if available. _____Copy of your curriculum structure and/or scope or sequence. _____ Personal Growth Plan form (for instructors).
_____ Other documents which would assist us in better understanding your education program.
19. Complete the attached form concerning instructors at your school. 20. What plan do you have in place for ongoing faculty development and education? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 21. Attach $100.00 nonrefundable registration fee to be paid in USD, made payable to the Global Missions. The GATS PIM Account number is 173514. In special cases the registration fee could be transferred from a missionary or field PIM account. If needed, communicate with our office concerning this, and also send an authorization note for a transaction of this nature. 22. Send this application form, the form concerning instructors, the requested documents in #17 above, and your check to: Rev. James Poitras Global Association of Theological Studies 36 Research Park Ct Weldon Spring, MO 63304
If you are sending your application digitally, it can be sent, together with all supporting documents to us at [email protected]. Be sure to copy your Regional GATS Representative. ____________________________________ Signature of Superintendent/President ____________________________________ Signature of Authorized Contact Representative
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MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM GLOBAL ASSOCIATION OF THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
Information Sheet on Faculty
Name Ministerial/Teaching Experience
Educational Qualifications
Ongoing Personal Growth Plan
Details
Appendix B Faculty Information Form
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Name Ministerial/Teaching Experience
Educational Qualifications
Ongoing Personal Growth
Plan Details
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GATS MEMBERSHIP
INTERNAL RE-EVALUATION FORM
Name of Evaluator: _______________________________________________ __ Missionary __ National Board of Education President or Representative __ National Board Representative Nation: _______________________________
Date of Membership: _________________ Date of Re-Evaluation: __________________
Name of School: _____________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________
Name of Bible School Administrator: __________________________________________________ Contact Information Email: _____________________________________________________________________________ Phone number: _____________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________
GATS Program(s) Offered:
□ Certificate □ Diploma □ Associate □ Bachelor
Please fill out a Curriculum Comparison Form for the corresponding program(s) Is the membership nation compliant with the curriculum requirements for the programs they offer?
Certificate □ YES □ NO
Diploma □ YES □ NO
Associate □ YES □ NO
Bachelor □ YES □ NO
Appendix C Membership Re-evaluation Form
s
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If not, what is lacking? _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________
Does the nation offer GATS Faculty Development Seminars? □ YES □ NO If yes, what is the frequency of the seminars? _______________________________________________ What are the desired dates for a yearly GATS Faculty Development Seminar? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Does the administration maintain adequate student records and transcripts?
□ YES □ NO If not, what is lacking and what can be done to be of assistance to correct the problem? ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ Please attach academic catalog and/or school handbook. How can GATS better support the Bible school program in this nation? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Additional Inquiries
1. What percentage of students become actively involved in ministry following graduation? ___ as a Pastor, Pastor’s wife, Assistant Pastor or other full time ministry ___ National Ministry (organizational) ___ Local church ministry (evangelism, children, youth…)
2. Is the Bible School self-supporting? ___ YES ___ NO Percentage of Income: ___ Student Fees ___ National Church Support ___ UPCI Ladies Ministries Support ___ Missionary Support ___ Other funding
3. Additional Comments:_____________________________________________________
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CURRICULUM COMPARISON FORM
CERTIFICATE LEVEL
Course Description GATS Required
Classroom Hours
Local School
Required Hours
Shortage of
Required Hours
Overage of
Required Hours
Recommendations
Acts 24
Bible Intro-duction
General overview of Bible
24
Christian Living
Holiness, prayer, fasting, sacraments, tithing
24
Pentecostal Doctrine
Oneness, repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name.
30
Life of Christ 24
Evangelism 24
Total Hours 150
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Course Description GATS Required
Classroom Hours
Local School
Required Hours
Shortage of
Required Hours
Overage of
Required Hours
Recommendations
Bible Survey Old Test. 24
Bible Survey New Test. 24
Biblical View of Missions
24
Spiritual Leadership I
24
Life of Christ II 24
Tabernacle 36
Ministerial Ethics 24
Pastoral Duties 24
Evangelism II 24
Bible Doctrine I 36
Bible Study Methods
24
Church Planting 24
Christian Education 24
Family Life 24
Homiletics 24
Prayer and Fasting 24
Practical Holiness 24
Spiritual Gifts 24
Stewardship 24
Core Curriculum Hrs
480
Elective Hours 120
Total Hours 600
Diploma Level
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ASSOCIATE DEGREE LEVEL
Course Description GATS
Required Classroom
Hours
Local School
Required Hours
Shortage of
Required Hours
Overage of
Required Hours
Recommendations
Old Testament History
36
Spiritual Leadership II
24
Romans 36
World Missions 24
Major Prophets 24
Minor Prophets 24
Hebrews 24
Ministerial Development
24
Pentateuch I (Genesis)
24
Pentateuch II 24
Daniel and Revelation
24
Bible Doctrine II Oneness of God
24
Church Growth 24
Pastoral Epistles 24
Epistles 24
Pentecostal History
24
Church Organization and Admin.
36
Church History 24
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Comparative Religions
24
Hermeneutics 12
Pastoral Counseling
24
Revival Principles
24
Wisdom Literature
24
Writing Techniques
24
Core Curriculum Hours
600
Elective Hours 150
Total Hours 750
ADDITIONAL COURSES
Course Description GATS Required
Classroom Hours
Local School
Required Hours
Shortage of
Required Hours
Overage of
Required Hours
Recommendations
Total Hours
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GATS MEMBERSHIP NATION EXTERNAL RE-EVALUATION FORM
Name of Evaluator: __________________________________________________________________ __ Regional GATS Representative __ Sub-regional GATS Representative __ Authorized Global Educator Nation: ____________________________________________________________________________ Date of Membership: _______________________________________________________________ Date of Re-Evaluation: _______________________________________________________________
Name of School: ____________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________
Name of Bible School Administrator: __________________________________________________ Contact Information Email: _____________________________________________________________________________ Phone number: _____________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________
GATS Program(s) Offered:
□ Certificate □ Diploma □ Associate □ Bachelor
Please fill out a Curriculum Comparison Form for the corresponding program(s)
Is the membership nation compliant with the curriculum requirements for the programs they offer?
Certificate □ YES □ NO
Diploma □ YES □ NO
Associate □ YES □ NO
Bachelor □ YES □ NO If not, what is lacking?________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________
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Does the nation offer GATS Faculty Development Seminars? □ YES □ NO If yes, what is the frequency of the seminars? ___________________________________________ What are the desired dates for a yearly GATS Faculty Development Seminar? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Does the administration maintain adequate student records and transcripts?
□ YES □ NO If not, what is lacking and what can be done to be of assistance to correct the problem? _______________________________________________________________________________________ Please attach academic catalog and/or school handbook. How can GATS better support the Bible school program in this nation? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ Additional Inquiries
1. What percentage of students become actively involved in ministry following graduation? ___ as a Pastor, Pastor’s wife, Assistant Pastor or other full time ministry ___ National Ministry (organizational) ___ Local church ministry (evangelism, children, youth…)
2. Is the Bible School self-supporting? ___ YES ___ NO Percentage of Income: ___ Student Fees ___ National Church Support ___ UPCI Ladies Ministries Support ___ Missionary Support ___ Other funding
3. Additional Comments: _____________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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PleaseseetheGATSWebsiteforacompletelistofalloftheWorkLifeWorksheets.
Bachelor in Theology Work Life Experience Worksheets
Global Association of Theological Studies
Appendix D Bachelor Level Work-life Experience
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CATEGORY POINTS OBTAINED ENDING DATE COMMENTS
Preaching
Teaching
Evangelism
Church Planting
Church Growth
Literature Develoment
Leadership Service
Pastoral Duties
Personal Growth Plan
Church Construction
Mentoring
Literature Translation
Distance Education
Advanced Credits from other Institutions
Administration of Christian Education Programs
Equipment Operation
TOTAL POINTS OBTAINED
Work Life Experience OverviewYou must complete a minimun of seven (7) categories.
The maximun amount of points that you can obtain with 'Work Life Expereince' is 700 points. The 700 points are equivialnt to 90 classroom hours of your Elective Studies or 8 Elective Credits.
Bible School Name:
Student name:
Name of Director:
Nation:
SERMON TITLE DATE PREACHED
LOCATION KEY VERSE RESULTS CLEARLY STATE THE OBJECTIVE
I testify that the above information is accurate and true :
(Signature)
(Name)
PreachingThe purpose of this worksheet is to document one hundred (100) messages that you have preached.
Please attach 10 of your sermon outlines.
Points
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Appendix E Credential Request Forms
GATS CERTIFICATE OF THEOLOGY REQUEST FORM
6 weeks prior to graduation, please send this form along with matching transcripts to your Regional GATS Representative for review.
Country School Name Missionary Name
Paper Size A4 Letter Graduation Date If not in English, type as it should appear on the certificate. le dd mm de l’année 201y de notre Seigneur. / el día dd de mm en el año de nuestro Señor 201y.
Language of Certificate En Fr Sp
Printing Preference Shipping Method Shipping Address/Instructions *If other than Missionary Mail Packet Shipping Phone
Print and Ship à Email PDF file Email Dropbox link
*Email address:
Missionary Mail Packet FedEx DHL Other:
CERTIFICATE OF THEOLOGY LIST * Please type each name below and double check all name spellings before submission.
1.
**For GATS Administration Use Only**
*Regional GATS Representative, please forward approved list and matching transcripts to [email protected] and [email protected].
Reviewed by Regional GATS Rep
Reviewed by Program Director Okay to Print Date
Received Date
Printed Date
Emailed/Shipped
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GATS DIPLOMA OF MINISTERIAL DEVELOPMENT REQUEST FORM
6 weeks prior to graduation, please send this form along with matching transcripts to your Regional GATS Representative for review.
Country School Name Missionary Name
Paper Size A4 Letter Graduation Date If not in English, type as it should appear on the certificate. le dd mm de l’année 201y de notre Seigneur. / el día dd de mm en el año de nuestro Señor 201y.
Language of Certificate En Fr Sp
Printing Preference Shipping Method Shipping Address/Instructions *If other than Missionary Mail Packet Shipping Phone
Print and Ship à Email PDF file Email Dropbox link
*Email address:
Missionary Mail Packet FedEx DHL Other:
DIPLOMA OF MINISTERIAL DEVELOPMENT LIST * Please type each name below and double check all name spellings before submission.
1.
**For GATS Administration Use Only**
*Regional GATS Representative, please forward approved list and matching transcripts to [email protected] and [email protected].
Reviewed by Regional GATS Rep
Reviewed by Program Director Okay to Print Date
Received Date
Printed Date
Emailed/Shipped
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GATS ASSOCIATE OF THEOLOGY REQUEST FORM
6 weeks prior to graduation, please send this form along with matching transcripts to your Regional GATS Representative for review.
Country School Name
Missionary Name Graduation Date If not in English, type as it should appear on the certificate. le dd mm de l’année 201y de notre Seigneur. / el día dd de mm en el año de nuestro Señor 201y.
Language of Certificate En Fr Sp
Printing Preference Shipping Method Shipping Address/Instructions *If other than Missionary Mail Packet Shipping Phone
Print and Ship à Email PDF file Email Dropbox link
*Email address:
Missionary Mail Packet FedEx DHL Other:
CERTIFICATE OF THEOLOGY LIST * Please type each name below and double check all name spellings before submission.
1.
**For GATS Administration Use Only**
*Regional GATS Representative, please forward approved list and matching transcripts to [email protected] and [email protected].
Reviewed by Regional GATS Rep
Reviewed by Program Director Okay to Print Date Received Date Printed Date Mailed
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GATS CERTIFICATE OF MEMBERSHIP REQUEST FORM
Please send this form to your Regional GATS Representative for review.
Country School Name Language of Certificate
Missionary/Contact Name
GATS Member Since
En Fr Sp
Shipping Method Shipping Address/Instructions *If other than Mail Packet Shipping Phone
Missionary Mail Packet FedEx DHL Other:
**For GATS Administration Use Only**
*Regional GATS Representative, upon your approval, please forward to [email protected] and [email protected].
Reviewed by Regional GATS Rep
Reviewed by Program Director Okay to Print Date Received Date Printed Date Mailed
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GATS ADVANCE EDUCATORS CERTIFICATE REQUEST FORM
6 weeks prior to ceremony, please send this form along with matching documentation to your Regional GATS Representative for review.
Country School Name Language
of Certificate Ceremony Date Missionary/Contact Name
En Fr Sp
Shipping Method Shipping Address/Instructions *If other than Mail Packet Shipping Phone
Missionary Mail Packet FedEx DHL Other:
ADVANCE EDUCATORS CERTIFICATE * Please type each name below and double check all name spellings before submission.
1.
**For GATS Administration Use Only**
*Regional GATS Representative, please forward approved list and matching documentation to [email protected] and [email protected].
Reviewed by Regional GATS Rep
Reviewed by Program Director Okay to Print Date Received Date Printed Date Mailed