On December 9, the Church of the Nazarene in Poas (Alajuela, North District, Costa Rica), celebrated the conclusion of the first phase of the School of Leadership training. Twenty seven students were recognized for finishing the five core classes, thanks to the help and colaboration of their professors: Gersan Obando, Roy Mora, Mauren Herrera and Olga Arroyo.
It is important to note that 25% of the students are young people who are motived to get involved in serving the church. These students now want to continue studying in the specialty areas offered in the School of Leadership.
Karla Diaz, a student from Poas says, “The School of Leadership has allowed me to know more about the Church of the Nazarene and the organization. Through the practical ministry assignments, we have helped to form and to serve other members of the congregation, we have seen fruits in leadership formation and we have been given new tools and knowledge so we can serve God in our local church.”
Rev. Johnny Calvo, Pastor of the Church, and Erika Chaves, Director of the program, presided the ceremony, handing out the certificates and encouraging the students and the congregation to continue preparing themselves for ministry.
Erika Chaves comments, “In my opinion, the School of Leadership has given us great results in the church and is teaching the Biblical basis of ministry. We hope that in the next few months we can have another group and in this way continue forming Nazarene leaders at the local and district level.”
The Church of the Nazarene in Desamparados (Central District, Costa Rica) also completed the first phase of the program. Rev. Franlym Pena was in attendance and encouraged the ten students to continue their ministry preparation. These ten students are now ready to begin the corresponding specialty courses.
Guiselle Abarca, the Coordinator for the program in Desamparados, shares her option concerning the classes. “The School of Leadership gives us the opportunity to know more about the denomination, to strengthen our Biblical foundation, especially as related to doctrine and the faithfulness of God. Every person who has taken the class is now working in the service of the Lord in our congregation. God has used these courses in our lives, and we are blessed to have received more committed church members following God’s will and sharing the good news with all.”
The School of Leadership is a formal program that is offered to layperson in the local churches for prepartion in various areas. The five core classes include these:
- DNA of the Church of the Nazarene
- Worship as a Lifestyle
- The Bible and It’s Message
- Principles for the Christian Life
- Discovering My Vocation in Christ
After completing the five core classes, the students may choose a specialty area to study:
- Ministerial Leadership
- Youth Ministry
- Intercultural Missions
- Evangelism
- Christian Discipleship
- Compassionate Ministries
- Communication and Literature
We are very thankful to God for allowing us to see the School of Leadership program being fruitful in the local churches. It is inspiring and motivating many lay people to continue studying in theological education with the goal of serving with excellence as God has called them.
If you would like more information about the School of Leadership, contact the Undergraduate Office at this email: fpena@seminarionazareno.org