Question

Topic: Taglines/Names

*((name For Christian Course))*

Posted by Anonymous on 9/29/2009 at 4:17 AM ET 250 Points
Hi,

I am representing a Christian ministry organization in South Africa, which has been operating in Africa for nearly 24 years.

They currently offer a 3-year Ministry course, which is not-accredited - it is simply aimed at equipping church leaders in Africa.

Up until now they have called the "qualification" a "Certificate in Church Leadership", but it is not a "Certificate course"...but from my viewpoint a "certificate" can also just refer to the piece of paper - the same as "diploma" when you do not attach an academic value to it...?

They are now seeking a new name, but they would like to avoid the name Certificate or Diploma. The organization also has a new "look" in the form of a Corporate Identity - they are now completely re-branding themselves in a funky way. The wanted to do away with the "traditional" look of a "bible school".

The course will equip church leaders for full-time ministry and enable students to then plant their own churches or serve their current church with confidence. The entire course is a correspondence course - so there is no campus.

I would appreciate any ideas. For more info, please visit their website on www.timothy.org.za

Thanks in advance

Kevin
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RESPONSES

  • Posted on 9/29/2009 at 9:01 AM Accepted
    Sounds like an online Seminary. Are you avoiding THAT nomenclature for some reason not stated ?
  • Posted on 9/29/2009 at 9:06 AM Author
    No other reason what-so-ever.

    They are simply seeking a new name for their course. Its not an academic qualification, so therefore they are open to call it anything they actually want. Its simply a matter of using an appropriate name for the "course".

    Imagine someone has a lecture on e.g. finances, which you attend. You write a small exam after the lecture and you are presented with a "certificate". Now this "certificate" would normally say something like:

    "This is to certify that YOUR NAME has.... and is awarded this certificate" for attending the (e.g.) Financial Guru Course"

    I hope I am making my point.
  • Posted by Chris Blackman on 9/29/2009 at 9:19 AM Accepted
    Since it isn't a certificate, diploma or degree from a recognised institute, but could form the basis (perhaps with some RPL) for a recognised course at other institutions, why not call the course:

    "Foundations for a (Modern, African) Christian Ministry"?

    (Include the words in brackets if you want to focus the intent more, leave out to keep the focus broader).

    You could call the document issued to successful participants a "Certificate of Achievement" or even a "Course Results Transcript" and still have the "awarded to..." section so it will have the look and feel of a recognised qualification.
  • Posted on 9/29/2009 at 9:26 AM Author
    Thanks ASVP/ChrisB

    That's quite a good suggestion. I like the name "certificate of achievement".

    In the past, the course was known as:

    Church Leadership course
    Christian Leadership course
    "Certificate in Church Leadership"

    but none of them actually portrayed that what the course provides, nor the outcomes of it...

    I just wanted to make it clear for future posts: The organization is not a "micky mouse organization" and is not trying to "con" people into believing they are receiving a "qualification". They clearly state on all materials that the course is for "equipping" and is NOT a qualification...
  • Posted on 9/29/2009 at 9:41 AM Member
    Assuming I take your course...

    What am I "equipped" to do after completing the course that I was not before?

    Can I Pastor a Church?
    Form a new Church?
    Be more effective as a Pastor?
    Teach Churches to be more effective?
    Teach personal evangelism?

    What ?
  • Posted on 9/29/2009 at 9:58 AM Author
    Hi rwhite

    The course will actually enable you to do all those things...Tens of thousands of people over Africa have taken this course and went on to plant new churches or pastor their current church. The course will also equip church leaders to preach/teach and encourage evangelism...So it is basically an A-Z of everything you might encounter in the ministry.

    The course even teaches about financial management, homiletics, hermeneutics etc..
  • Posted on 9/29/2009 at 10:03 AM Member
    Still sounds like an online Seminary. Why not just call it what it is?

    I wouldn't let lack of accreditation hang me up. Just be truthful about it and promote it for what it is.

    Blessings your way. IHS
  • Posted on 9/29/2009 at 3:28 PM Accepted
    Another term you might consider is "Mastery of Church Protocols." You could then say that people who qualify have demonstrated a "Mastery of Church Protocols." Their non-certificate could read, "Kevin Carl Davis has demonstrated a mastery of church protocols according to standards accepted (or established) by the Timothy Training Institute."
  • Posted on 9/29/2009 at 3:53 PM Author
    Thank you mgoodman for your wonderful reply.

    I like the route you are taking. I especially love the "wording" to be put on the "certificate".

    I just feel that something such as "church protocol" sounds too unfamiliar. But the term "mastery" I really like and I believe that the majority of people working through our programme would agree.
  • Posted by NovaHammer on 9/29/2009 at 9:47 PM Accepted
    Would 'Deacons of Benevolence' fit?

    How about the image of a span of a collection of vectors (math term) spreading out across the country....something like -
    Vectors With Christ.

    coining a new phrase might create some additional intrigue.

    GL

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