Training Men for the Ministry Through Apprenticeship
In order for the face and heart of the PCA to change in the future to more fully accomplish our passion for the Great Commission and the Great Commandment in the rapidly changing demographic environment of North America, a more effective model was needed for training future ministers of the PCA from a new pool of men who would not ordinarily be able to navigate the traditional system.
LAMP Theological Seminary has embarked on a deliberate and innovative strategy to provide a model for ministerial training. The purpose for the Leadership and Ministry Preparation program (LAMP) is to provide a standardized and complete training plan for the practical preparation and theological education of candidates for the Gospel ministry.
LAMP Vision
To develop and implement a reproducible, mentor/apprentice-based, competency-oriented, affordable without debt, biblical and theological study program that will prepare men for the ordained gospel ministry in the PCA throughout all segments of society in North America.
Main Objectives
- To maintain doctrinal integrity with a Reformed distinctive.
- That training, supervision and submission take place in the context of the local church using a combination of both the classical classroom and mentoring models.
- To give a candidate the opportunity to maintain a consistent family life, full time employment and ministry responsibilities in the local church while pursuing their theological education.
- To train men from a broad range of economic and ethnic backgrounds.
- To offer classes and training opportunities which are time and cost efficient for men in full-time employment.
Main Components
LAMP focuses on the five major components as identified in the Scriptures, PCA Uniform Curriculum Guidelines and the PCA Book of Church Order:
- Calling
- Character
- Competency
- Content
- Credentialing
This system of study fulfills all the requirements for men seeking ordination in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), regardless of prior academic credentials. The goal of LAMP is to use the candidate’s years of preparation as efficiently as possible.
Students
A Learning Site must be established in your area prior to the application process. For a list of established locations, click here for a list on the LAMP Seminary website. If there is not a LAMP Site in your area, your church could apply for Learning Site status.
Churches
Would your church like to become a Learning Site for training LAMP students? Contact a LAMP representative by calling 954-816-5813 or email Brian Kelso at bkelso@pcanet.org. LAMP has made this process easy for churches.
For detailed information:
Call the LAMP Program at 954-816-5813 or visit the LAMP website at www.lampseminary.org.
We Invite Your Participation
Please join with me in praying that many people will find hope in Jesus Christ and that lives will be changed through the LAMP program. Pray that a growing number of men will be called to serve as PCA leaders. I ask you to prayerfully consider participating with us through your financial support. You can make a tax-deductible contribution to this ministry online. You can also mail contributions, made payable to Mission to North America, to:
Mission to North America
PO Box 890233
Charlotte NC 28289-0233
Designate: LAMP
For additional information, contact LAMP:
Brian Kelso
LAMP Executive Director
954-816-5813
admin@LAMPseminary.org