At Thirdmill Institute, we believe that learning is most effective when individuals come together in groups that share a common goal. The Institute works with churches and Christian leaders to create local training communities. These Learning Communities consist of students and local Trainers working together to deepen their understanding of theology and the Bible, as well as being surrounded by people who believe the same thing.
There are many established Learning Communities across the globe. These Learning Communities have enabled students to complete specific courses and earn certificates and diplomas, even if they had no prior Biblical training. This, in turn, equips pastors to go back to their church and preach sound theology and truth. Our field staff and Trainers have been able to see how churches have grown since the pastors received training and the impact that it has. This is the intent of the Learning Communities: to prepare future leaders, pastors, and church planters through the emphasis on life and ministry skills.
Thirdmill Institute’s global presence and model of Learning Communities are making a difference in various regions, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. A pastor was asked what he thought of the Learning Communities, and he responded through an interpreter, saying “We found this a great way to learn because all those in the group were able to give their opinion regarding the subject. And because of the small group size, everyone had an opportunity to be heard. And that’s a beautiful thing!”
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of participating in a transformative Zoom meeting with pastors from Sub-Saharan Africa. The meeting was to provide more information about the Institute, learn more about what it looks like to be a Trainer, and what it looks like to be immersed in a Learning Community. Despite the virtual setting, the training was set up to resemble what time would be like in an in-person Learning Community. It provided an opportunity for pastors to actively engage, share their unique perspectives, and ask questions about the curriculum and the overall mission of Thirdmill Institute. I felt grateful to be part of this conversation that allowed me to interact with individuals from across the globe, and gain insight into their vision for implementing Thirdmill Institute within their local communities and churches.
Learning Communities that you can be a part of in your own churches and local communities will provide the same atmosphere and opportunities, and even more so as you gather together more often, come to know one another, and the God of the universe deeper.
Once in a Learning Community, you can register online as a student by clicking the “CLASSROOM LOGIN” button at the top. The materials are available online for communities that use an online approach. For those using an offline approach, you can request materials by going online to thirdmill.org and finding the “Curriculum Request Form” link to fill out your information.
By Josieann Ownbey
“We found this a great way to learn because all those in the group were able to give their opinion regarding the subject. And because of the small group size, everyone had an opportunity to be heard. And that’s a beautiful thing!”
