Preaching classes coming via Internet
MBC to partner with Olford Center
JEFFERSON CITY – It may be one of the most important preaching tools to come along in years, especially for Missouri bi-vocational pastors unable to attend on-campus seminary classes for any length of time.
Lectures from the Olford Center for Biblical Preaching could be streaming via the Internet to association offices throughout the state starting Sept. 25.
The Stephen Olford Center, based in Memphis, promotes biblical preaching and practical training for churches. Through a partnership with the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) and local associations, lectures from the center will be broadcast online to at least six sites throughout Missouri. Associations that have offered to host include Bethel, Mt. Salem Wyaconda, Salt River, Ozark Prairie, Pulaski and Franklin.
Plans for the satellite program came about after more than a dozen pastors, directors of missions and George Roach, ministerial services specialist for the MBC, visited the Olford Center to finalize plans. Roach said the Dakota Baptist Convention has undertaken a similar program with great success.
“The pastors and DOMs who went with me were very excited about it. This is great opportunity for anyone: fully-funded pastors, bi-vocation pastors, teachers and laity,” he said.
The lessons in expository preaching will cost $85 per lesson and will run each Monday evening for six to eight weeks, three times a year. The lesson can act as simply training, or can be applied toward earning a Olford Fellow.diploma. The series beginning Sept. 25 is “The Essentials of Biblical Preaching and Teaching.”