Partnership with Palmer Theological Seminary
MEDIA CONTACTS
publicrelations@tdjakes.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE POTTER’S HOUSE OF DALLAS, INC. PARTNERS WITH EASTERN UNIVERSITY TO DELIVER INNOVATIVE GRADUATE-LEVEL SEMINARY CURRICULUM ONLINE
DALLAS – JUNE 28, 2010 – The Potter’s House of Dallas, Inc. has partnered with Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University to deliver online seminary training to its leadership comprised of pastors, elders, ministers, deacons, laity and volunteers. Called “Openseminary,” the online program allows participants to integrate graduate-level studies into their existing ministry, work or family schedules.
Located in Wynnewood, Pa., Eastern University’s charter is to offer theological training to those full-time ministry leaders wishing to further their theological education. The Openseminary construct offers maximum flexibility by overcoming the time and residency commitments typically associated with continuing education. A limited residency requirement enables students to spend three weeks each at The Potter’s House and at Eastern University.
“We believe in building leadership from within,” said Bishop T.D. Jakes. “Our collaboration with Eastern University enables The Potter’s House to equip leaders locally so they may meet the spiritual needs of the world beyond our four walls.”
The three-year Openseminary course leads to a Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) designation. The curriculum is delivered in six (6) online modules that each focus on a specific aspect of ministry. Each module lasts 21 weeks.
The innovative program also features an “open” enrollment whereby students may enter at select times during the academic year. The Openseminary is set to launch in August 2010 as a pilot program that will roll out nationally in stages to be announced at a later date.
“This partnership bridges exemplary Christian leadership that exists at The Potter’s House with a formal theological academic degree,” said Travis Simons, Director of Christian Education at The Potter’s House. “By offering Palmer Theological Seminary courses online, we are able to meet the needs of working leaders requiring a more flexible program of study.”
“T.D. Jakes Scholar” Graduate Designation Announced
To demonstrate its commitment to training future church leaders, the inaugural graduating class of Eastern University’s Palmer Theological Seminary at The Potter’s House will feature a one-time designation of “T. D. Jakes Scholars.” This first class of an estimated 150 students of the pilot will partake of sessions taught by Bishop Jakes, receive an inscribed diploma, as well as other one-of-a-kind benefits.
Training the Next Generation of Leaders
The Openseminary program at The Potter’s House was designed to spark the passions of ministry professionals and the laity alike by offering the tools that help deepen their faith, knowledge and commitment to leadership development.
By extending its base to Dallas, Eastern University is able to tap into the next generation of culturally, racially, gender and denominationally diverse church leaders. With a membership upwards of 30,000, The Potter’s House is one of the most influential and multicultural mega churches in the U.S.
Revitalizing Ministry
Dr. David Black, president of Eastern University has long believed in transforming society and ultimately the church through the impact that the Openseminary training has on the lives of its students.
“Eastern University’s commitment to the “whole Gospel” is evident through its emphasis on training leaders to reach the unreached territories,” said Dr. Black. “By partnering with The Potter’s House of Dallas we are able to identify and train leaders with a heart to change the world through service.”
The fully accredited Master of Theological Studies allows all of the interaction with professors of the university setting without the need to uproot family and work to attend. For Openseminary FAQs, applications, program requirements and fees, please visit 54.201.250.106/openseminary.
An informational session on the Openseminary will be held Saturday, July 10, 2010 at The Potters House, located at 6777 W. Kiest Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75236. For more information on the meeting time and session agenda, contact Travis Simons at openseminary@tdjakes.org or visit The Potter’s House Web site calendar at http://54.201.250.106/.
About The Potter’s House
A globally recognized church of more than 30,000 members located in Dallas, The Potter’s House strives to be the voice and the hand that encourages people of all creeds and cultures to change their lives with hope, comfort and peace. The church is led by Bishop T. D. Jakes, twice featured on the cover of Time magazine as “America’s Best Preacher” and as one of this nation’s “25 most influential evangelicals.” www.tdjakes.org.
About Eastern University
Eastern is a co-educational Christian university that integrates faith, reason and justice for its 4,000 students in undergraduate, graduate, Seminary, urban, international and accelerated adult programs. Eastern was named to the Templeton Honor Roll of Character-building Colleges and the Honor Roll of Exemplary First-year Programs. Eastern has an interdenominational Christian student body and is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA. It was founded in 1925 and now consists of Palmer Theological Seminary, the Templeton Honors College, the College of Arts & Sciences, the Campolo College of Graduate and Professional Studies, and Esperanza College of Eastern University. For more information, visit www.eastern.edu.
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