Program
Overview
The Ministry Preparation Program (MPP) exists to prepare men and women for ordination in the Church of the Nazarene with a series of courses that earn one semester hour of credit each. Two variations of the program exist. The first is based on the NBC 25 courses, validated by the International Course of Study Advisory Committee (RCOSAC/ICOSAC) as an approved curriculum for achieving ordination education requirements. The second variation is based on the denominational modular program, which is likewise validated by RCOSAC/ICOSAC. Students may choose which of the two variations they wish to pursue.
College Credit
One hour of college credit will be given for each Ministry Preparation course completed. All work completed will be placed on an official NBC transcript. Students wishing to receive more credit for approximately the same amount of work should consider the regular degree program.
Students
Each individual accepted into the NBC Ministry Preparation Program will be enrolled as an NBC student under the normal application qualifications and procedures.
Course Length
Each online course will be six weeks long, starting approximately every seven weeks except for SME1232 - Supervised Ministry Experience which is three sessions (18 weeks) in length.
For a list of MPP courses, please see the current Catalog.
MPP Orientation
All students must take an online orientation class that ensures that all the technology is working properly and provides a demonstration of how the online program works. There is a $40 charge for this orientation, and it is offered approximately three weeks before each online session.
Delivery System
Courses will be delivered using the regular NBC online program. NBC has more than nine years of success in delivering online courses having more than 2,300 courses taught and nearly 3,000 different students enrolled. NBC offers one of the best online programs in the country and the most extensive program within the church. The software developed by NBC is designed specifically for the busy adult learner.
Online students are required to use Microsoft Office 2003 (Student and Home Edition) or newer. Additional free software may be required to take online courses.
Resources
Students will have full access to all NBC online resources. These resources include full library access as well as multiple electronic sources. These resources are not only valuable for educational purposes, but provide help with other ministerial needs.
Asynchronous
Students may participate in a class at times that are convenient for them (Anywhere—Anytime). Students may log in, view materials, and respond 24/7.
Attendance
Students must be in attendance at least five days each week by posting assignments or notes to the class discussion area.
Textbooks
Students will be required to purchase textbooks for each class. These books will not only serve to enhance the learning in the module but will become a valuable personal library resource for future ministry. Textbooks may be ordered from the NBC Bookstore or any other book retailer.
Course Content
The course content is delivered over the Internet using a web browser. Lectures, assignments, and additional resources can all be accessed by logging in to the class.
Class Discussion
Using the free Microsoft program Outlook Express, students can download all the class discussion notes, work off-line by reading notes and responding, then connect and send the notes to the class. It is fast and doesn't require a person to be continually connected to the Internet. Students must participate in class discussion on at least three days each week.
Time Requirement
In order to complete the required learning objectives and meet the competencies required for ordination, the MPP classes will typically require 15 to 20 hours a week of class work for the six weeks.
Faculty
Instructors will qualify under the same requirements as all NBC adjunct faculty members. All online instructors receive extensive training in online teaching and are constantly monitored for quality control.
Support
NBC has an office dedicated to providing support to online students. The eleven people in the online office, plus those in other areas of responsibility are available during regular office hours 8 am to 5 pm (Mountain Time) Monday to Friday. Contact information for after office hours is provided to students, providing 24/7 availability.
Course Design
Reading
Textbooks, lectures, resources, and all class notes.
Class Discussion
Submit answers for two to three discussion questions and post ten to fifteen responses to the work of other students each week.
Reflection
Submit a weekly reflection or learning summary, citing from textbook readings, lectures, and student discussion.
Examination
A mid-class and/or final exam covering the content of the course is often included.
Final Paper
A paper approximately four to five pages of main text, double-spaced, one-inch margins, 12 point Times New Roman font.