Ironwood Institute of Ministry
Charting a Course for a Life of Ministry
One of the purposes of the Institute of Ministry is to train young people to minister in their homes and churches. The ministry tools and teams are an exciting part of the program. The ministry tools are divided into units. Each unit involves instruction and hands-on experience in the area being addressed. No testing or grading is involved; however, projects will be assigned to most units. These projects will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis. The units are designed to be extremely useful in future ministry in the home and the local church.
Homiletics (Men) - Practical classroom instruction will be given in the preparation and presentation of sermons, in the giving of invitations, and in using Bible software. Timothy Teams will provide opportunities to use skills gained in the classroom.
Children’s Ministries - After gaining practical tips for teaching children’s Sunday School and Children’s Church and for making visual aids, individuals will have opportunities to use what they have learned in local churches. In this unit, instruction will also be given in how to coordinate a church nursery.
Music - In this unit, individuals will be given practical instruction in music theory and the philosophy of music. Opportunities will also be given to participate in special music for camps and local churches.
Platform - After learning the arts of basic ventriloquism, gospel magic, chalk talks, crowd involvement, and "funology" (philosophy of fun), participants will be given opportunities to use their new skills in camps and local churches.
Maturity - As a part of their "practicing maturity" (doing the right thing at the right time with the right attitude), individuals will learn etiquette, basic cooking and cleaning skills, and the art of hosting a meal. They will also practice maturity as they learn how to be appropriate for every occasion.
Personal Bible Study - In this unit, individuals will gain practical instruction in praying according to God’s will and in studying the Bible and applying it to their life as they meditate on it throughout each day.
Relationships - This unit will deal with one’s relationship with God and others, how to make and keep those relationships right, and how to deal with conflict.
Personal Organization - Practical instruction will be given in daily, weekly, and yearly planning; setting goals; and personal discipline.
Missions - In preparation for traveling on a mission team, participants will discuss the "job description" of a missionary and gain practical tips for starting deputation and writing effective prayer letters.
Family Foundations - In preparation for the future, practical classroom instruction will be given on being a godly husband or wife, training children for the Lord, and interacting with extended family.
Building Skills - Hands-on instruction will be given in planning for a job, building with wood and metal, and doing plumbing and electrical work. Opportunities will be given to work in the shops here at camp.
Working With Tools - Men will gain practical, hands-on experience in repairing vehicles at the auto shop, working in the office, and diagnosing computer problems. Ladies will have opportunities to work in the camp kitchen and office and to learn basic sewing skills.
