A Message from Dean Carl Cottingham
View Carl's description of AME to paricipants in the GRR's 2008 "Exploring the Call Conference.
I am excited about this new opportunity to serve as Dean of Alternative Ministerial Educationfor the Great Rivers Region. The Lord has given me a clear vision for the task ahead, and He has been preparing me well for the challenge. My calling has been affirmed by the Regional Board and the Staff to provide a strong alternative training program for those who are called to the pastoral ministry and who are unable to attend seminary training.
The leadership of local pastors is critical to the continued health and vigor of our churches. As God continues to call men and women into the ministry it is our responsibility as the region to encourage and open doors for each one to receive high quality preparation at a reasonable cost, and in an accessible delivery method. These courses will be delivered by traditional classes, by on-line (Internet) courses and other methods as appropriate. Traditional, face-to-face classes will be offered at Springfield (Boundaries), at area colleges, seminaries and churches. We will also be providing examination-for-credit (proficiency exams) for some of the course requirements.
Please read the Ministerial Standards, Policies and Procedures which are included on this web-site. These were revised (clarified and simplified) by the Regional Ministry Board in October, 2004.
If you are currently enrolled in the previous Alternative Ministerial Education (ROP), be assured that the course(s) that you have completed will not be lost, but from this date forward the new policies and procedures will be followed.
If you are wanting to enroll in the Program for the first time, please give me a call, and I will assist you in the process. Also, I will be setting up a mailing list and E-mail list to use in keeping everyone informed regarding course offerings and training opportunities. My phone number is (618) 985-3354 and my E-mail is cdcenc@midamer.net.
I thank God that He continues to call His followers into special service and that you have responded. I look forward to meeting each of you and in working closely with you as you get the preparation that you need to be an effective pastoral leader.