MINISTERS-IN-TRAINING SEMINAR
Called to Serve. Trained to Lead.
The Ministers-In-Training Seminar is designed to prepare individuals for licensure and service in the Baptist Church. The seminar aims to provide a foundational framework for those pursuing ordination in the Baptist church. This course equips new preachers with a firm grounding in Baptist history, theology, polity, and practice, while cultivating spiritual maturity and ethical integrity. Students will explore the role of the associate minister, the distinctives of Baptist life, the mission of the Black Baptist Church, and the practical responsibilities of ministry. This is an intensive learning experience and will require complete dedication to successfully complete the program.
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The seminar combines biblical study, doctrinal formation, and practical training to empower participants to serve faithfully in the church and community. With a strong emphasis on the Baptist tradition and the lived experience of the Black church, this training provides ministers with the tools they need to grow, support, and develop in ministry.
tuesdays | january 20 - june 30, 2026 | 7pm (EST)
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this seminar, participants will be able to:
Our goal
The primary focus is to provide training for licenced clergy and persons seeking licensure in the Baptist Church. For some this will serve as a refresher for individuals preparing for ordination this will be the first step toward that process. The seminar will focus on a wide range of topics that are vital to the life of the Baptist church. Students will gain real world experience and knowledge that will empower them to grow, serve, support and develop in their ministries. Focus will be given to the practical skills that ministers need to function effectively in the church and community.
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Participants will receive a certificate of completion from the Rev. Dr. Geoffrey V. Guns Christian Leadership School. (All instructors are Senior Pastors in the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.).
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Students will be required to register and enroll in the course. The registration fee is $125 and must be paid prior to attending classes. Students are encouraged to give a love offering to their instructors (this is not required). Participants will be required to attend all sessions in order to receive the certificate. Exceptions will be made for medical or family-related emergencies. In the event that a student misses a session, he or she will be required to complete designated course work to receive credit for that session.
Class sessions will be via Zoom. Enrolled students will be required to have updated computers and Wifi connections in order to participate without interruption. Students will also be required to leave their camera on throughout the session.
Class
schedule:
January 20 – The Call to Ministry
Instructor: Dr. Geoffrey V. Guns
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January 27 – The Keys to Growing in Ministry Instructor: Dr. Geoffrey V. Guns
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February 3 – The Spiritual Life of the Preacher Instructor: Rev. Nicole Patrice Guns
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February 10 – Ministerial Ethics
Instructor: Rev. Jocelyn Blount
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February 17 – The Role of the Associate Minister Instructor: Dr. Frank Harris
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February 24 – The Nature of the Church Instructor: Dr. George Parks
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March 3 – Church Order and Covenant Life Instructor: Dr. George Parks
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March 10 – Ordinances and Church Practices Instructor: Dr. Kito March
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March 17 – Rituals of Ministry: Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals, Visitations Instructor: Dr. Walter Solomon
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March 24 – Understanding Baptist Church Polity Instructor: Rev. Carl Washington III
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April 14 – The Baptist Church Covenant Instructor: Rev. Carl Washington III
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April 21 – What Baptists Believe, Part I
Instructor: Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr.
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April 28 – What Baptists Believe, Part II
Instructor: Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr.
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May 5 – The History and Mission of the Black Baptist Church, Part I Instructor: Dr. Eric Johnson
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May 12 – The History and Mission of the Black Baptist Church, Part II Instructor: Dr. Eric Johnson
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May 19 – Social Justice and the Black Church
Instructor: Rev. Nicole Patrice Guns
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May 26 – The Structure, Mission, and Organization of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.
Instructor: Dr. James Blackburn
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June 2 – Biblical Models of Leadership: From Moses to Jesus Instructor: Dr. DeSean Horne
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June 9 – Recognizing and Resolving Conflict
Instructor: Rev. Jocelyn Blount
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June 16 – Understanding Pastoral Leadership Authority Instructor: Dr. Walter L. Solomon
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June 30 – Licensure and Ordination in the Baptist Church (Closing Session)
Instructor: Dr. Geoffrey V. Guns
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