Preparation for ministry does not end after graduating from seminary. Growing in God’s grace for fruitful service is a lifelong process. Through Christ-centered learning opportunities such as its Lifetime of Ministry (LOM) series of weekend classes, Covenant Theological Seminary is helping those in ministry foster such growth. The LOM series provides pastors and those who serve beside them with practical ways to sharpen their skills.

Joel Hathaway, director of alumni relations and placement for Covenant Seminary, explains, “The Seminary’s lifelong learning approach grows out of our wholehearted belief that a seminary education is a transformational interaction, one that takes place within a living-learning-worshiping community. Pastors need to be pastored as much as anyone else, and church leaders need to know how to lead their churches and communities in insightful and creative ways. The LOM series provides unique living-learning-worshiping opportunities to help address these needs.”

The weekend format accommodates those who desire additional training but can’t take much time away from their ministries. Taught by Covenant Seminary professors and other experienced ministry practitioners, each course focuses on a timely topic. Upcoming 2010 LOM offerings include:

• The Church and Campus Ministry, Jan. 15–16. Instructor: Dr. Rod Mays, national coordinator for Reformed University Fellowship (RUF).
• Preaching Through the Psalms, Feb. 5–6. Instructor: Dr. George Robertson, senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Augusta, Ga.
• Children’s Ministry, March 5–6. Instructors: Graham Behnke, director of children’s ministry, Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church, and Rev. Jason Walch, children’s ministry pastor, Chesterfield Presbyterian Church, St. Louis, Mo.
• The Politics of Ministry Practice, April 9–10. Instructor: Dr. Bob Burns, associate professor of educational ministry, dean of lifelong learning, and director of the Center for Ministry Leadership at Covenant Seminary.

LOM courses are free to Covenant Seminary alumni and their spouses and special guests. Others pay a nominal fee of $25 per course. Those desiring to take these courses for credit should contact the Seminary at 800.264.8064.

For more information, or to register online, visit www.covenantseminary.edu/lom1.