FLAME–a program that provides brings ministry training to lay and clergy–will become a program of Kingswood Extended. Kingswood Extended provides local churches and districts new ways to provide discipleship and ministry preparation, extending the ministry of Kingswood University beyond the campus in Sussex, New Brunswick. FLAME and correspondence courses will be offered for students looking to fulfill the academic requirements for credentialing in The Wesleyan Church (not for academic credit for a university degree). Kingswood Extended also offers off-campus students courses for undergraduate and graduate credit. Kingswood Extended will provide certificate-level courses in a variety of convenient and cost-effective ways.
Kingswood University exists to prepare men and women for vocational Christian ministry. Kingswood graduates serve across North America and in 28 countries around the world. Celebrating over 70 years of service to the Church, Kingswood University remains committed to developing Christ-like spiritual leaders to serve God and his Church around the world. Bringing leadership to the next season of FLAME and correspondence courses will prepare and equip hundreds more Christian leaders for ministry. Students will be able to take advantage of the convenience of distance education while benefiting from the quality training and formation that Kingswood University is well-equipped to provide. “Kingswood University is excited to increase its service to The Wesleyan Church and the kingdom of God through FLAME. We pray that as part of Kingwood Extended, FLAME will continue to impact and equip thousands of emerging ministers in the years ahead.” said Steve Lennox, president of Kingswood University
FLAME launched in 1999 to provide accessible, affordable education in a format convenient to adult ministry students seeking training to fulfill their calling. Flame’s pioneering spirit, originally spearheaded by Wayne Richards, continues today, as FLAME adds to the thousands of laity and clergy who have benefited from its model of contextual learning. Today, through the innovation and leadership of Joel Liechty, FLAME offers classes starting every two months in a synchronous format through video conferencing in the evenings and on Saturdays. This allows students the convenience of online education without the expense and time commitment of travel and weeklong intensives. Students also experience live interaction with other students and with the instructor through interactive video sessions each week. Correspondence courses provide on-demand, self-paced, convenient coursework in which students complete work under the close guidance of an instructor.
Through Kingswood Extended, FLAME will continue to offer convenient courses with the benefit of quality training from Kingswood faculty and others. Russ Gunsalus, executive director of Education and Clergy Development notes that, “As The Wesleyan Church’s only Bible college with a mandate to serve all of North America, Kingswood University is the perfect partner to carry on and advance the mission of FLAME. We are very excited for the future of FLAME and this expansion of quality ministry training for The Wesleyan Church.”
For more information, visit Kingswood Extended.
