Porterbrook Network Learning
Plant NC is excited to partner with The Porterbrook Network as an official Training Site for North Carolina.
What is Porterbrook?
Porterbrook NC is a theological training program designed to equip pastors, church planters, church staff, ministry leaders, future leaders and missional thinkers for ministry and mission in the 21st century.
Porterbrook NC is:
- Biblical: deeply rooted in the scriptures.
- Practical: rich theology, applied in detail and relevant to real life.
- Relational: because the Christian life isn't meant to be lived alone.
- Contextual: remain in your normal work and Christian community.
- Accessible: no prior theological education required.
- Flexible: schedule is adaptable to suit your circumstances.
- Affordable: quality training at a reasonable price.
Who is it for?
Porterbrook NC is for pastors (seminary and non-seminary trained), church planters, church staff, ministry leaders, future leaders, and missional thinkers. It is practical theology that leads to transformation that leads to mission.
How will it work?
Porterbrook NC will be delivered mainly through distance learning, with three levels of engagement. Porterbrook is mainly self-led and co-hort driven.
- REGIONAL SEMINARS
Once every three months participants will gather at one of six Training Sites across North Carolina (Morganton, Winston-Salem, Raleigh, Greenville, Asheboro, Ronoake, VA.) where we will preview and teach through the upcoming syllabus and/or review the previous quarter. - STUDY GROUPS
Between these quarterly regional gatherings every three months, participants are encouraged to meet in smaller local groups in their churches to work through the material together. - ONLINE
In addition, all participants will have 24/7 access to the Porterbrook online network (Cobblestone), on which they can dialogue with other participants across the state and throughout the world.
The program runs for two years, comprising a Foundation Year and an Advanced Year. The Foundation Year consists of 3 terms of 3 months each. The Advanced Year consists of 3 terms of 3 months each for a total of 18 months. The participant will work through 4 streams over the 18 month training: Character, Bible and Doctrine, Church, World.
The workload is between 3-5 hours per week, which includes roughly 25-30 pages of reading. There are assignments to prepare for each Central Regional meeting, either in the form of a short presentation or as a 500-word written assignment. The aim is to help participants keep on track, apply their learning to their context, and learn from others who are applying the material to their church context. It does not require any previous training or experience.
How much does it cost?
One of the key aims behind Porterbrook NC is to provide world class training that's affordable. No one should miss out because they can't afford it.
Accordingly, we are pleased to be able to offer Porterbrook NC for $595 per year. This is a very affordable way to have access to top theologocal training at a fraction of the cost of attending seminary.
Where is it held?
There will be six Trainig Sites across North Carolina and one into southern Virginia.
Morganton - Bridge42 Church, Winston-Salem - 1.21 Church, Raleigh - Explore Church, N. Charlotte - Providence Church, Greenville - Integrity Church, Asheboro - North Ridge Church, and Ronaoke, VA - Orchard Hills Church will all host Porterbrook for Plant NC for the Foundation Year. Winston-Salem will also host a location for the Advanced Year.
When does it start?
Both the 2013 Foundation Year and Advanced Year start on May 4th.
The dates are as follows:
- May 4th: Launch Foundation and Advanced Year/ Overview/ Term 1 Seminar
- August 3rd: Term 1 Review/ Term 2 Seminar
- November 2nd: Term 2 Review/ Term 3 Seminar
- February 2nd: Term 3 Review/ Graduation/ Launch Advanced Year Term 1
FAQs
What if I can't afford it?
A limited number of partial scholarships are available. We believe that the price of Porterbrook NC is very reasonable but we don't want anyone to miss out on the basis of lack of funds. If you want to take the course but can't afford it please get in touch with us.
Outside of the provided curriculum, are there any extra books that need to be purchased?
No. All the required reading is included in the provided course material. Further reading is suggested but not required.
Can I take the Advanced Year if I haven't taken the Foundation Year?
No. All Advanced Year particpants are required to have completed the Foundation Year first.
Will there be a certificate for those that complete the course?
Yes. We will provide a Certificate of Completion for those that finish either or both the Foundation or Advanced Year.
Are there assignments that will be due at the quarterly meetings?
Yes. A 500-word summary assignment of what you have learned will be required.
Can I join the program late?
No. It is best to start the program when it is offered. Otherwise, it will be difficult for the participant to catch up and fully benefit from the learning.