Porterbrook
Plant NC is excited to bring The Porterbrook Network to North Carolina in 2011.
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, church planters, church staff, ministry leaders, future leaders and missional thinkers.
How will it work?
Porterbrook NC will be delivered mainly through distance learning, with three levels of engagement.
- REGIONAL
Once every three months participants will gather at one of four learning sites across North Carolina (Boone, Raleigh, Winston-Salem, Moorehead City) where we will preview the upcoming syllabus and/or review the previous quarter. - LOCAL
Between these central gatherings, participants are encouraged to meet in smaller local, regional or church groups. - ONLINE
In addition, all participants will have 24/7 access to the Porterbrook online network, on which they can dialogue with other participants across the state and throughout the world.
The program runs over two years, comprising a Foundation Year and an Advanced Year.
The workload is between 3-5 hours per week, which includes 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 and 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 $475 per year, with discounted rates available for Plant NC Partners and groups of five or more*.
*Plant NC Partners and groups of five or more should contact us for a discount code in order to access the reduced rate of $395.
Where is it held?
There will be four learning sites across North Carolina.
Boone, Winston-Salem, Raleigh and Morehead City will all host learning sites for the Foundation Year. Raleigh will host a learning site for the Advanced Year.
When does it start?
Both the 2011 Foundation Year and Advanced Year start in October.
The dates are as follows:
- October 22nd, 2011 (Boone, Raleigh, Morehead City);
October 23rd, 2011 (Winston-Salem) - January 28th, 2012 (Boone, Raleigh, Morehead City);
February 4th, 2012 (Winston-Salem) - April 28th, 2012 (Boone, Raleigh, Morehead City);
May 5th, 2012 (Winston-Salem) - July 28th, 2012 (Boone, Raleigh, Morehead City);
August 4th, 2012 (Winston-Salem)
FAQs
Are there any discounts available?
Yes. A discounted rate of $395 is available to Plant NC partners and to participants who register as part of a group of five or more. To access these rates please contact us via for the appropriate discount codes.
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.
My wife and I would both like to take part in this program. Is there a discount available or do we have to buy two inpidual tickets?
Porterbrook NC will be a great tool for married couples to work through together. For a husband and a wife you will need to purchase two inpidual tickets.
Is there a scholarship for church staff members or interns?
There are a limited number of partial scholarships available which will be selected on a case-by-case basis. Alternatively, if you can get five or more from your church (staff members, ministry leaders, interns) you will each be eligible for the reduced rate of $395.
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 participate in one year only?
Yes. Although Porterbrook NC is a two year program, participants are allowed to take just one year if they wish to.
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?
Yes. You can join the program at any stage, however it will be up to you to get up to speed and you will still be required to complete all the modules.