Pentecostal Theological Education: FIRE School of Ministry
FIRE School of Ministry
What does Spirit-filled education look like around the world? Brandon Paul, Director of Academic Affairs for FIRE School of Ministry, gives a brief sketch of the school and how they prepare men and women for ministry that makes a difference in the USA and beyond. Part of the Pentecostal Theological Education Around the World series from PneumaReview.com.
Introduction
FIRE School of Ministry is a post-secondary ministry school, located near Charlotte, North Carolina. Our primary focus is on equipping believers who want to serve the Lord in some ministry capacity. International missions work is a major emphasis, although many of our students are looking to remain in the United States and serve in pastoral ministry, worship, evangelism, etc. This interview has been completed by Brandon Paul, Director of Academic Affairs.
What are some of the greatest obstacles to Spirit-filled theological education in your nation?
Obviously there are many obstacles to Christian education in general, but those specifically related to Pentecostal/Charismatic education would include:
- Many are hesitant to embrace prophecy, tongues, healing, etc., because of excesses, mistakes, and weaknesses they have seen in the Charismatic Movement at large (e.g. inaccurate prophecies, extreme prosperity gospel preaching).
- The Charismatic/Pentecostal movement is very fragmented.
What are the greatest doctrinal challenges that you face in your country?
Many could be listed. Some of the more prominent ones would include:
- Divorce and remarriage
- Eschatology
- Homosexuality
- Postmodernism
- Prosperity and wealth
- Theodicy
- Women in Ministry/Leadership
What major themes do you stress as you train students for ministry?
Some of our major themes include:
- Biblical studies
- Compassion for the lost and hurting
- Intimacy with God.
- Integrity and Christlikeness
- Passion for revival and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit
- Valuing community, relationships, mentoring
- Walking in the power of the Spirit
What fruit have you seen in the lives of those who have prepared for ministry at your school?
We have scores of graduates serving internationally, working in areas such as church planting, orphanages, combating human trafficking, community development, and education. We also have graduates serving in the United States in pastoral ministry, music ministry, traveling evangelism, etc. Some go on to further education elsewhere.
From the FIRE School of Ministry website:
Does your heart burn to make a difference in this generation?
If you are a radically committed follower of Jesus who wants to be equipped to fulfill your destiny in God…
… check out FIRE School of Ministry!
FIRE School of Ministry is a leadership training institute, birthed out of the fires of revival, which is called to equip authentic and devoted disciples of Jesus who have a burning desire to love, serve God and impact their world. Students are grounded in the Word of God, bathed in intimacy with Jesus, stretched in faith, immersed in the Spirit, and practically equipped for life and ministry.
Modern culture is in a serious crisis, the church at large is greatly compromised, and the needs of the world continue to be staggering. There is a critical need today for fully-equipped, solidly-grounded, specially-trained, radically-committed leaders to arise and FSM is the ideal place to be trained.
Category: Ministry, Winter 2017
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