The Program
Q: What attracted you to the Evangelism and Leadership program at Wheaton? What were you looking for in a M.A. program?
A: "The partnership between Wheaton College and Arrow Leadership gave me the opportunity, as an Arrow alumni, to consider Wheaton as an option to complete a Masters program. The fact that it was designed with modular courses gave me the flexibility to work on my degree by traveling to Wheaton for week-long intensives. This format paralleled perfectly with my responsibilities to family and ministry and it was especially meaningful that I could be part of this program even though I am a resident in another country. Although there are schools closer to home, when I heard about the Evangelism and Leadership program, I knew it was exactly what I was looking for - teaching, training, equipping and empowering to be more attuned and engaged with God's mission to the world and how that relates to leadership and the Church in the 21st Century." - Sharon
The Courses
Q: What courses stood out to you during your experience here in the Evangelism and Leadership program? Why did they stand out to you?
A: "Historical and Theological Perspective of Evangelism and the Gospel was excellent, challenging and fun. Rick's passion for God and his desire to raise up people for grounded Godly leadership in the church was evident from the moment the course began. His insights from the word and his ability to spur everyone to deeply probe the word of God was very motivational. This course challenges every student to really examine their biblical underpinning for salvation and how salvation is to be communicated. His Kingdom perspective unfolds God's missio dei beautifully.
Another course also by Dr. Richardson is Models of Contemporary Evangelism and Church Growth. Rick introduces several diverse church models that are effectively communicating the love and truth of Christ and effectively evangelizing and discipling new followers of Jesus. As a former church planter this was thrilling for me and evident of God's hand. As a church member it was inspiring for me to desire greater effectiveness within my own ministry. There were times we went on sight and times others came to us to directly so that we could interact with church leaders who have transformational ministries." - Judy
The Community
Q: How did you experience community within the Evangelism and Leadership program?
A:"I was asked to travel with the BGC to Rock the River in not one but two cities in the Summer of '09. This was a phenomenal community experience. Lon Allison was willing to meet with me on several occasions to direct me as a friend and pastor in my own journey toward vocational ministry. Needless to say, Lon was the first man I called when I accepted the call to the pastorate at Crossroads Community Church in Aurora, Il. I couldn't wait to tell him that I was right where I belonged all the time! Additionally, I was always amazed at the sense of camaraderie and community I would feel on the first day of every single modular class I took. Showing up and seeing all the same faces (and a few new ones) everytime was really cool! Quite honestly, I miss it!" - Gary
The Future
Q: What do you plan on doing after graduation? How do you see yourself integrating skills from this program into your future plans?
A:"I definitely see myself incorporating all of what I have been studying into an intercultural ministry that I have been developing. Every course has had research papers or projects that are supposed to connect to your present ministry. Going through these courses has put meat on the bones of the vision God has given to me. It has also helped me discover further areas that need analysis before launching my vision. I have given some of the papers to others to read to ignite a passion in them as well. I have found all, and that is not an exaggeration, my papers have connected to the goals of my ministry. It has been an excellent way to develop a prayerful leadership plan and receive insightful comments from accomplished Godly leadership." - Judy
Favorite Experience
Q: What was your favorite experience here at Wheaton in the
Evangelism and Leadership program?
A:"Connecting with people, hearing their stories, praying for each other, having the sense of being part of something much bigger than I can imagine. God is working all over the world and we're part of it! I came home from every intensive at Wheaton feeling excited, inspired and more committed to stay engaged and wholehearted in my relationship with Jesus, steady, persevering and joyful as I live, love and serve." - Sharon
If you have questions, please contact the department at intr@wheaton.edu.