Program Description
Annual Topics of Study
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Academic and Relational Components
Internships
During the academic term, students spend four hours per week for ten weeks (forty hours per semester) engaged in hands-on, practical ministry. Students are assigned a mentor from a local congregation or service organization who gives direction and encouragement to the student. Together, student and mentor set learning goals, and twice a semester, student and mentor evaluate the internship experience. Mentors may view Internship Guidelines or request an intern at your church or organization.
Journals
Journaling enables the student to integrate academic learning and field experience into self-identity and to formulate theological perspective. Student engage in both written and oral journal entries and submit two journals a semester to a CLC staff member. These meaningful journal entries encourage students to articulate issues of spiritual formation, theology, and leadership.
Temenos
A Greek word that means "safe place." During these sessions, students engage in discussions about the reading materials, share personal insights and questions, and reflect on the implications of their experiences for professional ministry. Temenos experiences are led by dedicated community leaders in ministry who are trained and assisted by the CLC staff.
Colloquium
Every Thursday evening, CLC participants attend Colloquium (Latin for "conversation"). Each colloquium is designed to be a forum for students to converse about issues affecting the church today, learn about different resources for effective ministry, and share as a community in worship and fellowship.
Reflection Papers
CLC participants are asked to write a five-page reflection paper on a topic of the Director's choosing each semester. The paper is designed to be reflective on the annual topic of study and provide a time for the personal expression of theological thought.
Missions
We believe that meeting people where they are suffering is at the core of Jesus' teachings; therefore, we engage students in mission opportunities in several ways. Monthly mission projects are coordinated through the Mission Coordinator to involve students in community service. Many CLC internships are through service related agencies where students are involved in hands on faith in action each week. Each semester CLC partners with the Chaplain's office to coordinate two five-day mission experiences. These trips are during Centenary's Fall and Mardi Gras breaks and are open to all Centenary students.
Seminars
The Christian Leadership Center offers several seminars throughout the year for students and church leaders to attend. Some seminars are held in the lecture format, while others are workshops with hands-on experiences. Seminars provide training and education to current and aspiring church leaders to develop and improve the skills needed for ministry in our world today.
Fall Retreat
Fall Retreat is held the first weekend after Labor Day for all CLC participants. The weekend is comprised of a two-day seminar on the annual topic of study, community building, and worship (oh, yeah...and fun on the lake!). The Fall Retreat is a requirement for all participants.
Christian Leadership Center Recognition
Certificate of Completion
Each person who completes all CLC requirements for both academic semesters receives a Certificate of Completion during a special service to be held at the end of the spring semester.
Endorsement
If a CLC participant completes three annual topics and demonstrates knowledge of their particular religious tradition, they will be endorsed. Endorsement has been recognized as a declaration of Christian maturity, faith development, and preparedness for Christian ministry and/or continued study.
Special Awards
Each year, the Christian Leadership Center honors its students and alumni with special awards. Awards are given out each spring at Honors Convocation and the Endorsement Service to recognize outstanding CLC students and alumni who have demonstrated significant ability in their ministry and ministry preparation.
