Samford University took a major step forward this spring in an effort to diversify and globalize its Ministry Training Institute.
When MTI offered a course on the New Testament Book of Revelation, enrollees mirrored the crowd gathered around God’s throne in Revelation 7:9, hailing from nations, tribes and people groups across the world.
“We have never had as many internationals in one class,” said MTI director Kevin Blackwell. “There’s no precedent for that.”
MTI is a “non-degree academic program equipping ministers and lay leaders to live out their calling to serve Jesus and His Church,” according to Samford’s website. The program offers eight-week courses at nearly 40 extension sites across three states, mostly in Alabama. Students also can earn certificates by completing online courses in a variety of ministry fields.
Pandemic-related boost
For nearly a decade, MTI program leaders have desired to equip students all over the world, but international enrollment at the extension centers was limited. The COVID-19 pandemic changed that, driving classes onto Zoom and allowing broader participation. At first a trickle of students from outside Alabama entered the program.
When Birmingham-area associational leader Barry Cosper taught a class on Revelation in January, the worldwide floodgates opened. Of 42 students enrolled in the course, taught at Grace Covenant Worship Center in Birmingham, 24 were internationals, from India, Pakistan, Uganda, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and the Virgin Islands, among other locales.
It was “the first time” such an international rush “had occurred in my teaching,” said Cosper, Bessemer regional director for the Birmingham Metro Baptist Association. “But I get a lot of communications from people internationally because they see [MTI] on our website or Facebook. Then questions just arise.”
After the initial flood of enrollment, leaders wondered whether students from across the world would remain engaged through the entire course.
They did. Twenty of the international students participated in Zoom sessions live; four viewed them afterward because of time zone differences. The course’s four Pakistani students attended Zoom sessions at 5 a.m. local time, then at 4 a.m. after the U.S. began daylight-saving time.
Deep dive
All the students took a deep dive into Revelation, covering how scholars of different millennial views (premillennial, amillennial and postmillennial) interpret key passages. They said the class aided their ministries and their walks with Christ.
International participation in MTI continues even after the Revelation class — 20 of the 24 international students enrolled in Cosper’s next course, covering Paul’s letters.
“My heart still overflows,” Cosper said, because of the international students’ participation, writings, questions and dialogue.
A local student wrote, “Thank you for your wonderful teaching. My eyes have been opened and I have learned much.”
One Pakistani student emailed Cosper saying, “These eight classes have been via Zoom, but your very effective teaching and very pleasant interaction have made me feel that I’m learning from you in a face-to-face classroom situation.
“Thank you so much for addressing my questions and queries during the class in such a way that it has made this learning process so plausible. Thank you so much for your consistent appreciation and encouragement of your students … . I believe we will keep on enjoying and being blessed in coming classes as well.”
Read more about the Revelation course here.
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