WINTER 2022–2023 27 This fall DBU launched the Ministry Fellowship Program, a new initiative designed to combine rigorous academic engagement with practical ministry training in local churches. Directed by Dr. Shelly Melia, Associate Dean of DBU’s Graduate School of Ministry, and in partnership with the DBU Graduate Affairs department, participants in the program are able to earn graduate course credit while participating in church residency programs. “The Ministry Fellowship Program was developed out of DBU’s desire to be a Kingdom resource to churches who either already have a residency or internship program or are in the process of developing one,” says Dr. Melia. “Through this effort, we hope to be able to provide theological education alongside the valuable practical experience a resident is getting while serving in the local church.” Already, more than a dozen churches have signed up to participate in this program. Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, served as one of the pioneers of the program and has 5 students currently earning course credit while also gaining valuable hands-on ministry experience. “We are thrilled to see the response of churches like Champion Forest to this program,” explained Dr. Dan Gibson, DBU Vice President for Graduate Affairs. “We pray that in the years to come, we will be able to partner with more and more churches who offer residency programs so that students can earn academic credit for the amazing work they are already doing in serving others.” The Ministry Fellowship Program offers many specializations in ministry through the various Advanced Certificates that are not easily found in other graduate-level ministry training programs. These Advanced Certificates include earning credentials in Children’s Ministry Leadership, Christian Counseling, Education Ministry Leadership, Family Ministry Leadership, Global Leadership, Special Needs Children’s Ministry, Theological Studies, and Worship Studies. DBU OFFERS NEW MINISTRY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM The Avenue Church Community Life Duncanville’s First Baptist Church El Buen Pastor Christian Church Fielder Church Champion Forest Baptist Church Cornerstone Baptist Church Cross Creek Church First Baptist Church Cleburne First Baptist Church Burleson First Baptist Church Kaufman First Baptist Church McKinney The Heights Igreja Baptista Brasileira Central Lola Missionary Baptist Church King’s Covenant Church Longbranch Community Baptist Church Oak View Baptist Church Northwest Bible Church Northwood Church PIB Florida Rush Creek Church Stonegate Church Valley Ranch Baptist Church Dr. Shelly Melia, Associate Dean I shelly@dbu.edu I 214.333.5943 CHURCH PARTNERSHIPS DBU recently had a formal signing on the DBU Campus for the Ministry Fellowship Program agreement with Champion Forest Baptist Church. Pictured left are Champion Forest Pastor, Dr. Jarrett Stephens (center right); along with DBU President Dr. Adam C. Wright (center left), along with (l-r) Dr. Blanton Feaster, DBU Assistant Vice President for Graduate Affairs; Dr. Shelly Melia, Associate Dean of the DBU Graduate School of Ministry; Dr. Brent Thomason, Dean of the DBU Graduate School of Ministry; and Dr. Dan Gibson, DBU Vice President for Graduate Affairs.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODc4ODgx