Study Classic Works with International Church Leaders
Reformed Forum is thrilled to introduce our International Cohort Reading Groups, an initiative designed to provide continuing theological education for men training for ministry or actively serving in ordained office. Through the study of great books in our Reformed tradition, these online study groups offer supplemental instruction that complements what one might receive in seminary. These cohorts focus on serving church leaders outside of the United States, particularly in contexts where access to confessional Reformed resources and formal training is limited.
Purpose
The International Cohort Reading Groups aim to:
- Equip current and future church leaders with foundational theological knowledge essential for Christian maturity and ministry.
- Foster fellowship and collaboration among pastors, missionaries, and scholars committed to the Reformed creeds and confessions.
- Provide a robust theological framework for ordained service in indigenous contexts, including church planting, pastoral ministry, and seminary teaching.
- Facilitate the study of great works in the Reformed tradition under the guidance of experienced ministers, including at least one with a terminal academic degree.
This is not a degree program. Nonetheless, students and faculty alike will benefit from a collegial community actively engaged in lectures, critical reading, and discussion with likeminded church leaders. Students who complete the program will demonstrate a thorough understanding of key theological concepts that will further equip them to carry out the great commission in their native contexts.
Format
Each cohort will consist of six sessions (two hours each):
- Hour 1: Co-teachers will present and discuss the assigned readings, offering theological insights and pastoral applications. This portion will be recorded for release as a free reader’s guide course in Reformed Academy.
- Hour 2: A discussion led by the co-teachers, where participants engage with the material to deepen understanding and explore practical ministry applications. (This portion will not be recorded.)
Platform: All sessions will be held via Zoom. Students will need access to a computer or mobile device with audio and video capabilities.
Language: The cohorts will be conducted entirely in English. Live translation will not be provided, so participants must have sufficient English proficiency to read assigned texts, understand lectures, and actively participate in discussions.
Target Students
This cohort program is ideally suited for:
- Men preparing for gospel ministry (i.e. under care, licentiates, ministerial candidates, and other official probationers).
- Current ministers of the gospel serving in confessional Reformed and Presbyterian churches outside the United States that subscribe to the Three Forms of Unity or Westminster Standards.
Other men who affirm the Westminster Standards, Three Forms of Unity or Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) but hold their membership and or credentials in non-Reformed or Presbyterian churches are also invited to apply. Priority will be given to applicants from outside the United States.
Expectations
Participants are expected to:
- Complete assigned readings before each session.
- Actively engage in discussions by asking and answering questions to foster a collaborative and enriching learning environment.
- Apply their learning to disciple others in their local ministry contexts.
Size and Schedule
Cohorts are intentionally limited to ten students per group to ensure meaningful interaction and mentorship. Sessions will be scheduled to accommodate various time zones, with the first cohort running May–August 2025.
- September 8, 2020
- September 15
- September 22
- September 29
- October 13
- October 20
- October 27
- November 3 (U.S. Daylight Savings Time ends November 1)
Cohorts for Spring/Summer 2025
Dr. Lane G. Tipton and Rev. Adam York will co-teach our first cohort on Edmund Clowney’s The Unfolding Mystery: Discovering Christ in the Old Testament. A free digital copy of the book will be provided to all students.
Schedule
|
Date |
Time (GMT) |
Reading Assignment |
|
May 29 |
8:00–10:00 PM (4–6 PM US Eastern) |
Introduction |
|
June 12 |
8:00–10:00 PM |
Chapters 1–2 |
|
June 26 |
8:00–10:00 PM |
Chapters 3–4 |
|
July 10 |
8:00–10:00 PM |
Chapters 5–6 |
|
July 24 |
8:00–10:00 PM |
Chapters 7–8 |
|
August 7 |
8:00–10:00 PM |
Chapter 9 |
Dr. Camden Bucey will lead our second cohort. The book and schedule are yet to be determined.
Apply Now
Thanks to a generous donor, the cohort application is entirely free. Space is limited, however, so applicants will be carefully vetted to ensure alignment with the program’s mission and theological standards.
