What makes CMC different?
Our program is only for young men and women who are called into full-time ministry. Matthew 22:14 says, “Many are called but few are chosen.” The fact is that few are willing to pay the price of the call. We are looking for the few and for the chosen, for the best and for the broken, for the called to become equipped. The training that you will receive from the entire Central Assembly of God Staff is unmatched. Our purpose is to train and equip the called through the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. When asked, “What will it cost to follow you?”, Jesus replied with only one word, “EVERYTHING.”
What are you looking for in perspective students?
The ideal CMC student is one who hungers to know Jesus intimately. We rely strongly on your local pastor’s or youth pastor’s recommendation of your spiritual maturity. CMC is designed for young men and women called into full-time ministry. We are looking for the best, the brightest, and most importantly, the broken, who are willing to allow God to mold them and shape them into the servant God wants them to become.
So how do I get started if CMC is for me?
First, read through the information in this brochure, and then prayerfully fill out the enclosed application and all the requirements of the application. Also, have your pastor complete the accompanying reference form, and return both to us with the required processing fee of $25. Please do not send cash; make your check or money order payable to Central Assembly of God. If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to call our office at 318-949-0010.
How long does it take for the application process? Does everyone automatically get accepted?
It is our heart to see the will of God comes to pass in your life. The application process involves a series of phone interviews in which we desire to get to know you in a more personal way. Once we receive your application, we will set up two phone interviews after which we will pray over the application and seek God’s direction. After the interview process you will receive a response letter from CMC.
Not every person who applies to CMC is accepted. We are looking for those individuals who are ready, willing, and called to give their all for nine months and have Christ change their lives forever.
When does the year start? When does it end? Are there any breaks during the year?
Central Master’s Commission is a nine-month program that starts with a weekend retreat in September. All students will be required to attend this retreat. Students will be given a one-week break for Thanksgiving, a two-week break for Christmas Holidays, and a one-week Spring Break. The program ends with graduation in May.
What is a typical day at CMC?
The daily schedule is rigorous, to say the least. Our focus is discipline, so we keep the morning moving from personal prayer and Bible study to praise and worship. We will also work on the required Southwestern Assemblies of God University study courses. You will be memorizing Scripture verses (a total of 200 at the conclusion of the first year) or studying for an upcoming college exam. You will be challenged by Pastor Shawn, or one of the other dynamic Pastors at Central Assembly of God. Afternoons and evenings will be spent in ministry training and hands on ministry experience that will help equip the call that God has placed on your life.
Will I receive college credit and credentials?
CMC is designed to be a two year ministry training program. However, if you choose to stay one year, you will not leave empty handed. Each year at CMC you will earn 12 hours of college credit toward a Church Ministries Degree from Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Also, you will be eligible, upon completion of 24 credit hours, to receive your Certified Minister’s License with the Assemblies of God. You are no longer asked to choose between Master’s Commission and Bible College. Choose Central Master’s Commission and do both.
What are some of the ministries I will be involved in?
A priority of Master’s Commission is experience in all major areas of ministry, while allowing more specific intensive training in areas of primary interest. All ministries will be on a rotation basis so that each student receives well rounded training in various church settings. The following are a few of the ministries that the Master’s Commission student will be involved in during their nine-month stay.
Pastoral Mentoring
Central is one of the fastest growing churches in Louisiana and is led by one of the nation’s most well respected pastors. Pastor Andy Harris serves as Executive Presbyter for the north region of the Louisiana District Council of the Assemblies of God. His heart is to help train young ministers to reach this generation. You will sit in our staff meetings and dream sessions where you will see ideas and dreams birthed into reality. You will interact with Pastor Harris and learn the heart of a true pastor and man of God.
Office Administration
This is where the real work takes place. Our office staff is trained and pursues excellence in everything they do. You will help in all of the day to day work involved in running a growing church, a task that is never-ending.
Children’s Ministry
Every week the Master’s team will be dispersed into one of our many children’s ministries as helpers and workers. With interactive, video, drama, and puppet ministries, all of the experience you will gain will benefit you as you continue to grow in your walk with the Lord. You will be assigned to work and be trained in various ministries such as JBQ, Royal Rangers, and Missionettes, as a part of your curriculum.
Youth Ministry
EDGE Student Ministries has many opportunities to stretch the calling God has placed on your life. We minister to over 100 students each week from Jr. High to College. You will be involved in campus ministry, Chi-Alpha, discipleship groups, Bible study and prayer. God has given us this city; all we have to do is go and take it for Jesus!
Music Ministry
Join one of the greatest choirs and worship teams in the nation as we lead the congregation into the presence of the Lord. With the perfect blend of the old hymns and cutting edge worship, Rev. Carlton Gilmer will train you in the ministry of worship. With over 50 choir members and a cast of over 40 you will be part of large scale productions unmatched across the nation. This year we will also be recording a choir CD, and you can be a part of all the excitement.
Evangelistic outreaches
There will be many evangelistic outreaches throughout the year, giving each student real life experience in ministering to the lost and the hurting. Students will learn to witness and share their faith with people of all walks of life.
Hospital visitation
Each week you will be assigned to a member of our Pastoral Staff as they visit the sick in the hospitals. This is a chance for you to put your faith and prayers in action, not to mention spending quality time with one of our pastors.
Drama, Human Video Training and Ministry
Dramas and Human Videos have been key instruments of ministry in Master’s Commission. Master’s students will have a key part to play in creating, training and using these tools in many facets of ministry throughout the program.
Retreats
Master’s Commission will participate in at least two powerful retreats designed to challenge, equip and shape your spiritual life. The retreat format is one that allows you to get away form the daily grind and experience God in a fresh way.
Ministry Trips
We will be traveling extensively preaching the Gospel using every tool Christ has equipped us with. We also want to minister in your home church so that your church can see what God is doing in your life.
What will it cost? And what is my money going to?
- Southwestern Tuition - $1500
- MC Tuition - $1000
- Books - $ 300
- Supplies and Activity fees - $ 200
- Room and Board - $1500
- TOTAL - $4500
