C.A.P.S: Phase One
Course Requirements
I. Complete the Hermeneutics Course (Principles of Biblical Interpretation) Required reading: Bade Bible Interpretation, Roy S. Zuck
I. A 12 Month Course (meeting once a month for 12 months)
2. A 3 month course (meeting once a week for 12 weeks)
II. Complete the Homiletics Course (The Art of Preaching)
Required reading: Preparing Expository Sermons, by Ramesh Richard & Between
Two World, John R.W. Stott.
1. A 12 Month Course (meeting once a month for 12 months)
2. A 3 month course (meeting once a week for 12 weeks)
III. Write 4 Essays (Each three thousand or more words)
1. The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture
2. The Trinity (Majoring on the Deity of Christ)
3. The Death of Christ (Covering subjects like Redemption, Reconciliation, Propitiation and Substitution)
4. Salvation: A balance of Faith & Works (Required reading: The Gospel according to Jesus, John MacArthur)
IV. Complete Bible Survey Course (O.T; & N.T.)
V. Read The Integrity Crisis by Warren W. Wiersbe
VI. Preach a minimum of six (6) Sermons
CAPS
Phase 2
The first phase of CAPS is focused on training men for temporary pulpit supply.
However, there is a real need here in the US to develop men to pastor the small rural
churches. This segment of our culture is greatly being neglected in much of to day's
efforts. Most men graduating from our Bible Institutes and Seminaries are not looking to
go into rural America.
According to some statistics as many as 85% of the churches in America are either
declining in size or not growing at all. Each year in America, 4,000 churches shut their
doors for the last time. That's 11 churches closing every day of the year. There are a
number of reasons for this, and we're not saying that all churches should stay open: but
one of the reasons is lack of pastors, especially in the small rural settings. Our goal is to
keep churches open in communities where the clear Gospel message can continue to be
proclaimed.
In the Phase II ministry we train men for rural ministry. We do this by:
1. Mentoring men in an apprentice type relationship.
2. Offering a Pastor's Resource Center. To make Bible study research tools available
to these men. They can come and relax in an office setting with all the tools they
need for in-depth research.
3. Oversee these men in their pastorates and help with church issues that may
develop.
4. Have an annual Pastor's conference to encourage and challenge rural pastors.
The original vision and ministry of CAPS will also continue. We will be training men for
pulpit supply as well as interim pastorates. My hope and prayer is that God will use this
phase to call men into the pastoral ministry and lead them into the CAPS Phase 2
ministry.
Answers to Questions about CAPS Phase 2:
#1. What is the vision for CAPS?
Some larger churches teach "that churches should close and be part of their ministry."
While some think that small rural churches should merge or even close we do not. While
we do not disagree there may be times when small rural churches should merge for the
furtherance of the Gospel, most of the time merging could not take place without
doctrinal compromise.
The local church is not to be judged "successful" by the number of people that occupy
pews on any given service. We must remember that Jesus said "For where two or three
are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20) The
rural church may not have much hope of "church growth" but they have the privilege of
being a lighthouse in the community. Every city, town, village, and community deserves
to have a Bible believing church, where the Gospel is preached and the saints are edified.
#2. How does the mentoring ministry work?
"And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou
to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2)
The mentoring ministry has two levels.
Level One:
The first level is for men that believe the Lord is leading them to rural ministry. The
mentor will teach and train the apprentice in doctrine, homiletics, hermeneutics and
pastoral care. These men will work as an apprentice with the mentor until the mentor
believes they are ready to begin pastoring a church.
At this time the apprentice will be presented to the Bancroft board of directors for their
approval for level two.
Level Two:
The apprentice will be placed in a rural church and begin his ministry. He will continue
to meet with his mentor once a week for further training and accountability for a period
of one year. At the end of the one year period the mentor will make an evaluation and
recommend for ordination of the apprentice or an extended mentoring period.
It is the hope and prayer of CAPS that each man that is trained for this ministry will one
day want to carry on this ministry by becoming a mentor himself as Timothy was
commanded.
#3. How are the CAPS Pastors Supported?
When a man finishes Level One and bas been approved to become a CAPS pastor he then
must raise his support. He will be supported by the gifts of friends and churches along
with financial support from the church he serves. It may be necessary for the CAPS
pastor to be bi-vocational.
