— Course Description —

Course #1:
Foundations and Principles of Holistic Ministry

Course Description
This course lays the foundation for understanding the appropriate goals and strategies for churches and Christian ministries working in low-income communities. It is an orientation course that discusses the question of poverty, proposes a Biblical framework for understanding poverty and holistic development, and examines the role of the local church in the economic empowerment of poor people.

Prerequisite: None

Formats: Distance learning, self/group-study, and the Christian Economic Development Institute

Distance Learning

Format: Internet-based course featuring weekly reading and written assignments, peer learning (including threaded discussions), and instructor feedback. Learn More »

Length: 4 weeks

Time Investment: On average, 4-6 hours/week. If you do not have a secondary-school level of English comprehension and writing skills, your time investment may be longer.

Course Material: Reading and written assignments accessible over the Internet. In addition, a separately purchased book is required. The cost of the book and the shipping cost are not included in the tuition cost and are the responsibility of the student. Ordering Information »

Registration: Click on the button below to view the schedule of course offerings and/or to register.

Self/Group-Study

Format: Individual and group study material. Learn more about a Chalmers Center self/group-study course including the learning process, course material, and technology requirements.

Course Objective: This course is designed to introduce ways that you, your church, and/or ministry should look at poverty and holistic community development. Learn more

Number of Lessons: 4

Time Investment: For individual study, the time investment greatly varies and depends upon the depth to which you want to go (for example, if you utilize the recommended readings). If you do not have a secondary-school level of English comprehension and writing skills, your time investment may be longer.

Cost: This course is available at no charge.

Course Material: This course material includes the "When Helping Hurts" book that you purchased either online or from a bookstore. The course material also includes web-deployed course material consisting of the readings and the written assignment questions that are accessed via the Internet.

Christian Economic Development Institute

Format: Classroom-style training featuring lecture/presentation, group discussion, skits, and simulation/role play. Learn More »

Length: One day, taught on the first day of a CEDI.

Registration: CEDIs are offered at different locations around the world. Click on the button below to view the dates and locations of upcoming CEDIs and/or to register.

Note: A CEDI offers multiple Chalmers Center courses during a single 5½ day period. Participants register to attend the entire CEDI training event, not just this individual course.