Aurora Chaplains Training Academy

About ACTA
Staff
2008 Details
Application Form

For some years now we have been receiving requests for chaplaincy training. That's one reason we produced the Jail Ministry Training Manual. But it's become obvious we need something more. Many unattached Chaplains are asking for training and for us to validate them as "Fit for Biblical Correctional Chaplaincy." Here's an example of a letter sent by a Chaplain from Ohio.

"Do you offer training for Chaplains? I am called a Chaplain, but I'd like to be trained and certified or credentialed. ... I have been involved with the Jail and Juvenile ministry for about 3 years now and the Chaplaincy I am involved in does not offer any credentialed training. ... I have a true calling I'm just trying to get my credentials to fulfill what He has started in me."

Starting in 2006, we began accepting applicants for a two year course we call the Aurora Chaplains Training Academy (or, ACTA). It will continue to take on new students in 2008, including a special arrangement for international students.

Much of the study and course work will be done by distance learning and correspondence, but we will require 20 units of on site work at our headquarters in Bradenton, FL. Up to five units may be granted by attending two of our three-day Seminars around the country.

About the Academy

The Aurora Chaplains Training Academy (ACTA) has been established to serve Chaplains and trainees by providing training in Biblical expertise, as well as a credential validating and sanctioning them as approved and fit for gospel ministry within a correctional facility.

Initially, the program will consist of individual five-day training sessions. Enrollment will be from 5 to 12 students per session. Homework and outside course work will be required.

Upon satisfactory completion of a five-day training session, a participant will earn five units. In addition, two and one-half units may be earned by attending any three-day Aurora Chaplain Enrichment Seminar in its entirety.

(Note: Credit for attendance at Chaplain Enrichment Seminars is limited to two Seminars; i.e., a maximum of five units may be earned for ACTA through Seminars.) In the special case of those who come from overseas, a credential will be awarded for attendance at eight Seminars or a combination of Seminars and sessions and work done through e-mail correspondence.

A CREDENTIAL sanctioning the trainee as an approved "Fit for Biblical Correctional Chaplaincy" minister will be given upon the completion of 20 units. This would normally take a minimum of one and a half to two years to earn.

Rev. Rich Hines, who was a correctional facility chaplain for 20 years, will serve as the Director of ACTA. For more information, or to register for the ACTA, please contact us at (941)748-4100, *8-25 or e-mail us. To get further details. Click here to print a application form.

Applications will be prayerfully considered on a first come first served basis. There will be an initial application fee of $50.

Teaching Staff

	Rev. Rich Hines, MA Min. The Director of our Academy and of Aurora's Ministry to Chaplains. He wrote our Jail Ministry Training Manual. He'll teach practical applications of God's word to the special challenges inmates face.
	Cpl. Bruce Mills, MA Bib.St. He'll Teach on Submission to governmental authority and how best to be a good testimony of Christ to correctional authorities.
	Pastor Steve Kreloff, M.Div Has served as Pastor-Teacher of Lakeside Community Chapel in Clearwater, FL for over 25 yrs. He will teach on how to prepare and apply Biblical exposition.
	Dr. Stuart Scott A Seminary Professor, Author, Conference Speaker, and Biblical Counselor with over 25 years experience. He's on the executive board of the National Assoc. of Nouthethic Counselors (NANC) and a member of the Association of Biblical Counselors. He will emphasize how counsel inmates from the Bible alone.
	Dr. Larry McCall Pastor of Christ's Covenant Church in Winona Lake, IN. He'll teach on the nature of the God we serve and how best to prepare spiritual leaders who come along side as your staff. His book, "Walking Like Jesus Did" will be one of the required study books in the course.
	Pastor Jerry Wragg, M.Div Is Pastor-Teacher of Grace Immanuel Bible Church in Jupiter, FL. He'll teach on how to Biblically worship and how that applies to the true church on the inside

  Classes and Details

Academy classes will include:

• Biblical Preaching and Teaching
• Evangelism
• Pastoring Inmates
• Biblical Worship
• Biblical Counseling
• Marriage and Divorce
• Working With Corrections Staff
• Working with and Developing Volunteers
• Inmate Culture and The Word
• Submission To Authority and Giving Death Notifications

Location: Bradenton, Florida - Housing at the Bradenton Missionary Village.

Address: Aurora Ministries Administration (ACTA)
12705 State Road 64 East
Bradenton, FL 34212

What To Bring: Bible, teachable spirit, one suitcase and other personal provisions.

Cost: We ask $150 plus cost of textbooks ($10 for session 1), for each one week segment. A $50 deposit is necessary to register. This deposit will be held until you are accepted into the course, in which case it will go toward the first week's fee of $150. Aurora will provide four nights housing (M-Th) and at least two meals per day (M-F). If your application is not accepted the $50 will be returned.

Dates in 2008: 3/24 - 28/2008 and 9/22 - 26/2008 Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM