Introduction
Training in an information society is critical for survival. Those without a solid education are in danger of getting left behind. That said, it is simply not enough to have a degree in one’s field from a reputable school. The key to vocational success these days is "life-long-learning," on and off the job.
Demands are placed on all of us in the work-a-day world. Those of us who cannot meet them are losing ground in the market place.
Christian churches find themselves in a similar situation. Modern men and women are placing demands on the church as well. This requires well-trained leaders, who more often than not have received training in Bible schools and seminaries. These leaders are often genuine specialists.
Not everyone called to Christian leadership, however, can attend these kinds of training schools. Many are working to support their families and cannot afford to quit their jobs. Others are in no position to lay aside current ministries. Their churches depend on them. Then there are those who recognize the value of training right in the context of ministry.
For each of these, BAO is the right alternative.
BAO is a working committee of the Austrian Association of Evangelical Churches (known in German as the "Arbeitsgemeinschaft Evangelikaler Gemeinden in Österreich") and seeks to serve all evanglical churches in German speaking Europe, particularly Austria, Germany and Switzerland.
BAO - the Alternative
BAO brings the Bible school to the student: The student studies at home, using the BAO developed study materials. He is not left to "go it alone," however. Every two weeks his study group, meets together for a two to three hour seminar. The group is often made up of members of the same church. This seminar is led by a trained BAO course leader.
BAO is not a self-study program or correspondence school. Nor is it a traditional school with classrooms. In fact, BAO offers its students the advantages of both kinds of programs, combining the flexibility of studying at home with the quality of an institutional course of study. Participation in these bi-weekly seminars, with opportunities to interact both with the teacher and fellow students, is an essential aspect of the BAO learning method.
The BAO Learning Method
The BAO learning method can best be illustrated by the following diagram.
The "BAO-House":
Each student receives a set of study materials consisting of a detailed workbook and selected theological readings. Using these materials and following the instructions included in the workbook, the student works independently between seminars. The workbook and readings serve as the primary "teacher," providing a thorough presentation of issues and information pertaining to the subject.
In addition to this personal study, the student is required to complete practical projects. He may, for example, be asked to prepare a lesson for a home study group, preach a sermon, carry out a survey among church members, or write an application oriented paper.
Every two weeks the students meet together for two to three hours. The BAO trained course leader leads the group through a review of the materials studied at home, clarifies difficulties, adds pertinent information and facilitates a discussion of key issues. One important task of the course leader is to motivate the students. He oversees the students’ progress and helps them stay on target.
Training for Course Leaders
The course leaders play a key role in determining the quality of a BAO education. They have the following responsibilities:
- leading the bi-weekly seminars
- guiding the students through a selection of materials studied at home using small group discussion skills
- providing additional information in the subject matter as needed
- insuring that the material is being practically applied
- checking the progress of the student
- motivating the student to complete the course successfully
To help the course leaders successfully face these challenges, BAO offers the following training and assistance:
- BAO provides a list of qualifications for course leaders to help the local church determine who might best carry out this ministry.
- A several day training seminar covering the most important and foundational aspects of teaching is offered occasionally.
- Twice each year half and full day seminars for strengthening teaching skills are offered regionally in Austria, Germany and Switzerland.
- Every course leader receives a special introduction to the course to be taught.
- Every course leader receives a comprehensive teacher’s guide for the planned course. This guide helps the course leader prepare for and present the individual seminars.
- Every course leader can receive training videos to assist their teaching
