Testimonials

Terry Gladstone instructed two workshops in the spring of 2008 to train and certify experienced, volunteer camp counselors in preparation for camp in the summer. This is what she says about her experience:

 

What was the response?

1. 1. I received many remarks like this, "I was really reluctant to take this class. I don't know much about computers. But I really enjoyed it."
   2. My goal was to provide a training course for experienced counselor --one that would fulfill the requirements and yet honor their experience. I wanted them to ultimately feel they grew as a result of participating in the course--or at least felt energized for another summer's worth of volunteer ministry. This was accomplished according to the remarks I received.

What were the benefits to our organization and for me?

1. 1. In the past we have had these requirements for training of volunteer counselors and yet we all knew that every counselor was not actually getting the hours required. This was because deans would set up training retreats, meetings etc but not everyone could attend those events. And some staff are always recruited after the training events are over. This course provided a much better way to fulfill the requirements.
   2. The interaction between counselors during the course has actually been a benefit to our camping program. It was a great "strength bombardment" for the participants.
   3. The technical support provided by BeADisciple.com was exactly what we needed. We could not have done this as effectively by using email and other methods.
3. How about my time and ability to handle this?
4. 1. I was pleased to find out that the time was not overwhelming to me. The creation of the class took the most time but I could do that as my schedule allowed.
   2. I really liked the flexibility of picking my own time framework!

 

Terry is making plans to offer more online workshops in the future.

 

 

Comments on Effective Communication with Little or No Money Session 1 held May, 2008 and offered by Scharmel Roussel

 

"My eyes have been opened to a lot of areas where change can be made."
"I would take another class from Scharmel Roussel. She was knowledgeable and gentle. She was engaged with the class even though we came from varied situations."
"I know I will reference [the materials] often."
"I am incredibly grateful for this experience, for the sharing of my classmates, and for Scharmel's leadership."
"I really enjoyed the materials... and found a lot of great information. The instructor was quick to respond t questions and foster discussion...I appreciate that Scharmel understood I was a novice in the communication field."
"Having just begun our website, I appreciate the challenge to think about my target audience."

 

 

Pamela Nelson-Munson, pastor of Trinity UMC, Eugene Oregon, has taken two online workshops with IFD instructor, Rev. Daniel Benedict. She says:

 

"BeADisciple.com has been probably been "the" most important continuing education experience I have had in the last decade. With the on-line format, I had the flexibility to log on in my own time zone in line with my personal schedule. The real-time class-discussions were fast, fun, and invigorating. The content of the courses have been relevant and continue to inform my ministry.

 

Our instructor, the Rev. Dan Benedict, was prepared, challenging, pastoral, collegial, and supportive in the learning and discerning process. I highly recommend BeADisciple.com courses to all church professionals, and anyone who is up for good academic/practical, ministry/faith, and information/praxis experience!"

 

 

Barbara Barden, Minister of Education at Myers Park UMC in Charlotte NC, has participated in online workshops including Maximizing Disciple in Your Church and How to Provide Your Workshop Online. Here is what she says of her experience:

 

"It was good to connect on-line with other folks leading Disciple programs in their churches and to hear both the struggles and the celebrations. There were also some very creative ideas for promoting Disciple and some challenging questions that are still giving me ongoing reflection. Perhaps the most helpful thing to my ministry was having a forum to focus on what we are doing; a reminder of why we give ourselves to do the hard work necessary to reach folk; and an experience in the sharing with others across the country that through our connection of both accountability and support we had much to celebrate of God's transforming work being done through Disciple. Thanks for all you do."