Christian Leadership College

The Pillar & Foundation of the Truth

By Mark Mathewson
CLC Dean

In a letter to a Christian leader, the Apostle Paul reminded Timothy that the Church is the pillar and foundation of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). Lincoln Berean is one of the few churches that take this reminder seriously.

LBC’s Christian Leadership College equips Christians to be effective leaders in churches, Christian organizations and the public square. The CLC is a strategic ministry of Lincoln Berean Church and one way that LBC can serve as a pillar and foundation of the truth.

In practical terms, how is the CLC strategic to the ministry of LBC? First, the CLC assists LBC in “Presenting Every Person Complete in Christ” by offering an intensive year-long program to train Christians called to leadership positions in churches and Christian organizations. Through rigorous academic courses, involvement in LBC ministries and a mentoring program, these leaders multiply LBC’s vision of reaching and impacting the lives of people throughout the world for Jesus.

Second, the CLC plays a strategic role in LBC’s “Each One Reach One” endeavor through its Worldview Studies classes.Worldview Studies is an evening program designed to equip Christians to understand, articulate, defend and live out a Christian worldview. Those serious about reaching others with the gospel will encounter people with various worldviews who will question Christianity’s truth-claims.

The Worldview Studies program provides training to understand the Christian worldview and how to engage other belief systems confidently and respectfully. Student, Terry Zoucha, says, “I strongly encourage all Christian believers to register for one or all Worldview Studies courses. I like what Pastor Clark often says, ‘We are on a battleship, not a cruise ship.’ The Worldview Studies courses will strengthen the Christian’s battle readiness.”

Third, this fall the CLC launches its Marketplace track which will advance LBC’s mission in the professional world. The Marketplace track will prepare Christian professionals with worldview and leadership training unique to marketplace professionals in business, education, law, medicine, etc.

How can you be involved in the ministry of the CLC?

• Consider being a student. Maybe God is calling you to a leadership position. The CLC’s Certificate of Christian Leadership program, or the Marketplace program, can play a role in your preparation.

• Perhaps you want to be better equipped to talk confidently to your neighbors about the gospel. Taking classes in the Worldview Studies is excellent preparation.

• Give to the Curt Lehman Scholarship Fund.While the CLC is very affordable, students still often require financial assistance. Scholarships help qualifying students with tuition.

• Give to the development of the CLC library. Our desire is to build a quality library of worldview and leadership resources that can be used by students, area pastors and Christian workers, and the general public.

• Provide living spaces for students who come to us from outside the Lincoln area. If you have housing available, please consider using it to assist CLC students.

  For more information about the Christian Leadership College and how you can be involved, contact us by phone (483-6512) or e-mail info@christianleadershipcollege.org.

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  Q: Can someone who doesn’t attend LBC take classes at the CLC?
  A: Yes. The CLC welcomes students from other churches to attend. While the CLC is a ministry of LBC, its intent is to provide leadership and worldview training for Christians from a variety of backgrounds and send them back to their churches or organizations to serve as qualified leaders.

  Q: Is the CLC accredited and will its courses transfer to other academic institutions?
  A: No. At present, the CLC has not sought accreditation. However, the CLC has well-qualified faculty, several of which hold earned doctorates and/or possess years of teaching and ministry experience. The CLC is hoping to establish working relationships with Christian colleges and seminaries whereby work done at the CLC can be honored at those institutions.

  Q: I only want to take a few classes. Does the CLC allow auditors?
  A: Yes. With the permission of the instructor, anyone may audit courses in the CLC’s Certificate of Christian Leadership program.