Athens Institute of Ministry

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Thursday, November 20 2008 - 03:55 PM

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Welcome to AIM!

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Never has the need for biblical training been so evident as at this current time. Most agree the need for biblical preparation is acute: fewer and fewer preachers and teachers come from a biblically informed background; more and more are teaching greater and greater numbers of people without adequate training in the study and application of the scriptures. Paul wrote words familiar to us all:

“It was he who gave some to be... evangelists, some to be shepherds, some to be teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature... Then we will no longer be tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching...” (Ephesians 4.11-14)

We have invested tremendous resources, both personnel and financial, into our ministry staffing—and rightly so. Yet it is broadly agreed that most of our preachers need more training. A workable plan requires (a) experienced teachers, (b) time, and (c) money. Seminary is a long, circuitous and even perilous route whose worth has yet to be proven. Doing nothing, however, is certain to deprive congregations of preachers and teachers who possess the confidence and effectiveness the churches need and long for.

With these urgent needs in mind, we have constructed a new teaching and training program. The Athens Institute of Ministry is based in Athens and Atlanta, Georgia, where classes are taught four times annually. This exciting endeavor was launched in January 2004. The objective: to increase ministers’ biblical expertise, while also enhancing all-round competence, confidence and credibility. Other centers for AIM, which operates out of five international cities, are Manila, Lagos, London, and San Diego.

AIM emphasizes biblical study—Old Testament, New Testament, Interpretation (Exegesis), and also includes Church History, Apologetics, Counseling, Marriage & Parenting, Public speaking (Homiletics), World Religions, Denominational Doctrine, Holy Spirit, Church Building and Pastoral Counseling.

Students take part in a two-year program, upon completion of which a diploma is presented. The units may also be taken separately. Admission is “rolling,” so people can join the program at any time. On-line dialogue between teachers and students between units provides continuity and follow-up. A distance option is also available. Currently, participants from 27 nations are involved in AIM.

Among the many benefits to such a program: the fellowship, encouragement, and the unity that come from meeting leaders from other congregations (eight times during the two year span of the program); fruitful discussions on doctrine; the sharing of practical ministry ideas. Above all, it is our aim to equip preachers and teachers who will faithfully, powerfully and effectively preach God’s Word. We ask for and need your prayers.

For more information, please download the AIM Information document by clicking on the button on the right of the Home page or contact us at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it We look forward to hearing from you.

Douglas Jacoby
Sam Laing
Joseph Harris