SOUTHERN OAKS INSTITUTE OF LEARNING (S.O.I.L)
in partnership with Spurgeon College and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Contextualized Leadership Development (CLD)
Summary
Through Contextualized Leadership Development (CLD), Southern Oaks Baptist Church has partnered with Spurgeon College at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (one of the six SBC seminaries) to deliver accredited, accessible, and flexible ministry training in unique or underserved environments.
Courses in the CLD program are equivalent to college courses offered at Spurgeon College, the undergraduate division of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Because of this, these courses offer a pathway to tuition-free undergraduate credit applicable to a certificate, diploma, or degree for qualified students. It also serves to gain advanced standing for master level degrees at MBTS and potentially other seminaries. For a list of the courses that you can take and their corresponding courses at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, you can see that here.
These courses, however, are not only for those who desire formal educational credit. Those who take these courses can engage at different levels:
- Level 1: Those who would like to attend/"audit" the course lectures with no class preparation
or homework. - Level 2: Those who would like to engage in some recommended reading/assignments outside of class to supplement the lectures.
- Level 3: Those seeking undergraduate credit or graduate credit advanced standing.
There is no tuition cost for any level of engagement. Those who desire to pursue credit will be responsible for purchasing their own required reading textbooks and materials to fulfill course assignments in the syllabus. If this would a hindrance, please speak to the class instructor.
CLD courses are built to equip those who serve in a variety of roles: small group leaders, Sunday School teachers, ministry staff, pastoral residents, missionary team members, interns, and more. In short, this program is meant for growing disciples and developing church leaders.
For a list of our expected course offerings over a three year period, you can see that here.
FAll 2023 COURSEs:
BS 117 CLD New Testament Survey I
Description: A survey of the Gospels and Acts so students will grasp the message and structure of these books in historical, literary, and theological context. All will learn to be able to better faithfully read these books devotionally and apply their contents in life and ministry
Instructor: Brandon Holiski
Start and End Dates: August 22, 2023 - December 13, 2023
Class Times: Tuesdays, 6:15 pm – 7:45 pm
Class Location: Room B102/3 - Southern Oaks Baptist Church (601 E. Amherst Dr., Tyler, TX)
Syllabus: Linked Here
MS 201 CLD Global Missions (Men's)
Description: A study of the history, theology, philosophy, and biblical basis of church evangelism and Christian world missions. Attention is given to the practice of evangelism and church multiplication in the church and on the mission field.
Instructor: Evan Webster
Start and End Dates: August 20, 2023 - December 10, 2023
Class Times: Sundays, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Class Location: Room A122/123 - Southern Oaks Baptist Church (601 E. Amherst Dr., Tyler, TX)
Syllabus: Linked Here
MS 201 CLD Global Missions (Women's)
Description: A study of the history, theology, philosophy, and biblical basis of church evangelism and Christian world missions. Attention is given to the practice of evangelism and church multiplication in the church and on the mission field.
Instructor: Miranda Webster
Start and End Dates: August 20, 2023 - December 10, 2023
Class Times: Sundays, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Class Location: Room B102/3 - Southern Oaks Baptist Church (601 E. Amherst Dr., Tyler, TX)
Syllabus: Linked Here
Previously offered courses
Spring 2023
U-BS 116 - Old Testament Survey II
U-HT 460 - Biblical Theology
fall 2022
U-BS 204 - Intro to Hermeneutics (Interpreting the Bible)
U-BS 115 - Old Testament Survey I
If you have any questions about S.O.I.L. or courses offered, please contact the church office at (903) 561-8025