General Questions
There are three: Teaching Skills, Bible Background, Presbyterian/Reformed Faith. The first—Teaching Skills—was released in September, 2007, and the other two courses will be released by Fall, 2008.
These courses are a joint effort of Presbyterian and Reformed Educational Partners (PREP). This group consists of representatives from the Reformed Church in America, The Presbyterian Church in Canada, The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Moravian Church in America, and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Each course has 12 sessions. You may take any amount of time you need to complete the 12 sessions within each course.
The courses are written as introductions, although even long-time church members will benefit from a sweeping view of the Bible, from freshening up teaching skills, and from a review of Presbyterian/Reformed theology.
No. The courses are intended for teachers and leaders of all ages—child, youth and adult. But there may be moments when we slip into more examples from teaching children.
We strongly recommend that you form a Learning Group from your own congregation. The Learning Group may be other teachers, leaders, the minister/pastor or others who are interested. If, however, you live in an area where a Learning Group is not possible, you may log on as a single registrant. We just happen to believe that you’ll learn more in a group!
No. You are free to work at whatever pace you are able. However, when you set up your Learning Group, it is best to negotiate your pace. You may find, for instance, that during a busy month, you will cover only one of the 12 sessions, while in other months you will cover two or three sessions.
For members of the five sponsoring denominations, there is no cost. You will need your Denominational Log-in Number when registering. This number can be obtained from your denominational representative, listed on the "Contact us" page.
To register for access to these courses, you must have your Denominational Log-in Number. This number can be found on all denominational advertising or notices regarding the Opening Doors to Discipleship website. Or the number can be obtained from your denominational representative, listed on the "Contact us" page.
We are happy to make this site available for other denominations. Check with your denominational headquarters and request that they make the arrangements with the course Administrator. Your denomination will pay a fee so you can be registered to use these courses.
The courses are supervised by someone in your own congregation. We highly recommend that the minister/pastor is part of this Learning Group and he or she may act as a supervisor or coordinator. If the minister/pastor cannot lead the Learning Group, find someone who has some knowledge about working online.
There are several steps. First, check with the person who is supervising your Learning Group. If that person cannot help, check with a knowledgeable person in your congregation or community. If this still does not solve the problem, and if you believe it is a technical problem, contact the website administrator, listed on the “Contact us” page.
Make sure the sound on your computer is turned on and turned loud enough. There are three ways to increase the volume: using your computer's volume control, increasing the volume of your speakers, and using the volume slider on the video itself. If you still can’t get sound, check that your computer has a sound card and that it is working.
The correct person to contact for content issues is your denominational representative who is listed on the “Contact us” page.
No. Your pleasure in learning and passing on new skills and knowledge is your main reward.
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