Porterbrook: Twin Cities

Trinity City Church has partnered with Antioch Community Church and Hiawatha Church to launch Porterbrook: Twin Cities. Pastor Bryan, Pastor Andy O'Rourke, and Pastor Chris Wachter are the primary teachers. 

Registration for summer term is now open.

The summer trimester will begin May 2013 and will cover Gospel Change (character), the Union with Christ (doctrine), Church History in Missional Perspective (church), and Culture (world). 

If you are interested in registering for the the start of a new Foundational Year or the Advanced Year in the fall of 2013, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

Porterbrook Overview

Porterbrook Learning helps ordinary Christians learn how to serve Jesus and his people better — whether they are church leaders, church planters, or simply Christians wanting to become more mission-focused. The Porterbrook Learning material is flexible and has been designed to be integrated with your whole Christian life in whatever context you are serving. It’s not theology for theology’s sake: the Porterbrook Learning material is written by practitioners for practitioners.

Here is an overview video from Pastor Bob Thune, who helps to lead Porterbrook: Omaha.

Details for Porterbrook: Twin Cities

• Cost is $100 per term.
• The three terms are: Fall: Sep-Dec / Spring: Jan-Apr / Summer: May-Aug
• Each term consists of four monthly Modules.
• Each Module includes a booklet to read in preparation for the monthly Saturday seminar (9am-2pm, lunch provided). The seminars for the summer trimester are on only two Saturdays--June 22nd and August 24th. 
• The location for the summer term seminars are Hiawatha Church in south Minneapolis. 
• You can register and jump in at the beginning of any term.
• Students will also be assembled into small group cohorts which will meet monthly.

Here is a copy of the Porterbrook Syllabus for both the Foundation and Advance Year. 

FAQ

Here is a list of potential FAQ (modified from here).

1. Are there any entrance criteria for admission to Porterbrook: Twin Cities?

You do not need to have any previous experience or training to study with a Porterbrook Learning Site. 

2. Is the course accredited? 

The course is not accredited and there is no qualification to be gained from doing the course. Our aim is to equip ordinary Christians to live their lives with Gospel intentionality.

However, Porterbrook: Twin Cities may be an effective tool for those who desire to move into vocational ministry with The Evangelical Free Church of America, in preparing for EFCA licensure. This is the first and temporary stage of EFCA ministerial credentialing. The second stage is certification, which requires a greater degree of Biblical-theological-ministerial competency. For further information, see this webpage about credentialing, then This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. the North Central District of the EFCA.

While not officially recognized by any external colleges or universities, the course has been commended and endorsed by the Acts 29 Network, Timothy Keller (Redeemer Presbyterian Church, NY), Vaughan Roberts (St Ebbe's, Oxford) and Alan Hirsch (Forge Mission Training Network).

3. Is Porterbrook Learning a suitable alternative to Bible College, in terms of preparation for ministry?

The things you will learn with Porterbrook Learning are very different to what is traditionally taught in Bible College. You won’t learn how to parse Greek with Porterbrook Learning, but you will learn how to live an ordinary life with gospel intentionality. We strongly believe that Porterbrook Learning is an excellent resource for training church leaders, particularly as the course has a strong emphasis on character, which is essential for all leadership training.

4. I have a formal degree in theology, why should I take Porterbrook Learning?

One of the points of a formal degree is to give you the framework for lifelong learning. The objective of a formal degree is not to end study with your final paper. Porterbrook is a chance to keep learning and relearning. In addition, since Porterbrook is church-based training, each person gets to immediately apply the content in the context of the local church.

5. What are modules / units / streams?

Porterbrook Learning material comprises 24 “modules” or books on various subjects designed to equip you for everyday gospel ministry. The 24 modules are split into four “streams of study” or subjects: Character, Bible & Doctrine, Church and World. Each module contains 9 “units”, or chapters.

6. Do the modules come with a reading list?

No. The only book you'll need is a Bible. Many of the modules contain suggestions for further reading if you would like to find out more about that subject.

7. Can I see a sample of some of the material?

You can view sample units by clicking here. If you require more information please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

8. Will I have exams to take or assignments to submit?

Porterbrook: Twin Cities may ask you to do assignments, whether written or presented orally, and you will be given feedback by other students and facilitators. The purpose of the assignments is to help consolidate what you have been learning, and to encourage and learn from others students. There is no 'pass' or 'fail'.

9. Is there a discount for unwaged?

Yes, Porterbrook: Twin Cities may be able to offer support for the unwaged. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details.

10. How can I ask a question that has not been addressed?

Please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  if you have any more questions.