Beyond Denominations - The Networked Church

Beyond Denominations is a mature level AIBI course that involves moderately advanced theological concepts and knowledge of church life and practice. It is recommended for those who have been Christians for at least five years and have read the NT through at least twice.

It is based on a free online course based on the book "Beyond Denominations - The Networked Church" by John Edmiston (available below as a free download).
Download The Book (As An Exe File for PC's);  
 Download The Book (As A Zip File For Mac's)
PDF Version

The course covers questions of Christian unity, post-denominationalism Christian networks and apostolic leadership and proposes constructive alternatives to denominationalism. See topics

There are no lectures as such. The course is in self-study mode. You download and read the material, participate in the forum and submit the assignment. Student Forums & Online Classroom

The course is free but donations are appreciated. CLICK HERE TO ENROLL

How To Study At The AIBI How To Use The AIBI
Harvestime Short Courses
Classrooms & Interaction Assessment Center

Topics We Will Cover

First we will look at 6 foundational bible studies:

  • What's Wrong With Disunity?
  • A Brother Offended
  • How To Trust Other People Without Being Burned
  • In One Accord
  • The Gospel Gang
  • Blessed Are The Peacemakers

Then we will look at the practical implications and alternative structures by going through the main chapters in the book.

Introduction & Outlining The Problem

Local Area Networks

Task Focussed Christian Organisations

Implementation 1- General Principles

Implementation 2 - Practical Considerations

Getting From Here To There

2 Corinthians and The New Apostolic Reformation

Apostles and Church Discipline

Franciscan Apostolic Network

Assessment

If you want a Certificate of Completion please do the following 1500 word (4 page) term paper on:

"What is/are the optimal structure(s) that the Church can adopt in order to facilitate Christan growth and ministry?"

Essays should be scripturally based and demonstrate an understanding and application of the material in Beyond Denominations.

Term papers should be done in MS-Word or similar format (Wordperfect, RTf , PDF) and may be sent to the lecturer at any time.

Contact the Lecturer

Student Forums & Online Classroom

(use the DropBox in the Student Forum area above to upload your completed assignment!)

The Free Etext : Beyond Denominations - The Networked Church

I think there is a better way of being a Christian than denominationalism - in fact I'm sure of it.

I think there is a better way of doing Christian ministry than denominationalism - in fact I'm sure of it.

So I have written a  brief e-book that you can read quickly and pass around to others who may be having similar thoughts. In this second edition I have included some bible studies and additional material especially relating to C.Peter Wagners "new Apostolic Reformation".

Beyond Denominations basically says that denominations can be replaced by two structures:

1)Local area networks of churches doing the pastoral functions such as worship, the sacraments, counselling and preaching and teaching.

2)Task focused Christian organisations doing the specialised ministry tasks such as hospitals, schools, missions, evangelism, aged care and bible translation. The book has six short chapters and a one page introduction. The chapters outline the problem then discuss local area networks and task focused Christian minsitries then go on to look at how we can devolve the work that denominations are doing over to thesetwo structures and close the door at denominational HQ

The book is in a concise question and answer format. It is a plea for unity and sanity. Its provocative I hope but also moderate, balanced and as wise as I can make it. It is written from an Australian perspective but with appropriate changes should apply to the majority of Western denominational situations

Download The Book (As An Exe File for PC's)

Download The Book (As A Zip File For Mac's)

PDF Version

beyond.exe
513 KB
3 min download at 28.8 K modem

  1. Download the file
  2. Remember where you put it.
  3. Go to Windows Explorer and double click on the file
  4. It will load in your web browser and you can read it straight away. (Internet Explorer works best with these ebooks, Netscape is generally OK, Opera seems to have problems.)
  5. Use the yellow arrows to turn the pages.
  6. Our books are best viewed in "page view" - see under View in the menu.

 

Mature Level Courses At The AIBI

The mature level courses at the Asian Internet Bible Institute are designed for those who have been Christians for a while and have some basic bible and theological knowledge. They are not recomended for new Christians.

They involve studying an etext which can be downloaded for free.

The course are for bible-believing, born-again Christians of evangelical, charismatic or Pentecostal persuasions. Students should be able to say they are a born-again Christian and agree with the Apostles Creed before enrolling.

If you complete the course and completed the term paper you will recive a "Certificate of Completion". (This is similar to the Certificates Of Completion that you get after you do on a short-course in your workplace.)

Please note that we use adult-learning strategies designed to stretch students a little. We do not expect you to "agree with everything" and you may even find some topics rather controversial (at least we hope so). Gentle structured provocation and vigorous but Christian online discussion should be part of the online learning process.

May you be blessed and grow in Him.

John Edmiston - President AIBI

 

Gospelcom.net alliance member