Welcome to Photizo Oikos College
Photizo Oikos (Greek for Lighthouse) began in 2005 as our "pastor workshops". Over the years about 50 lay people and pastors have attended these workshops.
In 2011 a second workshop was started. Then a 3rd workshop was put into the planning for 2014.
Meanwhile, our first 4 year students that began in 2010 were continuing on toward their graduation. This group completed the course on Dec. 19th, 2014. With our first graduating class, the college was founded.
We have now had 2 graduating classes 2015 and 2016 with a total of 5 graduates between the classes.
Photizo Oikos offers a very unique, and specialized, learning environment. Students are taught a balanced scriptural approach to pastoring and leadership using I and II Timothy; Titus; and Philemon as the core foundation of the curriculum. Classes meet once a month. The sessions are 4 hours in length and are in 2 parts:
1. Lectures/teaching out of the curriculum.
2. Real life problem solving. It is in this section that 60% of the learning occurs. Students are challenged to take the scriptures and teachings they have learned and apply it to solve problems they are presented with. These are real life issues and challenges that pastors and leaders have faced. They are a collection of real life events over 50 plus years of ministry.
If the student completes the four year course they are awarded a B.S. Degree in Bible Theology and Church Administration.
Is Photizo Oikos accredited? No, we are not...and most likely will not be in the future. Why? In order for a college to become accredited they must first surrender control of their curriculum to entities who interests are not in preserving the Biblical teachings needed to serve in ministry effectively. Accreditation is merely man's approval and is not required of God.
Why even have a college? First, the demand to train has increased more and more and fewer institutions are rendering Biblical and affordable training. Second, Romans 10:15 “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
Here is an overview of what the curriculum covers:
20 hours Church Administration
20 hours Bible Theology
20 hours Denominational theology/practices
10 hours Church Discipline/Conduct
10 hours Accountability of Leadership
40 hours Real life problem solving/application
4 hours Public speaking
8 hours Biblical application in teaching/preaching
6 hours Discerning God’s Will
2 hours Setting a Vision
2 hours Offices of the Church
6 hours Social Justice VS. God’s Justice
10 hours Doctrinal Theology
4 hours Spiritual Warfare
4 hours Identifying Gifts in the Laity
4 hours Recognizing Your God Given Gifts
6 hours Women in Ministry
2 hours The Dangers of the Novice in Ministry
4 hours The Dangers of Nepotism in Ministry
10 hours Dealing with the Spirit of Witchcraft in the Church
4 hours Healing Power of God
10 hours Finances in Ministry
2 hours Importance of Ordination
2 hours Sexual Immorality in Ministry
2 hours Role of the Spouse in Ministry
6 hours Role of Worship in Ministry
4 hours Handling Accusations of Leadership
2 hours God’s Word Revealed (personal revelation)
2 hours Sermon preparation
3 hours The Role of Prayer in Ministry
229 hours
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