Action Research Definition:

My Action Research Project would be to develop an online lay leader training program to be administered by McMurry University .  Lay leaders share the core values of Christian Faith, Personal Relationships, Learning, Excellence, and Service with McMurry which makes for a perfect match.

The program would consist of two learning tracks. Common characteristics for both tracks would be to present lay leaders with practical knowledge and resources. Both tracks would also attempt to develop Communities of Practice where lay leaders can continue to learn how to better serve from each other.

Track 1:

One track would be designed for those individuals interested in becoming a Certified Lay Minister. The certification track will be more academically rigorous as the church has established course requirement for the certification. There would also be a portfolio component to the certification process since that is part of the information used by the review committee.

Generally a person wanting to become a Certified Lay Minister (CLM) has a job and therefore to get the coursework necessary to achieve certification is often impeded by time constraints.

In order to meet the need for Certified Lay Ministers, a means of delivery of the coursework that takes into account the time constraints of the potential participants is needed.

I believe that a combination of synchronous and asynchronous communication methods, as well as an Internet available course delivery systems combined with college instructors would provide the students the proper training. The students could also build an online portfolio of their work for review by the certification committee.

Track 2:

A second track would be designed for church committee members and other volunteer church leaders not seeking a certification. The primary goal of this track is to establish relationships between people performing the same function at different churches. This track would offer some basic training and guidance, but the establishment of communities of practice that go beyond the training is the goal. By giving the participants the ability to interact with their peers by asking questions, sharing ideas and resources they find online will establish a habit of lifelong learning.

Once established these resources can be used to create church communities of practice such as finance, education, youth ministry, missions, music, worship, and evangelism. Enabling these communities to establish and organize their online areas will empower them to make the site responsive to their needs.

Both of these tracks will strive to establish personal relationships among the participants that will encourage a habit of lifelong Christian learning and service.