Making Disciples
The Timothy Project is CVCC's Intern Program. It is a nine-month discipleship and spiritual growth focused ministry of Cochrane Valley Community Church for men and women ages 18-30, who have a desire to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ while being challenged in many areas of Christian life. CVCC Interns are being raised up to impact their environment and change our world. The goal of CVCC Intern Program is to help you to discover and develop your unique gifts.
Take nine months to learn and develop disciplines that will prepare you for the rest of your life.
You will be forced outside of your comfort zone as you learn more about yourself and who God has created you to be. Throughout the this time, you will take part in accountability groups and many ministry opportunities that will push you to stretch and grow in your spiritual life with God.
OBJECTIVE
The Timothy Project program is intended to equip young Christian adults for life as anointed disciples of Jesus Christ; preparing them to take their place in the local church and become responsible citizens that will impact Canadian society, truly developing leadership and life skills that will help interns discover their own call as ministers of the gospel. Through this time they will acquire specific skills relating to Cochrane Valley Community Church and form habits that will carry them into a lifetime of ministry.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Ministry - As a part of the intern program, you will dedicate nine months of your life to seeking Jesus through daily prayer, Bible reading, Bible College Courses, spiritual disciplines, and practical ministry. You will be given an opportunity to serve CVCC and the community through our local Family & Community Support Services, involving yourself with ministry opportunities and being spiritual challenged through education, discipleship, and accountability.
Small Groups - Care Groups are an integral part of our Cochrane Valley Community Church; you will have the opportunity to participate in and contribute to one of our small groups.
Character - Our desire is to help you live in true freedom so you can have the most passionate relationship with God that is possible. In our Internship program, we aspire to accomplish this by training and equipping the Interns with the essential doctrines, attitudes, habits, and skills that produce a life of spiritual passion, purpose, practicality
and integrity.
Outreach - You will be involved in CVCC's outreaches to the community. You will have the opportunity to reach out to the Cochrane community with the love of Christ through things such as Canada Day Carnival, Trade Fair, Health and Welfare Fair, local neighborhood outreaches, skater outreaches, street evangelism, prison ministry.
Missions - If you choose, you may experience overseas travel, as you will have opportunity to go on a short-term mission. Possible destinations are Haiti, Philippines, Africa, and Mexico. There may be an option for an extended stay in one of these countries for 3-6 months.
ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION
You will receive instruction that is designed to lay a firm and constant foundation for successful Christian living. You will complete 4 credit courses over your 9-month stay with us.
Principles of Church Life (Bill Scheidler)
Visionary Leadership (Mark Virkler)
Releasing Spiritual Gifts (Mark Virkler)
Gifted To Succeed (Mark Virkler)
In addition to Academic Instruction, you will participate in:
Reading, discussing, and writing reviews for books on topics such as prayer, sustainability, leadership and emerging trends in church and ministry. One-on-one mentoring with church staff members.
Listening to audio tracts and taking notes
Journaling
Short Term Trips - Possible destinations are Haiti. Mexico, Philippines.
Conferences and seminars.
The core classes offered to CVCC Interns are through Canadian Bible Training Center, a local church Bible College associated with Christian Leadership University. CBTC is an accredited institute of higher learning and these credits may be transferable for interns desiring to further their Biblical education, depending on the educational institutes policies.
SCHEDULE
Monday
Off (Opportunity for part time Job)
Evening / Intercessory Prayer
Tuesday
8:30-9:15am Prayer
9:15-12:15pm Bible Study
12:15-1:00 pm Lunch
1:00-4:30 pm Ministry Tracks
Wednesday
8:30-9:15am Prayer
9:15-12:15pm Bible Study
12:15-1:00 pm Lunch
1:00-4:30 pm Ministry Tracks
Evening / Care Group
Thursday
8:30-9:15am Prayer
9:15-12:15pm Bible Study
12:15-1:00 pm Lunch
1:00-4:30 pm Ministry Tracks
Friday
Off (Opportunity for part time Job)
EVENING / Youth
Saturday
Off (Opportunity for part time Job)
Sunday
Attend all Services, prayer and serve however you can.
** Interns are required to attend any CVCC special events, services, conferences, etc.
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR DOUG
If you are thinking about Applying to The Timothy Project I am excited by the possibility of connecting with you personally and imparting spiritual life into your life through relationship, encouragement, and challenging you to find purpose in your life. You will be mentored, encouraged and challenged by the staff of Cochrane Valley Community Church. These will be days which will challenge you to be more than you believed that you could be and will provide you with foundational truths that will release you into the stability and adventure of Spirit-lead life. You will find yourself on a journey that will combine the power of the Word and the freedom of the Spirit together to produce lasting Godly foundations in your life. Now is the time! Make a decision to seek fully after the Lord for your life's direction and destination.
STANDARDS AND POLICIES
Timothy Project standards, policies and procedures are applicable of every student for the duration of the entire nine months, from the first day of orientation to the day of graduation, including all weekends, vacations, breaks and retreats or conferences. Exceptions to any of the following guidelines may only be granted by official leadership of the program.
LEADERSHIP
It is expected that all Interns be responsive to those in authority, maintaining good attitudes and showing respect at all times for all teachers, administrators and personnel in charge of a given area of leadership and responsibility,
ATTENDANCE, ABSENCES AND TARDINESS
Students are expected to be on time to all classes, ministry responsibilities and other events. It is understood that there may be times when a student will need to be excused from class times. Absences must be excused by one of the office staff and so noted in the student's day timer in advance of the absence, for such events as medical appointments, family obligations and other happenings that cannot be scheduled outside of regular class hours. Absences will not be excused without prior approval, except for illness or emergencies. In such instances, it is expected that the student will notify office staff as soon as possible. The procedure for obtaining approval of absences will be sent in acceptance packet.
CHURCH ATTENDANCE
As a ministry of Cochrane Valley Community Church, the Timothy Project requires every intern's involvement in the local church, participating in all of the following activities of CVCC:
Sunday morning services 10:30am, arriving at 10:00 am for Prayer.
Sunday evening service when scheduled.
Monday night Prayer.
Care Groups every Wednesday night.
BLISS (Youth) every Friday night.
INTERN EMPLOYMENT
Due to the demanding time and focus, interns will be permitted to work no more than twenty hours per week (part-time), Those desiring to work more hours must receive special permission from the directors. Permission might be granted after consideration and evaluation of the intern's ability to manage his/her time and demonstration of personal discipline.
INTERN CONDUCT
All students are expected to maintain the strictest standards of honesty and integrity in all their academic and ministry track endeavors. No student is to use illegal drugs, tobacco or alcohol. Students are not permitted to attend nightclubs, bars or other similar establishments. No intern is to be alone in a house, apartment or vehicle of an unmarried person of the opposite sex. The Pledge Of Honor in the application form outlines the intern conduct that should be lived out.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE
A disciplined lifestyle should be exemplified in personal appearance. As Christians, the way we present ourselves to others is the way they perceive Christ and our personal appearance will affect the impact we have upon them. Modesty and moderation should be our personal standard. A more detailed outline of dress and personal appearance standards will be sent to each student in their acceptance packet.
DATING
The life of an intern requires discipline and focus. Your days as a single person are a great opportunity for a time to pursue the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul; living solely for His purposes and desires. Therefore, all students are asked to refrain from pursuing a dating relationship and from spending exclusive time with any individual of the opposite sex, This means not spending time alone in a house, apartment or vehicle of an unmarried person of the opposite sex. (If an intern is in a dating relationship at time of application, the directors will lay out dating standards and guidelines for each individual relationship. This will be explained at time of interview).
CORE VALUES LIST
In all of our core values we seek to be lead by the Spirit of God, acting in obedience to the direction of His Word in our lives.
Christ Centered - We value having Christ as the Center of every facet of our lives, in order to see God's purposes fulfilled. (Jn. 15:5-8, Col. 1:15-20)
Prayer - We value prayer as a multifaceted, dynamic interaction between God and ourselves, which transforms our lives, our community, and our world. (2Chron. 7:14-15, Mk. 11:17, Phil. 4:6, Col. 4:2-3)
Experiencing God's presence - We value knowing the presence of God as we surrender ourselves in an expression of vulnerability to Him. (Ps. 16:11, 2Cor. 12:9, Eph. 1:17-22, 2:22, Phil. 3:12-13, Tim. 1:12-14)
Restored lives - We value providing a place of safety where God can release His healing, to restore people to wholeness, maturity, and ministry both here and abroad. (Hosea 6:1-3, Luke 15:11-32, Gal. 6:1-2)
Word of God - We value the Bible as the only source for faith and practice, which equips us for every good work. (Ps. 119:11, 105, Prov. 30:5-6, Isa. 40:8, Jn. 1:1, 17:17, 2Tim 3: 16-17, Heb. 4: 12-13)
Praise and Worship - We value passionate praise and worship as a means of expressing our affection and gratitude to God; returning to Him the respect and glory He deserves. (Ps. 86:12, Jn. 4:23-24, Phil. 3:3, Heb. 13:15-16, Rev. 4:11, 5:11-14)
Spirit Filled - We value the tangible indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which continually transforms and fills us with power to accomplish God's will in every situation of our lives. (Joel 2:28-29, Jn. 16:13, Acts 2)
Family and Relationships - We value providing a place for people to belong through meaningful, sincere relationships. (Ps. 133:1-3, 1Cor. 1:10, 12:12-28)
Integrity and Accountability - We value integrity and accountability as a means of honoring God in all that we do. (1Chron. 29:17 Pr. 10:9, 11:3, Mk. 12:14, Titus 2:7-8)
Evangelism - We value the power of Friendship in bringing people into a life-altering encounter with Jesus Christ. (Matt. 9:37-38, 13:1-58, 28:18-20, Lk. 10:2, 12:8-9, 19:1-9, Rom. 1:18-20)
The Church - We value the corporate Church as the center of God's purposes on the earth today. (Matt. 16:17-20, Eph. 1:22-23 Col. 2:19, Heb. 10: 23-25)
Giving - We value giving generously of our energy and finances to facilitate God's purposes in our lives, local church, community and world. (Ex. 22:29, 35:1-36:7, Num. 18:25-29, Deut. 14:22, Mal. 3:8-12, Matt. 25:14-30, 1Pet. 4:10)
STUDENT ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Prospective students must be between the ages of 18 and 30 and be either graduates of high school or have obtained their GED.
Restrictive health conditions need to be managed.
Adherence to the following application process:
APPLICATION STEPS
Step one
Submit all of the following materials in a portfolio to Cochrane Valley Community Church office prior to July 15, 2007.
If mailing application portfolio, send to:
The Timothy Project
53 West Aarsby Road
Cochrane Alberta, Canada
T4C-1M1
Fill out application completely and thoroughly including
The Pledge of Honor
Pastor's Recommendation
Have your pastor complete the Pastoral Recommendation Form. Have him return it to you in a sealed envelope or mail it directly to the church office. Include the $250 registration fee (please make cheques payable to Cochrane Valley Community Church - do not mail cash).
Step Two
Once all material have been received and reviewed by the directors, we will contact you for a personal interview. Our staff will prayerfully consider each applicant before a decision is made regarding your application. (Out of province / country applicants will have a phone interview.)
Step Three
Apply for a passport if you do not already have one. This will enable you to travel internationally during the year if the opportunity were to arise and the application must be completed and submitted to the Government before the first day of internship.
Step Four
Once acceptance has been determined, we will contact you and mail you an acceptance packet with further information and instructions. We will also mail you an invoice for the required down payments with a scheduled payment plan.
Step Five
Intern registration and program commences on Wednesday, September 17, 2007 at 12:00 pm, (Details will be included in acceptance packet).
IS THIS THE RIGHT TIME FOR ME?
Three factors contribute to determining whether it is the right time for you take part in the Timothy Project:
Spiritual Authority - We want to know that the spiritual authorities in your life (pastors & mentors) all agree that this is the right training environment for you at this time.
Personal Life - Spiritual maturity and preparedness are key factors in determining entrance into this program. In order to be considered for acceptance, your commitment to spiritual disciplines and involvement in a local church over the past six months will be examined,
Finances - you must demonstrate financial stability in order to be considered for the Timothy Project. Interns are not permitted to work full time jobs, but may work part time (around 20 hours per week) as long as it does not interfere with the Intern program schedule.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Certificates of Completion will be awarded to Interns who have successfully completed the course set before them in the following areas:
Academic Standards - You must complete all assignments and worksheets on time and maintain at least an 80% average for credit courses.
Ministry Standards - You must receive acceptable ratings in your Ministry Tracks, based on promptness, attendance, completion of tasks and attitude.
Mentoring Standards - You must maintain consistent attendance and demonstrate responsible and ardent participation in the areas that you minister in,
Attendance Standards - You cannot acquire more than three unexcused absences per semester, (Excused absences include: Conferences, Trips & Outreaches, and prearranged excused personal absences.)
Financial Standards - You must be current on your payments each month and be paid in full at time of graduation.
Character Standards - You must fulfill the “The Pledge of Honor”.
CVCC INTERN PLEDGE OF HONOR
The goal is that our hunger for God results in a hunger for excellence and striving to rise above the guidelines given. The standards and expectations are set before the students and their attitude should be to live above these standards.
I, _____________________, am fully persuaded that it is the will of God for me to be enrolled In the Timothy Project for the 2007-2008 academic year. I sincerely believe that I am here by the direction of the Holy Spirit and that God desires to do a unique work in my life that includes a deeper understanding of His Word and works, the development of a stronger personal relationship with God, the further maturing of my Christian character, the strengthening of personal disciplines and the discovery and development of the call of God in my life.
Because of this, as a Timothy Project participant I make the following pledge:
INTIMACY - I pledge to deepen my relationship with God and make knowing Him my first priority.
CHARACTER - I pledge to let God shape my character and transform me into His image.
AUTHORITY - I pledge to come under the authority and covering of CVCC and its leaders.
STUDY - I pledge to study to show myself approved and grow in my knowledge of the Word of God.
STEWARDSHIP - I pledge to be responsible in the area of my finances and all my financial commitments.
HEALTH - I pledge to maintain my body as God's temple and practice sound eating, sleeping and exercise habits.
FAITHFULNESS - I pledge to be prompt and faithful in my attendance to all prayer times, class times, ministry tracks, and all church events, conferences and services.
PURITY - I pledge to avoid immoral or illegal activities or behavior that is contrary to Biblical conduct and ethics (including inappropriate entertainment, movies, DVDs or internet use). I also pledge to abstain from the use or possession of alcoholic beverages, drugs and tobacco in any form. I understand that I am not permitted to attend nightclubs, bars or other similar establishments. I understand that failure to comply in this regard can lead to immediate suspension or dismissal based on the discretion of the leadership team.
FELLOWSHIP - I pledge to be an encouragement to my fellow interns and build solid relationships with others.
LEADERSHIP - I pledge to develop my leadership gifts by taking initiative, both verbally and practically.
FOCUS - I pledge to refrain from pursuing a dating relationship and from spending exclusive time with any individual of the opposite sex. I understand that this means not spending time alone in a house, apartment or vehicle of an unmarried person of the opposite sex. (If you are in a dating relationship at time of application for internship, the directors will lay out dating standards and guidelines for each individual relationship. This will be explained at time of interview).
EXCELLENCE - I pledge to communicate a spirit of excellence in my speech, conduct, appearance and attitude.
I pledge that if admitted to the Timothy Project, I will at all times conduct myself as a Christian, faithfully and diligently adhering to all requirements and promptly meet all financial and other obligations. I have thoroughly considered the time commitments, financial, leadership role and personal devotion required to succeed as a Timothy Project Intern and am willing to apply myself to these standards.
**At the time of the interview, the directors will go through this pledge with each prospective student, explaining and discussing each pledge. If the student agrees and understands all the rules and regulations, the pledge of honour will be signed in the interview, witnessed by the directors.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Tuition fees First Year $2,500.00
What does tuition cover?
Application Fee (non-refundable) $250.00
Timothy Project curriculum courses, Canadian Bible Training Center course registration and accreditation fees, textbooks, intern binders, day timer, texts for book studies, conference fees and expenses and local trips.
What does tuition not cover?
Each student is required to raise their money for the mission trip of their choosing. CVCC staff will be presenting ways in which to do this. Fundraising opportunities will be provided to help the student raise the money.
FINANCIAL POLICIES
Settlement of accounts
All accounts are due at registration or upon arrival at first day of classes.
Deferred payment plan
The deferred payment plan is available for students unable to pay at registration or upon arrival. 28% of the total bill is due on first day of classes. ($700. less $250. registration fee paid at application time equals $450.) The remaining balance ($1,800.) is divided into 9 equal installments of $200.00 due on the 2nd Friday of each month. A late payment fee of $25 will be assessed if payment is not made by the due date. Tuition may be paid in full at any point throughout the program.
Housing
The Timothy Project is a training program within Cochrane Valley Community Church. In some cases, families who attend the local church open up their homes to Interns as host families. As part of the Timothy Project you are expected to abide by the standards set forth by the host family and meet any financial agreements pre-determined, The number of homes is limited and they are on a first come, first serve basis. Please contact our offices for availability.
Refunds
Students contemplating withdrawal from the Timothy Project should first contact the Intern Director. Students who withdraw or are suspended will receive refunds due only when the proper forms have been completed and any financial obligations to the Timothy Project have been met. The refund policy applies to tuition only. Fees, including the textbook charges are non-refundable. During the first week of the semester, full refund of tuition charges will be made less a $150 withdrawal fee, During the second week of the semester, a 90% refund will be made, with further refunds decreasing by intervals of 10% per week and no refund after the seventh week. The Timothy Project reserves the right to change any financial charges or regulations described on this insert.
Financial stewardship
Acceptance into the program is contingent upon your ability to faithfully handle your financial obligations as an intern. It is expected that intern students be good stewards of their finances; Falling behind in monthly payments will jeopardize your status as an intern and could result in early dismissal from the Timothy Project,
