This program is designed to offer a series of five (5) Leadership level courses in distinct areas of ministry for Ministry Leaders. At the completion of the tract, Leaders will be awarded a GMBC of Georgia Congress Leadership Certificate. PLEASE NOTE: Students enrolled in a Leadership Track course must attend and take three of the five (3 of 5) courses at the Congress in order to receive the Leadership Certificate.
Delegates seeking the Leadership Track Certificate should complete the Leadership Tract Application. Contact the Dean to secure the application.

2018–The Educational Task of the Church Christian Education Director Track
This course will concentrate on the various educational ministries of the local church and focus on the unique role each ministry plays in the attainment of the total educational goals of the local church. Emphasis will be placed on the responsibility of each Christian to participate in the Christian education activities of the church.
TEXTBOOK: Bower, William C. Moral and Spiritual Values in Education (A Challenge to Every American). Alibris or Amazon.
INSTRUCTOR: Rev. Joice Rainge Enrollment Capacity: 30

2067–Transformational Teaching II Seminar/Instructor/Teachers Track
This is the second teaching course in this Track. This course continues to explore with students various methods and materials for an effective adult education program. Students will be acquainted with the needs of adults and the methods of instruction that are appropriate for adult Christian education programs.
Target Group: Advanced level teachers with over five years of teaching Sunday School and Bible Study.
TEXTBOOK: Simon, Bradley W. Teaching to Transform Not Inform. Alibris, Amazon and Christianbook.
INSTRUCTOR: Sis. Cynthia Hillery-Jackson Enrollment Capacity: 30

3008–Theology and History of Christianity Missionary Track / COPP Phase 2
This course will outline the development of the Christian movement from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry on earth to present times. It will focus on the history, theology, culture and times that enable Christianity to develop and grow. Prominent persons who influence the Christian movement will be identified.
TEXTBOOK: Hurlbut, Jesse Lyman. The Story of the Christian Church. Alibris, Amazon and Christianbook.
ALTERNATE TEXTBOOK: Kelly, Matthew. The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity: How the Modern Culture Is Robbing Billions of People of Happiness. Alibris, Amazon and Christianbook.
INSTRUCTOR: Rev. Johnnie M. Perkins Enrollment Capacity: 30

4012–The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit Youth Leaders Track/COPP Phase 2
This course is a study of the person and work of the Holy Spirit. It offers a thorough look at the corresponding doctrines that influence our understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit. Students will be able to identify this doctrine of the church with a holistic understanding of salvation, with special emphasis on justification, redemption and sanctification.
TEXTBOOK: Ryrie, Charles. The Holy Spirit (Revised and Expanded). Alibris, Amazon and Christianbook.
INSTRUCTOR: Sis Sandra Williams Enrollment Capacity:

5020–Conflict Resolution Ministers Track
This course is designed to have ministers examine basic biblical principles that they may apply to successfully maneuver through various conflicts that frequently arise in the church. Ministers will examine a model that can be utilized in conflict resolution.
Target Group: Pastors and Associate Ministers with counseling responsibility at their local church
TEXTBOOK: Avruch, Kevin. Culture & Conflict Resolution. Alibris and Amazon.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Stanley Kimble Enrollment Capacity: 30

6002–Church Administration from a Black Perspective Ministers Track
This course reveals the distinct method of administration in the black church. The course also explores those methods, evaluates them in light of present-day situations and suggests a pattern for today; seeks to show sources of potential pitfalls for the pastor who attempts to be the real pastor of the church; and discusses relationships in the church and how a pastor can strengthen those relationships to the glory of God.
Target Group: Pastors and Associate Ministers with administrative responsibility at their local church
TEXTBOOK: Massey, Floyd & McKinney, Samuel B. Church Administration in the Black Perspective. Alibris and Amazon.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. William C. Morgan Enrollment Capacity: 30

6013–Organizing the Church for Christian Education COPP Phase 4
This course will focus on the various administrative and organizational skills needed to organize the Christian education department. Emphasis is placed on structure, leadership and staffing needs.
Target Group: Christian Education Directors, Sunday School Superintendents, VBS Directors and key Christian Education leaders within the local church
TEXTBOOK: Bailey, Merrill-Jean. How to Organize the Church for Christian Education. SSPB.
ALTERNATE TEXTBOOK: Clark, Robert E., Johnson, Lin & Sloat, Allyn. Christian Education Foundations for the Future. Amazon and Alibris.
INSTRUCTOR: Sis. Mary Holmes Enrollment Capacity: 30

7003*–Methods of Evangelism Christian Evangelism
This course will focus on helping the students to share their Christian faith using traditional and current methods and social media. Highlight the challenges of the church’s ability to reach out to the inner city as well as rural areas. Draw attention to the need to witness to cultural and ethnically diverse groups of people. Students will also participate in role play opportunities and be given an opportunity to put into practice what is being taught by going out to the streets during class time to witness. Students are advised to dress comfortably.
TEXTBOOK: Collier, Jarvis. Whatever Happened to Christian Evangelism?Amazon and Alibris
ALTERNATE BOOK: Sanders, Oswald J. Spiritual Discipleship. Amazon, Alibris and Christianbook.
INSTRUCTOR: Rev. Rosa Thomas Enrollment Capacity: 30

7006*–Fundamentals & Strategies for Street Witnessing Christian Evangelism Track
This course will emphasize evangelism in the community, provide hands-on instruction about the most effective ways to witness to nonbelievers and focus on recruiting, organizing and preparing members for street witnessing. Students will also participate in role play opportunities and be given an opportunity to put into practice what is being taught by going out to the streets during class time to witness. Students are advised to dress comfortably.
TEXTBOOK: de Kluyver, Cornelis A. Fundamentals of Global Strategy: A Business Model Approach. Alibris and Amazon.
ALTERNATE TEXTBOOKS: Thomas, EL. Evangelism Witnessing Ministry and Rusbuidt, Richard E. Evangelism on Purpose: A Planning Guide for Churches. Alibris.
INSTRUCTOR: Rev. Al Robinson Enrollment Capacity: 30

7024–Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts Youth Leaders Track/COPP Phase 2
This course is designed to help students understand who God has uniquely made them to be. Students will work through a spiritual gift assessment that will aid them in discovering their spiritual gift(s). Their discovering their spiritual gift(s) will prepare them to move into a meaningful area of service where they best fit into the body of Christ.
TEXTBOOK: Bugbee Bruce. What Do You Do Best in the Body of Christ. Alibris, Amazon and Christianbook.
INSTRUCTOR: Sis. Helen Thompson Enrollment Capacity: 30

8066–Christianity and Contemporary Issues General Studies Track/COPP Phase 4
This course is designed to challenge the students to identify and confront contemporary issues and look at challenges that affect the church, home and community. Students will also think through practical solutions and approaches to immediate and emerging social and ecclesiological concerns.
TEXTBOOK: McNeal, Reggie. The Present Future (Six Tough Questions for the Church). Alibris, Amazon and Christianbook.
INSTRUCTOR: Rev. Calvin Thomas Enrollment Capacity: 30

9024–Computers in the Life of the Church for Beginners Technology Track/COPP Phase 4
This course is designed to train pastors, office workers, Christian educators and others who want to utilize computer technology in the church. Issues in administration, setting up computer labs, tutorials on Bible study, as well as membership record keeping and nurture will be covered in this course.
Target Group: Delegates with some computer knowledge. Students need to bring a laptop, electronic tablet or smartphone.
TEXTBOOK: Spiegel, Aaron. 40 days and 40 Bytes (Making Computers Work for Your Congregation). Alibris, Amazon and Christianbook.
INSTRUCTOR: Sis. Gwendolyn Watts Enrollment Capacity: 30

9906–Baptist Beliefs and Practices Ministers Track
This course is designed to review Baptist beliefs and practices that distinguish Baptists from other denominations. Students will discuss what makes Baptists distinctive and will research the characteristics of other denominational groups to include Pentecostal and more formal liturgical groups in order to understand what makes Baptists different from these denominational groups. Students will learn how to support their beliefs with Scripture and historical practices.
Target Group: Pastors and Associate Ministers
TEXTBOOK: Torbet, Robert G. A History of the Baptist. Alibris.
INSTRUCTOR: Rev. James Jackson

This course area is in support of delegates enrolled in the Sunday School Publishing Board Certificate of Progress Program (COPP). Delegates seeking to complete any of the four phases should enroll and take one of the classes listed below. A delegate that plans to complete a phase after taking a course will need to make sure the GMBC of Georgia Dean’s office is made aware. Students completing a phase while attending the GMBC Annual Congress will be recognized during the Annual Congress session.

1001–Introduction to the Bible COPP Phase 1
This course identifies the appropriate methods and approaches to Bible study that lead to spiritual growth and Christian maturity. Areas that will be covered include the structure of the Bible and resources for personal study that will add meaning to reading the Bible.
TEXTBOOK: Scruggs, Julius R. How to Study and Teach the Bible. Sunday School Publishing Board (paperback or ebook), Amazon and Christianbook.
ALTERNATE TEXTBOOK: Eichenberger, Jim. Training for Service. Alibris, Amazon and Christianbook.
INSTRUCTOR: Sis. Gerthlene Quzack Enrollment Capacity: 30

1072–Survey of the New Testament COPP Phase 1
This course will engage students in a general overview of the divisions, time periods, places, events, people and archaeology of the New Testament.
TEXTBOOK: Benware, Paul V. Survey of the New Testament. Amazon and Christianbook.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Carol W. Rich Enrollment Capacity: 30

1112–Survey of Revelation COPP Phase 4
This course will explore the book of Revelation, with emphasis on authorship, date, theme and recipients. The instructor will also discuss the prophetic themes, symbols and interpretation of various revelations.
TEXTBOOK: Ryrie, Charles C. Revelation (Everyday Bible Commentary). Amazon and Christianbook.
INSTRUCTOR: Rev. Dr. Robert Dickerson Enrollment Capacity: 30

2007–Christian Stewardship COPP Phase 2
This course will cover the basic tenets of Christian stewardship, time, talent and tithe. Students will begin to understand how to effectively manage their resources through a better understanding of the spiritual principles, practices and contributions of Christian stewardship.
TEXTBOOK: Powell, Mark A. Giving to God: The Bible Good News About Living a Generous Life. Amazon and Christianbook.
INSTRUCTOR: Rev. Dr. Joseph McKenzie Enrollment Capacity: 30

2015–Foundation of Christian Ethics COPP Phase 4
This course will focus on understanding the philosophical and Christological approaches to Christian ethics. Students will also engage in discussing biblical principles for decision making and conduct for living.
TEXTBOOK: Geisler, Norman L. Christian Ethics-Contemporary Issues and Options. Amazon (paperback or Kindle) and Christianbook.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Edith W. Anderson Enrollment Capacity: 30
 
7010–Introduction to Discipleship COPP Phase 3
This course will introduce the believer to the biblical principles of discipleship, the character traits of believers, while looking at the overall examples of Jesus, the discipleship methods of Jesus and the difference between discipleship and membership.
TEXTBOOK: Shank, Nathaniel. Discipleship: An Introduction to Christianity
ALTERNATE TEXTBOOK: Sanders, Oswald. Spiritual Discipleship Principles of Following Christ for Every Believer. Amazon and Christianbook (paperback or ebook).
INSTRUCTOR: Rev. Mark Lawrence Enrollment Capacity: 30

8035–The African American Church and Social Justice COPP Phase 4
This course will investigate and students will discuss the lives, theology and methods of the great servants of God who dedicated their lives in the struggle for liberation of people, as well as the role of the African American Church during the struggle.
TEXTBOOK: Ayers, Danielle L. & Williams, Reginald W. To Serve This Present Age: Social Justice Ministries in the Black Church. Amazon and Christianbook.
ALTERNATE TEXTBOOKS: Muholland Jr., M. Robert. Invitation to a Journey: a Road Map for Spiritual Formation. Amazon and Christianbook. Loritts, Bryan. Letters to a Birmingham Jail: A Response to the Words and Dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Amazon and Christianbook.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Edward Chisolm Enrollment Capacity: 30

9004–Writing Techniques 1 COPP Phase 2
This course focuses on the Certificate of Progress Program writing requirements for Phase 2. Emphasis will be placed on the development of the skills necessary to complete the writing assignments. Skills that will be mastered range from the development of paragraphs/topic sentences to thesis-driven essays.
TEXTBOOK: Heaberlin, Dick. English Syntax: A Guide to the Grammar of Successful Writers. Amazon.
INSTRUCTOR: Rev. Millicent West Enrollment Capacity: 30

9005–Writing Techniques 2 COPP Phase 3
This course focuses on the Certificate of Progress Program writing requirements for Phase 3. Emphasis will be placed on the writing of documented research and the development of other skills necessary to complete the writing assignments in this phase. This course will also introduce students to the library and the use of reference materials.
TEXTBOOK: Strunk, Jr. Williams. The Elements of Style. Amazon
INSTRUCTOR: Sis. Emma Conyers Enrollment Capacity: 30

This educational program is designed to introduce opportunities for leaders to discuss some of the key Christian Education issues and challenges facing our denomination in the areas of Christian Education growth. These seminar courses are designed to provide leaders with key tools to take back to their local churches to support program implementation or enhancement. Ministry Leaders who oversee and lead ministries will find value in taking any seminar.

SS5 1080/1082–The Life and Teachings of Jesus and The Sermon on the Mount
This seminar is a two-part teaching that focuses on the significance of Jesus’ birth, His early life, His teaching ministry, His death and His resurrection and covers the teaching principles expanded by Jesus as He taught about kingdom principles and spiritual life. The two accounts–the books of Matthew and Luke–will be comparatively analyzed. Students will apply these teachings to various aspects of everyday living.
Target Group: Ministry Leaders, Sunday School and Bible Study Teachers
TEXTBOOKS: Stewart, James. The Life and Teaching of Jesus Christ. Alibris, Amazon and Christianbook.
INSTRUCTOR: Sis. Barbara Butler Enrollment Capacity: 30

SS8 2062/2063–Working with Boys/Girls in the Local Church and Community
This two-part seminar focus is to prepare students who are laymen and women in the local church for mission responsibilities to facilitate ministries for both churched and unchurched boys and girls.
Target Group: Church Leaders and Youth Leaders looking at starting a mentoring program in the local church.
TEXTBOOK: Young Men’s Christian Associations International Committees. Boys’ Work in the Local Church: Boys’ Work Message, Men and Religion Movement. Amazon. Folmar, Keri. How Can Women Thrive in the Local Church. Amazon
INSTRUCTOR: Rev. Bobby and Sis. Peggy Berryman Enrollment Capacity: 30

SS9 8055/9915–Equipping the Church for the 21st Century with Technology
This two-part seminar is designed to help students recognize 21st Century challenges facing the church and then train and acquaint them to tools necessary, including the newest technological advancements, software and methodologies to support Christian education and advance ministry work.
Prerequisite: This course is for intermediate to advanced students in the area of technology and will fit delegates who serve in their church’s technology ministry. Delegates need to bring a laptop and/or a smart device (smartphone or tablet).
TEXTBOOK: Vassallo, Wanda. Church Communications Handbook: A Complete Guide to Developing A Strategy, Using Technology, Writing Effectively and Reaching the Unchurched. Alibris and Amazon.
INSTRUCTOR: Rev. Keith McIntosh Enrollment Capacity: 30

This Sunday School Publishing Board Certificate Program is designed to offer students who have completed the Certificate of Progress Program (COPP) an opportunity to continue their study at a more challenging level. After completion of the required seven (7) classes, students are awarded a certificate.
Prerequisite: The Congress Dean assigned a Dean of Records, Dean Kathy Morgan (morgank50@yahoo.com), to assist and shepherd students through the program. For a student to enroll in this program, the Dean of Records must sign Form 17 Admission Application for Specialization. An additional $25 application fee is required for enrollment.

SP0012–Resources for Christian Education Christian Education Certificate
This course will introduce various modern methods for teaching. Students will realize what these resources are and discover eficient ways to make them available to the church, district or state convention.
TEXTBOOK: Powers, Bruce. Christian Education Handbook: Revised and Completely Updated
ALTERNATE TEXTBOOK: Blazier, Kenneth & Isham, Linda R. The Teaching Church at Work. Amazon
INSTRUCTOR: Rev. Dr. David Stallion Enrollment Capacity: 30

SP0013–Evangelism and Christian Education Christian Education Certificate
This course leads the Christian educator to understand the mission of evangelism. Students will engage in evangelistic instructions designed to lead others to seek and win the lost. Students will also participate in role play opportunities and be given an opportunity to put into practice what is being taught by going out to the streets during class time to witness. Students are advised to dress comfortably.
TEXTBOOK: Blazier, Kenneth & Isham, Linda R. The Teaching Church at Work
ALTERNATE TEXTBOOK: Collier, Jarvis. Whatever happened to Christian Education?
INSTRUCTOR: Rev. James Davis Enrollment Capacity: 30

SP0014–Church Growth through Christian Education Christian Education Certificate
This course is designed to lead the Christian educator in evaluating and assessing growth through Christian education. Students will develop a plan for growing the church through effective Christian education programs.
TEXTBOOK: Powers, Bruce. Christian Education Handbook: Revised and Completely Updated
INSTRUCTOR: Rev. Dr. Brandon Isome Enrollment Capacity: 30

SP0026*–Global Missions Evangelism Certificate
This course will introduce students to the need and expectations for reaching across racial, cultural and geographical boundaries for the performance of effective ministry. Students will also participate in role play opportunities and be given an opportunity to put into practice what is being taught by going out to the streets during class time to witness. Students are advised to dress comfortably.
TEXTBOOK: Moreau, Scott, Cowin, Gary R. & McGee, Gary. Introducing World Missions: A Biblical, Historical and Practical Survey. Amazon
INSTRUCTOR: Rev. Roderick Green Enrollment Capacity: 30

SP0027–Christian Service and Outreach Ministry Evangelism Certificate
This course will look at missions from a historical and biblical point of view. An emphasis will be placed on the missionary record of the Old Testament (Jonah) and the New Testament personalities (Paul). Students will be asked to define the mandate of the church for mission. Students will also participate in role play opportunities and be given an opportunity to put into practice what is being taught by going out to the streets during class time to witness. Students will need to dress comfortably.
TEXTBOOK: Kennedy, D. James. Evangelism Explosion. Amazon
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Henry Baptiste Enrollment Capacity: 30

SP0028–Current and Historical Mission Programs Evangelism Certificate
This course will examine the history of the Foreign Missions and Home Missions ministries of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., and is a study on current mission efforts of the church in general. Students will also participate in role play opportunities and be given an opportunity to put into practice what is being taught by going out to the streets during class time to witness. Students are advised to dress comfortably.
TEXTBOOK: Harvey, William J. The Missionary Worker’s Manual. Amazon
ALTERNATIVE TEXTBOOK: Glasser, Arthur F. Announcing the Kingdom
INSTRUCTOR: Rev. Dr. Amos Williams Enrollment Capacity: 30

Tuesday, July 11
Morning Lecturer – Rev. Dr. Eddie Bright
Morning Message – Rev. Dr. James Louis Bumpus
Afternoon Seminar
8021–Organizing a Christian Substance Abuse Ministry
This course deals with the fundamental aspects of implementing a Christian recovery ministry in the local church. Throughout this course, students will learn the importance of why a Christ-centered biblical approach is most effective in dealing with not just drug and alcohol addiction, but addiction of any kind. Students will also learn how to develop a recovery model/ministry that will present help, hope and healing to those caught in the grip of addiction.
SEMINAR LEADER: Rev. Dr. Rodney Turner

Wednesday, July 12
Morning Lecturer – Rev. Dr. Josh Kirvin
Morning Message – Rev. Dr. Carl Anthony Wardlaw
Afternoon-Seminar
2061–Millennials in Ministry (What's That Noise? A Millennial Perspective of the Black Church)
This seminar is based on a section of When Wait Your Turn Means No Turn at All (Westbow Press, 2023), a book that highlights the need for intergenerational appreciation across Black life. This seminar will focus on Ezra 3:12-13 as a parallel to the Black Church and will explore the Church’s primacy in Black life. If you are a younger minister excited about what’s to come or a seasoned minister concerned about the future of the church, this seminar will provide you with the tools to speak forward and backward to ensure all Black generations feel included.
SEMINAR LEADER: Rev. Dr. John Coar

Thursday, July 13
Morning Lecturer – Rev. N. Vincent Carter
Morning Message – Rev. Dr. Lonnie Slater
Afternoon Seminar
9924–Congregational Leadership in the 21st Century (Masters Class on Leading and Developing Leaders in the Black Church)
Based on principles shared in Being Leaders by Aubrey Malphurs, this seminar focuses on practical methods for doing ministry in the 21st century as the Church seeks new techniques to embrace believes, develop disciples and empower leaders. Attendees will experience personal interaction and engage with content to equip one another with fresh ministry methods.
SEMINAR LEADER: Dr. William E. Flippin, Sr.

9016 -Organizing and Administration of Church Music Ministries

styles and genres of music and their relationship to varying styles and worship experiences. The study will include: 1) the seminars on the millennial relevance and balance of contemporary, traditional and non-traditional types of music in worship; 2) a practicum on teaching and directing techniques and 3) an opportunity for original composition introductions. The course will help students understand the biblical and cultural relevance of varying types of musical expression in worship.
Target Group: Church Music Directors, Choir Directors and Musicians
TEXTBOOK: none
INSTRUCTORS: Rev. Michael Sherman, Sr., and Bro. David Sharpe

#The INCrowd…All of Us In … All of Us Together
The Experiencing God curriculum for kids will include sessions on exploring the realities of God’s presence. Each learning session will include a Bible lesson, Black history focus and kid’s activity.
Lesson Topics:
Tuesday “God is Always at Work around Me”
Wednesday “God Wants a Personal Relationship with Me”
Thursday “God Will Show His Plan and Purpose for My Life”

Children will register according to the grade they have been promoted to for 2023-2024 school year.

C1a K to 1st graders (2 classes) INSTRUCTORS: Sis. Yolanda Giles and Sis. Homerzelle Gentry
C1b 2nd to 3rd graders (2 classes) INSTRUCTORS: Sis. Judy Rawls and Sis. Dorcas Ford-Jones
C1c 4th to 5th graders (2 classes) INSTRUCTORS: Sis. Tamara Ross and Dr. Royal Baxter

Journey of Discovery: Being Seen and Heard

Youth will register according to the grade they have been promoted to for 2023-2024 school year.

#POV (Point of View): “Who Am I? – Straight Capping”
If only we could see ourselves through the eyes of God, we would love who and what God created more than what the world says we should be. Connecting with our own POV.
Y1a 6th – 8th graders INSTRUCTOR: Bro. Quinton Steverson
Y1b 9th – 12th graders INSTRUCTORS: Sis. Taneisha Bellamy and Min. Sean Brewton

Adulting 101: Adulting is Crazy!
This course will focus on equipping young adults with necessary tools to navigate the complexities of adulthood.
18 – 24 year olds INSTRUCTORS: Bro. Jalen Dickerson and Bro. Cameron Williams