Tuesday, February 26, 2013

10 Reasons Why Adults Return to Finish Their Degree

 Here are some of the top reasons why adults want to return to finish their college degree and why Christian adults in particular will invest in an education from a biblical worldview perspective.

1. I want to be a role model to my kids and grand kids.

2. I have the position/job, now I need to learn how to do it well.

3. I want to develop the gifts and talents that God has given me.

4. I've lived the life long enough, now I know the questions I want to ask.

5. I need this degree to keep my job or to advance.

6. I have always promised myself that I would finish. Now I can.

7. I am at a place now where I can serve in my church or volunteer more.  I want to know how.

8. I have always wanted to know more about the Bible and Christian life.

9. I am a lay person in the church and want to learn.

10. God is calling me to do ______________. I need to know more.

What is most important to you? There is no reason to delay - Oak Hills online provides an opportunity to complete your degree online at your time and your pace.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Promoting Grit, Tenacity, and Perseverance

In a week when tenacity and 'bull-dogged perseverance" have been watch words in the office of Adult and Professional Studies, The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology has made available a research report on "PROMOTING GRIT, TENACITY, AND PERSEVERANCE: CRITICAL FACTORS FOR SUCCESS IN THE 21ST CENTURY"
[http://www.ed.gov/edblogs/technology/files/2013/02/OET-Draft-Grit-Report-2-17-13.pdf]

This research report is part of a growing understanding in the Unites States that in order to prepare students for success in the 21st century, there must be a focus not only on "content knowledge" but on non-cognitive factors, including tenacity and grit. Grit is defined as, "Perseverance to accomplish long-term or higher-order goals in the face of challenges and setbacks, engaging a student's psychological resources, such as their academic mindsets, effortful control, and strategies and tactics." (vii)

Even as the U.S. looks at grit and determination at all levels of education, we note that these same characteristics are vital to the success of adult learners who face multiple challenges in balancing family, work, and ministry even while pursuing a college education. Adult learners too, can benefit from these reminders:

1. Have a growth mindset. Difficulty is not failure, but part of the road to success.
2. Maintain your clarity. Why are you investing your effort in adult learning?
3. Apply your learning to your life now.
4. Make learning work for you. Know your learning styles and work with, not against them.
5. Develop specific strategies that will keep you engaged and moving ahead toward your degree.


Monday, February 18, 2013

Leadership & Ministry Degree-- Really? Who is a leader?



Bachelor’s Degree in Leadership and Ministry – Really? Who is a leader?

“A leader. . .is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind.”
Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom

 I don’t find the servant-leader title particularly useful. The repeated use of the word servant apparently doesn’t sufficient remind us of the type of leadership we are called to exercise. Many who think of themselves as servant-leaders aren’t – which amounts to self-deception. Many are tyrants, dictators, self-aggrandizers and benevolent oppressors. What sometimes passes for Christian leadership is rather shocking.” – Duane Elmer, Cross-Cultural Servanthood

“As I have said, the first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself... Great peacemakers are all people of integrity, of honesty, but humility.”
Nelson Mandela

“Come follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” – Jesus, Matthew 4:19

“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Jesus, Matthew 20:25-28

“ A leader is anyone who has someone following her. If anyone looks to you for wisdom, counsel, or direction, then you are a leader.”  – Dan Allender, Leading With a Limp

“No one is a mere follower. If you are a follower of God, for instance, then you are called to lead. Every believer is called to help someone grow into maturity – and such is the core calling of a leader.”  – Dan Allender, Leading With a Limp

Leadership programs abound in both secular and Christian contexts. The Leadership and Ministry online degree program at Oak Hills Christian College will not give you all the answers- we promise. We will give you the opportunity to explore, search and seek the mind and will of God; to listen and dialog with others who both lead and serve in their worlds; and to develop all those skills and talents that the Lord has given you.  We want you to take your place as a disciple and a disciple-maker in the kingdom of God.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Oak Hills Adult & Online Blogging NOW

Join the excitement as Oak Hills Christian College Adult & Professional Studies shares current news and issues regarding online education through the new OakHillsOnline Blogger. The growth in the OHCC Bachelor's Degree in Leadership and Ministry has been slow and steady. In addition to the six students who started in the first term, we welcome Trevor, just moving into a new pastoral position in central Minnesota.

Today we share the profile of one of our first students, Kenny May. Let's pray especially for him today.

Kenny and Alicia May have the best of all worlds! They moved recently from a large urban center “out west” to a small rural Minnesota town to raise a family and engage in starting an outreach recovery ministry for youth. In order to reach their goals they are both working, going to college and keeping engaged in their ministry and church. It is a busy life and only doable as Kenny pursues his Bachelor’s Degree in Leadership and Ministry through Oak Hills Online.  After his first course, Kenny says,

I am very pleased with the class!  It's looking like the workload is plenty bearable, which I hope follows suit on into my additional classes.  The format is clear and I appreciate the process of completing and submitting assignments ... painless!!  I believe that God is aligning the time needed for me to accomplish the courses ahead as well.  I am geared up and excited to continue this exploration in the vats of knowledge offered in this program.  

Working full-time. Engaged in ministry. Community, church,  home and family centered. The students in the Oak Hills adult & professional studies online program, like Kenny, are making a college education work for them.