Christian Education
Rev. Patricia McLeod, Dean

Christian Education is a core essential of the ministry at the International Gathering at Beth Rapha. Being Healed to Heal by Loving Christ involves a restoration that, as David said in Psalm 51:13, then allows us to “teach transgressors the ways of the Lord such that sinners will be converted.” In our multi-cultural setting, it is no different. We are an army of Christian soldiers being trained and developed through the teaching of sound doctrine and Christian principles for living. Our multi-cultural congregants experience a comprehensive Christian Education program that prepares them for the actual teaching and evangelizing of the lost. It begins with our youth as young as 2 years of age and extends to the eldest members of the body. Classes range from Transformation to Catechism to Spiritual Studies right up to our Bible College! While focusing on personal healing through Biblical instruction, our congregants are able to experience the Transformation process through deliberate curriculum that provides them daily tools and exercises for living the Christian life through sound Biblical doctrine.

Simultaneously, students are being equipped to minister the Gospel throughout the world. Therefore, the predominant theme and ultimate goal of our ministry is an extension of the Great Commission found in Matthew 26:19-20: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Thus, our ministry is committed to the challenge for Biblical preparation, development, and teaching for the effective equipping of the Saints!

Beth Rapha Bible Institute
The mission of the Beth Rapha Bible Institute of New York is to provide the believer with diversified programs of theological study deeply embedded in spiritual enrichment and practical application. All programs of study at the Beth Rapha Bible Institute (BRBI) are designed to meet spiritual and academic goals; to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ locally, nationally, and internationally; and to increase the believer’s faith in and commitment to the immutable truth of God’s Word.

Through this fully accredited institution of higher learning, our ministry is able to provide a firm foundation in theological studies, while simultaneously offering each student opportunity for tremendous Spiritual growth and development through academic enrichment. As students study the Gospel, they are encouraged in their transformation processes because of the enlightenment and illumination of Scripture found in their classes. This educational platform further allows for the inevitable – greater preparation of our student body for teaching, preaching, missions, and evangelism.

Presently the Beth Rapha Bible Institute (BRBI) provides degree programs through on-site and correspondence instruction in Theology, Christian Education, and Biblical Counseling. BRBI will be offering classes online for students all over the world beginning January 2010. For further information on our Academic Calendar Year, Tuition and Fees, Admissions Requirements, etc. contact BRBI directly @ brbi@bethrapha.org or call us directly @ (845) 362-8900 ext 110. Also stay tuned for the BRBI Catalogue that will be available online in the near future!

Beth Rapha Spiritual Studies
The Spiritual Studies Program is held each Sunday morning from 10:00 am – 10:45 am. While it is currently optional, is strongly encouraged for every congregant of the International Gathering at Beth Rapha. These classes provide a solid foundational basis for the Christian experience and serve as the foundation of acclimation into the church and overall Christian community.

Presently, the following courses are offered in the chronological order provided:

- New Member’s Class
- Sanctification
- Prayer
- The Study of the Holy Spirit
- How to Study the Bible
- The Cost of Discipleship
- Spirituality vs. Christianity

Spiritual Studies classes rotate on a quarterly basis. Without exception, students missing 3 or more classes will be recycled to repeat the course during the following quarter. This is necessary to assure the student has truly received the instruction so they can then become accountable for their Christian living experiences. This also becomes of particular concern for the students that are being groomed for teaching.

Instructors are closely scrutinized by the Executive Pastoral Team to assure they firstly, live the Christian example, and secondly, are skilled and trained to provide classes in a professional manner while at the same time, are able to offer students the opportunity for personalized Spiritual growth and development through their classroom experiences. Each instructor is required to maintain a notebook of their curriculum, assignments, student rosters, and student attendance in order to maintain accurate accounts on students and their active participation in classes.

It is our sincere desire that all congregants will take advantage of this incredible opportunity to further sustain the Gospel in each of their lives and to be able to help sustain it in the lives of others!