Select Multimedia Resource Classes
Faith Builders has provided a unique connection and opportunity for taking Select Multimedia Resource courses. At the 2001 Synod visioning retreat, Faith Builders director, Jodi Hanson, was asked if Faith Builders could provide education for those considering the professional lay roster of the ELCA called Associate in Ministry (AiM). Initially there didn't seem to be a cost effective means for providing education for a small and far flung group of people, but the Spirit was at work, and in 2003 a new educational initiative was launched. Select Multimedia Resources videos provide the only distance learning means of education that the ELCA recognizes (outside seminaries) for candidacy for AiM. In the fall of 2003, Faith Builders hosted the Select Multimedia Resources, Interpreting the New Testament class. Each class participant bought their own copy of the class tapes and met online weekly via The Fisher's Net (the ELCAs educational website) to post essays and participate in an hour long chat facilitated by a trained theologian, Pr. Chris Croghan, Augustana faculty. In February 2005 the 4th course began with 9 participants and Dr. Richard Bowman of Augustana College facilitating. In February 2006 this project became a national program through the assistance of a grant from the Thrivent Foundation. For current course listings check www.selectlearning.org