The Institute for Paleo-Orthodox Christian Studies
The Institute offers a one to two-year formational track of study designed to prepare clergy and laity alike in the basics of classical consensual Christianity. The program integrates theological and religious educational disciplines and provides an introduction to the theology and practice of Classical Christian thought and philosophy which amalgamates the essential elements of the Christian faith as represented historically through the three major streams of the church (Evangelical, Charismatic/Pentecostal, Liturgical/Sacramental). For the last two years the Institute has been housed within New York Theological Seminary’s Certificate in Ministry platform and continues to enjoy a strong Memorandum of Understanding with the same. We continue to seek both academic and ecclesiastical relationships in order to provide our students with a validated and qualified form of effective Christian ministry training.
The term Paleo-Orthodoxy or “ancient correct belief,” refers to the late twentieth and early twenty-first-century Protestant theological movement which sees the essentials of Christian theology in the consensual understanding of the faith among the Ecumenical Councils and writings of the Church Fathers before the Great Schism. Although mainly situated within the field of theology, within a Religious Educational framework Paleo-Orthodoxy becomes an ecclesiological and sociological movement which focuses on how ecclesial forms within the movement religiously educate their adherents towards classical consensual Christian faith.
In postmodernity, this sociological orthodoxy is now most visible within the Charismatic and Pentecostal revivalist traditions. Although these traditions have been thought to be historically unaware, there has been a shift in recent years specifically within Afro-Latino Pentecostals, towards the recovery of a classical consensual Christianity even though it has usually come with cultural and racial suspicion.
The Institute for Paleo-Orthodox Christian Studies looks to partner with like-minded academic and ecclesial organizations, offering formational ministerial training which can be transferred into a body of work towards ordination for pastoral service. The formational training provided assures that every student is equipped with the standardized theological, historical and ministerial competencies needed for effective practice of an ancient-future faith.
Educational Philosophy
The Institute for Paleo-Orthodox Christian Studies believes in the scriptural admonishment given to Timothy to “Study to thyself approved unto God,” (2 Timothy 2:15). In correlation with Dr. Gabriel Moran We define Education as “the interaction of forms of life with end (meaning) and without end (termination), Showing How: The Act of Teaching (1997). We believe that the process of teaching and learning is inclusive of the passing on through a shared praxis, information by the teacher to the student and vice-versa, utilizing diverse methods, models and strategies.
Religious Education at the Institute for Paleo-Orthodox Christian Studies does not occur in a Banking type, historical vacuum but is inclusive of teaching and learning forms which affect the cognitive, affective, psychomotor and intra-personal domains. Our religious educational goal is to aid students in critically reflecting upon the various forms of education within their own ministerial context (community, worship, teaching & service) as well as to provide a rigorous theological and formational curriculum which allows for excelling at problem solving, analysis and eventual application.
Our Mission, Vision & Purpose
The Institute for Paleo-Orthodox Christian Studies looks to educate and form clergy and laity from Charismatic/Pentecostal traditions in the depths of Classical Consensual Christian faith and practice through biblical, historical, theological and religious educational praxis.
Our Purpose is to provide an academic program where the exploration, examination and reflection of the faith and practice of the Christian community of the first five centuries can be developed. Our vision is to become a premier formational and educational institute to 21st century Charismatic/Pentecostal leadership, looking to recover historic Christian orthodoxy. Our aim is to help develop Christian leadership that reverences our Christian tradition while become relevant to postmodern times.
Faith Statement
I believe in one God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,
and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead
and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.