jacksonvillemaster'scommission.
"There is a big difference between living and existing."
What if you had a chance to live outside the norm? A chance to escape and transform into the person you yearn to be; a chance to pursue your dreams and the calling God has on your life.
What if you had the opportunity to grow and stretch yourself beyond boundaries you never thought you would cross? Would you take it?
What is Jacksonville Master's Commission?
In short, Jacksonville Masters Commission is an intense 9-month discipleship and ministry program geared towards college age students. Our heart is to educate, equip, and empower this next generation of Church leaders to fulfill their God-given destinies. Our program provides an environment in which students can grow spiritually, have life-changing experiences, grow in their knowledge of the Bible and their ability in Ministry, prepare for their future, and discover their destiny.
JMC is a perfect fit for many different types of people. It's a great launching point for those who plan on going to a full-time college in the future, for those who plan on going directly into the secular workforce, or those who feel a call to full time ministry, or for those who have no earthly idea what they want to do in life.
JMC entails the following:
-Bible and church ministry classes
-Community service projects
-Intense discipleship
-Hands-on ministry experience
-Practical ministry training
-Requirements for ministerial certification, licensing, and ordination.
Location.
JMC is based out of Oceanway Assembly of God in Jacksonville, FL. Jacksonville has great weather year round and has plenty of things to do, with a nice metropolitan downtown, great restaurants and shopping, beatiful riverways, nice beaches, and tons of fishing spots.
Because of our location, boredom is something you may never encounter in JMC. On our off-nights, some of the JMC students may be found hanging out at our local Starbucks, grabbing a burger at 5 Guys, playing Ultimate Frisbee in the church field, catching a movie at the Theater, cruising along the downtown Riverwalk, studying at Panera, playing a pickup game of basketball in our gym, camping out at the beach, or simply hanging out in our dorms. All of this is either within walking distance or a short car-pool away!
(JMC has a 20 minute drive to the beach and less than a 5 minute drive to one of the largest shopping centers in North Florida.)
Housing
Housing is included in our tuition costs. We have two dorms, one for the girls, and one for the guys. Each dorm is equipped with bathrooms, a kitchen and dining area, laundry room, living area, and bedrooms.
The girl's dorm is clean and pleasant, with a beautiful kitchen and bathrooms, comfortable bedrooms, two nice living areas, and a stockpile of chick-flicks and boardgames.
The guy's dorm is... well, a guy's dorm. The living area triples as an Xbox 360 gaming center, man-talk area, and as an occassional MMA dojo. Weekly activities include patching up the drywall holes that nobody knows "who did it" and reminding each other to take showers.
Students gain the amazingly exciting experience of learning to cook and clean for themselves and doing their own laundry (or bribing someone to do it for them.) The dorms are stocked weekly with groceries and cleaning supplies, so the only money you'll have to spend is on your personal items like deodorant, shampoo, and "tough-actin' tinactin."
Danny Cano serves as the director for JMC. He has been in full time ministry at Oceanway Assembly of God since 2001. He has a bachelor's degree in Church Ministry from Southeastern University. He is personally involved in Guy's Discipleship and teaches a number of the courses offered through JMC. He is happily married to Bethany Cano and they have 3 young children- Daniel, Anna, and Adellyn. He enjoys spending time with family, cooking, fishing, camping, and anything that involves competition, such as: Scrabble, basketball, wrestling, staring contests, foot races, slaps, parcheesi, golf, arm wrestling, screaming contests, etc.
Josh Johns serves as the Assistant Director for JMC. He has been with JMC for five years, three as a student and two as the AD. Josh involves himself with everything the program offers. From maintaining facilities, to guys discipleship, student finances, and teaching classes, he is involved in many ways. He is engaged to Rebeka Iyassu and they are looking forward to getting married and starting a family. He enjoys spending time with his fiance, family, and friends, and enjoys hunting, fishing, football, basketball, softball, golf, eating, watching the FL Gators Jax Jaguars, and almost anything that is outdoors.
Bethany is the wife of Danny Cano (JMC Director) and mother to their three children. She teams up with Rebeka Iyassu to do Girl's Discipleship. She has a Bachelor's Degree in the Science of Nursing and is currently working at Baptist Medical Center as a Pediatric ER nurse part-time. She enjoys spending time with her family, shopping, being involved in Beth Moore bible studies, and being able to stay home with her kids during the day. I am excited about what God is doing with our church and JMC!
Rebeka Iyassu is involved in a number of facets of JMC. She teams up with Bethany Cano to do Girl's Discipleship and helps with counseling. She is also the Administrative Assistant to our young adults' ministry, Atmosphere. She graduated with her Bachelors degree in Psychology from University of North Florida before entering Master's Commission in 2005 and recently received her Master's degree in Counseling at Regent University. Her passion and calling is to counsel and minister to people of all ages especially the young women of this generation using scripture and life expereince. Rebecca is engaged to Josh Johns and they are looking forward to getting married this spring. She loves to spend time with Josh and her family. She enjoys traveling, catching up with the tv shows Monk and Law and Order, and going out on Saturday mornings to garage sales and fresh food Markets :0)
Cody Scott is the R.A. for the guy's dorm and is an H2O Discipleship leader for JMC.
He is currently in his 3rd year as a JMC student and on the children's ministry track. He loves to cook, eat, spend time with family and friends, watch football, play ultimate frisbee, and just all around tries to have fun with what ever he is doing.
Christa Leven is the Girls R.A. for JMC and is a current student in JMC. She has been helping in youth and music ministry for about 5 yrs now. When shes not in school, her home is DeLand, FL. She is currently enrolled at Southeastern University, working towards being licensed in ministry and earning a degree in English Literature. She is passionate about helping disciple young girls, working with the kids inner-city ministry (JAM), and writing as God leads her. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing guitar, dabbling in photography, and writing poetry. Whenever possible she likes to be outdoors and near the water. Her other hobbies include: volleyball, shopping, card games, power walking, theatre/drama, and music.
Paul Halford is a second year student at Jacksonville Masters Commission and serves as Traveling and Recruiting Coordinator. He is originally from Lawrence, KS where his family resides. Paul is in charge of organizing all traveling trips. He also leads up the recruiting team helping organize and advertise JMC promotions. Paul also is a big part of the drama performances. He has an eye for critique and criticism. Paul is learning and pursuing full time ministry as a senior pastor. He hopes to one day do missions in the continent of Africa. He enjoys spending time with family, eating, playing video games and going to the movies. His favorite sports consist of Ultimate Frisbee, Wrestling, Competitive Fighting, Football and Dodgeball. Paul currently holds the position of the heaviest baby in Masters coming out of the womb at a staggering 10lbs 9oz.
Education
Education is a vital part of our program. We believe strongly that every person has a personal responsibility to fill their minds with knowledge and wisdom and we seek to instill this desire for intellecutal and academic growth in the hearts of our students. We do not view our program as an alternative to college education, but as a supplement and launching pad to one's education.
This year we have partnered with Southeastern Assembly of God University which will provide fully transferable college credit hours for each student who attends JMC. (A High-school diploma or GED is required for entry into this academic program.)
During a student's nine-month term in JMC one has an opportunity to attain his or her ministerial credentials and earn 12-16 credits, which will go on each student's college transcript. All Southeastern classes are taught in a classroom setting by a qualified team of leaders and pastors. Almost all of our teachers have at least a Bachelor's degree or higher. The courses involved are listed below and are approved by the General Presbytery of the Assemblies of God.
1ST YEAR CLASSES
Acts, AG History, Ephesians, How to Interpret the Bible, Interpersonal Relationships, Intro to Pentecostal Doctrine, Life of Christ, Ministerial Ethics, Personal Evangelism
2ND YEAR CLASSES
Conflict Resolution, Eschatology, Intro to Homiletics, Leadership Skills, New Testament Survey, Romans
3RD YEAR CLASSES
Church and Law, Corinthians Correspondence, Multicultural Ministry, Pastoral Ministry, Pentateuch, Psalms, Theology of Prayer, Theology of Worship
In addition to the Southeastern University courses, we also offer a braod range of courses including Crown Financial, Graphic Design, Basic Music Theory, Ministry pragmatics, and more.
Tuition
Tuition for JMC first year students is $6300. This covers room and board, Southeastern University classes, JMC traveling expenses, minsitry materials, and most of the necessities throughout the year. It is also recommended that each student have a savings account of at least $800 which can be used throughout the nine-month program (approximately $20.00 per week). This will take care of any miscellaneous expenses such as personal toiletries, doctor visits, etc.. This is not required, but is recommended for the student's own personal use. We also suggest that the student not have any outstanding debts. Students will not be able to pursue outside employment, which will make it very difficult to "pay the bills" during their stay at JMC.
Upon acceptance into JMC, there will be a $500.00 non-refundable deposit required from the individual. Payment of this deposit will secure the student's place in this year's program. This deposit is deducted from the total cost of the tuition. On the day of orientation, $4300 is due via check, cash, or credit card. The remaining $1500 is due upon return from Christmas break. If a student withdraws within the first six weeks, any refund (except for the $500.00 deposit and any curriculum purchased) will be prorated up to six weeks into the program. After six weeks all tuition is forfeited. If a student is dismissed for the program for discipline reasons, all tuition will be forfeited.
Ministry Exposure
Childrens Ministry/JAM (Jesus and Me)
Students will gain training and participate in childrens worship services and outreaches in various capacities. They will have opportunities to be involved in bus ministry, puppetry, games, illustrated sermons, and building life-changing relationships with children.
Lifehouse Middle School Church
Each week students will be heavily involved in one of the fastest growing ministries here at Oceanway Assembly of God. Students will have many opportunities to be involved in skits, dramas, games, leading small groups or working in our skate park.
Xchange Youth Church
Every week students will be involved in youth ministry in several ways by visitation, prayer, altar workers, human videos, interactive sermons, and mentoring teenagers.
Atmosphere Young Adults Ministry
Every week students will be heavily involved in working with young adults and will be a part of this awesome ministry birthed within JMC. Students will have the opportunity to be involved in human videos, illustrated messages and much more. Every week we will also open the LifeHouse Café, a place for young adults to connect with one another.
Living Waters Street Outreach
Street ministry is one of the most challenging yet rewarding ministries JMC participates in. We minister in the inner city to the lost and hurting, sharing the gospel with words and acts of love.
Evangelism
JMC has scheduled frequent outreaches, but it is the true desire of JMC to allow the Holy Spirit to make sharing our faith a natural response to our walk with Jesus that is not limited to a schedule.
Works of Love
Whether it be witnessing at a local college campus, ministering at a Nursing Home, feeding the homeless, or volunteering at a boys/girls home, works of love is a vital part of what we do.
Statewide Missions Trips
JMC travels quite frequently to participate in retreats, outreaches, youth ministries, and to minister in churches.
Drama
JMC frequently uses many types of drama to communicate the Gospel in illustrated messages.
Music
JMC seeks to use music in the most effective way possible. JMC is not about spotlighting talent. Instead, we are about having as much purity as possible in our hearts and motives when we give our talents to God. We strive for motivation that affects all areas of ministry.
Spiritual Growth
When it comes down to it, JMC is about helping one grow in Christ and establishing a strong spiritual foundation for to build upon for the rest of one's life. This requires sacrifice, hardwork, faithfulness, humility, and openness.
We begin every morning with an hour of prayer and devotional time. All of our students also memorize scripture every week.
On any given week, students may be a part of a chapel where one of the pastors or JMC alumni come and share a powerful word. They also are all a part of an H20 small group- which is a time for students to challenge and encourage each other in their pursuit of God. Lastly, Guys and Girls Discipleship and Dorm Devoes help equip students with the spiritual nourishment they need to grow in Christ.
This is all more than just a "summer camp experience" or an extended missions trip. This is about learning to center one's life around Christ and learning the discipline and balance needed to maintain spiritual growth and fervor. This is about learning to serve God and in this world in a deepr and more meaningful way than you ever imagined.
Simply put, we are about "knowing Christ and making Him known."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Masters Commission only for people who want to be in full-time ministry?
A: No. Masters Commission is for anyone who wants to passionately pursue the fullness of God, respond to His leading with obedience, and then fulfill His desires with excellence. What our world needs are more people who will sell out 100% to God regardless of what they do for a living. Masters Commission will shape future evangelists, pastors, and missionaries. Our prayer is that we will also shape future lawyers, teachers, and business people.
JMC wants to expose students to a balance of discipleship, academics, and hands-on ministry experience. Many students have dreams, but do not know what specific direction God wants them to go in the future. Masters Commission will expose them to as many different types of ministries as possible for two main reasons: First, it is vital that every person know how much God wants to use his/her availability. Second, many people have confined God and their future into a small box. The Lord wants to expand students possibilities to a level to which only He could call them!
Q: How will I personally benefit from this program?
A: The most important benefit to JMC is the opportunity to develop a more intimate and grounded relationship with Christ. This will enable students to be a more effective witness for Him in this world. For nine months, students will live in an environment created for no other reason than to have a deep walk with Christ. Daily practicing disciplines of prayer, Scripture memory, personal devotions, and servanthood will develop these godly habits and allow students to stand upon a stronger foundation in a world that surrounds them with the opportunity to fall.
Q: In what ministries will students be involved?
A: Students ministry exposure will not be from the sidelines or behind a desk closed off from the real world. Rather, Masters Commission offers front-line, hands-on ministry exposure to a wide range of needs represented in our world today. Masters Commission is not about spotlighting talent; instead, we strive to have as much purity as possible in our hearts and motives when we give our talents to God. It is our desire to expose students to a variety of ministries in our church through personal involvement. This allows them to explore their passion in ministry.
Q: When does the program begin and end?
A: The 2010-2011 JMC class is scheduled to begin with orientation on September 4th and 5th. All students are required to be present. Parents are also strongly encouraged to attend. Students will be given two breaks throughout the year. Thanksgiving break will be November 24th through the 28th,. Christmas break will be December 17th through January 2nd. The school year ends with a Reflection Service on May 28th and graduation on May 29th, 2011.
Q: Will every applicant be accepted?
A: No. Acceptance to JMC is through an application process for the purpose of allowing our leadership to seek Gods will concerning every applicant. All decisions will be made after prayerful consideration, reference checks, and phone interviews. In order to best serve each student, there will be a limit of 30 students accepted for the 2010-2011 JMC class. When these positions are filled, that years program will be closed. These spots are filled on a first-come basis, so get your application in as soon as possible. Upon your acceptance, your spot in the program will be secured once we receive your non-refundable deposit of $500.
Q: What about housing and meals?
A: Students are housed for the entire nine months in dorms. The students are given a weekly grocery shopping allowance per household.
Pastor Danny Baggett
As Lead Pastor of Oceanway Assembly of God, I am privileged to have a small role in your discipleship process. I find nothing more exciting than helping young adults discover who they are in Jesus Christ. This will be a year of spiritual growth, personal development, and focus upon what He has designed and orchestrated for your tomorrow.
At Jacksonville Masters Commission, you will find a passionate team of leaders and teachers who will guide you through intensive biblical and practical studies. Every class is designed to help prepare you for your future. Additionally, our Ministerial Team will give you great opportunities to put your gifts and talents into action through hands-on ministry experience. If you play an instrument, get ready to use it; if your gift is drama, get ready to take it to a new level!
We are committed to producing leaders that will impact this generation and the generations to come. We pursue excellence in all endeavors. Jacksonville Masters Commission is the perfect environment to seek God and discover His plan and purpose for your life! You could be the next world-changer? So, what are you waiting for?
