::    T U E S D A Y ,     J A N U A R Y     1 1 t h    ::

We have started the New Year off running. We just came back from working with the Peninsula-Delaware United Methodist Conference in Ocean City, MD. All of the first year students went down at the beginning of the week and helped build a huge “Western Town” on the stage. We were blessed by the staff to have the opportunity to perform a Stomp routine on the main stage, in front of over 4,200 students. We also offered two seminars for the students to attend. One was entitled “Superheroes of Faith” where we take a look at clips from popular super hero movies and apply them to our lives. The second was called “Missions Minded” where we talked about living out missions in our daily lives. Security was also a big part of our weekend. These kinds of weekends are exhausting, but they push us all to rely on God, and His strength like we never have.

We have other ministry opportunities coming up, which include more Conferences and church rallies. We are looking forward to these to see how God moves in and through us.

--Carolyn Van Ess--
First Year Student

::    T U E S D A Y ,     N O V E M B E R     3 0 t h    ::

Our students have just arrived back from Thanksgiving Break, and we are back to traveling again. It was great to be able to spend time with our families and have some down time. However we are preparing to leave tomorrow to help with an Explicit Truth Assemblies tour. Explicit Truth Assemblies is a program that goes into public schools and shares positive choices to students that will influence their lives. After we get back from that we have the opportunity to join the Potomac Assemblies of God, for their 7 Project program. We have a new video that gives a glimpse of what life is like in Ground Zero Masters Commission. Check it out below:


To see more of our videos, check out our YouTube page!

--Carolyn Van Ess--
First Year Student

::    W E D N E S D A Y,     N O V E M B E R     1 0 t h    ::

Wow! This past weekend our team was in three places at once. We had three of our students promoting for us in Michigan. While at the convention, they were able to talk to over 300 students and Youth Pastor’s at our table. Along with helping with the convention itself, they also helped with an afterhours Laser Tag game. We also had a team in New Jersey for the New Jersey district’s Youth Convention. It was a blessing to work with Pastor Fabian for the first time. We saw God move mightily among the students. Our last location for the weekend was only a half an hour away at Ogletown Baptist Church in Newark, DE. We helped with a Youth Evangelism Conference called Uncharted. The staff of the conference included one of our alumni Peter Odulana. This was the first time that they had this event. On Saturday afternoon, some of us joined youth groups and went out into the local community and we handed out smoke detectors, for those who didn’t have them, and batteries, for those that did have them. It was an awesome experience to see the students reaching out to their community and sharing the love of God even through something as small as a battery. We have been so busy with traveling these past couple of weeks, and we are not slowing down any time soon. Although we are traveling Up until the day before Thanksgiving break, it is amazing to see the favor that God has blessed our team with.

--Carolyn Van Ess--
First Year Student

::    T U E S D A Y,     O C T O B E R     2 6 t h    ::

We have just come back from an incredible weekend helping out with the Potomac District PKMK (pastor’s kids and missionary kids) retreat. It was an awesome weekend where we got to hang out with a ton of kids and tell them about how great it is to draw near to God. We also hung out with the kids at Hershey Park on Saturday. Overall, it was an awesome weekend. Tonight we have the opportunity to do a chapel for students and parents at Delaware County Christian School. And tomorrow morning there is a group heading out to Illinois where we have the great privilege to help out with the Illinois youth convention. We are excited to see and be a part of what God has planned.

--Samantha Eklund--
1st Year Student

::    F R I D A Y,     O C T O B E R     1 5 t h    ::

We are so excited for this weekend! We will be partnering with the youth ministries that we are involved in for Project R.A.K.E., our free home repair ministry. During R.A.K.E., adults and students from our youth ministries, United and Ground Zero Union, go out into our local community and work on houses for elderly and low income families in our community. Project Rake is also a chance for the teenage students, as well as everyone who is involved to go out and share the love of God in a real and tangible way, and to also make a difference with their neighbors locally. We can’t wait to see what God does and how he is going to use us! Click here for more information on Project: R.A.K.E.

--Carolyn Van Ess--
1st Year Student

::    T U E S D A Y,     S E P T E M B E R     1 4 t h    ::

First Years are here! Yesterday was orientation, followed by our Corem Deo (Face of God) service in the evening. We had an incredible worship time with Compelled, followed by a message from Pastor Mike out of Hebrews chapter 12. He spoke about focusing on Jesus this year, and how in doing so things will be hard, but we will not lose heart if we focus on Jesus. And how if we remain focused on Jesus, and persevere through the hard times, there will come a harvest of righteousness and peace. After the message, we had an anointing service to symbolize the presence of God in our lives, giving us the strength to do what He's called us to. We then closed the night with more time in worship. The presence of God was so evident last night, and we are eagerly awaiting what He has prepared for us this year!

--Nic Knapp--
Support Staff

::    F R I D A Y,     S E P T E M B E R     1 0 t h    ::

What an incredible few weeks. In the last couple of weeks, second and third year students have returned, we did a youth rally, we were able to partner with Kevin Dawson and the 7 Project and help them with a school assembly, and we have been preparing for first year students to move in. First year student move in tomorrow, and the 2010-2011 Masters Commission year will officially begin. We have an incredible group of students this year. We are unified, connected as a body, and ready to see God move in powerful ways. We are declaring freedom and victory this year; freedom from our past, freedom from anything that would hold us back from God, victory over the struggles in our lives. Not because of anything we are or anything we can do, but all because of who God is and what He can do. Every year of Masters brings its own set of challenges and difficulties, and this year will be no exception, but there is a mutual agreement among the team that this year God is going to do greater things than He has ever done before, greater things than we could even imagine. We are confident in what God is going to do in us and through us this year, and we are excited for all that is to come. Please pray that we as a family would have an ever increasing longing for God that would go far beyond these nine months of Masters Commission, and continue throughout our lives into eternity. Keep checking back here for updates. We will be moving the website to the 2010-2011 year shortly and will have our tour schedule, updates, photos and more available here.

--Nic Knapp--
Support Staff

::    W E D N E S D A Y,     A U G U S T     1 1 t h    ::

Good spiritual teaching is an extremely important key to spiritual growth. Recognizing that, we have incorporated times of spiritual teaching in addition to the teaching that occurs during our academic time. Twice every week, during our worship and devotion time, a student will share about what God is doing in their life. Students are scheduled on a rotating basis throughout the year. We have found that often times God works in all of us on the team in similar ways at the same time. We have also found that articulating what God is doing, or hearing someone else articulate it, often solidifies what God is doing. While hearing from one’s peer is valuable, it is also important to learn from the spiritual leaders in your life. Therefore, we also have specific times called chapel, once to twice a month, where a Masters Commission staff member will deliver a message or teaching to the students. While there is nearly constant interaction between the staff and students, and there is teaching and learning happening all the time, we have found that God uses these chapel times to move powerfully in students’ lives. If you are interested in growing closer to God through direct discipleship and mentoring, Apply Online for Masters Commission.

--Nic Knapp--
Intern

::    W E D N E S D A Y,     A U G U S T     4 t h    ::

Each week at Masters Commission we come together, guys with guys and girls with girls for core group. During this time, we typically share about things God is doing in our lives, things we struggle with, and anything else that may be going on in our lives. Very often this a bonding time that brings the team together, but its primary focus is discipleship. Core group is key element of Masters Commission, the effects of which reach far into other areas of the program. The Bible talks about the importance of accountability, fellowship, bearing one another’s burdens and about how we sharpen one another “as iron sharpens iron.” Core group is a place for all of these things to take place. A place where there is no condemnation, but rather a group of brothers or sisters who are dedicated to seeing you grow closer to God. A place where you will be not only challenged and pushed, but also encouraged and empowered. I have both seen in others and directly experienced myself the power that comes from being open with a group of fellow Christians. To experience this kind of discipleship, Fill Out An Online Application.

--Nic Knapp--
Intern

::    W E D N E S D A Y,     J U L Y     2 8 t h    ::

One of several things that cause Masters Commission to stand out from a traditional Bible College is our emphasis on discipleship. Our goal is not simply to see students receive a degree, but rather to see them pursue Christ. With an extensive staff that is dedicated to helping you grow deeper in your relationship to God and an environment where students encourage one another, you will be given every opportunity to grow in your relationship with God. In addition to an environment that facilitates spiritual growth, there are several specific things that we do as a part of our discipleship. Once a week we get together, guys with guys and girls with girls for “core group.” Core group provides a group of brothers or sisters that support one another, hold one another accountable, and help each other through what God is doing in their lives. Twice a week, during our worship and devotion time, students will a share a devotion, typically concerning what God is doing in their life. Also, once to twice a month we will have a chapel, where one of the staff members will give a message to the students. Through my time as a student, I came to realize the importance of being connected to a fellowship of believers and I saw how influential these times were in my spiritual growth. If you are interested in studying in an environment that encourages your spiritual growth, Apply for Masters Commission.

--Nic Knapp--
Intern

::    W E D N E S D A Y,     J U L Y     2 1 s t    ::

The second part of our academics comes through our partnership with Chesapeake Bible College and Seminary. We are distance learning center of Chesapeake, which enables our first year students to receive a Certificate of Christian Ministry, second years an Associate’s degree, and third years graduate with a Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry after three years. All of courses are Bible based studies. Many of our classes are based right out of scripture (Old and New Testament survey, Ephesians, Acts, Galatians, Timothy, Joshua, and more), while others are topical (leadership, cults and world religions, evangelism, history of denominations, and more). One unique benefits of our academics is that they are focused in such a way as to not only increase your knowledge of the scripture, but to help you apply it to your life and grow closer to God in the process.

--Nic Knapp--
Intern

::    W E D N E S D A Y,     J U L Y     1 4 t h    ::

Each week, students memorize several verses of scripture. They are then tested on those verses in addition to a couple of verses from the previous week. The Bible talks about hiding God’s word in our hearts and the power of the word of God. As a graduate of Masters Commission, I can attest to the incredible benefits of memorizing scripture. In addition each week first year students will analyze and right a paper on a chapter of the Bible while second year students will do the same with a character of the Bible. In addition to the obvious benefits of spending time in God’s word, this also helps students learn how to study scripture, how to use cross references and commentaries, and how to apply scripture to their lives. If you are looking for a college experience that will cause you to delve deeply in the Word of God, fill out our Online Application.

--Nic Knapp--
Intern

::    W E D N E S D A Y,     J U L Y     7 t h    ::

One of the key parts of Masters Commission is the study of God’s Word. The academic portion of Masters Commission has proven to be incredibly influential in the spiritual growth of our students. Because of this, we have developed our academics to provide students with a meaningful and life changing education. Our academics consist of two main portions: scripture memory and analysis and our college courses through Chesapeake Bible College and Seminary. The next few updates will talk in more detail about our academics. If you are interested in earning college credits and learning through practical, hands-on ministry training, Apply for Masters Commission.

--Nic Knapp--
Intern

::    W E D N E S D A Y,     J U N E     3 0 t h    ::

The International Missions Institute is aimed towards those who feel called to international missions. Our goal is to give them a foundation of experience that will prepare them to pursue their calling. They will have the opportunity to travel to several countries and work with a wide range of ministries of the mission field. They will experience working with small and large mission teams, as well as working more individually with people of other cultures and will gain a wide variety of mission experiences.

Additionally, we wanted to send third year International Missions Students on an extended mission trip, so that they could experience what it is like to be a missionary on a more long-term basis. This past February God opened the door for us to pursue that dream when we sent our third year missions student Teddy Tompkins to spend a month in Nairobi, Kenya! He served under the care and leadership of Bishop Nick Sikobe of New Hope Church, working at a local orphanage, teaching on youth ministry, preaching at different churches, and sharing the gospel with the Kenyan people. Each year, third year Missions Institute students will spend at least one month in a foreign country, working with a missionary or local pastor who can help them develop the skills needed for serving on the mission field. So that when they graduate, they will not only have a firm Biblical foundation, but also hands on training and experience.

--Nic Knapp--
Intern

::    F R I D A Y,     J U N E     2 5 t h    ::

Our Children’s Ministry Institute focuses on providing our students with hands-on experience that will equip them to pursue their calling to children’s ministry. A student in the Children’s Ministry Institute will be immersed in all the different aspects of successful children’s ministry: developing children’s services, planning lessons, incorporating curriculum, and teaching children of all ages. They will be equipped with administrative skills such as data basing and working with volunteers.

Our Children’ Ministry Institute students are given responsibility in planning, organizing, and running Kid Zone, the children’s ministry at our home church. They will work directly with our children’s ministry director, who will coach and equip them to do children’s ministry.

--Nic Knapp--
Intern

::    W E D N E S D A Y,     J U N E     1 6 t h    ::

As a way to better focus on the individual needs of our students and equip them for what God has called them to, we are currently offering ministry institutes so that our students can focus on learning the ministry that God has called them to. We currently offer youth ministry, children’s ministry, international missions, and general studies. Students in the Youth Ministry Institute will be equipped to fulfill their call to minister to youth. They will learn skills necessary for running a thriving youth ministry, including organizing special events, running weekly youth services, as well as working with volunteers and preparing and preaching sermons. Additionally, they will learn how to effectively administrate a youth ministry and how to build authentic relationships with students.

Our youth ministry students are actively involved in running at least one youth ministry. They have the opportunity to speak at different youth groups, seminars, retreats, and conventions. They plan and run events for two of our youth ministries. Each student in the Youth Ministry Institute will develop and deliver at least one youth sermon during the course of their year. And by the time they graduate their third year, they will not only have a firm Biblical foundation, but also practical, hands-on training for running a youth ministry.

--Nic Knapp--
Intern

::    W E D N E S D A Y,     J U N E     9 t h    ::

In addition to providing a discipleship focused environment where our students can grow, one of our main focuses is preparing our students for the future God has called them to. In accomplishing this, we have developed ministry institutes for second and third year students. We currently offer four ministry institutes: Youth Ministry, Children’s Ministry, International Missions, and General Studies. These institutes have been developed to provide practical training so that students will be able to apply what they are learning through their academics. Youth Ministry students will learn things like how to prepare a youth service and work with volunteers. Children’s Ministry students will gain valuable experience with integrating curriculum, teaching children, and more. Mission students will experience on the field training, learning how to adapt and minister to other cultures, how to make arrangements for overseas travel, and countless other tools. General studies students will be equipped with experience in areas like administration and data basing that will be an asset to them wherever God calls them. Apply for Masters Commission and experience the difference that personal discipleship and hands-on training can have in your life. Keep checking back for more information on the ministry institutes; the next few updates will highlight each of the ministry institutes in more detail.

--Nic Knapp--
Intern

::    W E D N E S D A Y,     J U N E     2 n d    ::

Summer is here and all of our students are off doing different things. Some of them return home, some of them stay in the area and work, and several are staying for the summer and interning with our youth ministries, United and Ground Zero. We wanted to give you a look into Masters Commission, so over the summer we will be posting on this page about different aspects of masters and how you as a student would be involved in them. Things like academics, discipleship, touring and dramas, our ministry practicums (youth ministry, children’s ministry, web design, graphic design, creative arts, administration, etc), the hands on ministry and so much more. For more info about Masters now, check out our About and Student Life pages, and feel free to Contact Us. If you are interested in Masters Commission, you can Apply Online. We are currently accepting applications for the 2010/2011 year.

--Nic Knapp--
Intern