What is the Christian Leadership School?
The Christian Leadership School (CLS) is a structured program of Christian education established by the Sunday School Publishing Board (SSPB) of the National Baptist Convention USA., Inc (NBCUSA). The program is administered by the Department of Christian Education Accreditation and Credentials (DCEAC). The purpose of the CLS Program is to provide a structured, accredited program to develop disciples, train leaders, and edify the local church. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
The Certified Christian Educators Program (CCE), [formerly known as Certificate of Progress Program or COPP], was organized at the Sunday School Publishing Board of the National Baptist Convention USA., Inc (NBCUSA) in October 1937. It was designed to produce qualified church leaders.
Mission:
Objectives:
- Equip believers with a strong biblical foundation.
- Develop Christ-centered leaders for church and community.
- Provide practical training for effective ministry and service.
- Inspire a lifelong commitment to advancing God’s Kingdom.
LEADERSHIP
Pastor
Pastor Stanley R. James is the Senior Pastor of True Vine Baptist Church in Brandon, Ms. He has been in ministry for 28 years, serving as Senior Pastor for 24 years.
He is the former executive director of the Congress of Christian Education for the Grenada Baptist District Association. Additionally, he is a certified instructor of the National Baptist, USA, Inc. He is the founder of the 501c3 non-profit, Vine Place Community Outreach.
Pastor James has a Bachelor’s degree in biblical studies from Andersonville Theological Seminary. He is currently enrolled in the Master’s Theology Program.
He is married to Cynthia Hubbard James (32 years). He is the author of four nationally published books:
- My 2 Eyes
- A Bull in My Backyard
- Building Core Confidence
- Today’s Encouraging Word Devotional
Dean
Dr. Janice Durr is a member of True Vine Baptist Church in Brandon, MS. under the leadership of Pastor Stanley R. James. She serves as the Christian Education Director, a Sunday School teacher, and Pastoral Care Coordinator.
Janice studied at Apex School of Theology and Central Christian University a.k.a. Northeastern Regional Bible College. She received an Associate Degree in Human Resources Management at Wake Technical and Community College in May of 2014. She received her Master of Theology in June 2018 from New Life Fellowship, Inc. School of Ministry in Columbia, Ms. She received a Doctor of Ministry in 2020.
She is a certified instructor and dean with the Sunday School Publishing Board and the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.
Janice is married to Eisenhower Durr and they reside in Brandon, MS.
Janice has a zeal for the word of God. One scripture that is dearest to her is Psalms 27:13: “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.”
Courses
#1079 Survey of John (COPP Phase 3)
Focus on the fourth gospel and its uniqueness. Identify the specific features that characterize John’s gospel and distinguish it from the Synoptic Gospels, with emphasis on John’s writings and the ministry of Jesus Christ.
Textbook: Barclay, William. The Gospel of John. ISBN: 978-0664224899
#5012 Becoming an Effective Deacon
Assist the deacon in becoming aware of his biblical base. Ideas are given that will enable them to more effectively perform their duties and work harmoniously with the pastor and other church leaders.
Textbook: McMickle, Marvin. Deacon in Today’s Black Church. 978-081701640
Naylor, Robert E. The Baptist Deacon (1998). ISBN: 978-0805419863
Chappell, Paul. The Ministry of a Baptist Deacon. (2010) ISBN: 978-1598941142
#6021 Spiritual Formation (COPP Phase 1)
Enable people to mature in their Christian walks. Focus on a creative and dynamic approach to nurturing people from children to mature adults—to become better disciples of Jesus Christ. Deliberate on what it means to be Christians.
Textbook: Wilhoit, James C. Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered. ISBN: 978-0801027765
#8066 Christianity and Contemporary Issues (COPP Phase 4)
Challenge the students to identify and confront contemporary issues. Look at issues that affect the church, home, and community. Think through practical solutions and approaches to immediate and emerging social and ecclesiological concerns.
Textbook: McNeal, Reggie. The Present Future: Six Tough Questions for the Church. ISBN: 978-0470453155SSPB
#9008 Public Speaking (Required)
Identify the process and principles for writing speeches and delivering them in public. Relay basic verbal and nonverbal communications skills that will enable the students to effectively communicate with audiences of all sizes.
Instructors
Derek D. Carter, Sr.
Derek D. Carter, Sr. is the Pastor of Champion Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Edwards, MS. He is pursuing a Master of Science in Divinity from Liberty University, where he receives rigorous theological training in expository preaching, crisis ministry, chaplain ethics, and pastoral counseling. His teaching ministry empowers others to understand and apply biblical principles in their daily lives, cultivating maturity and steadfast faith.
He is married to Elizabeth Carter and they reside in Brandon, Ms.
Dr. Janice Durr
Dr. Janice Durr is a member of True Vine Baptist Church in Brandon, MS. She serves as the Christian Education Director, a Sunday School teacher, and Pastoral Care Coordinator.
Janice studied at Apex School of Theology and Central Christian University a.k.a. Northeastern Regional Bible College. She received an Associate Degree in Human Resources Management at Wake Technical and Community College in May of 2014. She received her Master of Theology in June 2018 from New Life Fellowship, Inc. School of Ministry in Columbia, Ms. She received a Doctor of Ministry in 2020.
She is a certified instructor and dean with the Sunday School Publishing Board and the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.
Janice is married to Eisenhower Durr and they reside in Brandon, MS.
Stanley R. James
Stanley R. James is the Senior Pastor of True Vine Baptist Church in Brandon, MS. He has been in ministry for 28 years, serving as Senior Pastor for 24 years.
He is the former executive director of the Congress of Christian Education for the Grenada Baptist District Association. Additionally, he is a certified instructor of the National Baptist, USA, Inc. He is the founder of the 501c3 non-profit, Vine Place Community Outreach.
Pastor James has a Bachelor’s degree in biblical studies from Andersonville Theological Seminary. He is currently enrolled in the Master’s Theology Program.
He is married to Cynthia Hubbard James (32 years). He is the author of four nationally published books: My 2 Eyes, A Bull in My Backyard, Building Core Confidence, Today’s Encouraging Word Devotional.
Lewis Rainey
Lewis Rainey is a Deacon at True Vine Baptist Church Brandon, MS. Other roles and responsibilities: Facilitates Noonday Bible Study, Sunday school teacher, as well as the Director of Vine Place Community Outreach Food Pantry meeting the food insecurity needs of over 2,000 individuals monthly. He received the completion diploma from the Certified Christian Educators Program and is a certified instructor with the Sunday School Publishing Board. Rainey is a husband (Geraldine), Dad to 3 daughters Jacqueline (Ron) Harvey, Brenda and Linda (twins), Grandfather to 3 grandchildren, Madison, Matthew, and Mikell Harvey. Rainey is a retired autoworker of 50+ years.
Kevin Thomas
Kevin Thomas serves as Pastor at Good Hope Baptist Church in Florence, Mississippi. He holds a Master of Divinity from Moody Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a Doctor of
Ministry at Jakes Divinity School, where his research centers on enhancing theological education for African American pastors in Central Mississippi. Kevin resides in Richland, Mississippi with his wife, Trayce, and their adult children, Miles and Madilyn. He remains dedicated to fostering and equipping the next generation of faith leaders.