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Kingdom Building Tribe
Roles and Descriptions

“Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.”  Proverbs 23:12


“We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.”  Colossians 1:28

Food Court

The Kingdom Building Tribe is responsible for providing growth opportunities through educational leadership, guidance, and instruction.  The Tribe’s purpose is to encourage and supervise mental and moral growth by offering the opportunity to participate in programs that use Scriptural truth and foundation to:

  • Communicate knowledge or skill.

  • Provide instruction.

  • Give insight by example and experience.

  • Provide material resources.

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The Kingdom Building Tribe strives to provide for the individual who is just stopping in to visit Dr. Luke’s Resource Library, or is participating in classes and programs, to see that they are always given the opportunity to acquire knowledge, understanding, and mastery of materials through study, experience, and memorization.  But the Tribe must go beyond this because not only is it committed to teaching with a new kind of dynamics and an enthusiasm for the facts, not as the world teaches, but as Scripture teaches.  The Tribe is dedicated to the principles of highest learning and Biblical truth.  The Tribe strives to destroy the old myths and concepts about who can and cannot learn – cast off the notion that the Bible and the textbook are not compatible, and work with everyone to achieve the highest potential for success and growth!


This is accomplished at five different levels:   


1.  Basic Skills Education
Instruction in the basic academic skills of reading, writing, math, literature and arts, social studies from a historical perspective, civics, science, health, Christian basics, foreign language, and career choices up to and including High School equivalency.  In addition to being able to complete the requirements for a secondary education diploma, course work will provide the opportunity to learn or refresh the student’s skills before they enter, or re-enter further educational institutions, job training, or job advancement opportunities.  This is accomplished through classroom instruction, supplemental instruction in problem areas, such as instruction in Phonics for those who are struggling with reading, and one on one instruction through on-site Literacy Volunteers of America certified tutors.


2.  Fundamental Life Skills Training
Deals with the subject by providing participants with instruction in the skills necessary to succeed in the world today.  Hands-on training opportunities are provided in typing, computer skills, and through unique programs designed to give the individual both training and hands-on experience in a variety of situations a person must cope with to survive day-to-day living.  
 

3.  Career Path Exploration
Information and assistance seeking career possibilities and opportunities is made available to individuals who are just starting to think about a career, the unemployed, underemployed, those who are laid-off, those thinking of reentering the work force, or those just thinking about switching careers.  Helping those who have little or no training or work experience, lack advanced education, who feel they have physical restrictions, or age barriers, are all shown that there are many career choices and alternatives for them. The goal is to help each person discover a career that will lead to both economic independence and a productive and fulfilling career.  
 

4.  Christian Principles
Instruction and study in the life-application of Christian fundamentals.  Providing on-going opportunities to participate in programs, classes, seminars, and workshops all geared to expanding the participants knowledge about what God’s Word must teach us and how we can apply that instruction in our daily lives.  Classes and Bible studies are provided for everyone from the very beginner to the advanced scholar.  The classes teach Bible only and are not expositions of what others may think.  Using Christian principles involves reminding ourselves of what Jesus did, asking ourselves what Jesus would have us do, and then doing what He tells us to do.  
 

5. Lifelong Choices    
Once a person has learned what the basic Christian Principles are, they then have a choice - to follow Christ, or to reject Him and His teaching. Lifelong choices are about supporting those who have chosen Jesus.  For many it is not an easy decision, and while God promises us a rose garden, we must remember that rose gardens are filled with thorns.  Understanding that everyone is unique, and that God has gifts and plans for them is key to then working through the lifelong sanctification process of growth, healing, backsliding, and more growth.  The work has only begun with the acceptance of Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior.  To help those who are in that sanctification process, the Kingdom Building Tribe offers several incredibly unique programs that show participants just what God says about issues and circumstances in their lives, and then has them ask the lifelong question we all desire “What would Jesus want me to do?”
 

Therefore, the Kingdom Building Tribe is structured as follows:

Simeon Center (sim-ee-un) was a righteous and devout man to whom the Holy Spirit revealed that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah.  When the infant Jesus was brought into the temple, Simeon took him into his arms and praised God (Lk 2:25-34 NLT) “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised.  I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people.  He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” In honor of Simeon’s righteous devotion, the headquarters of the Kingdom Building Tribe is named after him.  May all who come here learn from Simeon’s example.  The Kingdom Building Minister/Headmaster, Scribe, Templekeeper, and Clerks work from here to coordinate and manage the Tribe.    
 

Emmaus Brazier ("warm spring”) Luke 24: 13-35 tells us that Jesus appeared before two of his disciples who were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus after his resurrection. A brazier is a hanging metal bowl or box for fire, used for burning solid fuel that may also be used for cooking. The Emmaus Brazier is a warm inviting place where those who are participating in the large number of opportunities the Tribe offers can gather to meet, eat, and fellowship.
 

Apollos Academy (ay pahl' lahs) an Alexandrian Jew who came to Ephesus following Paul’s first visit and was taught Christian doctrine by Priscilla and Aquila. An educated man, Apollos handled the OT Scriptures with forcefulness. (Acts 18:24-26). He greatly strengthened the believers by using the Scriptures to demonstrate that Jesus was the Christ (Acts 18:28).  Because of Apollos’ knowledge of the Old Testament, Luther suggested that Apollos might well be the writer of the Book of Hebrews.   The word academy comes from the name of an olive grove outside ancient Athens, the site of Plato’s famous school of philosophy in the 4th century BC.  Academies appeared in Italy in the 15th century and reached their greatest influence in the 17th and 18th centuries.  Academies were organized to advance some cultural or intellectual area of endeavor.  It is fitting that the forceful teacher, whose name is synonymous with destroyer, and was known as an encourager is the one who our educational academy is named after. The Apollos Academy provides fundamental educational guidance, conducts all necessary pre- and post-testing, assists Teachers and Instructors with Teaching Assistants, and trains all Tutors, while supervising and maintaining all the classrooms and labs.
 

The first level of education operates from here with the Apollos Principal heading up the primary and secondary educational programs.  The Apollos Counselors evaluate all students using the Testing Room, and work with students to determine what course work is necessary to achieve a high school diploma.  The Counselor also tests and determines what refresher courses those who already have their diplomas may need to do well in a career. The Academy’s priority is to the Sojourner residents – giving them the opportunity to complete their high school education or to repeat in subjects that continue to be a struggle.  The Academy also gives opportunity to others from within the community who desire to have a high school education, or who wish to refresh or improve what they have already learned.    
 

All classes are taught by certified Teachers and Instructors, assisted by Teaching Assistants and Tutors.  The tutoring program is second to none, with all Tutors certified through the Literacy Volunteers of America Program.  That program is handled by the LVA Coordinator.  Each of the classrooms at the Academy is dedicated to a particular subject and is equipped with teaching materials and instructional aids related to that subject.  Statewide requirements necessary to earn a High School Diploma are the starting point for the Academies standards for graduating.  Classrooms include Bible Studies, Primary Math, Advanced Math, Civics and Current Affairs, World Languages, Literature and Arts, Science and Health, and Social Studies and History.
 

The Academy is also enormously proud to have Learning Labs, specially equipped to provide the absolute best education in the absolute best environment for learning in its particular subject area.  Labs include World Languages, Reading and Phonics, Science, Computer and Typing Skills, and Writing.
 

James tells us that faith without action is dead.  If the Apollos Academy provides nothing more than a dull setting, with boring lectures, followed by testing, then we are putting the burden of learning onto the students, and we are not following the example of Christ Himself.  The Academy hires only Teachers and Instructors who want to put all their own education and teaching skills to work.  The Academy strives to not only encourage, but to insist that the entire staff passes on an excitement for, and the ability to see every day uses for the subjects they are teaching.  Never, in any of the subjects, is a deaf ear given to what Scripture teaches.  Instead, it is incorporated into each Classroom and Lab, each subject, and through the examples set by the Teachers, Instructors, and entire staff.
 

The second level of the educational opportunities offered through the Kingdom Building Tribe is Fundamental Life Skills.  Operated separately from the Academy, the Lydia of Thyatira Foundation (Lydia of Thyatira was the first converted believer after the resurrection, and the first to introduce it into her household. She was a successful businesswoman, and she was pivotal to the spread of the name of Jesus), offers unique programs, managed by a Schoolmaster who is assisted by Clerks seeing to the daily operation of these programs.  Teachers and Instructors aided by Teaching Assistants and Tutors are in place just as at Apollos Academy.
 

Gracious Driver Instruction   All anyone must do is drive the city streets to realize how very necessary this program is.  Not just for those getting ready to start driving for the first time, but a program where judges can refer habitually bad drivers for re-training.  
 

Stephanus Household Stephanus and his household are mentioned in two passages in Paul’s epistle to the church at Corinth (1 Cor 1:16; 16:15-18; and in Rom 16:5b), yet these passages tell us quite a bit about this active family in the city of Corinth. Probably no family in the early church did more for the Apostle Paul and their local church than this family.  House and household are practically synonymous in Scripture. God had called Abraham “that he might command his children and household after him” (Gen 18:18). The Passover-lamb was to be eaten by the “household” (Ex 12:3). The “households” of the rebels in the camp of Israel shared their doom (Nu 16:31-33; Dt 11:6). David’s household shares his humiliation (2 San 15:16) Nor is it different in the NT. The curse and the blessing of the apostles are to abide on a house, according to its attitude (Mt 10:13). A divided house falls (MK 3:25). The household believes with the head thereof (Jn 4:53; Acts 16:15, 34). Thus, the households became the nuclei for the early life of the church. Amid all our modern, rampant individualism, the family is still the throbbing heart of the church as well as of the nation. Stephanus Household offers training and hands-on experience in everyday basic needs for living centered around the house.  Sewing, cleaning the house basics, doing the laundry, meal planning and preparation, shopping the bargains, and babysitting are all taught to the students using a variety of Classrooms and Labs with actual equipment and products for the students to work with and experience.  This program is not intended to create seamstresses, great chefs, or daycare managers.  What it does is give its students the skills and confidence needed to be able to handle living alone, or as a family, in an apartment or home.  This program is headed by an Instructor with Teaching Assistants.
 

Palace Essentials Palaces and castles were part of every city and were more elaborate in plan, raised in all probability to some considerable height. The Canaanite castle shows a building of enormously thick walls and small rooms. Ahab’s palace at Samaria, reveals a plan of considerable area. Solomon’s palace is detailed in 1 Kings 7.  Palace Essentials offers training and hands-on experience in home maintenance and repair, instruction in carpentry, electrical, and plumbing basics, and automotive upkeep.  Students will come away from this program with the skills and confidence necessary to handle everyday repairs and maintenance wherever they may live.  The program is headed by an Instructor with Teaching Assistants.
 

Additionally, the Lydia of Thyatira Foundation offers a selection of courses, and seminars on an on-going basis with the goal of developing personal and family life management, covering subjects such as building relationships, maintaining healthy relationships, being single and happy, dating dos and don’ts, marriage enrichment, divorce recovery, and other life experience decision-making situations.  It is not just about offering classes and programs, however.  The primary focus of anything offered by the Lydia of Thyatira Foundation (like everything else at our facilities) points participants to using the Christian principles taught in the Bible.

The third level is handled by Ezra’s Career Path Exploration and Restoration Center (C-PERC for short) Regular teaching was carried on during the days of Ezra and Nehemiah, the Levites being the teachers of the people (Ezra 7:10; Neh 8:7-9).  Ezra the priest, described as “a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses: (Ezra 7:6), made the study of the law become a matter of chief concern.  C-PERC is simply a much easier way of saying “career path exploration and restoration center.” Ezra’s Headteacher (a head teacher or school principal also known as headteacher is the most senior teacher, leader and manager of a school), Clerks, and Career Counselors work together to meet the established criteria for this educational level.  This is the place to find and pursue career dreams --what you want to do for the next season of your life, maybe even the rest of your life.  Just like Ezra had a positive influence in the lives of the Jewish people, so too, will the place named for him influence and change the career paths of those who use the center by providing:

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  • Assessment:  Counselors work with each person so that they can gain significant career choice information about themselves by identifying their aptitudes, abilities, interests, Spiritual Gift(s), and using their prior experience.  All of this helps in the selection of career choices as well as the appropriate educational route to follow.  Management of needs will be discussed with everyone.

  • Critical Life Skills:  career exploration through links on the computers help participants to seek information and critically evaluate their career choices.  Job Fairs are held to provide the opportunity to meet with and discuss career opportunities with prospective employers as well as representatives from continuing educational facilities.

  • Resume Development:  specific, individual help in preparing a resume and cover letter, letters of introduction, and thank-you letters.

  • Interviewing Skills:  Tips for and help to put the best foot forward during the critical interview.  Assistance in overcoming tough questions and turning negatives into positives.  When individuals are ready, Ezra’s will provide practice sessions as well as actual on-site interviewing opportunities.

  • Job Listings Bank:  Listings from employers in an easy-to-use computerized system that helps individuals match their skills with actual opportunities. Phones, fax, and E-mail stand by ready to assist everyone.

  • Office of Creative Connections:  Gives people the opportunity to network job search ideas and experiences with other job seekers.  This Office takes it a bit further by linking participants with area leaders and Christian businesspeople to create a career-seeking think tank.

  • Work Transition Program:  Ezra’s partners with potential employers to help participants build the opportunity for meaningful and gainful employment vocations.  This is pre-training through hands-on experience.


The fourth and fifth levels are handled together by the Bethesda Cenacle (Buh thehs' duh) is the name of a pool in Jerusalem where Jesus healed a man who had been sick for thirty-eight years (John 5:2). The name, appropriately, means “house of grace.” The spring-fed pool at Jerusalem was surrounded by five porches.  The waters of the pool were popularly believed to possess curative powers. Traditional interpretation holds that the Descent of the Holy Spirit took place in the Upper Room, or “Cenacle” while celebrating the day of Pentecost. Headed by the Dean, (a dean is the person with significant authority over a specific academic unit) the Cenacle provides a variety of learning opportunities to the Sojourners, staff, and the public.  Each of these opportunities focuses on the fact that once a person has accepted Christ, the healing process in life is just beginning.  While always asking what Jesus would have us do, everything done at the Cenacle is meant to encourage those attending to go out and walk their talk, freely living to do what He tells us to do.  Several classroom/meeting spaces know as Portico’s (The KJV translates the word as porch in 1 Kings 6:3; 7:12, 19, 21). Symbolic of a person’s entrance into a new way of life the Porticos are used like classrooms, but far more comfortable.  One is shared by two courses, “Christian Basics,” and “Evangelism Explosion.” Both courses provide solid overviews and teaching of Christian principles and therefore are continuously offered by the Cenacle.  Their Instructors also share office space.  Additional Portico’s allow the Institute to offer a variety of courses and programs based on need and interest.  These include “About Prayer,” “Experiencing God,” “Missionaries to This Nation,” and “Turning Point” (using Max Lucado’s “When God Whispers Your Name”) as well as any others the Cenacle finds that meet its requirements.  Additionally, an on-going Bible Study is held at several different times and locations throughout each week to accommodate people’s schedules.  This Study is never-ending, and takes Scripture book by book, chapter by chapter, and verse by verse starting over whenever the entire Bible has been covered.    All courses and programs have Instructors and Teaching Assistants.

 

To facilitate and encourage the lifelong choice level, the Cenacle also offers an outstanding opportunity.  

 

Potter’s Workshop Pottery making is one of the oldest crafts of civilized man. The art of ceramics was invented at the close of the Late Stone Age in the Near East, perhaps as early as 5000 BC. Biblical references to this craft occur in Isaiah 45:9 and Jeremiah 18:3-6. At Jerusalem there was a royal establishment of potters (1 Chronicles 4:23) from whose employment, and from the fragments cast away in the process (Isaiah 30:14), the Potter’s Field perhaps received its name (Matthew 27:7, 10).                                           

Figurative. There are several allusions to both the potter and his products. The breaking of pottery is used, from its fragile nature, to illustrate the ease with which God punishes the wicked (Psalm 2:9; Isaiah 30:14; Jeremiah 19:11); from its cheapness, the depreciation of good men (Lamentations 4:2). The thorough acquaintance of the potter with both the clay and the vessel that he made from it is used to illustrate God’s knowledge of humanity. The power of the potter in molding the clay is used to illustrate the absolute power of God in molding the destinies of men (Romans 9:21). To place oneself as clay in the hands of God, as the potter, is a striking figure of complete trust and surrender (Isaiah 64:8). Potter’s Workshop offers the Christian solution to a variety of dependency and compulsive behaviors for the dependent and the parents, children, family and friends of the dependents.  Prescription drugs, alcohol, anger management, phone addiction, pornography, street drugs, sexual addictions, sexual issues, substance abuse, food disorders, gambling, smoking, video game addiction, and anti-social behavior are all dealt with through participation in discussions, and Scriptural insight that teaches that surrendering your will to God which allows not only for the forgiveness of sins but can lead to a choice to control and to be free from the negative effects of the dependencies and compulsive behaviors by oneself or another individual in a person’s life. Biblical principles are used to overcome the guilt, frustration, hopelessness, fear, and shame associated with life controlling problems by being reconciled to God, our Father, through His Son Jesus Christ, with the power and LOVE of the Holy Spirit found in 1 Corinthians 12:31 and 13:3-8.  It has been proven that through Potter’s Workshop, participants become healthy, joy-filled, and productive children of God with the support of others who understand what they have lived through, by applying Biblical principles to lives.  Jesus said: “The thief (the devil) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10. After-care and maintenance is an especially important part of this program and that is available through our facilities and churches in the community.  Potter’s Workshop is headed by a Regional Director who arranges for men and women to serve as Facilitators for groups at our facilities and at other locations throughout the community.


The Kingdom Building Tribe also operates the following:


Abraham’s Cultural Center (uhb ra haym) means, “father of a multitude.”  He is the first Hebrew patriarch, and is revered in Judaism, Christianity, and the Islam religions (1 Cor 3; Jer 4:3; Hos 10:12). He is known in each religion as the prime example of faith. He was the son of Terah, a descendant of Noah’s son, Shem (Gen 11:27). His childhood was spent in Ur at Chaldees, a prominent Sumerian city. At 75, he left Ur with his barren wife Sarai (later Sarah) and others to found a new nation in Canaan.  There God made a covenant with him promising that his descendants would inherit the land and become a great nation.  He was known in the beginning as Abram (“father is exalted”), but this was changed subsequently to Abraham (“father of a multitude”) in Genesis 17:5.  In Judaism he is a model of virtue, in Christianity he is the father of all believers, and in Islam he is an ancestor of Muhammad. It couldn’t be more fitting to have the Center where people can learn about their own particular religion as well as others named for this patriarch. Under the direction of a Governor, Templekeeper, and Library Techs, this Center provides documented insight into a variety of ethnic customs and religious traditions; where they originated from, what they symbolize, how they are practiced and how they relate or conflict with Biblical teaching.  The Center attempts to have every known religion at least cataloged here.  One of the primary focuses of the Center is to help visitors daring enough to explore, distinguish between expressing and recognizing rich, cultural heritage, tradition, and religiosity while maintaining a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  

 

Tribal Research is connected to Abraham’s Cultural Center and helps people research their genealogy as well as the significance of their names.  Family surnames and given first and other names are all included in the research.

Dr. Luke’s Resource Library Luke is the author of the Third Gospel and the Book of Acts in the NT, and a close friend and traveling companion of Paul. Paul identified Luke as a physician (Col 4:14) and distinguished Luke from those “of the circumcision” (Col 4:11). With all the educational learning opportunities we make available, it should almost go without saying that a library is certainly the most known and used of all resources in the world today.  The Kingdom Building Tribe, therefore, supervises and maintains this Library befitting such a learned researcher as Dr Luke. The Library serves as a source of assistance and support for those seeking to expand their knowledge.  It is filled with all kinds of resource materials to further educate and stimulate a Christian, whether they be new and seeking all that God’s Word offers, or an elder researching specific information. The Head Librarian is in charge and supervises a staff that includes Librarians, Library Techs, an ILL Tech, and Clerks.  Emphasis in the Library is on Christian based literary and artistic materials including the fiction and non-fiction materials.  The collection is an excellent source for books, tapes, CD’s, newspapers, magazines, microfilm, audio, and video materials as well as newsletters from ministries around the world creating a valuable resource for personal and group study and growth.  Each of our Tribes contributes to and uses Dr. Luke’s Resource Library.

 

In addition to a traditional reference area and computer cataloging, an easy-to-use computer system allows for easy referencing to databases that can be used for access to a multitude of resources for information, help and inspiration. An Inter-Library Loan program is active, and its use is encouraged.  Study areas and conference rooms are provided.  Dr. Luke’s Resource Library manages and maintains two other services:

 

Royal Archives The House of the Rolls is a place mentioned in Ezra 6:1 where records of the king’s decrees and actions were kept. The archives were sometimes kept in the royal treasury (Ezra 5:17) or perhaps in the Temple. Jeremiah’s scroll (Jer 36:20-26) and the scroll of the law (2 Kings 22:8-9) were probably kept in such an archive. The records pertaining to the reigns of the kings of Judah and Israel were probably also kept in archives of this kind. Genealogical records may have been stored in the archives (Ezra 4:15). Royal Archives at our facilities are small libraries located in the various Sojourner living areas.  These libraries are stocked with recreational reading materials, books, magazines, and daily newspapers.  A Templekeeper watches over the Archives for the Head Librarian and is assisted by several Clerks.  Books and older periodicals may be checked out, while current magazines and newspapers must be read in the Royal Archives area.

 

Zenas Legal Services (Zee' nuh) is the abbreviated form of the personal name Zenodoros meaning, “gift of Zeus.”  Zenas was a Christian lawyer whom Paul asked Titus to send, together with Apollos, on his way, lacking nothing (Titus 3:12-13). Zenas Legal Services provides an Attorney for legal counseling, a law library, with certified Paralegals to assist Sojourners and others in preparing and filing a variety of legal procedures such as wills, and powers of attorney, as well other legal actions.  The strictly enforced goal of Zenas is to straighten out messes, not create them.  Notary services are also available.  

 

Harvest Seminary For the Hebrew people, as for those in any agricultural field today, the harvest was a most important season (Gen 8:22; 45:6). Events were reckoned from harvests (Gen 30:14; Josh 3:15; Jdg 15:1; Ruth 1:22; 2:23; 1 Sam 6:13; 2 Sam 21:19; 23:13). The three principal feasts of the Jews corresponded to the three harvest seasons (Ex 23:16; 34:21, 22) The Feast of the Passover in April at the time of the barley harvest (compare Ruth 1:22). The Feast of Pentecost (7 weeks later) at the wheat harvest (Ex 34:22), and The Feast of Tabernacles at the end of the year (October) during the fruit harvest. The seasons have not changed since that time. In the Gospels, Jesus frequently refers to the harvest of souls, which is where we derive our usage of the word: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So, pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” (Mt 9:37, 38; 13:30, 39; Mk 4:29; Jn 4:35). Therefore, the Harvest Seminary is responsible for the educating, encouraging, and training up of those men and women who are called by God to be apostles, evangelists, pastors, prophets, and teachers.  Scripture tells us that Spiritual Gifts are to be used in the building up of the church.  Led by a Professor (a scholarly teacher; a highly accomplished and recognized academic) who has studied in the field and understands that training these people for such a task is both an honor and a God-given privilege. It is at the discretion of the Professor to determine if students will learn in a classroom setting, through individual teaching, in small groups, or all three.  The Professor also uses the Seminary students to assist in research and other tasks normally filled by the Teaching Assistants or Tutors.  The Seminary is NOT intended to be a deep theological or philosophical study of religious ideas, beliefs, or practices.  It is, instead, a comprehensive study of true Scriptural principles and instructions that will lead students to an understanding of the God of the Bible and our relationship with Him.  This is not theory; it is practicality put into action.  Students learn in three areas:

 

First, and foremost, is the teaching of sound doctrine, giving the student the skills necessary to:

  • Hold onto Scripture.

  • Teach Scripture.

  • Abide by Scripture.

  • Preach Scripture (which is vastly different from teaching).

Second is teaching the Scriptural principles and how to apply them throughout the body of Christ.

  • In the congregational life of the local church.

  • In the life of families and individuals who come to the church.

  • In the life of the secular and social worlds both inside and outside of the local church.

Third is the teaching of Scriptural instructions and how to apply them in the local church:

  • The functions of the church.

  • The selection of church leaders.

  • Public worship and what God desires from that worship.

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Levite Institute (Lee' vites) “lessons “were the lowest of the three orders in Israel’s priesthood. The Levites were consecrated to God and given by God as a gift to Israel in order that they might perform the duties at the tabernacle (Ex 29; Lev 8). The Levites assisted the priests in their responsibilities (Num 3:5-9; 16:9) by preparing grain offerings and the show bread, by purifying all the holy instruments used in the Temple, by singing praises to the Lord at the time of the morning and evening offerings, by assisting the priests with burnt offerings on Sabbaths and feast days, and by being in charge of the Temple precinct and the chambers of the priests (1 Chron 6:31-48; 23:1-13, 24-32; 25:1-6; 2 Chron 29:12-19). An institute is another word for educational institution. The Levite Institute is the education and training area for all those involved in the arts at our facilities. The Institute trains and handles instruction of individuals from within and outside of the facility who desire to learn more about singing, playing an instrument, dancing, acting, or serving as a participant in a worship service of any kind.  There is no more important purpose.  The opportunity for hands-on training and experience in each of the areas enables us to produce, prepare for, and provide sources for the enhancement of worship and praise services, as well as the other productions at the facility. All of this comes through the Levite Institute.  While many concerts and productions will be a source for generating income, more importantly, everything produced by the Levite Institute serves to reach out to others with the love of Christ.


Everything that goes on within the Levite Institute is coordinated by the Director who hires and supervises, assorted Leaders and Teachers/Instructors through whom the Institute can provide a wide variety of fine arts groups and offer lessons in a wide variety of areas.  Genres and types of music are not limited to hymnals and current praise and worship songs.  The Institute encourages and uses a wide variety of music with the purpose of giving glory to God and inspiring others.  Genres include, but are not limited to; big band, barbershop, baroque, bluegrass, blues, chamber music, country, ethnic and national, flamenco, folk music, jazz, opera, ragtime, rap/hip hop, reggae/ska, rock, and tango.  Numerous individual and group lesson rooms, and the large Gospel Hall Rehearsal Room are available specifically for the Institute and its students.  

 

The Levite Institutes staff includes:

  • Band Director and an Orchestra Conductor leading a variety of performing instrumental groups.

  • Teachers/Instructors providing instrumental lessons in:

    • Brass (French Horn, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba)

    • Keyboard (Harpsichord, Organ, Piano)

    • Percussion (Bass Drum, Castanets, Chimes, Cymbals, Glockenspiel, Guiro, Snare Drum, Tambourine, Timpani, Triangle, Snare Drum)

    • String (Cello, Double Bass, Viola, Violin)

    • Woodwind (Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Clarinet, Contra Bassoon, English Horn, Flute, Harp, Oboe, Piccolo, Saxophone)

    • The Institute stocks and maintains assorted instruments that are used in classes to lighten the burden of having to purchase the instruments by the students.

  • Maestro di Cappella is the person in charge of the orchestra

  • Choirmaster, the director of the facility choir and Choral Director (who works with sectionals) providing a variety of singing ensembles, accompanied and a cappella in SAB, SATB, SSAATTBB, SATBarB, and others.

  • Teachers/Instructors provide vocal Instruction for Soprano, Coloratura, Lyric Soprano, Spinto Soprano, Dramatic Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto or Contralto, Tenor, Countertenor, Heldentenor, Baritone, Bass Baritone, Bass, Basso Cantante, and Basso Profundo

  • Drama Coach to assist actors in dramatic presentations as well as providing lessons for those who are aspiring to be.  The Coach provides Speech Instruction and Drama Study classes (coordinated with Apollos Academy) and handles special Liturgy Instruction for those desiring to do readings in worship services.

  • Choreographer and Assistant Choreographer for musical productions, special presentations, performances, and instruction in dance.  All instruction is held in the Psalm 149:3 Dance Hall (Psalms 149:3 NRSV “Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre.”)

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All individual and group lessons and instruction are arranged and scheduled through the Lesson Coordinator.


The Levite Institute also has several other areas of responsibility.  It staffs and maintains the Music Library, where all printed music arrangements, scores, scripts, etc. are housed, as well as the Theatre Library holding all the scripts for everything from brief dramatic presentations to full-blown musicals.  These are maintained by a Librarian and Library Techs.

 

There is an incredibly special area within the Levite Institute – it is space set aside for those who have a talent for composing or arranging music to come and work, known as Asaph’s Room (aÌ„´saf ) is the name of three men in the OT, of whom one is the reputed author of Psalms 50 and 73 through 83. He was one of David’s three chief musicians, the other two being Heman, and Ethan or Jeduthun.  We first heard of Asaph when the ark was taken to Jerusalem.  He conducted with cymbals the music performed in the tent where the ark was housed.  He was appointed to conduct under him detachments of the great chorus, furnishing leaders, and took part at the dedication of the temple Asaph. Those who have special musical talent are encouraged to use the space and are encouraged and assisted by an ever-changing Maestro (one who is accomplished in a special field – master or teacher of an art), who willingly visit for varying of periods of time to share their talent and insight with those aspiring to accomplish the same.  While at Asaph’s Room, many of the Maestro's may perform in a concert, or at a number of worship services as well.

 

The Minstrels Ministry Minstrel is a KJV term for musician (Mt 9:23). Modern translations have flute players or musicians. Our strolling musicians can be found throughout our facilities (particularly at the Camels Caravan Marketplace).  The Minstrels are led by the Minstrels Director and are coordinated through the Institute.  In addition to singing and playing a variety of instruments, (some of them very unique instruments), the Minstrels Ministry includes jugglers, mimes, Organ grinder, Hurdy-Gurdy Players (played by turning a crank), pantomime, mimics, jesters, clowns, balloon artists, and assorted other performers.  While the Minstrels appearing throughout the facility are arguably talented, there is always room for those who desire to learn such things.  This is truly a wonderful opportunity to not just perform, but to witness.

 

Aaron’s Stop Third in line of descent from Levi, Aaron was the brother of Moses and his senior by three years, although he was younger than his sister Miriam. He was eloquent of speech and divinely appointed to be Moses’ mouthpiece. A “stop” is a place to pause, hesitate, and break one’s journey.  Aaron’s Stop provides an area within the Levite Institute to take a break and get some quick snacks and refreshments.  

 

Steward’s Flock “head” person, Greek, “manager,” “overseer.” The Bible tells us of Joseph’s steward (43:19; 44:1, 4) and of Herod’s steward (Luke 8:3; “manager,” NIV). Great confidence was reposed in these officials, Paul describes Christian ministers as the stewards of God over His church (1 Corinthians 4:1-2; “those given a trust,” (NIV). Believers are also said to be stewards of God, of God’s gifts and graces (1 Peter 4:10). We rely heavily on our staff – some of whom are paid, and others are volunteers.  We do not distinguish between the two, because they are equally essential to us.  Once these folks have been selected to join us, it is essential that they are professionally trained so that we can be sure that they are reflecting the teachings of Jesus and Scripture – being especially sensitive to the needs of those who they will meet daily and prepared fully for the many unique challenges they will face every day.  It is the task of Steward’s Flock to provide this training and preparation.  Led by a Training Director, who is assisted by the Steward’s Scribe, all staff personnel must go through the “Christian Basics” course as a part of their training, have a full understanding of our philosophy and goals, and of course understand the position that they will be filling.  

 

Flock Training Room Figurative. In addition to the usual sense of sheep, taken collectively the term is applied both to Israel as a nation in covenant relation to Jehovah as well as to the NT church (Isaiah 40:11; Matthew 26:31; Luke 12:32; 1 Peter 5:2-3). This is simply the area set aside for all the training being done by Steward’s Flock.

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