Support for Ministry
The impetus for Declaration Ministries, Inc, began in 1961 when George and Reba McDowell felt the call of God to strike out on their own and form first a church, then a Bible College, and then a seminary. Out of the seminary came a long line of students who needed credentialing, guidance and support. For twenty-five years Zion Christian College and Seminary sent student out into the harvest.
Age having caught up to Dr. and Mrs. McDowell, Sr, it was time to retire. They moved to Nashville, TN to be in a milder climate. They were surprised to find that many of their students felt like their needs were cared for best by being associated with the McDowells. It was necessary to form an association in Tennessee that would carry on the ministerial thrust that had been envisioned in 1961. Declaration Ministries was born. Through the assistance of Dr. George McDowell, Jr, a new legal entity was created. It was a list of familiar names who had known each other for years.
Added to these were newcomers who had heard of the integrity and personal love that Declaration Ministries embodied. Throughout the south they came, some from independent backgrounds, some who were tired of denominational aloofness. Declaration Ministries was founded on a firm center of Biblical integrity and individual expression making our source of fellowship the person of Jesus Christ, not the adherence to a creed.
We are not large or ostentatious, but we are real - - just down to earth average Christians getting the job done in a nasty world. Our heart is for souls, churches, and ministers who hurt and must work in that nasty world.
Part of Bro McDowell Sr’s vision was an association which both recognized ministry as well as served as a resource for them. Declaration Ministries now has ministers around the country and around the world. To serve as a resource for these ministries a website was created for their use. This website is a portal of information, supplies, support and much more. Additionally, all information for Declaration Ministries can be found through this site. It serves as a logistical base of communications and information transfer for missionary outworking and education throughout the world.
Declaration Ministries offers a broad spectrum to the ministry community.
· Ministry Association – A place where ministers and Christian leaders of all denominations can find resources, support and fellowship.
· Ministry licensing – For the beginner through the college trained education
· Home school – Anywhere in the world through Declaration Christian Academy
· Training - leadership training - on site and online
· Post Secondary Ministerial Training – Online curriculum
· Church Establishment – building and supporting New Testament ministries
· Mission work – Leading & supporting mission teams
o Africa
o Pakistan
o Panama
o Honduras
o Venezuela
All this and much more was part of Bro McDowell’s vision. Truly the world was his pulpit - a vision that he caught at Holmes Bible College and never let go of. Anyone who remembers Bro. McDowell remembers that he carried cards in his pocket with people’s addresses on them. That was because people were his life. We want to remember not only him but the work he began and the lives he influenced.
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