Courses
Each student will be carefully paired with an experienced mentor.
Students will meet monthly with their mentor and focus on program specific topics.
DISCIPLESHIP YEAR COURSES
Spiritual Disciplines for Spiritual Formation
This course is designed to overview what spiritual disciplines are and why they are important in our lives. This course will examine several personal and corporate spiritual disciplines. Students will learn how to effectively apply these spiritual disciplines in their own lives.
People Skills that Lead
This course examines the people and leadership skills necessary for servant leadership. Students will look at the life of Jesus as the example for how to interact with others. Students will gain the tools for effective communication, conflict resolution, inspiring others, along with other important people skills.
Biblical Foundation
This course is a skills class where the student will learn to study, understand, and apply Scripture. Students will get an overview of the Bible, Hermeneutics, Orthodoxy, and Orthopraxy.
Relationships that Foster Health
This course is designed to establish a firm foundation for the most important relationships in our lives. Students will examine the best relationship practices in the workplace, marriage, parenting, finances, mentorship, and other vital relationships.
Practical Ministry
This course is designed to give the students the practical skills necessary for ministry leadership at any level. Students will take a deeper look into church growth, how your specific spiritual gifts fit into the local church, and how to effectively evangelize.
MINISTRY LEADERSHIP YEAR COURSES
Biblical Instruction
This course is a skills class where the student will gain a deeper understanding of scripture and how to interpret scriptures effectively. Students will get an in-depth walk thru of the entire Bible, Hermeneutics, Doctrine, and Apologetics.
Homiletics
This course is designed to equip students to understand the basics of homiletics. Student will learn how to properly prepare a lesson or sermon on the Word of God and how to deliver that sermon with excellence. This course will include opportunities to prepare and deliver biblical lessons and/or sermons throughout the year.
Biblical Counseling
This course will train students in the theology of biblical counseling, practical considerations of biblical counseling, as well as specific training for counseling on marriage, grief, gender issues, and other topics that are frequently discussed in counseling settings.
Biblical Leadership
This course will train students in the theology of leadership, the skills necessary to lead others in team settings, and how to step out in your specific leadership skills to impact the Kingdom of God.
Specializations
Each Ministry Leadership student will choose a Specialization. Specializations are designed to give you hands-on, practical ministry experience within your desired area of ministry.
PASTORAL YEAR COURSES
Pastoral Communication
This course will develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to faithfully proclaim Scripture in both corporate and personal ministry contexts. Pastoral Communication integrates biblical study, practical preaching, and mentorship under a pastor. Students explore biblical texts, sermon genres, and contemporary issues in pastoral communication while practicing the art of delivering messages that are Christ-centered, clear, and impactful.
Pastoral Character
This course explores the formation and development of a pastor’s character, focusing on the emotional, ethical, and spiritual qualities essential for effective ministry. Students will examine the heart of a shepherd, learning to demonstrate both relational and practical compassion while cultivating ethical integrity, humility, and emotional intelligence. The course integrates practical leadership responsibilities, administrative oversight, and personal resilience, guiding students to live out their calling with maturity, balance, and sustainable ministry practices.
Pastoral Counseling
This course equips students with foundational skills and principles for effective pastoral counseling. Students will explore the scope and limits of pastoral counseling, integrate theological perspectives into counseling, and examine the theology of suffering through D. A. Carson’s How Long, O LORD?. Practical counseling strategies, listening skills, self-awareness, and relational styles are emphasized alongside approaches to trauma, crisis situations, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of pastoral ministry.
Pastoral Care
This course focuses on the practical and theological foundations of pastoral care, preparing students to provide compassionate support across life’s milestones and challenges. Students will explore care in contexts such as funerals, grief, hospital and home visits, weddings, and congregations of varying sizes, integrating structural and relational leadership approaches. Attention is also given to equipping pastors to care for themselves, addressing burnout and practical self-care strategies, and applying learning through real-world case studies.
Pastoral Coaching
This course combines online learning with hands-on monthly mentorship, equipping students to develop strategic leadership and coaching skills in pastoral contexts. Students engage with monthly video lessons on key topics and participate in guided mentorship with a pastor to apply concepts in real-world ministry settings. Using Taking Your Church to the Next Level, the course covers church growth, multisite strategy, campus leadership, teaching models, and building a lasting ministry legacy.