School of Ministerial Excellence

Practical Training for Faithful Ministry

What We Offer

The School of Ministerial Excellence offers a plethora of programs created with the purpose of providing practical training for ministry this is done through:

Biblically grounded instruction
Practical ministry experience
Mentorship from active leaders

Who It’s For

The School of Ministerial Excellence is created for those actively serving or preparing to serve in ministry. It is well-suited for emerging ministers, church leaders, volunteer workers, chaplains, Sunday School teachers, and anyone who senses a call to serve. Whether you’re leading from the pulpit or supporting behind the scenes, SOME provides the practical tools and spiritual formation needed for impactful ministry.

School of Ministerial Excellence Courses

CHAP 220 The Ministry of a Chaplain Credit: 3 hours.

Introduction to the principles and practices of volunteer chaplaincy. Explores the spiritual and pastoral responsibilities of chaplains and their role in providing counseling and care in diverse settings, including prisons, nursing homes, hospitals, and hospices. Emphasizes chaplaincy as a ministry grounded in service to God and community.
This course satisfies the required criteria for:
Chaplaincy – SOME

CC 220 Effective Christian Counseling Credit: 3 hours.

Introduction to the principles and practices of Christian counseling. Explores the biblical foundations, techniques, and various types of counseling used within church and family contexts. Addresses the emotional and spiritual needs of individuals, couples, and families, while equipping students to respond to common challenges such as marital conflict, family dynamics, and personal crises. Emphasizes counseling as a ministry of care rooted in Scripture and the local church.
This course satisfies the required criteria for:
Christian Counseling – SOME

DS 110 Biblical Overview Credit: 3 hours.

Provides a foundational understanding of the entire Bible, offering a clear overview of each book and how they collectively reveal God’s redemptive plan. Designed for self-paced or classroom study, this course helps students grasp the unity and purpose of Scripture.

DS 120 Abundant Life Credit: 3 hours.

DS 201 Ephesians: Union with Christ Credit: 3 hours.

A devotional and practical study of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Through 30 lessons, students learn to adopt a Christ-centered perspective and apply biblical truths to everyday life. Offered as a self-paced or classroom course to foster spiritual transformation and maturity.

LEAD 301 Healthy Leadership Credit: 3 hours.

Introduces the foundations of emotionally healthy spirituality as a model for sustainable ministry leadership. Students develop self-awareness, emotional resilience, and a balanced approach to pastoral responsibilities rooted in spiritual health.

LEAD 302 Teaching To Change Lives Credit: 3 hours.

Explores seven core principles of effective teaching, beginning with the Law of the Teacher. This course emphasizes learner-centered instruction and equips students with practical tools to communicate biblical truth in transformative ways.

MIN 101 The Life of Jesus Credit: 3 hours.

Explores the life and ministry of Jesus Christ through six modules rooted in the Gospel of Matthew. Focuses on the pastoral and theological implications of Christ’s teachings, miracles, and redemptive work.

MIN 102 The Life of Paul Credit: 3 hours.

Covers the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul across three modules, tracing his journey from early life through his missionary work, imprisonment, and death. Emphasizes Paul’s influence on the early Church and New Testament theology.

MIN 201 The Pentateuch Credit: 3 hours.

A two-module course examining the foundational books of the Bible. The first module focuses on the Book of Genesis; the second explores Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Highlights key themes in biblical law, covenant, and leadership.

MIN 310 The Associate Pastor Credit: 3 hours.

Examines the vital role of the associate pastor as a key leader within the local church. Emphasizes the distinct responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities of this position, highlighting its importance beyond a traditional “second chair” role.

MIN 320 Ministry Realities Credit: 3 hours.

Prepares pastoral leaders for real-world challenges not often addressed in formal theological training. Topics include core values, developing vision and mission, and the practical demands of leading in diverse ministry contexts.

MIN 330 Advanced Ministerial Practice Credit: 3 hours.

Explores the essential character, responsibilities, and realities of pastoral ministry through four key units. Topics include the formation of a godly heart, planning worship services, pastoral counseling, leadership development, financial stewardship, and ministry transitions. Emphasizes personal growth and practical skills for effective and sustainable ministry leadership.

PS 101 Feed My Lamb Credit: 3 hours.

Introduction to the principles and practices of teaching in Children’s Church and Sunday School settings. Combines theory and practical application to equip students with tools for engaging and biblically grounded instruction. Designed for volunteers and emerging leaders in children’s ministry.

PS 102 How to Declare & Worship Credit: 3 hours.

Explores the biblical foundations and practical skills necessary for leading corporate worship. Students will learn how to plan and guide dynamic, orderly, and Scripture-based worship services. This four-week course emphasizes joyful expression, theological integrity, and leadership development.

PS 103 How to Preach Credit: 3 hours.

Introduction to hermeneutics and homiletics for aspiring preachers and Christian workers. Covers methods for interpreting Scripture, preparing sermons, and delivering messages effectively. Emphasizes the preacher’s role in communicating the Word of God with clarity and conviction.

SPEC 304 Unity Credit: 3 hours.

Focuses on the theological and practical call to unity within the Body of Christ. Addresses the relevance of church unity in a divided world and encourages students to cultivate community, reconciliation, and shared purpose in ministry.

SPEC 310 World Religions Credit: 3 hours.

Provides a comparative overview of the five major world religions, including foundational beliefs, practices, and cultural significance. Also explores variations within popular Christianity, offering tools for interfaith understanding and gospel engagement.