Seminary Without Walls: Three Concurrent Tracks

Preparing for mission in communities and congregations can't get completed by learning great ideas alone.  Ideas and theories give a foundation to practices.  Practices though, need to align to what the Spirit of God is up to.  Bringing together academic understanding, practical skills, and a discerning spirituality are the three tracks that help to build missional capacity for those in ministry, as well as those whom they serve.

Academic Track:
Classes in the Academic track are offered four class sessions each year.  Classes take place in the fall, winter, spring, with a summer reading group.  Classes may be offered as onground classes, hybrid online, and/or weekend retreat or seminar formats.

  • Bible
    • Hebrew Bible
    • New Testament
  • Theology
    • Systematics
    • Topical studies (Christology, Ecclesiology, Missiology, Pneumatology, etc.)
  • Christian history
    • Topical studies
    • Survey of church history from 1st century to present
    • Historic individuals and biographies
  • Missional theological studies
    • The reign and realm of God in culture
    • Missional practices and leadership

Practical Track:
Practical skills development classes are offered as short courses of 2-4 weeks and/or as weekend seminars.  Some skill development classes require a congregation in which to practice the skills being developed.  We can help you work in cooperation with your congregation.

  • Lead in ordinances and sacraments
  • Preaching
  • Pastoral care
  • Worship leading and design
  • Polity and congregational administration
  • Conflict transformation
  • Community awareness and missional leadership
  • Christian discipleship and education

Spirituality Track:
Spirituality is practice leading toward transformation into Christ-likeness.  Several Christian traditions provide time honored practices and disciplines to experience and incorporate.  A variety of short retreats and spiritual direction is available for students.   

  • Individual devotional practices
  • Liturgical season mini-retreats
  • Developing discernment practices for groups and congregations
  • Receiving spiritual direction and mentoring through duration of program