This certificate program provides students with foundational skills necessary for fruitful ministry work and addresses areas of leadership, theology, ministry, and Bible study. Students attend live lectures (in person, or via video conferencing), and receive the most thorough training we offer. This program is designed as a foundational ministry training program for staff, elders, deacons, and other students training for similar roles in the church.
Students in this program take 14 courses, either in person (in Chicago), or via video conferencing. A typical course involves 500-700 pages of reading, 12 hours of lecture, supporting assignments, and one final paper or exam. Instructors work in their area of expertise, have degrees in their field, and have decades of ministry experience. Courses are highly interactive, engaging, and are focused on principles, skills, and tools that are most important for leaders in the church. The certificate program can be completed in as little as two years or at whatever pace works for the student and their church.
A ministry practicum provides a way for students to apply what they’ve learned with the benefit of regular conversation with their MIM advisor. Each practicum is unique. Students design a 12 week program with a particular focus that meets a need in their congregation. They then do the work, with oversight and regular debriefs with an MIM advisor and their ministry supervisor.
Tuition for each course is $175 and students are responsible for purchasing the required books for each course. Some larger churches sponsor or subsidize a student’s tuition, and at times, some scholarships are available.
“I find that nearly every week some aspect of teaching or training I gained at the MSM informs a situation I find myself in as a leader in the church. It was an immensely rewarding experience.”
“The training is rich in spiritual blessings. Brace yourself – it is rigorous! Yet this will be worth every ounce of energy and resources you invest.
“MIM courses are both challenging and practical. They have helped me both grow in my personal relationship with Christ and strengthen and mature the believers under my care. I am truly grateful for the experience.
“My time in the MIM has helped me to handle the scriptures with humility and better understanding, it has helped me to think critically about the structure of my ministry, and it has challenged my preconceived ideas about leadership”
“The Midwest Institute of Ministry is an excellent way to increase your ministry and leadership skills. The classes are extremely practical and well chosen and the material can be immediately put into practice.”
“I have brought the teaching in MIM back to my home ministry and it has been a great aid to further strengthen our church. MIM is well led and is a great opportunity for those that want to make a greater impact with their leadership for God’s church.”
