School of Ministry

A one-year program in theological training, spiritual formation, and practical ministry skills. New units start in January, May, and September.

Apply now
Time commitment
One class a week · 1.5 hours
Length
Three units · 14 weeks each
New units start
January · May · September
The pathway

Three units. One year.

School of Ministry is built to help leaders at Trinity grow deeper in their relationship with God, in theological training, and in their ability to lead others.

Each unit lasts 14 weeks and includes teaching, discussion, minimal homework, tests, and recommended resources for personal study. Units are completed in order, and each one builds on the last.

Course curriculum

The 14-week journey

Every unit is a 14-week sequence. Each week builds on the last, moving from foundational beliefs to mature theological understanding and practical ministry leadership.

Unit 1 · 14 weeks

Foundations of the Faith

The closed-handed essentials of Christianity, the core doctrines all believers share regardless of denomination or tradition. Students read one chapter of Pastor Mark's book Doctrine each week, and every session includes a quiz, teaching, and group discussion to help ground your faith in biblical truth.

1
Week 1What is Discipleship?
2
Week 2Doctrine Ch 1: Trinity (God is)
3
Week 3Doctrine Ch 2: Revelation (God Speaks)
4
Week 4Doctrine Ch 3: Creation (God makes)
5
Week 5Doctrine Ch 4: Image (God loves)
6
Week 6Doctrine Ch 5: Fall (God Judges)
7
Week 7Doctrine Ch 6: Covenant (God pursues)
8
Week 8Doctrine Ch 7: Incarnation (God comes)
9
Week 9Doctrine Ch 8: Cross (God dies)
10
Week 10Doctrine Ch 9: Resurrection (God Saves)
11
Week 11Doctrine Ch 10: Church (God Acts)
12
Week 12Doctrine Ch 11: Worship (God Transforms)
13
Week 13Doctrine Ch 12: Kingdom (God Reigns)
14
Week 14What's my Ministry?
MilestoneUnit 1 complete. You're ready for Unit 2.
Unit 2 · 14 weeks

Growing Deeper in Doctrine and Practice

Builds on the foundations laid in Unit 1 with a deeper look at the closed-handed truths of the faith, while beginning to explore open-handed issues, topics where faithful Christians may hold differing views. Every class includes teaching, discussion, and Q&A, along with recommended resources for further personal study.

1
Week 1Biblical Theology
2
Week 2Systematic Theology
3
Week 3Old Testament Survey
4
Week 4New Testament Survey
5
Week 5Bible Reading and Journaling
6
Week 6Prayer
7
Week 7Evangelism: What is the Gospel?
8
Week 8Apologetics: Defending the Faith
9
Week 9World Religions
10
Week 10Cults
11
Week 11Biblical Sexuality
12
Week 12Evangelism: How to share the Gospel
13
Week 13Spiritual Gifts Pt 1
14
Week 14Spiritual Gifts Pt 2
MilestoneUnit 2 complete. You're ready for Unit 3.
Unit 3 · 14 weeks

Understanding Christian Differences

Focuses on open-handed issues, the secondary doctrines that often lead to debate among believers. Rather than telling you what to believe, this course equips you with a balanced understanding of the various biblical perspectives so you can engage thoughtfully and graciously with others. A written essay at the end of the semester lets students reflect on and articulate their understanding of one key issue.

1
Week 1Message Preparation
2
Week 2Worship
3
Week 3Church History I
4
Week 4Church History II
5
Week 5Church History III + Historical Theology
6
Week 6Calvinism vs Arminianism
7
Week 7Can Women be Pastors?
8
Week 8Views of Baptism and Communion
9
Week 9Catholicism
10
Week 10Orthodoxy
11
Week 11Protestantism
12
Week 12End Times
13
Week 13Practical Ministry
14
Week 14Gospel Presentations
CapstoneAll three units complete. You receive a Certificate of Completion from Trinity Church School of Ministry.

Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.

1 Peter 3:15

Good to know

Cost

Each unit is $59, which includes your textbook and Course Notes Binder.

Completion

Units are completed in order, and each one builds on the last. Finish all three and you will receive a Certificate of Completion from Trinity Church School of Ministry.

Semesters

New units start in January, May, and September.

FAQs

Common questions

What is the cost?+

Just $59 per unit.

Who is it for?+

Anyone 18 or older who wants to grow in theological training and be better equipped for ministry.

How long is the School of Ministry?+

3 units, 14 weeks each — about one year total.

Do I have to commit to the whole year?+

No — you can complete one unit and stop, or pick up where you left off later.

Do I have to do the Units in order?+

Yes — each Unit builds off the previous one, so you need to go in order.

Is there childcare?+

Yes. Drop your kids off at Kid's Ministry on the main campus, then head to the cafe. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early.

When do new Units start?+

New Units start every January, May, and September.

Is there a maximum number of classes I can miss?+

No more than 2 absences per unit. If you need to miss more, we recommend waiting for the next semester.

Can I do it online?+

No — all classes are in-person only.

Ready to take this step?

Pray and ask God if this is your next step. Then apply for Unit 1 and give it 14 weeks.

Apply now

Questions? Email calvin@thetrinitychurch.com and we will help you find the right unit.