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NEW COVENANT SCHOOL OF DIVINITY

Academic Programs

Preparing Servant Leaders for Ministry, Mission, and Church Planting.

Our academic programs combine biblical study, theological foundations, spiritual formation, and practical ministry preparation to equip individuals to serve effectively in the church and their communities.

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Explore our programs

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Foundation Certificate in Christian Ministry

Credential: Certificate of completion

​An introductory program designed to establish a foundation in Christian ministry, biblical understanding, spiritual growth, and service in the local church.

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Program details

  • Requirements: Four courses, 8 credits

  • Duration: Based on the academic schedule

  • Tuition: $50 per credit hour

  • Estimated tuition: $400 for 8 credits, plus any applicable registration fee

 

Learning outcomes

Students will develop a foundational understanding of Christian ministry, identify their gifts for service, and demonstrate an understanding of biblical principles for serving the church.

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Certificate in Christian Leadership

Credential: Certificate of completion

A structured course of study focused on biblical leadership, character development, ministry responsibility, and effective service in Christian communities.

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Program details​

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Requirements:

Completion of 16 courses, 32 credits

 • Duration: Each module typically taking 12 weeks to complete (2 hours per week). While individual modules are short, completing the entire certificate program generally takes about 3 to 4 years, depending on the speed of the cohort and the schedule

 • Tuition: $50 per credit hour
16 two-credit courses: 16 × $100 = $1,600
Registration fee: $35, if applicable
Total cost for 16 courses: $1,635, including the registration fee.

  • Completion: Satisfactory completion of all required coursework

 

Learning outcomes

Students will examine biblical leadership principles, strengthen their ministry skills, and apply Christian leadership practices within a church or ministry setting.

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​​​​​Certificate in Church Planting 

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Credential: Certificate of Completion

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Program Overview

The Certificate in Church Planting is designed to equip emerging pastors, ministry leaders, evangelists, missionaries, and aspiring church planters with the biblical knowledge, leadership skills, and practical ministry experience necessary to establish and develop healthy, Christ-centered local churches.

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The program combines theological education, spiritual formation, evangelism, leadership development, supervised ministry practice, and ministry reflection. Students explore biblical models of church planting, learn to assess the spiritual and social needs of a community, develop strategies for outreach and discipleship, and prepare for the challenges of launching and sustaining a local congregation.

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Grounded in the Christ-Centered Kingdom (CCK) model, the program emphasizes the importance of Christ-centered community, cultural awareness, teamwork, and the multiplication of disciples and churches. Students are encouraged to connect what they learn in the classroom with practical ministry in their local communities.

Program Details

The certificate consists of four courses from the Ministry Apprentice Program (MAPS), totaling eight credits, along with one additional TUMI course in church planting. The curriculum integrates biblical study, leadership training, evangelistic practice, and applied ministry development.

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Program component

Details: 

Credential:  Certificate of Completion

Total courses: 5

MAPS coursework:  4 courses, 8 credits

Additional coursework: 1 TUMI course

Duration: 12 weeks per class

Class length: 2 hours per class

Delivery format: Online or virtual

Tuition: $50 per credit hour

Two-credit course: $100

Registration fee: $35

Total estimated cost: $535

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Curriculum

  1. Church Planting and Multiplication (CHP 301): Biblical foundations, the CCK model, community assessment, core-team development, launch planning, and sustainable church multiplication.

  2. Ministry Reflection (MIN 220): Reflection on ministry experiences, personal growth, leadership development, and the application of theological learning to practical ministry.

  3. Leadership and Evangelism: Christian leadership principles, evangelistic outreach, discipleship, and equipping others for ministry.

  4. Foundations for Christian Mission: The biblical basis of Christian mission, the Great Commission, cross-cultural ministry, and the church's responsibility to share the gospel.

  5. Additional TUMI Course: An approved TUMI course that complements church planting and ministry development.

Scheduling note: The 12-week duration applies to each class. The total time needed to complete the certificate will depend on whether courses are taken sequentially or concurrently.

Program Requirements

To earn the Certificate in Church Planting, students are expected to meet the following requirements:

  1. Course completion: Successfully complete all four designated MAPS courses, totaling eight credits, and one approved TUMI course.

  2. Class participation: Participate in scheduled online or virtual classes, course discussions, and required weekly check-ins.

  3. Biblical and theological study: Demonstrate an understanding of the biblical foundations of church planting, Christian mission, evangelism, discipleship, and leadership.

  4. Practical ministry application: Complete ministry assignments that connect course material to real-world church planting and community outreach.

  5. Church planting project: Develop a church planting proposal that identifies a target community, assesses community needs, establishes a ministry vision and mission, and outlines outreach and discipleship strategies.

  6. Ministry reflection: Complete written reflections evaluating personal spiritual growth, leadership development, ministry readiness, and areas for continued improvement.

  7. Academic integrity: Submit original work and properly acknowledge sources. Written assignments should follow the institution's designated citation and formatting guidelines.

  8. Technology access: Have reliable internet access and the necessary equipment and software to participate in online learning and submit assignments.

Students must complete all required coursework and assignments and satisfy the institution's course completion standards to receive the credential.

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Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Certificate in Church Planting, students will be able to:

  1. Explain the biblical foundations of church planting using Scripture, the Great Commission, and New Testament examples of church growth and multiplication.

  2. Apply the Christ-Centered Kingdom (CCK) model to the development of a biblically grounded and culturally responsive church planting strategy.

  3. Assess community needs by identifying the spiritual, social, and cultural characteristics of a target neighborhood or ministry context.

  4. Develop leadership and ministry teams by applying Christian leadership principles, identifying ministry gifts, and preparing others for service.

  5. Design evangelism and discipleship strategies that communicate the gospel, support spiritual formation, and encourage the development of new disciples.

  6. Create a practical church planting plan that addresses ministry vision, community outreach, core-team formation, prayer, stewardship, funding, and launch preparation.

  7. Demonstrate reflective ministry practice by evaluating personal calling, leadership strengths, areas for growth, and readiness for church planting.

  8. Promote sustainable church growth and multiplication by developing strategies for congregational health, community engagement, leadership development, and long-term ministry impact.

Tuition and Cost Breakdown

Item

                                                                                Estimated cost:

Four MAPS courses (8 credits × $50)  $400

One additional TUMI course (assumed 2 credits) $100

Registration fee:  $35               

Total estimated program cost: $535                                                       

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The $535 total assumes that the TUMI course carries two credits and is charged at the same $50-per-credit rate. Confirm the TUMI course's actual credit value and fee before publishing the final tuition schedule.

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Certificate Completion Statement

Upon successful completion of all five courses and the associated academic and ministry requirements, students will be awarded a Certificate of Completion in Church Planting by New Covenant School of Divinity.

This certificate recognizes the student's completion of a structured program of biblical study, ministry leadership development, evangelistic training, and practical preparation for church planting. It is an institutional certificate of completion and should not be represented as an accredited academic degree or professional license.

 

​Who Should Apply?

This program is intended for individuals seeking a stronger foundation in Christian faith, ministry preparation, and service to others.

 

​(COMING SOON)

THE MINISTRY APPRENTICE PROGRAM (MAPS)

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Program Details

The New Covenant School of Divinity Ministry Apprentice Program (MAPS) is a structured ministry development pathway that integrates biblical education, spiritual formation, practical ministry experience, mentorship, and supervised fieldwork. The program is designed to prepare emerging pastors, ministry leaders, evangelists, chaplains, church planters, and Christian servants for effective, ethical, and spiritually grounded ministry.

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Through a combination of biblical study, ministry assignments, community engagement, leadership development, and guided reflection, apprentices develop the knowledge, character, and practical skills necessary to serve in local churches, community ministries, evangelistic outreach, pastoral care, and church planting initiatives.

Each apprentice works under the guidance of an approved ministry mentor or supervisor who provides spiritual guidance, practical instruction, performance evaluations, and opportunities for ministry growth.

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Program Overview 

The program consists of five developmental stages:

  1. Spiritual Formation (110): Establishes a foundation of prayer, Scripture study, spiritual disciplines, Christian character, and personal growth.

  2. Leadership and Evangelism: Includes MIN 101 Christian Leadership Foundations and EVG 201 Evangelism and Spiritual Warfare, emphasizing servant leadership, biblical understanding, evangelism, and community engagement.

  3. Ministry Practicum (MIN 210): Requires 40 hours of supervised ministry fieldwork in an approved ministry setting, documented through an apprentice log and supervisor evaluation.

  4. Ministry Reflection (MIN 220): Connects biblical teaching, theological understanding, ministry experience, personal reflection, and vocational calling.

  5. Church Planting and Multiplication (CHP 301): Introduces the principles of establishing, developing, and multiplying healthy, mission-focused Christian communities.

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Program Requirements

To complete the Ministry Apprentice Program, each apprentice must:

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  • Complete the designated coursework and ministry assignments.

  • Develop and maintain a Personal Spiritual Formation Plan and Spiritual Formation Journal.

  • Participate in an approved ministry setting under supervision.

  • Complete the required 40-hour MIN 210 Ministry Practicum.

  • Submit the required ministry projects, research papers, and MIN 220 Ministry Reflection Project.

  • Prepare a preliminary Church Planting Ministry Plan.

  • Participate in mentoring, supervision, and ministry performance evaluations.

  • Submit a completed Ministry Apprenticeship Portfolio documenting learning, ministry experience, spiritual development, and future ministry goals.

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Completion Standard: Apprentices must satisfy the program's academic, practical ministry, portfolio, and evaluation requirements as established by New Covenant School of Divinity.

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Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Ministry Apprentice Program, apprentices will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate Spiritual Formation: Develop and maintain consistent spiritual disciplines, including prayer, Scripture study, worship, personal reflection, and practices that support Christian character and spiritual maturity.

  2. Apply Biblical and Theological Knowledge: Interpret and apply biblical principles and theological concepts to ministry responsibilities, leadership decisions, evangelistic outreach, and Christian service.

  3. Practice Servant Leadership: Demonstrate biblical leadership principles, ethical conduct, accountability, teamwork, and responsible service within an approved ministry setting.

  4. Communicate the Gospel Effectively: Apply biblical principles of evangelism, discipleship, spiritual engagement, and community outreach in ways that communicate the Christian message with clarity, compassion, and cultural awareness.

  5. Demonstrate Practical Ministry Competence: Apply ministry skills through supervised fieldwork in areas such as pastoral support, discipleship, outreach, ministry administration, leadership, and community engagement.

  6. Reflect on Ministry Experience: Evaluate personal ministry experiences in light of Scripture, theology, mentor feedback, spiritual growth, and vocational calling to identify strengths and areas for continued development.

  7. Develop Church Planting Strategies: Prepare a preliminary church planting plan that addresses vision, mission, community assessment, evangelism, discipleship, leadership development, and the establishment of a healthy Christian community.

  8. Demonstrate Accountability and Professional Conduct: Receive supervision constructively, maintain accurate ministry records, demonstrate appropriate ethical boundaries, and fulfill assigned ministry responsibilities.

  9. Integrate Mentorship and Lifelong Learning: Use mentor guidance, performance evaluations, and personal reflection to establish realistic goals for continued spiritual, academic, and ministry development.

  10. Articulate a Ministry Calling and Development Plan: Prepare a personal ministry calling statement and five-year development plan outlining vocational direction, ministry goals, leadership growth, and future service opportunities.

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4.3 The Apprentice Portfolio and Mentorship

Every graduating apprentice must compile and submit a Ministry Apprenticeship Portfolio demonstrating the integration of theological learning, spiritual formation, supervised ministry experience, leadership development, and vocational preparation.

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Required Portfolio Components

  • Personal Spiritual Formation Plan and Spiritual Formation Journal.

  • Personal Ministry Philosophy and Leadership Assignments.

  • Evangelism Ministry Project and Outreach Documentation.

  • MIN 210 40-Hour Ministry Practicum Log and Supervisor Evaluation.

  • MIN 220 Final Ministry Reflection Project.

  • CHP 301 Preliminary Church Planting Ministry Plan.

  • Ministry Calling Statement and Five-Year Development Plan.

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Mentorship and Supervision

Each apprentice will be matched with a qualified ministry mentor who provides guidance, encouragement, prayer, practical instruction, and constructive feedback throughout the program. Mentors will meet regularly with apprentices, review ministry progress, assist in identifying areas for improvement, and complete required performance evaluations.

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The mentor and designated supervisor help assess the apprentice's spiritual character, ministry skills, professional conduct, accountability, and overall ministry effectiveness. Apprentices are expected to receive feedback with openness, demonstrate a willingness to learn, and apply appropriate recommendations to their ministry development.

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Portfolio Review and Program Completion

The completed portfolio serves as evidence of the apprentice's growth and readiness for continued ministry service. It will be reviewed by the designated program supervisor or faculty representative to determine whether the apprentice has met the established learning outcomes and completion requirements.

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Note: Successful completion of MAPS signifies that the apprentice has fulfilled the program's defined educational, practical ministry, reflection, and portfolio requirements. It does not, by itself, confer professional licensure, ecclesiastical ordination, or authorization to serve in a particular ministry office; those qualifications remain subject to the applicable requirements of the relevant church, denomination, or organization.

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Review admissions requirements and learn how to begin your studies at NCSD.

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