Pitch Flashcards
Tell me about FIT
Seminary program that offer formal ministry training for pastors/leaders in church
A third of the cost of a traditional seminary (we charge $500 per class)
Open for about 15 months (Fall 2022)
Offer self-paced learning; students take courses at their speed and schedule
students only pay for the amount of courses they take rather than a fixed amount per year
Miscellaneous costs add 10 to 20% to cost of tuition: (books, travel to gatherings, intensives)
Lay Leader Program (LLP)
Complete in 1 year (full-time)
Tuition: $6,000
20% misc: $7,200
12 courses= 36 credits
provides a year of seminary level classes for lay leaders in ministry
person serving a small church unable to have a full time or fully ordained pastor
provides foundational education required for Commissioned Lay Pastor
Accreditation
We are currently pursuing accreditation by (ATS) and hope to have this fully completed around 2027.
1) ATS requires we graduate at least one MDiv student before we can apply
2) We can only apply in odd-numbered years. Meaning we must have at least one graduating student by 2025 or wait until 2027 to apply.
We have been working for the last two years preparing for accreditation
Master of Arts in Theology (MA)
Complete in 2 years (full-time)
Tuition: $11,500
20% misc: $15,000
23 courses = 69 credits
Builds upon LLP; adds the depth and breadth required for those seeking ordination in ECO
Master of Divinity (Mdiv)
Complete in 3 years (full-time)
Tuition: $16,500
20% misc: $19,800
33 courses = 99 credits
Fullest breadth of training for ministry leadership
Builds upon MA degree track, and requires ten additional courses that allow students to shape their degree path around their interests, and calling.
Transfer credits from another institution
Courses must
1. come from an ATS accredited graduate school. We do not consider credits from BA level programs.
2. have been successfully completed within last 10 years
3. have a grade of C or better
- Courses outside of seminary are ineligible
- Over 1⁄2 of credits must be taken from FIT
Gatherings
Gather in person for meals, worship, and fellowship with professors and other students at NO in Irving.
Together, you explore the many elements involved in being a ministry leader.
Each gathering centers on an area that is an integral part of ministry
Do we take international students?
We do not take international students, but we do offer auditing options. Our Zoom meetings are tailored to U.S time zones
Intensives
Mostly online;
Full credit courses held in person that meet
during a trimester. Students will do coursework before and after
these face-to-face gatherings.
What do you do within FIT?
Admin:
1. manage registration- help students with general questions about the application process and the student portal
2. oversee student records and grades
3. serve as assistant to the President
Spring 2024 Intensive
May 3rd to 4th at FPC in Greenville SC
Seventh Day: Sabbath in Scripture
The Sabbath commandment, the importance of upholding it, and what it means for ministry
Dates
Spring 2024 Gathering: March 14th at NO in Irving, TX
End of Spring Trimester: May 13th
Summer Student Application Due: April 16th
Summer Auditor Application Due: April 19th
Fall 2024 Student Application: July 26th
Summer Trimester starts: May 21st
What is Mentored Ministry
Apprentice all emerging pastors through discipleship and mentoring
Trained/ validated mentor set measurable leadership growth goals
Require min. 10 hrs/wk (140 hours total)
Mentor provides safe space for mentees to fully grow into the person and pastor God has called them to be
- Spiritual maturity: deep/vibrant relationship with God
- Biblical knowledge: understand totality of Scripture
- Ministry skill-set: model discipleship
Auditor
Enroll in as many courses as would like to
$150 fee for each course, includes access to all course material, the course Zoom meetings only. Do not submit assignments, not placed in small group.
Have access to course(s) for two trimesters.
Length
Students should plan on 6 to 10 hours/week, for each class.
Most students are not full-time students.
a. take 1 or 2 classes/semester (3 to 6 per year)
b. takes usually two to three times longer.
