The Minister in Training (MIT) program equips students to study Scripture carefully, understand it faithfully, and administer God’s Word effectively in ministry settings.

Audience:

This program is designed for individuals preparing for ordained ministry, pastoral leadership, or significant teaching roles within a faith community. It serves those who seek to handle God’s Word with maturity, integrity, and accountability.

Core Emphasis Areas

Biblical Study Methods

Approaching biblical texts historically, grammatically, and theologically.
Observing, interpreting, and applying Scripture in a responsible and faithful manner.

Proper Use of Scripture

Understanding genre, context, and alignment with the overarching biblical narrative.
Distinguishing timeless principles from culturally bound practices and applying them wisely today.

Utilizing Supporting Materials

Integrating commentaries, scholarly resources, original-language tools, and historical documents to deepen understanding.
Evaluating sources for accuracy, relevance, and doctrinal soundness.

Teaching and Preaching God’s Word

Sermon and lesson preparation, including structure, clarity, and application.
Delivering messages with pastoral sensitivity, spiritual discernment, and engaging communication.

Appropriate Prayer

 Cultivating an intimate, reverent, and scripturally grounded prayer life.
Praying for spiritual discernment, guidance for ministry, and intercession for others.

Working the Altar (Ministry in Service)

Practicing rightly ordered worship, pastoral care, and compassionate leadership.
Engaging in sacramental and communal responsibilities with humility and accountability.

Program Goals

To cultivate a deep and practical comprehension of Scripture that informs faithful ministry.
To develop responsible interpretive skills that honor Scripture and serve the congregation.
To equip students to teach, preach, pray, and minister with integrity, clarity, and pastoral sensitivity.

Target Outcomes

Students will demonstrate disciplined Bible study habits and a rigorous approach to biblical interpretation.
Students will articulate sound doctrinal positions and apply them responsibly in teaching and preaching.
Students will exhibit effective prayer practices and respectful, transformative ministry at the altar.
Program Structure Highlights

Guided study projects with exegesis exercises.
Workshops on sermon crafting, homiletics, and classroom teaching.
Sessions on integrating scholarly resources with practical ministry.
Prayer cohorts and devotional disciplines tied to Scripture.
Hands-on opportunities for ministry leadership under mentorship.
Credit: Non-Credited
Instructor: Dexter Polnitz & Elder Gerald Jenkins