The Church Planting Track | Covenant Theological Seminary Church Planting The Church Planting Track at Covenant Seminary equips students in the theological and practical ministry skills necessary for church planting. The U.S. is an ever-changing mission field. With church planting currently not keeping up with population growth, the need for equipped leaders to plant gospel-preaching churches is greater than ever. We equip students with the tools necessary to become church planters and movement leaders for church planting and multiplication. Apply Now Apply Now The Church Planting Track We train church planters and planting team members through the church planting track in the Master of Divinity Master of Arts (Biblical and Theological Studies) , or the Graduate Certificate . This track is available through on-campus residential study or through our hybrid format, which utilizes a combination of online and on-campus intensive courses. Either way, the program offers comprehensive preparation for those called to the unique ministry of church planting. Distinctive Program Features Cohort Groups Students meet regularly in facilitated peer groups (on campus, online, or via existing networks) to process what they are learning, share experiences, pray for one another, and build strong support relationships for a lifetime of healthy ministry. Cohort groups connect students to church planters and networks for their development. Externship / Residency Year Qualifying students serve under the guidance of seasoned ministry leaders in contexts that provide valuable experience in local church ministry and church planting competencies, and help fulfill field education and denominational internship requirements (may vary depending on affiliation). Comprehensive Assessments and Evaluations Covenant Seminary hosts the Church Planter Candidate Assessment, Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), MNA’s Church Planting Readiness Seminar, and the full MNA Church Planter Assessment Center every year. Fundraising Training Students learn from experienced practitioners the ins and outs of one of the most challenging and often neglected aspects of ministry training. Personalized Learning Students have the opportunity for independent study and research to meet their unique ministry goals. Flexible Format The church planting track can be pursued through the MDiv, MABTS, or the Graduate Certificate; in-person or a hybrid of on-campus and online. Church Planting Degrees Master of Divinity Residential, Hybrid 99 credit hours The most robust degree for training ordained pastors or ministry leaders. Master of Arts (Biblical & Theological Studies) Residential, Online 66 credit hours For teaching the Bible, including its original languages. Available fully online. Graduate Certificate Residential, Online 9 credit hours For lay leaders to pursue self-directed Bible or ministry study. On-Campus Study Option Ideal for: Potential church planters not currently engaged in ministry and able to relocate to St. Louis. St. Louis-area students seeking church-planting training while engaged in local ministry. Takes advantage of the Seminary’s location in a region rich with churches (PCA and others), ministries, and other opportunities through which students can serve and grow in the midst of strong learning communities. One-year Church Planting Externship/Residency can be completed through a local church in St. Louis or through one of our national partners. Residential MDiv Plan Hybrid (Online/On-Campus) Study Option Ideal for: Anyone desiring MDiv-level church planting training but unable to relocate to St. Louis. Those seeking to integrate such training with their current involvement in church planting networks or initiatives wherever they are. Designed to be completed in five years without relocating, but includes visits to St. Louis and other cities for weekend/week-long intensive coursework and assessment seminars. Offers opportunities to fulfill various track features and requirements through existing connections in church planting networks or initiatives, where applicable. Hybrid MDiv Plan Scholarships Scholarships are available to allow Church Planting Track students to graduate with minimal or no debt. Scholarships Course Overview See a detailed course list for the Church Planting Track, as well as other degree program details. View PDF Apply Now The need for church planting is great, and there are still places with no gospel-bearing churches. Through the Church Planting Track at Covenant Seminary, we seek to raise up workers for a harvest that is ripe. Are you ready to begin the training and equipping process for church planting? Apply Now Apply Now