Study ministry and learn to teach the Word of God through seminary education from Beyond The River Academy.
The Need for Pastors
Currently, there are thousands of small Lutheran churches without pastors to serve them. The average age of most Lutheran clergy is more than 60 years. Unless something changes, this situation will only get worse.
The Solution
Beyond The River Academy offers a 24-month course of study divided into three-month increments for a total of six courses, followed by two years of contextual mentoring. New classes will start on March 1st, July 1st, and November 1st each year. Many will complete a class in three months, but no one is required to do so. These courses meet the minimum requirements to receive certification from the Academy as a pastor in the LCMC. After completing the 6 courses and receiving approval through colloquy by the Epiphany District of LCMC, or another LCMC district, your name will be submitted to the Ministry Committee for addtion to the LCMC pastors' list. Following completion of the required course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. Required courses include:
Old Testament Survey - OT101
New Testament Survey - NT101
Early Church History - CH101
Lutheran History & Doctrine - LHD01
Preaching & Worship Skills - PW101
Pastoral Development - PD101
Course Format
We have begun to include Continuing Education offerings which are not required to receive a Certificate of Graduation, but which may prove useful to you. Currently these are: Intentional Interim Ministry which is designed to provide guidance to those who are interested in going to various churches for 6 months to a year to assist that church in securing a new pastor. The second course is Income Tax Considerations for Pastors. There are some unique difference in the government requirements for pastors that you may not know about. This course is designed to help you maximize your tax savings.
Yearly Gathering
In 2010, BTRA began what has become a yearly gathering of Beyond The River Academy students, instructors, and board members two days before the LCMC Annual Gathering. We meet in a motel/hotel meeting room, or a church in close proximity to the LCMC Gathering. It is proven to be a very successful way to meet one another in person.
Program Cost
$500.00 - Per Course (Total Tuition: $3000.00) Start dates for classes throughout the year are March 1, July 1, & November 1. Registration should be completed about a month prior to each start date
Other Fees
$225.00 - Non-refundable application fee due at time of application. In the event that you are not accepted as a student $125.00 will be refunded. Course fees must be paid during the registration period within the month prior to taking the course. Other Expenses may include: Books and expenses involved in face to face. However, we are utilizing Skype to communicate over the Internet. The Leadership Conference and the LCMC Annual Gathering are providing opportunities for meeting face to face.
Mentoring Program
Our two-year mentoring program specializes in Distance Learning Modules. There are monthly check-ins, as well as Continuing Education Modules. This program is available to the priesthood of believers–this includes everyone. Our organization is endorsed by the Epiphany Lutheran District of The Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ.