M28 Ministry Training

Mission Northwest is pleased to announce a new opportunity in theological education for both pastors and lay leaders. In partnership with several other evangelical Regions*, our Region will be collaborating with Kairos University/Sioux Falls Seminary to make ATS- accredited theological training available to subscribers at an economically reasonable rate.

For a $25 per month subscription, students will be able to pursue a Certificate in Theology, by taking online classes through Kairos University.

This opportunity, to be known as M28 (for Matthew 28/Great Commission), is ideal for church staff members in training, new pastors to ministry, co-vocational pastors and mid-career pastors who will not choose traditional seminary training at the MDiv level. By completing this certification, those pastors will be positioned to pursue a level of ordination recognized through Mission Northwest; meaning they will become better trained and credentialed for local ministry.

In addition, lay leaders who chose to participate will benefit from seminary-level training at an affordable cost, and be able to enhance their own congregational service.

Kairos University utilizes a competency-based model of theological education. This means a student’s prior competencies in education, leadership and ministry are considered during their initial assessment and the formation of a learning pathway. Each student’s path will be crafted as the student, academic dean, and student mentor confer around the competencies needed for a successful and faithful ministry.

Students will take 10 required courses to complete their certification. Ministry competencies will be assessed by a student mentor, who is someone with an M.Div. level of education, selected by the student and approved by the region. It is expected that a lay leader’s pastor will serve as their mentor.

The Rev. Dr. Dan Cash has been appointed as the Academic Dean for this program working under the supervision of Executive Minister, Rev. Mark Thompson. In addition to working with students in their progression through certification, Dan will coordinate monthly Zoom calls to help build a sense of community among each cohort of participating students.

Other Regions participating in this endeavor include Indiana/Kentucky, Ohio, Great Rivers and Michigan. Watch for more information on M28 in future news releases and social media posts.