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 one of the largest mission fields in the world, and currently church planting is not keeping up with population growth. There is a need for equipped leaders in an ever-changing mission field.
We equip students with the tools necessary to become church planters who start gospel-preaching churches, and to become movement leaders for church planting and multiplication.
The Church Planting Track
We train church planters through the church planting track with the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies, or the Graduate Certificate. This track is available through either on-campus residential study or through our new hybrid format, which uses a combination of online and on-campus intensive courses to complete the degree. Either way, the program offers comprehensive preparation for those called to the unique ministry of church planting.
Distinctive Program Features
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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.
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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).
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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.
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Fundraising Training
Students learn from experienced practitioners the ins and outs of one of the most challenging and often neglected aspects of ministry training.
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Personalized Learning
Students have the opportunity for independent study and research to meet their unique ministry goals.
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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
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Master of Divinity
Residential, Hybrid
99 credit hoursThe most robust degree for training ordained pastors or ministry leaders.
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Master of Arts (Biblical & Theological Studies)
Residential, Online
66 credit hoursFor teaching the Bible, including its original languages. Available fully online.
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Graduate Certificate
Residential, Online
9 credit hoursFor 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.
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 11–13 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.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to allow Church Planting Track students to graduate with minimal or no debt.
Course Overview
A detailed course list for the Church Planting Track, as well as other degree program details.
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?