Ask an elder
Invite a pastor to meet at least monthly, review work, and tell you the truth.
A free, church-anchored virtual seminary
Prepare your mind.
Tend your soul.
Learn to shepherd.
A 36-week Pastor’s College preparation path shaped by commitments to careful scholarship, intentional discipleship, and practical training.
Your pilgrimage0 of 36 weeks complete
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Before week one
Make a formation covenant
Pastors are recognized and trained among God’s people. Begin by inviting your church to help test your doctrine, character, gifting, and call.
Name your people
Choose two or three believers who will pray, question, and observe your life.
Serve visibly
Take an ordinary, accountable role where reliability and love can be seen over time.
Guard your home
If married, agree on pace, rest, household duties, and honest check-ins.
Fix the rhythm
Reserve study hours, a weekly Sabbath, and four retreat dates before starting.
A sustainable rule of life
One week, five movements
- 01BeholdDaily Bible, prayer, memory · 3 hrs
- 02ListenCore lecture or sermon · 1.5 hrs
- 03ReadFree notes + shelf track · 2 hrs
- 04LaborWriting or ministry practice · 2 hrs
- 05ConferMentor, spouse, or cohort · 1 hr
The curriculum
Six terms. Thirty-six weeks.
Every week begins with Scripture, includes free teaching, assigns one concrete work, and ends in a question your mentor should help you answer.
Showing
01Term 1 · The Word & the workmanWatch your life and doctrine
Pastoral calling, character, and the local church’s confirming voice.
Watch your life and doctrine
Pastoral calling, character, and the local church’s confirming voice.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 69, 76 — enterprise and elders
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: The chapter on church officers
Fieldwork
Write a two-page conversion-and-call narrative. Ask an elder to mark evidences of grace, gaps, and next steps.
Ask your mentor
Does my life presently commend the doctrine I hope to teach?
02Term 1 · The Word & the workmanRevelation, inspiration & authority
Why Scripture is God’s Word and therefore the church’s final authority.
Revelation, inspiration & authority
Why Scripture is God’s Word and therefore the church’s final authority.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 1, 5–6 — revelation, witness, authority
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on the Word of God and Scripture’s authority
Fieldwork
Build a one-page doctrine-of-Scripture chart using only these passages, then compare it with the SGC Statement of Faith.
Ask your mentor
Where am I tempted to let experience, tradition, or preference outrank Scripture?
03Term 1 · The Word & the workmanCanon, truthfulness, clarity & sufficiency
Receive the whole counsel of God with confidence and humility.
Canon, truthfulness, clarity & sufficiency
Receive the whole counsel of God with confidence and humility.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 2–7 — interpretation through knowledge
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on canon, inerrancy, clarity, necessity, sufficiency
Fieldwork
Answer five common objections to biblical authority in 150 words each, with a Scripture citation for every answer.
Ask your mentor
Do my habits show that I believe Scripture is sufficient?
04Term 1 · The Word & the workmanRead what is there
Observation, grammar, context, structure, and authorial intent.
Read what is there
Observation, grammar, context, structure, and authorial intent.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Ch. 2 — interpretation
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Revisit the chapter on Scripture’s clarity
Fieldwork
Mark every connector, command, repeated word, and ground clause in Philippians 2:1–11. Write the main point in one sentence.
Ask your mentor
Am I seeing the author’s point, or importing my favorite point?
05Term 1 · The Word & the workmanThe Bible’s one redemptive story
Promise, covenant, kingdom, Christ, church, and new creation.
The Bible’s one redemptive story
Promise, covenant, kingdom, Christ, church, and new creation.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 8, 33, 38 — creation, covenant, prophets
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on covenant and the unity of Scripture
Fieldwork
Trace one theme—temple, kingdom, sacrifice, or presence—from Genesis to Revelation on a single page.
Ask your mentor
Can I explain how this text fits the Bible’s story without forcing Christ into it?
06Term 1 · The Word & the workmanExegesis practicum I
Move from text to proposition to faithful application.
Exegesis practicum I
Move from text to proposition to faithful application.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Review chs. 1–7
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Review your Scripture notes
Fieldwork
Submit a 1,200-word exegesis of Philippians 2:1–11 and teach it in ten minutes to two people. Record their questions.
Ask your mentor
Where did my interpretation need correction?
07Term 2 · God, creation & the gospelThe one triune God
One God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The one triune God
One God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 9–20, especially ch. 16
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chapter on the Trinity
Fieldwork
Write a 500-word Trinitarian confession and identify three common errors it excludes.
Ask your mentor
Does my prayer and worship actually sound Trinitarian?
08Term 2 · God, creation & the gospelThe character and glory of God
God’s holiness, love, wisdom, power, and self-existence.
The character and glory of God
God’s holiness, love, wisdom, power, and self-existence.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 10–20, 23–24
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on God’s incommunicable and communicable attributes
Fieldwork
Prepare a seven-day prayer guide, one divine attribute per day, with adoration, confession, and petition.
Ask your mentor
Which attribute do I functionally neglect or distort?
09Term 2 · God, creation & the gospelSovereignty, election & providence
Grace that humbles, assures, and fuels mission rather than speculation.
Sovereignty, election & providence
Grace that humbles, assures, and fuels mission rather than speculation.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 13, 15, 21 — sovereignty, predestination, providence
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on providence, election, and reprobation
Fieldwork
Explain unconditional election to a new believer in 700 words, ending in humility, assurance, worship, and evangelism.
Ask your mentor
Has sovereignty made me softer before God and bolder with the gospel?
10Term 2 · God, creation & the gospelHumanity, image & complementarity
Equal dignity, embodied creatureliness, and God-given callings in home and church.
Humanity, image & complementarity
Equal dignity, embodied creatureliness, and God-given callings in home and church.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 28–29, 83–84
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on humanity, male and female, and marriage
Fieldwork
Write a careful pastoral answer on equal worth and distinct roles; list texts that govern both conviction and tone.
Ask your mentor
Would women in my church describe my leadership as honoring, safe, and thankful?
11Term 2 · God, creation & the gospelThe fall, sin & inability
The reach of sin and our need for sovereign, rescuing grace.
The fall, sin & inability
The reach of sin and our need for sovereign, rescuing grace.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 30–36
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on sin and human inability
Fieldwork
Create a biblical taxonomy of sin: guilt, corruption, bondage, deception, idolatry, and judgment.
Ask your mentor
Where do I minimize sin in myself while magnifying it in others?
12Term 2 · God, creation & the gospelThe person & work of Christ
One person, two natures; obedient life, atoning death, resurrection, and reign.
The person & work of Christ
One person, two natures; obedient life, atoning death, resurrection, and reign.
Free classroomTheological Foundations: Jesus and his saving work↗SGC Statement: the person and work of Christ↗
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 39–52
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on Christ’s person, offices, atonement, resurrection, and ascension
Fieldwork
Write a 900-word gospel presentation that explains substitution, victory, reconciliation, and resurrection hope.
Ask your mentor
Is Christ himself the treasure of the gospel I proclaim?
13Term 3 · Grace & the Holy SpiritUnion with Christ & salvation’s order
Every saving benefit is ours in the crucified and risen Christ.
Union with Christ & salvation’s order
Every saving benefit is ours in the crucified and risen Christ.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 53–63
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Survey the application-of-redemption chapters
Fieldwork
Draw an ordo salutis that distinguishes logical order from lived experience; place union with Christ at the center.
Ask your mentor
Do I speak of salvation mainly as benefits, or as belonging to Christ?
14Term 3 · Grace & the Holy SpiritCalling, regeneration & conversion
The Spirit gives life; sinners repent and believe.
Calling, regeneration & conversion
The Spirit gives life; sinners repent and believe.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 54–60
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on gospel call, regeneration, faith, and repentance
Fieldwork
Prepare a fifteen-minute evangelistic Bible study from John 3 with a clear summons to repent and believe.
Ask your mentor
Can I call for a response without manipulating one?
15Term 3 · Grace & the Holy SpiritJustification & adoption
Declared righteous by faith alone and welcomed as sons in Christ.
Justification & adoption
Declared righteous by faith alone and welcomed as sons in Christ.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 61–62
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on justification and adoption
Fieldwork
Answer: ‘If God justifies the ungodly, how can he remain just?’ Then counsel a shame-burdened believer from adoption.
Ask your mentor
Do I relate to God as a justified and adopted son—or as an anxious employee?
16Term 3 · Grace & the Holy SpiritSanctification & perseverance
Grace trains active obedience and God keeps all who are truly his.
Sanctification & perseverance
Grace trains active obedience and God keeps all who are truly his.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 63–69, 87
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on sanctification and perseverance
Fieldwork
Draft a six-week personal growth plan with one besetting sin, promises to believe, practices to pursue, and people to involve.
Ask your mentor
Can trusted believers name concrete growth in me?
17Term 3 · Grace & the Holy SpiritThe person & work of the Holy Spirit
The divine person who gives life, indwells, illumines, empowers, and sanctifies.
The person & work of the Holy Spirit
The divine person who gives life, indwells, illumines, empowers, and sanctifies.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 53, 57, 70
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chapter on the work of the Holy Spirit
Fieldwork
Make a passage-based chart distinguishing the Spirit’s person, presence, fruit, gifts, power, and mission.
Ask your mentor
Is my ministry Word-dependent and Spirit-dependent, or merely competent?
18Term 3 · Grace & the Holy SpiritSpiritual gifts: desire, discernment & order
A Reformed-continuationist practice governed by Scripture, love, testing, and edification.
Spiritual gifts: desire, discernment & order
A Reformed-continuationist practice governed by Scripture, love, testing, and edification.
Free classroomSGC’s continuationist confession↗Piper and Grudem on spiritual gifts↗MacArthur’s cessationist case—compare charitably↗
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 22, 82
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on gifts, prophecy, healing, and tongues
Fieldwork
Write a 1,500-word position paper: define the gifts, state the strongest texts on both sides, then propose safe congregational practice.
Ask your mentor
Do I pursue the Spirit’s work without confusing impressions with Scripture?
19Term 4 · The church & its worshipThe nature & mission of the church
A redeemed people gathered by the gospel for worship, maturity, and witness.
The nature & mission of the church
A redeemed people gathered by the gospel for worship, maturity, and witness.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 72–75, 81
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on the church’s nature, purposes, and purity
Fieldwork
Write a one-page ecclesiology for a prospective member: what the church is, does, and hopes to become.
Ask your mentor
Am I preparing to love a real church, or an imagined ministry platform?
20Term 4 · The church & its worshipElders, deacons & church government
Qualified shepherds, servant leaders, accountable authority, and plural care.
Elders, deacons & church government
Qualified shepherds, servant leaders, accountable authority, and plural care.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 73–76
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on church government and officers
Fieldwork
Complete a private 1 Timothy 3/Titus 1 self-assessment; review it with an elder and your spouse if married.
Ask your mentor
Which qualification needs long, observable cultivation before any application?
21Term 4 · The church & its worshipBaptism, the Supper & discipline
Christ’s ordinances and restorative holiness in the gathered church.
Baptism, the Supper & discipline
Christ’s ordinances and restorative holiness in the gathered church.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 77–80
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and discipline
Fieldwork
Prepare short explanations for baptism and Communion, plus a gracious four-step church-discipline case study.
Ask your mentor
Can I hold holiness and patience together when sin becomes costly?
22Term 4 · The church & its worshipCorporate worship & congregational song
Gathered worship shaped by the Word, filled with the Spirit, centered on Christ.
Corporate worship & congregational song
Gathered worship shaped by the Word, filled with the Spirit, centered on Christ.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 23, 37, 75
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chapter on worship and the church’s purposes
Fieldwork
Evaluate one Sunday gathering: Word, prayer, song, sacraments, intelligibility, participation, and gospel shape.
Ask your mentor
Does my worship leadership help people see and sing truth, or notice me?
23Term 4 · The church & its worshipShepherding, counseling & suffering
Bring God’s Word with truth, tenderness, patience, prayer, and presence.
Shepherding, counseling & suffering
Bring God’s Word with truth, tenderness, patience, prayer, and presence.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 67, 70, 76
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on prayer, sanctification, and the church
Fieldwork
With supervision, visit or call someone suffering. Listen first; afterward write what you heard, what you said, and what you should learn.
Ask your mentor
Do people experience me as curious and compassionate before corrective?
24Term 4 · The church & its worshipMarriage, family & private integrity
The pastor’s nearest relationships are part of his public qualification.
Marriage, family & private integrity
The pastor’s nearest relationships are part of his public qualification.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 71, 83–86
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on marriage, family, and personal ethics
Fieldwork
Ask spouse, family, or housemates for candid feedback on attention, gentleness, repentance, phone use, and reliability.
Ask your mentor
Would greater ministry responsibility bless or strain those closest to me right now?
25Term 5 · Preaching & missionThe theology of preaching
God speaks through faithful exposition of his written Word.
The theology of preaching
God speaks through faithful exposition of his written Word.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 1, 38, 42, 76
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on Scripture, teaching, and ministry
Fieldwork
Write your theology of preaching in twelve theses, each grounded in at least one text.
Ask your mentor
When I preach, whose voice and glory am I trying to make weighty?
26Term 5 · Preaching & missionSermon preparation from the text
Prayerful exegesis, structure, proposition, purpose, and application.
Sermon preparation from the text
Prayerful exegesis, structure, proposition, purpose, and application.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 1–2, 57
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Revisit clarity, illumination, and teaching
Fieldwork
Prepare a full sermon manuscript on a short epistle paragraph. Include exegetical idea, homiletical idea, aim, outline, and applications.
Ask your mentor
Can every major point be shown from the text?
27Term 5 · Preaching & missionChrist-centered exposition
Preach every text in its canonical setting without shortcuts or allegorical invention.
Christ-centered exposition
Preach every text in its canonical setting without shortcuts or allegorical invention.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Review chs. 39–52
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Review the person and work of Christ
Fieldwork
Revise last week’s sermon: show how the passage relates to Christ and the gospel while preserving the author’s emphasis.
Ask your mentor
Did I preach Christ from this text—or attach him after the sermon was finished?
28Term 5 · Preaching & missionApplication, delivery & the Spirit’s power
Clear, earnest, affectionate preaching in strength that God supplies.
Application, delivery & the Spirit’s power
Clear, earnest, affectionate preaching in strength that God supplies.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 53, 57, 82
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on the Spirit’s work and gifts
Fieldwork
Preach 20–25 minutes to a small group. Record it. Review accuracy, clarity, pace, affection, application, and unnecessary mannerisms.
Ask your mentor
Did dependence on the Spirit produce prayerful preparation or excuse weak preparation?
29Term 5 · Preaching & missionEvangelism & local mission
Proclaim Christ, call for repentance and faith, and equip every saint as a witness.
Evangelism & local mission
Proclaim Christ, call for repentance and faith, and equip every saint as a witness.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 54, 60, 81
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on conversion, mission, and the church
Fieldwork
Share the gospel with one person and invite a mature believer to observe or debrief. Pray daily for three unbelievers.
Ask your mentor
Is evangelism a doctrine I defend or a practice I pursue?
30Term 5 · Preaching & missionChurch planting & global mission
Churches plant churches among every tribe, language, people, and nation.
Church planting & global mission
Churches plant churches among every tribe, language, people, and nation.
Free classroomSovereign Grace mission and church-planting value↗Pastor and mission conference audio↗
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 72, 74, 81
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on mission and the church
Fieldwork
Profile one unreached people or underserved community; propose a church-centered prayer, giving, sending, and going response.
Ask your mentor
How does my current local faithfulness prepare me for wider mission?
31Term 6 · Endurance & readinessPrayer & pastoral study
Devote yourself to prayer and the ministry of the Word.
Prayer & pastoral study
Devote yourself to prayer and the ministry of the Word.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 19–20, 70
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chapter on prayer
Fieldwork
Keep a seven-day time log. Rebuild your ideal week around prayer, study, people, family, service, and rest.
Ask your mentor
What good activity most often crowds out prayer and the Word?
32Term 6 · Endurance & readinessLeadership, teams & conflict
Lead by teaching, example, courage, humility, and patient multiplication.
Leadership, teams & conflict
Lead by teaching, example, courage, humility, and patient multiplication.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 67, 69, 74–76
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on church leadership and unity
Fieldwork
Map a real but non-confidential conflict: facts, interpretations, heart desires, biblical duties, people to hear, and a peacemaking next step.
Ask your mentor
When challenged, do I become defensive, evasive, domineering, or teachable?
33Term 6 · Endurance & readinessMoney, power, purity & accountability
Reject greed, secrecy, celebrity, sexual sin, and domineering authority.
Money, power, purity & accountability
Reject greed, secrecy, celebrity, sexual sin, and domineering authority.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 64–71, 85–86
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on ethics, leadership, and discipline
Fieldwork
Create a personal rule for finances, digital habits, counseling boundaries, travel, confidentiality, and correction. Give it to your elder.
Ask your mentor
Where could secrecy grow if responsibility increased tomorrow?
34Term 6 · Endurance & readinessSuffering, criticism & endurance
Do not lose heart; entrust yourself to God and keep serving the flock.
Suffering, criticism & endurance
Do not lose heart; entrust yourself to God and keep serving the flock.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 68, 87–89
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on perseverance, providence, death, and hope
Fieldwork
Write a lament from Psalm 13 or 42 and a ministry endurance plan: warning signs, helpers, Sabbath, repentance, and hope.
Ask your mentor
What kind of hardship most tempts me to quit, retaliate, or hide?
35Term 6 · Endurance & readinessThe blessed hope
Christ will return, raise the dead, judge justly, and make all things new.
The blessed hope
Christ will return, raise the dead, judge justly, and make all things new.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Chs. 90–94
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Chs. on Christ’s return, resurrection, judgment, and new creation
Fieldwork
Prepare a funeral meditation that tells the truth about death and gives sturdy resurrection hope without sentimental promises.
Ask your mentor
Does the return of Christ shape my priorities and pastoral courage?
36Term 6 · Endurance & readinessCapstone: a shepherd’s plan
Gather doctrine, character, skill, and local-church confirmation into a faithful next step.
Capstone: a shepherd’s plan
Gather doctrine, character, skill, and local-church confirmation into a faithful next step.
Shelf track
J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: Select twelve chapters to revisit from chs. 1–94
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Revisit your six weakest doctrines
Fieldwork
Complete the readiness portfolio: testimony, doctrine summary, exegesis, sermon, ministry philosophy, character review, and elder recommendation.
Ask your mentor
Do those who know my life and service believe formal pastoral training is the wise next step?
How “free” works
The classroom costs nothing.
All linked lectures, sermons, statements, PDFs, and course pages are free. The two “shelf track” books are optional: borrow them from a church, library, or friend. The chapter assignments are not reproduced here.
Four personal retreats
Withdraw in order to return.
These are not study marathons. They are pauses for worship, examination, repentance, and clearer love for Christ and his people.
After week 6 · four hours
Called & known
Psalm 139; 1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9
- 90 minutes of silence, prayer, and Scripture
- Review conversion, motives, family, and qualifications
- Confess; then name evidences of grace
- Share the written reflection with an elder
After week 12 · half day
Cross & joy
Romans 8; Philippians 2–3
- Read Romans 8 aloud twice
- Listen to one Desiring God conference message
- Fast one meal if medically wise
- Write: Is Christ better than successful ministry?
After week 18 · half day
Word & Spirit
John 14–16; 1 Corinthians 12–14
- Pray the text before analyzing positions
- Review SGC’s Statement of Faith
- Ask for gifts that build up others
- Invite elder correction on zeal, fear, or excess
After week 30 · full day
Shepherd & sent
Ezekiel 34; John 10; Acts 20; 1 Peter 5
- Walk and pray for your church by name
- Review every mentor note from the year
- Name people—not platforms—you are called to love
- Draft your five-year formation priorities
Your final portfolio
Readiness is more than finishing.
Completion is useful. Commendation is better. The aim is a body of work and a manner of life that your church can actually examine.
Compare with the official college ↗Doctrine
A 12–15 page personal statement keyed to the SGC Statement of Faith.
Bible
Two 1,200-word exegesis papers showing structure, context, main point, and application.
Preaching
Two recorded expositions with written elder feedback and a revised manuscript.
Character
Two candid reviews using 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1—one early, one at the end.
Church
Consistent membership, service, giving, fellowship, and supervised ministry.
Readiness
A final conversation in which your pastors—not this portal—commend the next step.
A final word
Do not hurry the making of a pastor.
Knowledge matters. Skill matters. Yet Scripture places unusual weight on tested character, faithful teaching, love for the flock, and recognition by the church. Let this course expose what needs growth as readily as it displays what you know.