At Brentwood Baptist Church, we take seriously the call to equip believers for the work of ministry for building up the body of Christ (see Ephesians 4:11-12). Investing in disciple-making relationships is one way we strive toward this goal. Additionally, we provide specialized training in our various ministry areas (Worship, Connections, Groups, and others). Here are five ways we train our leaders, equipping them with both biblical knowledge and ministry skills.

Master’s Level Seminary Courses

Through our partnership with Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and other educational institutions, we offer master’s level courses. Leaders choose between auditing the course or taking it for credit toward a master’s degree or certificate. Staff members with the appropriate credentials teach these classes, typically at the Brentwood campus. These seminary courses are a great opportunity to train leaders for ministry.

Ministry Residency

Each year, we bring on about five Ministry Residents who spend two years with us doing full-time work. These are men and women who feel called to vocational ministry and often have some theological training and ministry experience. Our residency program prepares the next generation of Christian leaders (i.e., church planters, pastors, worship leaders, missionaries, and disciple makers) to lead the church effectively through cohort learning environments, mentored supervision, and experiential ministry.

Internships

We offer part-time internships at many of our campuses in a variety of ministry areas. People who wish to serve the church in a specific ministry area or are exploring a call to vocational ministry benefit greatly from becoming an intern. Internships provide leaders with new ways to serve the church while developing ministry skills and participating in hands-on ministry.

Timothy and Titus

TNT is a one-year intensive course offered to leaders in the church. The course covers such areas as biblical studies, Christian theology, ministry, personal assessments, and spiritual leadership. Participants engage in reading assignments, essays, interviews, assessments, reports, and are expected to give a ministry presentation of how they will serve Christ and His Kingdom.

Christian Coaching

The Center for Christian Coaching provides ministry leaders with coaching skills to help them engage in Christ-centered, empowering, and actionable conversations with those they lead. Coaching trains leaders in the arts of skilled listening and asking powerful questions. Developing these abilities enables people to walk alongside others and help them work on improvement in various aspects of their lives such as spiritual growth, relationships, making important decisions, or personal development

For more information on these 5 ways to train leaders, go to www.mtli.org