PREPARE TO SERVE GOD
through our accessible, recognized, practical courses. Our focus is to help you know God better and serve Him better.
We have training programs for just about everyone, for those who are just starting out to those seeking a more advanced degree in Theology and Ministry.
A Greeting from Dr. Jim Towner
CMT International Director
What is CMT?
Center for Ministerial Training (CMT) is a school that prepares pastors, evangelists, missionaries, and other Christian workers around the world.
CMT aims to help students develop in Christian character, spiritual gifts, and ministerial skills within the context of authentic relationships with student peers and with experienced mentors. Most importantly, students are urged to grow in an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ and in surrender to His will. We seek to form disciples who will form other disciples, according to the biblical plan of ongoing spiritual multiplication. We strongly stress the need to plant churches and to spread the Gospel within our own cultures and beyond to other people groups.
CMT was founded in 2008 by pioneer missionaries Jim and Martha Towner when they returned to the States after three decades of ministry in Mexico and Spain. Our international main office is located in Minnesota, USA.
CMT aims to help students develop in Christian character, spiritual gifts, and ministerial skills within the context of authentic relationships with student peers and with experienced mentors. Most importantly, students are urged to grow in an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ and in surrender to His will. We seek to form disciples who will form other disciples, according to the biblical plan of ongoing spiritual multiplication. We strongly stress the need to plant churches and to spread the Gospel within our own cultures and beyond to other people groups.
CMT was founded in 2008 by pioneer missionaries Jim and Martha Towner when they returned to the States after three decades of ministry in Mexico and Spain. Our international main office is located in Minnesota, USA.
Who and Where are our students?
CMT has many study centers with hundreds of students enrolled in our programs across the world. We are located in a variety of cultures and ethnic groups. Prompted by the love of Christ, CMT carries as part of its DNA a sensitivity and respect for diversity and a burden to reach the lost among all ethnic groups and cultures.
CMT provides an opportunity to study for ordinary people who may not have the opportunity to attend a traditional Bible school, Christian university, or seminary. Most CMT students are already engaged in some sort of Christian work. Often they make great sacrifices to find time for study while leading ministries and balancing secular jobs and family life. They may face other significant challenges, such as lower educational levels, limited finances, or far distances to travel to be able to attend a traditional "brick-and-mortar" Bible school. CMT takes our theological education directly to them. We organize study centers nearby where they can learn together with fellow students in small groups led by trained facilitators.
CMT uses a variety of materials in its training programs, depending on a student’s need, location, previous studies, ministry experience, and other factors. Each of our study levels can be considered a stand-alone option for study, meaning that CMT students can experience great benefit for their life and ministry through completing a single program without having to transition beyond that into another, more advanced CMT program. Our focus is on preparing Christian leaders for ministry, but we also invite students to enroll who have not yet sensed a definite call to preach and teach the Gospel, but who are willing for the Holy Spirit to touch their hearts about serving God.
CMT provides an opportunity to study for ordinary people who may not have the opportunity to attend a traditional Bible school, Christian university, or seminary. Most CMT students are already engaged in some sort of Christian work. Often they make great sacrifices to find time for study while leading ministries and balancing secular jobs and family life. They may face other significant challenges, such as lower educational levels, limited finances, or far distances to travel to be able to attend a traditional "brick-and-mortar" Bible school. CMT takes our theological education directly to them. We organize study centers nearby where they can learn together with fellow students in small groups led by trained facilitators.
CMT uses a variety of materials in its training programs, depending on a student’s need, location, previous studies, ministry experience, and other factors. Each of our study levels can be considered a stand-alone option for study, meaning that CMT students can experience great benefit for their life and ministry through completing a single program without having to transition beyond that into another, more advanced CMT program. Our focus is on preparing Christian leaders for ministry, but we also invite students to enroll who have not yet sensed a definite call to preach and teach the Gospel, but who are willing for the Holy Spirit to touch their hearts about serving God.
What is our philosophy?
CMT’s philosophy is sometimes called a head-heart-hands orientation because it brings together three crucial emphases: balanced Bible knowledge, passionate love for God, and immediate practical application of lessons learned into the real world. We also underscore the importance of servant leadership and love for the whole Body of Christ. The Apostle Paul speaks of this integrated approach to preparing fruitful followers of Jesus in Colossians 1:25,28: “Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God… We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.”
What do we believe?
CMT is an interdenominational ministry that operates under the spiritual covering of an international group called Fellowship of Christian Assemblies. While CMT’s theology is pentecostal or charismatic, the school has students from a wide variety of Evangelical groups. A core principle of CMT is to love and honor the whole Body of Christ.
CMT has a sister school that operates in Spanish,
Centro de Entrenamiento Ministerial.
Our Basic Level Courses
CMT courses using SEAN International materials
SEAN is pronounced SAY-ON and stands for Study by Extension for All Nations. SEAN International courses follow a method of learning called Theological Education by Extension (TEE), which is used extensively around the world in many cultures. SEAN International is an interdenominational foundation that operates in more than 100 countries and in over 80 languages.
Through our SEAN International BASIC CURRICULUM, students develop in Christian character and understanding of the fundamentals of Bible doctrine. Scriptures such as 2 Peter 3:18 command believers to, "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." This discipleship-focused material helps students do that. SEAN International materials are biblical and have been prepared for ordinary people, without any need for higher education or advanced theology.
This basic CMT program using SEAN International courses requires a minimum of one year to complete a total of 30 credit hours. Upon graduation, students receive a Certificate of Basic Bible Doctrine. Students may then proceed toward a Diploma in Bible and Ministry, which makes use of more advanced SEAN International courses, plus other material. This Diploma program is also called an Associate Degree and is worth 60 credit hours.
Through our SEAN International BASIC CURRICULUM, students develop in Christian character and understanding of the fundamentals of Bible doctrine. Scriptures such as 2 Peter 3:18 command believers to, "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." This discipleship-focused material helps students do that. SEAN International materials are biblical and have been prepared for ordinary people, without any need for higher education or advanced theology.
This basic CMT program using SEAN International courses requires a minimum of one year to complete a total of 30 credit hours. Upon graduation, students receive a Certificate of Basic Bible Doctrine. Students may then proceed toward a Diploma in Bible and Ministry, which makes use of more advanced SEAN International courses, plus other material. This Diploma program is also called an Associate Degree and is worth 60 credit hours.
Our Intermediate Level Courses
At this time, CMT is in the process of building a four year Bachelor Degree program in Bible and Theology, worth 120 credit hours. These are exciting times of transition and rapid expansion for us! Keep in touch with us if you are interested in studying for your BA Degree. Please pray with us for divine wisdom and resources, since developing an undergraduate program like this is challenging! We really need God's help.
Our Advanced Level Courses
Master's Degree in Theology and Ministry (MATM)
This graduate program, worth 36 credit hours, aims to help students develop expertise in knowledge of the Scriptures and effective ministry skills. Our aim is to produce scholars passionate for God and for the advance of His kingdom. Church planting and missions are emphasized. Under the guidance of their professors, students in this Master's Degree program will acquire competence in academic research and writing. Students will produce a thesis paper of 40 to 60 pages. In certain situations, the School will allow the completion of a capstone project in lieu of a written thesis. The time to complete this Master's Degree program will be approximately two years.
Depending on a student's previous background of theological studies, there may be additional “catch up” or bridging courses required to bring knowledge up to the minimum level required by this program. The following courses would be considered prerequisites:
Depending on a student's previous background of theological studies, there may be additional “catch up” or bridging courses required to bring knowledge up to the minimum level required by this program. The following courses would be considered prerequisites:
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Credit for Life Experience and Previous Ministry
Mature servants of God with years of preaching and teaching experience may also be able to apply, on a case-by-case basis, to have a portion of their personal, academic-level studies in the Scriptures converted into college credits with our School. We realize that the greatest classroom of all can be the Holy Spirit's school of on-the-job-training and experience. Valuable education is not just learned from books or from the classroom setting, but from actual ministry to those around us.
Students with prior history of significant life and ministry experience and scholarly study of God's Word may qualify them to challenge a course or subject area. These students develop a carefully documented Portfolio which is assessed by our School to determine if the quality and appropriateness of this experiential knowledge can be considered as functionally equivalent to college credit. Testing may be required to validate hours of credit. In preparing a portfolio, students must follow the School's guidelines in compiling, categorizing, and documenting in detail all information pertaining to course or subject areas the student wishes to be considered for credit. An autobiographical resume is also included. The information contained in the student portfolio is kept on file by the School for accreditation purposes.
In the Master's Degree program a maximum of 25% or 9 credit hours can be earned from life and ministry experience evaluated and approved by the School through Portfolio Assessment.
Students with prior history of significant life and ministry experience and scholarly study of God's Word may qualify them to challenge a course or subject area. These students develop a carefully documented Portfolio which is assessed by our School to determine if the quality and appropriateness of this experiential knowledge can be considered as functionally equivalent to college credit. Testing may be required to validate hours of credit. In preparing a portfolio, students must follow the School's guidelines in compiling, categorizing, and documenting in detail all information pertaining to course or subject areas the student wishes to be considered for credit. An autobiographical resume is also included. The information contained in the student portfolio is kept on file by the School for accreditation purposes.
In the Master's Degree program a maximum of 25% or 9 credit hours can be earned from life and ministry experience evaluated and approved by the School through Portfolio Assessment.
Doctor's Degree in Theology and Ministry (DMin)
This post graduate program is worth 50 credit hours and takes approximately three years to complete. Doctoral students may be required to complete a series of courses in their area of concentration to enable them to master the material being studied. Under the guidance and approval of an Advisor, doctoral students will select a topic for academic research and complete a dissertation paper of 150-180 pages. The writing of the dissertation must follow rigorous guidelines established by the School. The topic studied must deal with an important, new area of discovered knowledge or a serious, new application of what is already known, and must significantly advance the frontiers of information in a manner considered valuable by experts in the field. In rare cases, a doctoral level project might be accepted in lieu of a dissertation.
Generally, Life and Ministry Experience credit is not given for Doctorate Level Programs.
Generally, Life and Ministry Experience credit is not given for Doctorate Level Programs.
Accreditation
Our purpose is to prepare students for ministry rather than to equip them for secular professions or jobs. Students should not assume that their training with CMT will qualify them for entry into a non-ministry-related field of employment.
Center for Ministerial Training is officially recognized by Fellowship of Christian Assemblies (FCA), a respected international network of churches and ministers. Our school operates under the covering of this group, which validates our programs as legitimate options for the development of pastors, Bible Teachers, evangelists, missionaries, and other ministers.
Center for Ministerial Training is officially recognized by Fellowship of Christian Assemblies (FCA), a respected international network of churches and ministers. Our school operates under the covering of this group, which validates our programs as legitimate options for the development of pastors, Bible Teachers, evangelists, missionaries, and other ministers.
CMT has partnered with Minnesota Graduate School of Theology (MGST) in order to deliver accredited graduate (Master’s) and postgraduate (Doctorate) degrees, MGST is theologically accredited by and accountable to Accrediting Commission International (ACI). ACI is a non-profit organization that administers the accreditation of Christian theological seminaries, universities, and colleges throughout the world. ACI supervises the rigorous educational standards and sound scholarship of nearly 300 schools in eight nations and in 38 States of the USA. Minnesota Graduate School of Theology’s website is https://www.mngst.org. This website is only for reference purposes. Interested students should contact us directly at Center for Ministerial Training, as we are the official MSGT Associate School for Kenya.
Credit Transfer
Center for Ministerial Training and its sister school in Spanish, Centro de Entrenamiento Ministerial, have credit transfer pathways internationally for its students. These are already in place or are being developed with a number of like-minded, accredited theological institutions.
Enrolling students who have successfully completed theological and ministry courses in the past with other credible schools are welcome to present their transcripts to see if these credits can be recognized by Center for Ministerial Training and Minnesota Graduate School of Theology. Our School will accept credits from other schools based upon the merit of the courses taken and the credibility of those schools, and providing the subjects meet the requirements of the student's course of study at our School.
Enrolling students who have successfully completed theological and ministry courses in the past with other credible schools are welcome to present their transcripts to see if these credits can be recognized by Center for Ministerial Training and Minnesota Graduate School of Theology. Our School will accept credits from other schools based upon the merit of the courses taken and the credibility of those schools, and providing the subjects meet the requirements of the student's course of study at our School.
Credit Values
Semester credit values in our School are based on one semester hour of credit for each 15 hours of student contact time. These student contact hours of credit are earned in one or more of the following ways: Contact hours are earned through time spent in the classroom studying courses directed by the School staff. Contact hours are also earned through time spent in specific independent research related to the course of study while enrolled in one of the School’s programs. Prior to arrival in class, the student is expected to prepare sufficiently, doing homework, assignments, required reading, etc. Normally, at least two hours of personal study time are necessary per one hour of classroom time.
Grading
Student Ministry Involvement
Each student enrolled in the School will be required to complete 48 hours of outside ministry per academic year. The student must contact the School by the end of the second week of the start of courses and inform us of the ministry chosen. Many kinds of ministry activity can qualify to fulfill this requirement, such as pastoring, teaching, counseling, music ministry, visitation, evangelism, children's ministry, ushering, etc. Each student will keep a record of ministry activity and may be required to turn in a brief summary to the School with the hours served.
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