01
Application
The journey begins with an application.
Applicants provide information about their testimony, family, church, ministry experience, biblical education, financial circumstances, and desire for further training.
Our admissions process is designed to identify faithful men who genuinely need the opportunity The Tentmakers Institute provides.
02
PERSONAL INTERVIEW
Qualified applicants participate in a personal interview with Institute leadership.
This allows us to learn more about the pastor behind the application—his spiritual life, character, strengths, weaknesses, work ethic, family responsibilities, ministry burdens, and willingness to grow.
We are not simply selecting students.
We are identifying men into whom we can deeply invest.
03
ACCEPTANCE INTO THE COHORT
Once accepted, the pastor becomes part of a small training cohort.
From that point forward, he is not simply a name on a student list.
We begin developing a personal relationship with him and his family and learning how we can best help him become a stronger servant of Christ.
04
FIRST TRAINING RESIDENCY
The pastor travels to the designated training location for intensive classroom instruction.
During these sessions, he studies Scripture, theology, preaching, pastoral ministry, discipleship, leadership, and other essential ministry subjects alongside fellow pastors.
Meals and lodging are provided during Institute training residencies so that students can concentrate on their education and fellowship.
05
RETURN TO THE LOCAL CHURCH
Training is immediately taken back into real ministry.
The pastor returns home to preach, teach, disciple, counsel, evangelize, and lead.
Assignments and practicums encourage him to apply what he has learned within the congregation God has already entrusted to him.
06
YEAR-ROUND DISCIPLESHIP
Between residencies, the pastor remains connected to Institute leadership.
He continues through assignments, reading, mentoring, accountability, and personal discipleship.
Questions do not have to wait until the next classroom session.
The relationship continues throughout the year.
07
VOCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
As the pastor grows in ministry, we also work with him to evaluate practical ways he can better provide for his family.
Depending on his location, abilities, and opportunities, this may include farming, livestock, trades, retail, transportation, services, or another small-business venture.
The goal is never to pull him away from ministry.
The goal is to make faithful ministry more sustainable.
08
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND LOAN SUPPORT
Qualified pastors may develop a business plan with the assistance of The Tentmakers Institute.
When appropriate, an interest-free business loan may be provided to help the pastor and his family establish a sustainable source of income.
As the business grows and the loan is responsibly repaid, those funds can eventually be used to help another pastor.
One investment can continue multiplying.
09
GRADUATION
After completing the required academic, ministry, and practical components of the program, the pastor graduates from The Tentmakers Institute.
But graduation does not mean goodbye.
The relationship continues.
10
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Graduates continue to receive opportunities for advanced biblical training, pastoral mentorship, ministry resources, and encouragement.
Our desire is to develop lifelong students of Scripture rather than pastors who simply complete a program.
11
BECOMING A TRAINER
Some graduates will demonstrate the character, knowledge, teaching ability, and faithfulness necessary to train others.
These men may enter additional preparation to become instructors within The Tentmakers Institute.
The student becomes the teacher.
The pastor who once needed training begins training others.
12
MULTIPLICATION
This is the ultimate vision.
A pastor is trained.
His family becomes stronger.
His church becomes stronger.
He disciples believers.
He trains leaders.
He teaches other pastors.
Those pastors strengthen other churches.
And the Gospel continues moving farther than The Tentmakers Institute could ever reach alone.
Training Pastors. Reaching Nations.