What is Seminary Without Walls?
Our vision is to see a disciple-making movement start from the ground up with godly, equipped men and women. Seminary is where church leaders often go to receive formal training. We want to bring a similar level of training, although abbreviated, to the people of God on the front lines of ministry. Through SWW (Seminary Without Walls), we seek to form an entire person (head, heart, hands) around the Gospel to lead in their spheres of influence. SWW is for anyone who wants to reach and disciple others. It is especially designed for those currently in leadership positions or those who desire to serve in leadership positions (group leaders, kids/students volunteers, elders, deacons, worship leaders, etc). SWW was started in Annapolis. We are excited to start a chapter in Harford County. The main site can be found here.
Once-A-Month
SWW meets once-a-month for 4 hours. We do this for 3 consecutive months then take a break for a month. The entire program takes 18 months. On the off months we will sometimes teach the Intro Session again so that new participants can join. Jesus taught and discipled in community, and we believe we should to. We encourage participants from other churches and ministries, and we build in times for connection, dialog, and community within each session.
Preparatory Work
As part of the training process, we assign prep work prior to each session. Participants are expected to read, watch videos, and exegete Scripture related to the topic prior to coming to the group session meeting. This gives us a shared context for greater dialog and discussion during the meeting, rather than being 'talked at' for four hours. Each session has a time of teaching, space to ask questions, encouraged dialog, and break-outs for group interaction.
Three Focuses
Gospel Centered Theology (Head)
We train on 28 core theological doctrines along with a survey of the Old Testament and New Testament. Participants read theological works, exegete Scripture, outline books of the Bible, engage in a learning cohort, and demonstrate sound theological coherence with Gospel-centricity. The goal is to equip leaders with a coherent and Scripture-driven theological framework in which to practice ministry. The first six units will provide a survey of the Old and New Testaments. This will be followed by units on Theology Proper (Doctrine of God), Christology (Doctrine of Christ), Pneumotology (Doctrine of the Holy Spirit), Imago Dei (Image of God), Missio Dei (Mission of God), Hamartiology (Theology of Sin), Soteriology (Theology of Salvation), Ecclessiology (Theology of the Church), Eschatology (Theology of Last Days).
Practical Ministry Skills (Hands)
We facilitate environments to learn teaching skills, specifically focusing on translating the Gospel into practical, real-life scenarios. Participants learn how to make disciples, lead a Gospel community, how to grace-based recruit, and much more. The goal is to equip leaders with reproducible tools to do the everyday work of ministry with excellence and simplicity.
Formed Character (Heart)
We assess areas of character growth and provide practical resources including a personal development plan. Throughout the cohort, mentoring relationships are facilitated and the required assignments test faithfulness, integrity, and accountability. The goal is to equip leaders to continue forming their heart character to become more like Jesus in the everyday of life
We train on 28 core theological doctrines along with a survey of the Old Testament and New Testament. Participants read theological works, exegete Scripture, outline books of the Bible, engage in a learning cohort, and demonstrate sound theological coherence with Gospel-centricity. The goal is to equip leaders with a coherent and Scripture-driven theological framework in which to practice ministry. The first six units will provide a survey of the Old and New Testaments. This will be followed by units on Theology Proper (Doctrine of God), Christology (Doctrine of Christ), Pneumotology (Doctrine of the Holy Spirit), Imago Dei (Image of God), Missio Dei (Mission of God), Hamartiology (Theology of Sin), Soteriology (Theology of Salvation), Ecclessiology (Theology of the Church), Eschatology (Theology of Last Days).
Practical Ministry Skills (Hands)
We facilitate environments to learn teaching skills, specifically focusing on translating the Gospel into practical, real-life scenarios. Participants learn how to make disciples, lead a Gospel community, how to grace-based recruit, and much more. The goal is to equip leaders with reproducible tools to do the everyday work of ministry with excellence and simplicity.
Formed Character (Heart)
We assess areas of character growth and provide practical resources including a personal development plan. Throughout the cohort, mentoring relationships are facilitated and the required assignments test faithfulness, integrity, and accountability. The goal is to equip leaders to continue forming their heart character to become more like Jesus in the everyday of life
Application
While Seminary Without Walls is open to anyone, it involves a commitment. So we ask that you fill out this application to express your interest and willingness to commit to the program.