How long are class times?

Each weekly class is approximately 2 hours with live/video instruction and class discussion facilitated by the site campus director.

How long is a quarter?

Each quarter is approximately eight weeks long.

How much does it cost?

Tier 1 classes are approximately $99 per quarter (plus books).  Tier 2 classes are higher as the price includes the cost of a weekend intensive retreat (View cost estimates HERE). Our goal is to keep costs as low as possible, so students are able to complete Discover without financial debt.

Do I have to be a Christian to take Tier 1?

No, all people are welcome in Tier 1.  A portion of the course work includes serving in one of our partnering churches, so the area of service would need to be approved by the pastor of that church.

Is church attendance required?

Yes. Service in a local church is a part of the curriculum throughout Discover.

Do you have a statement of faith?

You can find the statement of faith here - Statement of Faith

Will there be homework, exams, and how about grades?

Yes, there will be homework that each student will be expected to have completed prior to each weekly class. Homework should average 5 - 7 hrs. per week during Tier 1 classes, and up to 7 hrs. week for Tier 2 (including 1 hr. per week of ministry service in your local church). There will be exams and homework assignments that will be graded.

How many absences are allowed per quarter?

Two class absences are allowed per quarter, but students will be expected to complete course work and watch any missed video instruction.  Discover classes will have an expectation of attendance and participation (same as a college-level course).

What is the relationship between Discover Ministry School and Open Bible?

Discover is a certified school with Open Bible Churches. It meets the requirements as prescribed by the Commission of Biblical Education & Ministerial Training.

Is this school accredited?

Discover is not currently accredited as it's our desire to keep it accessible, affordable, and simple for students.  Accreditation is not outside of the scope of possibility in the future, but the burden of requirements from an external accreditation organization would have to be carefully considered.  Discover Ministry School was designed for the purposes of learning God's Word and missional leadership.

What is the relationship between Discover Ministry School and INSTE or New Hope Christian College?

There is no formal relationship with these other Open Bible organizations at this time. Discover is intended to be another pathway to missional leadership.  We believe in, and will continue to support both INSTE and NHCC. It may be possible to receive credit in Discover for class work completed in INSTE or NHCC.

What makes Discover different?

• Discover Ministry School was originally developed and continues to be led by proven, experienced pastors.  Our hope is that every class will not simply contain theories, or nice-sounding head knowledge, but real wisdom gleaned from those who have worked in the trenches of pastoral leadership.
  
• Throughout the program, students will be exposed to a broad range of Open Bible pastors from all over the West Coast (and other seasoned pastors and authors).
  
• Discover is a leader-driven program (not curriculum-driven).  It utilizes a broad variety of resources that include books and teachings from current influential leaders.
  
• In most cases, students will attend weekly classes along side people from other churches in their surround area.
  
• Discover is intended to be local, so students are not required to travel far from home, leave their job or local church, which makes it more affordable.
  
• "Practical" experience is a core value, so each Tier 2 student will design and participate in launching a new ministry event or initiative in their church or community.

Can a student start in Quarter 2, 3 or 4 if they miss the first quarter?

This is possible during Tier 1 per approval, but not for Tier 2.  All Tier 1 classes must be completed before moving on to Tier 2.

What are the requirements to enter Tier 2?

Tier 2 is available to students who have been assessed and approved by Discover Leadership, have received a recommendation from their Senior Pastor, and have either of the following qualifications:

• Completed all Tier 1 classes with a passing grade
• Applicable biblical training and/or ministry experience subject to approval by Discover Leadership

If a student completes Tier 2 can they apply for Open Bible ministerial credentials?

At the end of Tier 2, students will have the option to assess with Discover Leadership if any additional training or qualifications may be necessary to become a licensed minister.  If it's determined that further experience or training is required, a pathway will be developed to help students reach that goal.

Are books included in the course price?

No, book costs will be the student's responsibility.

Are there any other additional costs?

There is an initial application fee of $30.00.

Will there be an Hispanic translation for the school?

Not currently, but we're working towards the ability to offer Spanish translated content in the future.

If I do not live close to one of the established campuses, is there an online option for Discover classes?

We do offer a virtual option if one of our campuses is not in your area; however, this is not the preferred Discover experience for students for the following reasons:

• Completing the class material is only one aspect of the school experience. We do not want to limit the education experience to learning information only
  
• Group interaction and discussion are critical parts of the learning and assessment process for every student
  
• Campus directors can provide valuable insight and experience to discussion and Q & A portions during class time
• Campus directors and students gathered from different churches will have unique perspectives based on their background and experience, which is also valuable to a student's development
  

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If you have questions that are not answered here, feel free to send us an email  - info@discoverministryschool.com