Advance Academy of Ministry

  • Are you a young adult who is interested in serving God more fully?
  • Do you have a sense of God’s call on your life but unsure what your next step is?
  • Maybe you’re already growing as a leader but want more?
  • Perhaps you’ve thought of attending a Bible college, but the cost is just too high?
  • Are you a student, or already employed, and time is holding you back?
  • How about learning with friends with the same vision as you!

If any or all the above apply to you, then Advance Academy of Ministry is for you!

                 

                                                                                                        VISION/MISSION

ADVANCE Academy of Ministry is an accessible Christian leadership training experience that disciples young leaders for kingdom service in the home, church, and marketplace.

Starting Fall 2025, we will be introducing 5 new and unique courses! Each course will start with an in-person retreat weekend. This will be the full cohort experience with a young adult focus including hybrid (small groups and individual online), personal coaching, and affordable. 

                                                                                                 

                                                                                                            KEY VALUES 

  1. Relational Discipling: This is not just a bunch of info designed for you to remember, but rather a way of walking together in real-life relationships, faithfully following Jesus in his mission.
  2. Kingdom Focus: You will discover that the way of Jesus the King is exciting, full of surprises, yet stable and sure-footed. Your Bible is your main book and talking with God is the way he guides you.
  3. Mission Priority: Wherever God has placed you in the moment is the space he is inviting you to make a difference! You will be given experiences to develop these skills!
  4. Church Engagement: Your church is a key in supporting and encouraging you in this journey. Talk to your pastor or church leader about this.
  5. Learner Accessibility: For the cost of a daily Starbucks, over 2 months you can experience a “Bible Ministry School”, designed for someone just like you. That includes a retreat and your books! And you can do it alongside school, university, or work!   

                                                                                         

                                                                                               Course Curriculum Overview 

  • $350 per course including retreat & textbook 
  • 6 weeks per course
  • 1 year program duration 
  • 5th course for only $100 for students who take all 4 other courses within the year.
  • Weekly classes (Monday 6-9pm): We will experiment with a variety of formats—in-person classroom, small group cohorts, online. 
  • Assignments will focus on Bible reading (about 30 minutes/day), journaling, and a short reflection paper.  

Course Name

Start Date

End Date

Weekend Retreat Dates

Course Description 

  1. Theology 101: Confessing our Faith 

August 22nd 2025

October 4th 2025

Friday August 22 

to 

Sunday August 24th 2025

This course delves into the Evangelical Anabaptist theology upheld by the Mennonite Brethren (MB) Church in Canada, with a specific focus on the first ten articles of the MB Confession of Faith.

  1. New Testament 101: Luke & the Kingdom of God

October 31st

2025 

December 7th 2025

Friday October 31st to 

Sunday November 2nd 2025

This course explores the Gospel of Luke with an emphasis on its presentation of the Kingdom of God. Students will examine key themes such as discipleship, justice, mercy, and the mission of Jesus, all within the context of Luke’s unique narrative style and theological perspective. Particular attention will be given to how Luke communicates the good news of the Kingdom and its implications for the church today. 

  1. Old Testament 101: Pentateuch 

January 9th 2026

February 9th 

2026

Friday January 9th

to 

Sunday January 11th 2026

This course offers a foundational study of the first five books of the Bible—Genesis through Deuteronomy—commonly known as the Pentateuch. Students will engage with the major themes of creation, covenant, law, and God’s faithfulness to His people. Special focus will be given to understanding the historical and theological significance of these texts and how they shape the broader biblical narrative.

  1. Evangelism 101: Communicating the Good News

February 20th 2926

March 29th 2026

Friday February 20th to 

Sunday February 22nd 2026

This course provides a theological and practical foundation for sharing the gospel in contemporary contexts. Rooted in Scripture and shaped by a Christ-centered approach, students will explore various models of evangelism, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the importance of cultural sensitivity. The course emphasizes personal and corporate witness as integral to the mission of the church.

  1. Practical Ministry (Internship) 

April 2026 TBD

Will coincide with Gathering 2026 Convention

TBD

This course integrates theological learning with hands-on ministry experience. Students will intern in a local church or ministry setting, participating in various aspects of church life and leadership. Through mentorship, reflection, and active involvement, students will develop practical skills in teaching, service, pastoral care, and administration, while deepening their understanding of vocational ministry.

Next Steps:

  1. Ask God to give you clarity about this step in your life.
  2. Talk to your pastor and let them know you want to register.
  3. Fill in the application form (you will need a couple of references)
  4. The cost is $350 + the cost of books. $50 will be payable as part of the application process, the remaining $300 is due by August 1st 2025. This includes the cost of the retreat. Amazing!

NOTE: If costs are a challenge for you, talk to your pastor or church leader about it. Have them contact us to make arrangements.

Applications open MAY 15, 2025. Deadline to apply is midnight July 22nd 2025. APPLY NOW! 

Class of Winter 2025

The students from our first cohort class where they completed the course "The King and His Kingdom" and learned the whole story of the bible from Genesis to Revelation.