How Our Programs Work
The Antioch School's programs are different from traditional seminary or Bible college programs. Understanding how we approach theological education will help you determine if we're the right fit for your training needs.
Cohort-Based Learning
As an Antioch School student, you'll be enrolled as part of an online cohort—a group of 8-15 students who journey through the program together. This cohort becomes your learning community, your support network, and often, your lifelong friends in ministry.
Unlike typical online programs that rely on pre-recorded lectures and discussion boards, our cohorts meet regularly for live, Socratic discussion. An experienced practitioner facilitates these discussions, but the learning happens through dialogue—wrestling together with Scripture, theology, and ministry practice.
You'll read deeply, think critically, and engage substantively. You'll be challenged by your instructor and by your fellow students. You'll discover that some of your best insights come not from lectures but from the give-and-take of serious discussion with like-minded leaders.
Church-Based vs. Traditional Education
Traditional Seminary Model:
Leave your ministry context to attend classes
Learn theology disconnected from practice
Academic environment separated from church life
Return to ministry after years away, trying to apply what you learned
Antioch School Model:
Stay rooted in your local ministry context
Integrate learning and practice from day one
Church-based training connected to real ministry
Constant application and refinement of what you're learning
Competency-Based Learning
Instead of just taking tests and writing papers for grades, you'll build a comprehensive portfolio that demonstrates your growing competency. This portfolio includes:
Biblical and theological papers that show your understanding
Ministry projects that demonstrate practical application
Reflective writing that reveals personal and spiritual growth
Evidence of increasing ministry effectiveness
Documented growth in key competency areas
Is the Antioch School Right for Me?
This approach to education requires:
Serious commitment: You can't coast through. Every discussion matters. Every paper should demonstrate growth.
Active ministry engagement: You need a context where you're actually doing ministry, not just studying it.
Willingness to be challenged: Your assumptions will be questioned. Your thinking will be stretched.
Long-term perspective: This isn't a quick credential. It's formation for a lifetime of ministry.
Flexible Pathways for Lifelong Learning
Our programs are designed to build upon each other. You might:
Begin with a Bachelor program and continue to a Master’s
Start with a Master and decide to pursue a Doctorate
Complete a Certificate and have it count toward a degree
We recognize that students come with diverse backgrounds. Some need to start at the certificate or undergraduate level. Others come with bachelor's degrees and are ready for graduate work. Our assessment process helps us determine the right starting point for you.
Ready to Explore Programs in Depth?
Fill out the form to get in touch with a member of our team.