HOW It Works

Understanding the Bachelors of Theology in Pastoral Leadership.


How will THS Work For You?

You may wonder if our Bachelor of Theology in Pastoral Leadership is the right choice for you. This page aims to answer your questions about our program, helping you determine if it meets your needs.

At THS Academy, our mission is straightforward: "We Train Pastors." This is our primary focus. In just three years, we guide students from being interested in ministry to becoming effective leaders in various areas.

We achieve this by combining classroom theological studies with a guided apprenticeship in a local church or ministry. As students gain theoretical knowledge, they immediately apply it during their apprenticeships, making learning practical and impactful.

So, how does our three-year program work? Letโ€™s break it down.

Educational Schedule Breakdown: Bachelors of Theology in Pastoral Leadership

The academic portion of our education is divided into nine trimesters. Each trimester spans four months: January-April, May-August, and September-December. However, classes only run for eight weeks during each trimester, followed by one week for finals. This schedule allows students to work in their churches or hold other jobs.

While classes are in session, they take place from Monday to Wednesday, from 8 AM to 1 PM (Pacific Time). This leaves the remainder of the week free for other commitments.

Overall, we offer a total of 36 academic courses. These cover essential areas such as Systematic Theology, Bible Studies/Exegesis, Church History, Multiplication, Skills, and Character.

Each trimester includes four academic courses: two 4-credit courses and two 2-credit courses. In addition, students participate in apprenticeship courses.

These courses follow a three-year rolling schedule. Every three years, the courses repeat. Students can apply before any trimester begins and join at the start of that trimester. This setup creates a diverse cohort, with individuals at various phases of their studies. As a result, students benefit from a rich mix of experiences in the classroom.

If you would like more detailed information about our academics, please check out our
Academics Page.

How do our online classes work?

Our classes are conducted online via Zoom. This setup allows students to study from anywhere in the world while attending THS. Typically, the professor teaches live from the U.S. using a webcam and microphone. During the Zoom call, all students can participate, ask questions, and use various helpful learning tools.

To attend classes, students need a computer and a reliable internet connection. Amazingly, we have welcomed students from over 15 countries worldwide on this platform.

At THS, we utilize our own Learning Management System (LMS). This platform allows both students and teachers to access courses, assignments, grades, links, and more. You can find it at ths-portal.com.

Currently, we do not have a physical university. Therefore, we encourage young people seeking an in-person experience to explore our discipleship program: Daniel School. If you have already had a similar experience and are ready to connect with your local church, this is the perfect place for you to take the next steps in your ministry training.

Apprenticeship Experience in Pastoral Leadership

One key factor that makes THS effective in raising successful ministry leaders is our requirement for all students to complete an apprenticeship. This means that, alongside their theological studies, students must work 15 hours per week in a ministry setting under the supervision of a pastor.

The apprenticeship consists of four main phases:

  1. Orientation: In this phase, students get situated in their church and ministry.
  2. Pioneer: After establishing themselves, students participate in a ministry role at the church. Here, they can discover their area of passion and begin taking steps of faith to lead.
  3. Growth: Once a ministry is established, it is vital for students to learn how to implement structure, set goals, and develop other leaders.
  4. Completion: Finally, as students near the end of their studies, this phase prepares them to bring their ministry efforts to life and take the next steps in their journey.

Throughout the apprenticeship, students also complete challenges and receive feedback through evaluations. This process helps them grow and develop in various areas.

Requirements & Overview: Bachelors of Theology in Pastoral Leadership

Applying to THS Academy is a straightforward process. First, applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, they should demonstrate high school-level reading, speaking, and comprehension skills in English. Lastly, a well-written application essay is required. For more details on the application process, please visit: Apply Now.

Moreover, THS is authorized by the Washington State Achievement Council (WSAC) to grant a Bachelor of Theology in Pastoral Leadership degree. If you have any further questions about our degree, donโ€™t hesitate to reach out.

The Washington Student Achievement Council has determined that THS Academy for Pastoral Leadership qualifies for religious exempt status from the Degree Granting Institutions Act for the following program: Bachelor of Theology in Pastoral Leadership (B.T.). The Council makes no evaluation of the administration, faculty, business practices, financial condition or quality of the offerings by this institution. Any person desiring information about the requirements of the act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the Council at P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430 or by email at degreeauthorization@wsac.wa.gov.

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