Deploy | Competency Based Online Seminary - Grace Seminary Skip to content

Pursue mastery without pausing ministry

Seminary at the Speed of Life

Theological education has been a value of the church since its inception. This value has been a constant throughout church history; however, methodology has often been modified to meet the needs of God’s people. Today, there is an increasing need for theological education that is accessible, contextualized, and affordable. We have responded to this need through Deploy.

Deploy is an online seminary option that is available to those seeking graduate theological education without relocating and leaving their community, church, or job. Deploy uses a competency-based theological education (CBTE) model delivering seminary online and on-site within your local ministry context. This is seminary at the speed of life—a self-paced graduate education program designed to minimize disruption to ministry, work, and family, while optimizing students’ spiritual formation and professional ministry training. Deploy produces competent, credentialed leaders within your church without creating unnecessary vacancies in your staff. Deploy’s subscription billing model sets students up for an affordable education that won’t inflict upon them the unbearable burden of student loan debt. Just ask our graduates! As of 2023, 100% of Deploy’s graduates have finished their program with no education-related debt.

On Site, At Your Church

We use a competencybased theological education (CBTEmodel delivering theological seminary online and onsite within  a ministry context at your local church.

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Accelerated Education

This innovative program can be accomplished much faster than traditional seminary degrees. Students must achieve minimum B grade of mastery in order to progress to the next  competency. No waiting. Master one and move on.

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Hands On Practicum

While receiving formal theological training from an academic mentor, all students participate in active service opportunities within the local church where they will document, discussand dissect their experiences with an insightful ministry mentor, all while receiving shepherding from spiritual and ministry mentors.

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"Deploy has been an enriching experience for me. The content has been refreshing and transformative. The practical nature of the program stands out to me. It has already impacted my relationships as well as my own growth. Having prior experience with formal biblical training and study, I had a certain expectation when I first enrolled. The program has really exceeded my expectations. The most rewarding part thus far has been the relationships I have formed with the faculty. They are very personable, make themselves available to you, and pray with you regularly. Their dedication is so appreciated. I am very grateful for their commitment to train me and others for biblical teaching and leadership. I look forward to seeing how God continues to move in my heart and grow me more into the image of Christ through the school and its faculty."

Kevin Pobursky - MA Graduate - 2020

Two Remarkable Programs

Deploy offers two remarkable programs, leading to a Master of Arts or a Master of Divinity. Both programs train students in theological understanding, ministry skills, and spiritual formation.

M.Div. in General Ministry

Preaching, Teaching, Biblical Languages, Bible Interpretation, and Pastoral Care

The M.Div. in General Ministry degree (75 credits) offers all of the rich content from our M.A. degree, but also equips students with knowledge of the original languages and a deeper dive into theological and doctrinal studies. This degree will serve a broad spectrum of professional, ministry, and lay leaders looking for in-depth equipping for ministry.

M.A. in Local Church Ministry

Discipleship, Organizational Leadership, Age or Niche-based Ministry, and Spiritual Formation

The Master of Arts in Local Church Ministry degree (42 credits) equips students comprehensively for leadership and involvement in a variety of ministry roles. M.A. graduates are equipped with theological, hermeneutical, interpersonal, and practical knowledge and skills that will serve the ministry to which God has called them.

Interested in Becoming a Student?

Need assistance? We’re happy to help. If you’re ready, apply today!

Program Distinctions & Benefits

A Partnership with Your Local Church

Accelerate in the Program at Any Time

Ministry Mentor / Formation Mentor / Academic Mentor

Actual Ministry – The Most Practical Education

Students Receive a Digital Logos Library

Grace is a member of the Competency-Based Education Network

Bring Deploy To Your Ministry

All students will participate in active service opportunities within the local church where they will document, discuss, and dissect their experiences with an insightful ministry mentor. Nothing could be more real or valuable. Students will sharpen discipleship and interpersonal skills leading others, teaching, speaking, and serving.

Resources

CBTE for Pastors

CBTE for Students

Introduction to Professors

CBTE Accreditation

Mentoring Process

Tuition Explained

How Can I Complete an MA or an MDiv?

LOGOS Library Benefit

The Importance of Hands-On Ministry Experience

What is CBTE? – Part One

What is CBTE? – Part Two