What is Competency-Based Theological Education? A Flexible Path to Seminary

God has always called uniquely gifted people to do his work. From Abraham to Moses to Jonah, Scripture shows that God uses people from many different backgrounds, experiences, and seasons of life. Your story may not fit the traditional mold for theological education, but that does not mean God cannot use you.

What is Competency-Based Theological Education (CBTE)?

Competency-based theological education (CBTE) is a flexible approach to seminary training where students progress by learning core content and then demonstrating mastery of ministry skills, knowledge, and character. These programs allow students to study online, work with mentors, and apply what they learn directly in their current ministry context.

Deploy is an accredited, graduate-level, competency-based theological education program that exists through a partnership between Grace Theological Seminary and local churches and ministry agencies. Deploy is a contextualized approach to seminary that is both flexible and affordable, and is guided by seasoned ministry and formation mentoring that takes place alongside online coursework and credentialed academic coaching. Through Deploy, Grace Seminary seeks to ensure that its graduates are faithful, ready for ministry, and able to apply the principles and relevant practices they have learned.

What are the benefits of Competency-Based Theological Education at Grace?

1. Accredited: Deploy is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Association of Theological Schools, which together comprise the gold standard for seminary accreditation. Deploy is also approved by the Department of Education to receive federal student aid, as well as V.A. benefits for those who qualify. Grace is a member of the Competency-Based Education Network.
2. Graduate-level: Deploy offers two different degree paths — a Master of Divinity for those seeking greater exegetical, theological, and ministerial acumen, and a Master of Arts in Local Church Ministry for those seeking holistic training that will prepare them for ministry leadership.
3. Competency-Based: Deploy is non-traditional in that students work toward competencies rather than complete traditional courses. Each competency consists of learning outcomes that must be demonstrated at a “B” or above on specific assessments (projects, papers, applied learning, etc.). The aim of competency-based theological education is that students work toward proficiency in knowledge, skills, character, and/or application, which is distinct from merely completing coursework with a passing grade. This ensures that those holding a master’s degree actually possess the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective in ministry. Competency = knowledge + skills + attitudes and character + application. In other words, Grace Seminary wants its graduates to faithfully integrate the principles and practices they have learned.
4. Theological: When we say that Deploy is competency-based theological education, the word “theological” must not be overlooked. Deploy is a seminary program that covers the full range of theological and ministerial topics needed for those serving in church and parachurch ministries. A full list of program competencies can be found here.
5. Contextualized: Deploy provides the opportunity for students to remain in their ministry context, where they learn ministry by doing ministry. This allows them to apply principles and practices acquired during seminary in hands-on, real-life situations within their ministry contexts.
6. Online Seminary: Deploy enables students to complete their studies online, which allows them the flexibility and freedom to do seminary in a way that fits their life — Seminary at the Speed of Life! Students will have access to a premier digital theological and ministry library, the Logos Bible Software, that becomes theirs for life (provided at an affordable cost)!
7. Mentor-Saturated: Deploy students enjoy the benefit of three seasoned mentors who invest in them throughout their seminary journey: (1) the Academic Mentor is a credentialed Grace Theological Seminary faculty member who provides guidance and coaching in each area of academic study; (2) the Formation Mentor resides in the student’s ministry context and provides guidance and care in matters pertaining to personal and spiritual growth; and (3) the Ministry Mentor serves within the student’s ministry context and provides coaching and evaluation in areas pertaining to leadership and ministry skill development and practice.

Not only is Deploy accredited, graduate-level, competency-based, theological, contextualized, online, and mentor-saturated… it is also affordable, flexible, accessible, and one of the best ways to integrate the “learning” and “doing” of ministry! 

To learn more about competency-based theological education, please visit grace.edu/deploy!