The Doug Sager Center for Preaching and Pastoral Ministry exists to equip, encourage and empower East Tennessee pastors and ministry leaders for faithful gospel service. Through training, mentoring and fellowship, the Center combines biblical foundations with practical ministry training to prepare church leaders to grow churches and advance Christ’s kingdom. The Center uniquely combines classroom learning with on-the-job experience.
Through the Center, we offer the Associate of Science degree in Christian Leadership to equip working ministers. This program allows pastors the opportunity to earn academic credentials (two ministry certificates and a fully accredited Associate’s degree). The program will be delivered through local associations.
The Associate of Science Christian Leadership degree program is a program of study that includes both general education requirements (the Liberal Arts Core, 36 credits) and specific ministerial training (the Christian Leadership Core, 24 credits) for a total of 60 credits. The Liberal Arts Core, where possible, will include classes that are tailored towards ministry. For example, a preaching class will substitute for communication, an accounting class will substitute for math to aid pastors in church budgeting, etc. The Christian Leadership Core includes the recommended classes, but each local association can choose from the elective classes if better suited for the needs of its ministers (see program recommendations below).
Two Ministry Certificates (12 credit hours each) may be earned: 1) Certificate in Christian Leadership 2) Certificate in Christian Ministry
The scholarship tuition rate for this program is set at $150/credit hour or approximately $450/course (assuming a three-credit hour course), which is a total cost of $9,000.
Time to completion, following the program of study outlined below, is three calendar years or nine (9) semesters.
Eligible students are those who are financially independent, working as pastors or similar positions, who meet the University’s admission requirements, and are recommended for the program by their local association’s Associational Mission Strategist or Director of Missions.
*This program provides maximum flexibility to Association*
Fall 1 A Term: • BTS 165 Foundations of Servant Leadership
Fall 1 B Term: • BTS 367 OT & Leadership
Spring 1 B Term: • BTS Elective *Certificate in Christian Leadership Earned – 12 total hours completed toward AS in Christian Leadership
Summer 1 A Term: • LA Core Class (Online)
Summer 1 B Term: • LA Core Class (Online)
Fall 2 A Term: • BTS 224SL Spiritual Growth & Development
Fall 2 B Term: • BTS Elective
Spring 2 A Term: • BTS Elective
Spring 2 B Term: • BTS Elective *Certificate in Christian Ministry Earned – 30 total hours completed toward AS in Christian Leadership
Summer 2 A Term: • LA Core Course
Summer 2 B Term: • LA Core Course
Fall 3 A Term: • LA Core Class – BTS 347 Sermon Prep & Delivery
Fall 3 B Term: • LA Core Class – Probably Church History
Spring 3 A Term: • LA Core Class – Probably Church Music
Spring 3 B Term: • LA Core Class
Summer 3 A Term: • LA Core Class • LA Core Class
Summer 3 B Term: • LA Core Class • LA Core Class • *Associate of Science in Christian Leadership Earned – 60 total hours completed
For more information about the Sager Center, please contact your association’s Director of Missions or:
Dr. Jonathan AkinVice President for Church Relations & Campus Ministries[email protected]
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