Bible Training for Pastors
Equipping pastors and church leaders with practical, biblical training for life and local church ministry
Millions of pastors worldwide lack access to biblical and theological training for local church ministry. As a result, many churches are led by faithful leaders who have little to no resources.
The Global Need for Bible Training
Could BTCP Be the Next Step for You?
BTCP exists to extend basic non-formal theological training to the world’s untrained pastors and church leaders. Through a structured, multi course program, students gain essential Bible knowledge, ministry skills, and tools for character development.
BTCP may be a great fit if:
You are a pastor without formal theological training
You are a church leader serving in local ministry
You are a missionary or church planter
You want to grow in your understanding of Scripture and ministry
The BTCP Program
The BTCP Model
At BTCP, we believe the most effective evangelists, pastors, church leaders, church planters, and disciples are both called by God and properly trained. Our goal is to equip pastors and church leaders to be effective in ministry through biblical training grounded in the Word of God. We accomplish this through a simple three step process:
Teaching through the BTCP Curriculum
Pastors, church leaders and disciples are trained through one of our three, multi-course Bible-based tracks, covering the essential areas of biblical study, theology and ministry application.
Training within the Local Church Context
With the help of our strategic partners, we aim to train pastors within their local ministry context whenever possible so they can apply what they are learning in real time. In some areas, training may require travel or schedule adjustments, but our goal is to keep pastors connected to their ministry.
Raising up New Leaders
Graduates are equipped to lead and train others, multiplying disciples and strengthening churches within their communities.
Testimonials
Four Generations of training for pastors & evangelists in Uganda
BTCP is instrumental in training Hispanic Church Planters
BTCP graduate is blessed to expand ministry in Kenya
FAQs
-
Enrollment in Pastoral Training Program does not require that a participant currently serve as a pastor. The Pastoral Training Program is intended for men who meet the biblical qualifications for pastors, as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9. While the Pastoral Training Program is limited to men who meet these qualifications, BTCP and BTCI certificate programs are available to both men and women who desire formal ministry training.
-
Our Bible training curriculum is intentionally designed for live, face-to-face classroom instruction with qualified mentoring teachers. We do not offer online classes, correspondence courses, or distance learning options for several important biblical and pedagogical reasons:
Biblical Model of Discipleship: Scripture consistently demonstrates a relational, life-to-life training model. As Jesus taught in Luke 6:40, "A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher." This transformation happens through personal relationship and mentorship, not just information transfer.
Character Formation: While online education effectively transfers knowledge, research shows it falls short in spiritual formation and character development. We believe "we teach what we know, but we reproduce what we are"—requiring personal interaction between mentor and student.
Reproducible Ministry Model: Our face-to-face approach creates leaders who can replicate this discipleship model in their own contexts, multiplying effective ministry training worldwide.
Though we recognize online training has its place, we remain committed to the biblical standard of relational discipleship that has proven most effective for developing mature church leaders and pastors.
-
You will need to recruit a qualified teacher from your church or organization to teach your BTCP or BTCL classes. We are, however, available to conduct a 2-day Partnership Orientation/ Teacher Training Workshop to orient potential teachers and coordinators to the use of the curriculum.
Understanding Our Partnership Model:
Teacher Training Support: We provide comprehensive support through our 2-day Partnership Orientation and Teacher Training Workshop, designed to equip potential teachers and program coordinators with everything needed to successfully implement our curriculum.
Our Partnership Model: BTCP operates with a lean staff of 5 ministers and 2 administrative assistants, allowing us to focus on developing excellent curriculum and supporting partner ministries worldwide. We provide:
Initial teacher training and orientation
Complete curriculum materials and teaching guides
Ongoing consultation and program support
Multiplication strategies for expanding training in your region
Teacher Qualifications: Potential teachers should have completed theological training through seminary, Bible college, BTCP programs, or equivalent biblical education.
Interested in becoming a teaching partner? Contact us to learn about bringing BTCP training to your area. Already a student? We can help you locate existing programs in your region.
-
Governance: BTCP operates under the oversight of a 7-member Board of Directors who provide strategic guidance and ensure faithful stewardship of our mission.
Financial Accountability: Our ministry undergoes annual independent financial audits to maintain transparency and responsible fund management.
Legal Status: Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1991, making all donations tax-deductible according to IRS guidelines.
Industry Standards: BTCP maintains membership in the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), demonstrating our commitment to the highest standards of financial integrity, fundraising practices, and board governance.
Take a look at our financial report and ministry impact in this year’s annual report.