Biblical Training for Pastors

BTCP Pastor Certification: Men who meet the biblical qualifications for pastors as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 are eligible to earn a BTCP certificate upon completing all 10 courses in our pastoral training program. This includes requirements such as being faithful to one wife, not divorced, and demonstrating proven character and leadership abilities.

BTCL and BTCI Certification: All other committed disciples seeking ministry training—including women, divorced individuals, and lay leaders—are welcome in our church leader training programs. Students can earn either a BTCL certificate (8 core courses) or BTCI certificate (5 core courses) depending on their chosen track.

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.

We are intentionally non-accredited and do not offer degrees, diplomas, or academic transcripts. This deliberate choice allows us to provide several key advantages:

Why We Choose Non-Formal Education:

• Accessibility: No academic prerequisites required—training is open to all qualified candidates regardless of educational background

• Affordability: Extremely low cost compared to formal Bible colleges and seminaries

• Flexibility: Focus on practical ministry skills rather than academic requirements

• Character-Based: Emphasis on spiritual development and practical application rather than grades and testing

What Our Certificates Represent:

• BTCP certificates: Completion of comprehensive 10-course pastoral training program with documented hours

• BTCL certificates: Completion of 8 core ministry courses with specific course details and training hours

• BTCI certificates: Completion of 5 foundational courses with documented training hours

Transfer Recognition: Some Bible colleges and seminaries recognize our completion certificates and may grant advanced standing to transferring students, though this varies by institution.

Our Mission: Provide excellent biblical training to those who need it most—pastors and church leaders in underserved areas—at an affordable cost without traditional educational barriers.

If you require formal academic credentials, degrees, or official transcripts for your ministry goals, you will need to attend a traditional Bible college or seminary.

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.