Spirit Flows Ministerial Training Academy
Spirit Flows Ministerial Training Academy offers ministerial training to those who have expressed a divine call to serve in the Gospel Ministry.
Program Information
This program is designed to prepare the minister for a life of service in the Kingdom of God. The program courses range from personal spiritual formation and culminate with practical instruction on the components of sermon preparation. The program also offers a ministry practicum where the prospective minister will experience hands-on experience in a ministry setting.
SFMTA is open to anyone who would like to study on an academic level. Upon completion of each course, each student is awarded a certificate of completion.
The following list defines the student classifications of SFMTA students:
MIT-Ministers in Training Program consists of members of FCC who have expressed a call of God to the Senior Pastor and have been directed to enroll in SFMTA. These individuals are required to take all courses unless otherwise specified.
After successful completion of course work and ministry practicum, each person will receive a recommendation for licensure.
Please Note: each student must receive approval and authorization from the senior pastor before being licensed to preach.
FCC Clergy (Elders and Ministers) are members of Friendship Christian Church who are licensed and/or ordained who desire to attend SFMTA courses.
FCC Non-Clergy
Lay-persons are members of FCC who are not in the MIT program. These individuals have not expressed a call to ministry; however, they desire to attend SFMTA courses.
Non-FCC Members
are those who are not members of FCC who desire to attend SFMTA courses. These individuals must submit a pastoral recommendation form from their present pastor.
SFMTA Foundational Scriptures:
2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV - Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 4:2 NKJV - Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching.
Click the tabs below to learn more about SFMTA!
Bishop John A. McCullough, II, MDiv
Bishop John A. McCullough, II serves as the pastor of Friendship Christian Church, Gastonia, North Carolina. (Click here to view Bishop McCullough’s Bio)
During this tenure at Friendship, Bishop has trained and licensed countless ministers who have continued to spread the Gospel throughout the world. Through Bishop McCullough’s leadership ministers are equipped to fulfill the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19.
His vision and desire to spread the Gospel in excellence lay the foundation for launching the Spirit Flows Ministerial Training Academy.
Quality Instruction, One Hour Per Month
The SFMTA is open to everyone who is called to ministry!
- Classes are held monthly.
- Class duration: 1–1.5hour
- Courses will be taught in-person or via Zoom.
Registration Information:
Members of Friendship Christian Church
• No fees required. All course materials are provided by the academy.
• Acceptance Requirement: Students are permitted to join program following an evaluation by the Senior Pastor.
Non-Members of Friendship Christian Church
• $25.00 Non-Refundable Application Fee
• Course Fees: $25.00per course or $350.00 (if paid all at once) for full program or 15 courses. Students are responsible for all course materials.
• Acceptance Requirement: All non-FCC students will be required to have his or her pastor complete a Pastor’s Recommendation form prior to admission to the program.
• Licensure: Licensure will be conducted by the person’s pastor after completion of the program.
Each Course Consists of Four Sessions!
- Spiritual Formation - The student will explore his or her relationship with God while growing in the knowledge of the attributes of God.
- Christian Ethics - The student will learn Christian ethics as a branch of Christian theology that defines virtuous behavior from a Christian perspective.
- Old Testament Survey - The student will study the Old Testament in the Bible to gain a deeper understanding.
- New Testament Survey - The student will study the New Testament in the Bible to gain a deeper understanding.
- Missiology - The student will explore missions in the global and local context.
- Biblical Hermeneutics - The student will study the components of biblical interpretation to gain in-depth knowledge of the text.
- Homiletics - The student will study the art of preaching.
- Writing for Effectiveness - The student will review and learn how to write effectively and clearly.
- Sermon Preparation I - The student learns the practical aspects of preaching including sermon writing, preaching to a live audiance, and preaching protocol.
- Sermon Preparation I - This course is a continuation of Sermon Prep I.
- Emotional Health is Spiritual Wealth - The student will gain insight and tools to promote a healthy lifestyle.
- Christian Disciplines - The student will learn and explore the practicies of the Christian Faith.
- Church History - The student will explore the rich history of the Christian church.
- Ministry Practicum - The student will demonstrate practical knowledge of ministry duties.
The faculty of SFMTA is comprised of individuals who are ordained to lead in the Lord’s church. Many of individuals in this this group have studied in seminaries across the country.
Their local church affiliations afford them contemporary ministry experience that enhances the impact of each lesson's objective.
Our scholarly and compassionate faculty work to ensure the success of each student.
Interested in SFMTA?
Please click here to complete the enrollment form.
PLEASE NOTE: Each student who is not a member of Friendship Christian Church is admitted to the school based upon the recommendation of his or her church pastor.
Please download the Pastor Recommendation Form below. Complete form and return it to our office as directed.
Due to COVID 19 - All classes will be held via ZOOM!
