Why the Name "Advance"?
From Philippians 1:12, “I want you to know…what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.”

What kind of school is this?
Advance is not a liberal arts school, not a college, or even a traditional Bible College. Advance is a 2-year, highly intensified college-level institute designed to lead students to cast a vision for growth in the local church.

How do classes work?
Classes are arranged much like college classes with credit hours, course outlines, assignments, tests, with an emphasis on practical ministry.

What methods of teaching are used?
Live Zoom classroom, course videos, and internship.

What kind of internship program is used?
A 2-year internship runs concurrent with instruction. Students will receive intense hands on ministry experience which will enable them to not only receive quality instruction in the classroom, but exercise their knowledge through externally focused outreach programs and ministries in what we call a “Lab Ministry” church.

Can a person take longer than 2 years to complete work?
Yes. A student may attend “Part-time” and still complete a certificate.

Who are the instructors?
Instructors are highly competent preachers and church leaders who have been successful in building the local church. They are not merely academics, but practitioners. Instructors are students of God's word, doctrinally sound, and highly educated. They are capable of teaching biblical concepts in simple clear terms and applying scriptures for practical ministry.

Is this school suitable for anyone other than preachers?
Yes, with three certificate programs, Advance trains leaders (male and female) for a variety of staff positions.

What is attractive about this school that separates it from traditional college?

• Our Endorsement certificate programs are two years instead of four and students take classes in a virtual format live on Zoom from wherever they live.
• Classes are held only two days a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays). This affords the student the opportunity to be in class while working a part-time job or a full-time church staff position.     
• Flexibility. We will work with the student who has a part-time or full-time job. This may extend the duration of one’s education.
• Low cost of tuition. Our goal, though classes will include a tuition cost per hour, is to graduate students without incurring debt. Certificate of Endorsement students also have scholarship opportunities available.  

 
This doesn’t sound possible. How can this work financially?

• Low overhead. Advance is a mostly virtual program and does not have the added expenses of physical property. Because of this, our tuition is set at a fraction of a 4-year college/university.  
• Donors. Generous donors, visionary leaders. People who believe in our mission to train ministers in the Bible and practical application. Teaching successful principles of evangelism and outreach in the local church are key to our success in training preachers and other ministers.

Why choose Advance?

• Advance is designed as an alternative for the student who is not interested in a 4-year degree. Examples include “career changers” who get hired on a church staff and may have the need to further their theological education and leadership training. Advance gives them the opportunity get this education and training while fulfilling their role on staff and not having to go anywhere.
• Although our classes do not meet on a campus, we maintain live instruction using Zoom as a classroom so students get to know each other and have direct live interaction with the instructors.
• Students in the Certificate of Endorsement program have the option of transferring their credits to Great Lakes Christian College if they wish to continue with their education by obtaining a bachelor’s degree, which can be completed in their online program.           

Can I attend Advance for the benefit as a member or leader in the church even though I don’t intend to preach or be in full-time ministry?
Yes. The Certificate of Completion is designed for church members who complete 12 or 24 courses.

Do you award degrees?
No, Advance will award the following certificates:

• Certificate of Endorsement: Preaching Ministry (66 credit hours)
• Certificate of Endorsement: Associate Ministry (66 credit hours)
• Certificate of Endorsement: Practical Ministry (66 credit hours)
• Certificate of Completion: General Ministry (completion of 12 courses)
• Certificate of Completion: Advanced Bible and Ministry (completion of 24 courses)  

What are the major areas of study?

• Preaching and Teaching
• Bible and Theology
• Practical Ministry
• Church Leadership Development
• Church and Culture (Outreach and Evangelism)

What gives this program value as a training institute?
3 things:
(1) the high quality and reputation of our instructors and classes.
(2) the high quality and reputation of our internship program.
(3) the high quality and reputation of the students who successfully complete a certificate.