The Advance Center for Ministry Training in Kissimmee, Fla., and Great Lakes Christian College, Lansing, Mich., have articulated a transfer agreement that will enable Advance graduates to complete their bachelor’s degrees at GLCC.
The Florida school started in 2022 and offers certificates of endorsements in preaching ministry, associate ministry, and practical ministry. These certificates require completion of 66 hours of instruction along with a concurrent internship in a church. Classes occur in-person at Kissimmee (Fla.) Christian Church, as well as via Zoom, video, and internships.
The Advance Center for Ministry Training exists to train ministers to be visionary leaders with a strong biblical worldview for the church, said Jim Book, president of the school and senior minister with First Christian in Kissimmee. Advance’s mission resonates with Dr. Frank Weller, president of GLCC, which offers four-year degrees in biblical studies, theology, ministry, education, and more.
“Since 1949 Great Lakes Christian College has been training servant leaders for the church and world,” Weller said. “We are committed to providing Restoration Movement churches with the next generation of preachers, youth ministers, worship leaders, and missionaries. That makes us a great destination for Advance graduates who want to grow their leadership and pursue their passion for the Bible and ministry.”
Under the agreement, after Advance students earn their 66-hour certificate, they can transfer to GLCC and earn a bachelor’s degree in two years by completing an additional 65 credit hours of study either in-person or online. That accredited degree from GLCC will give graduates the option to pursue additional education in seminary or graduate school.
“Great Lakes already has a number of alumni who minister in Florida, so it was a natural fit for us to extend our reach to the Sunshine State,” Weller said.
“Jude 3 reminds the body of Christ to ‘contend for the faith,’” said Jim Book, founder of Advance Center for Ministry Training. “We in the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ have an incredible history. Our goal as institutions of higher biblical training is to do all we can to continue to contend for that same faith that those before us cherished and modeled.”
Though a new school, Advance has an impressive lineup of instructors, including Book, Ross Pepper, Bob Ritchie, Blair Yager, Mark Atteberry, Greg Marksberry, among several others.
Weller and Book will meet to celebrate the partnership at the Florida Minister’s Meeting on Sept. 7.
This is great news about GLCC and ADVANCE! On Facebook this week there is a picture of an ADVANCE student baptizing two friends. God is using this low-cost model of education with high-quality focus on ministry and high-quality professors to educate preachers. Thank-you!
Wonderful to see a Restoration Educational institution thriving in a much needed area of the country. Congratulations on this cooperative agreement to further benefit the students.