The Ministry Pipeline is a foundational training program designed for those sensing a call to vocational ministry. Whether you feel led to serve in full-time or bi-vocational ministry, this program provides a comprehensive introduction to ministry essentials, grounded in New Testament principles and the Baptist Faith and Message. It’s not a deep dive into theology but a preparatory journey—much like preparing the soil before laying the foundation.

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About

  • Why?

    A New Testament Approach to Training

    We believe that training those called to ministry is vital to advancing the Gospel. The Ministry Pipeline offers a practical, accessible way for individuals to explore their calling while being equipped for the next steps in their journey.

    • Biblical Framework: Gain clarity on discerning God’s call.

    • Essential Training: Build foundational skills for ministry success.

    • Trusted Instructors: Learn from seasoned pastors and ministry leaders.

    • Flexible Schedule: Designed to accommodate bi-vocational participants.

  • Who?

    Is This Program Right for You?

    The Ministry Pipeline is for individuals who:

    • Sense a calling to vocational ministry (paid or unpaid).

    • Want to explore the basics of ministry before pursuing formal theological education.

    • Have been recommended by their pastor or church leader as someone with potential for Kingdom service.

    If you’re looking for a deep, academic theological program, this is not it. Instead, it’s an introduction to ministry principles and practices, offering a “flyover” view of what it means to serve in ministry.

  • What?

    What Will You Learn?

    Core Curriculum:

    The Ministry Pipeline focuses on 12 essentials for ministry readiness. Each topic is designed to provide a well-rounded introduction to ministry, equipping participants with the tools to serve faithfully and effectively.:

    1. The Call

    2. What We Believe

    3. Preaching & Teaching

    4. Spiritual Discipline & Discipleship

    5. Personal Life & Soul Care

    6. Leadership

    7. Stewardship

    8. Family & Marriage

    9. Shepherding

    10. Multiplication

    11. Church Planting

    12. Worship

Program Schedule

2025 - 2026 Ministry Pipeline Classes

Classes meet on Tuesday nights, lasting approximately one hour. Each course ends with a practical evaluation to ensure readiness for the next phase.

  • • The Call (3 sessions, January 7–21): A biblical framework for discerning God’s call.

    Instructor: Pastors Shane Stutzman/Lynn Hyatt - FBC Callahan

    • What We Believe (6 sessions, January 28–March 4): Overview of Baptist heritage and doctrine.

    Instructor: Pastor Ryan Mason - FBC Hilliard

    • Preaching & Teaching (4 sessions, March 11–April 8): Preparing and delivering sermons that glorify God.

    Instructor: Pastor David Tarkington - FBC Orangepark

    • Spiritual Discipline & Discipleship (7 sessions, April 15–May 27): Cultivating personal and congregational discipleship.

    Instructor: Patrick Coats - FBC East Regional Catalyst

    • Worship (4 Sessions, June 3 - 24): Theological and practical aspects of worship.

    Instructor: TBD

  • Leadership (7 sessions, August 5–September 16): Leading with excellence in communication and relationships.

    Instructor: Chris Reinolds - Mission Strategist NEFL Family of Churches

    • Stewardship (7 sessions, September 23–November 4): Biblical management of time, energy, and resources.

    Instructor: Rick Wheeler - Florida Baptist Financial

  • • Family & Marriage (5 sessions, January 6–February 3): Balancing ministry and family responsibilities.

    Instructor: Pastor John Kasper - Blackrock Baptist Church

    • Shepherding (6 sessions, February 10–March 17): Strategies for pastoral care and leadership.

    Instructor: Pastor Shane Stutzman - Callahan FBC

    • Multiplication (6 sessions, March 24–April 28): Preparing for Kingdom growth.

    Instructor: Patrick Coats - FBC East Region Catalyst

    • Church Planting (4 sessions, May 5–May 26): Laying the foundation for church planting.

    Instructor: Pastor Todd Carr - Exchange Church

    • Personal Life & Soul Care (4 sessions, June 2–June 30): Practicing self-leadership and rest.

    Instructor: Pastor Neil Helton - Amelia Baptist Church

Program Schedule

2026 - 2028 Ministry Pipeline Classes

Classes meet on Tuesday nights, lasting approximately an hour and a half. Each course ends with a practical evaluation to ensure readiness for the next phase.

  • • The Call (3 sessions, August 4–18): A biblical framework for discerning God’s call.

    Instructor: Pastors Shane Stutzman/Lynn Hyatt - FBC Callahan

    • What We Believe (6 sessions, August 25 2– Sept 29): Overview of Baptist heritage and doctrine.

    Instructor: Pastor Ryan Mason - FBC Hilliard

    • Preaching & Teaching (4 sessions, March 11–April 8): Preparing and delivering sermons that glorify God.

    Instructor: TBD

  • • Spiritual Discipline & Discipleship (7 sessions, January 5th – February 16th): Cultivating personal and congregational discipleship.

    Instructor: TBD

    • Worship (4 Sessions, February 23rd - March 16): Theological and practical aspects of worship.

    Instructor: TBD

    • Leadership (7 sessions, March 23 –May 4th): Leading with excellence in communication and relationships.

    Instructor: Chris Reinolds - Mission Strategist NEFL Family of Churches

    • Stewardship (7 sessions, May 25 –June 22): Biblical management of time, energy, and resources.

    Instructor: TBD

  • • Family & Marriage (5 sessions, August 3 – August 31): Balancing ministry and family responsibilities.

    Instructor: Pastor John Kasper - Blackrock Baptist Church

    • Shepherding (6 sessions, September 7 – October 12): Strategies for pastoral care and leadership.

    Instructor: Pastor Shane Stutzman - Callahan FBC

    • Multiplication (6 sessions, October 19 – November 23): Preparing for Kingdom growth.

    Instructor: TBD

  • • Church Planting (4 sessions, January 4 – January 25): Laying the foundation for church planting.

    Instructor: Pastor Todd Carr - Exchange Church

    • Personal Life & Soul Care (4 sessions, February 1 – February 22): Practicing self-leadership and rest.

    Instructor: Pastor Neil Helton - Amelia Baptist Church

Trusted Leaders in Ministry

Our instructors are seasoned pastors and ministry leaders who align with the Baptist Faith and Message. They bring years of experience and practical wisdom to each session, ensuring participants are equipped with sound, reliable guidance.

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FAQs

  • Participants are encouraged to speak with their pastor or church leader for a recommendation. Pastors can submit applications on behalf of interested individuals.

  • Absolutely. Each instructor has been carefully selected for their adherence to Biblical doctrine, their experience in ministry, and their alignment with the Baptist Faith and Message. This ensures sound teaching and practical insights.

  • No, the Ministry Pipeline is an introductory program designed to prepare participants for ministry service. It’s not a deep dive but a foundational framework for future growth.

  • Sessions are designed to build on each other, so attendance is highly encouraged. However, materials will be made available to help participants catch up.

How to Get Started

Take the Next Step in Your Calling

  • Talk to Your Pastor: Share your interest in ministry training and ask for their recommendation.

  • Submit an Application: Pastors can recommend candidates through our online application form.

  • Join Us: Be ready to commit to Tuesday night sessions and immerse yourself in the process of preparation.

  • Submit a Covenant

    As part of your commitment to the Ministry Pipeline, each participant will submit a signed Ministry Pipeline Cohort Participant Covenant. 

Submit an Application