Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can take classes with MTC?

  Anyone can take classes with Mission Training Center!

  • Individuals looking to be certified by their district or ministry organization.
    MTC provides the educational piece in training programs offered by many entities. Students work with their district or organization to learn what classes they must take and what other requirements the program might have. Note: MTC does not certify anyone but only provides a portion of the certification process. Be sure to connect with your district or organization prior to registering for an MTC class. They often have a separate application process.
  • Individuals needing Continuing Education Units to maintain their current certification.
    Check with the organization that certified you to see if MTC classes will fit their requirements for CEUs.
  • Individuals wanting to grow in their personal faith, knowledge, and outreach.
    Anyone can take MTC classes! Each course is taught with outreach and ministry in mind. As you learn a subject matter, the missional focus will bolster your outreach to those you meet in your everyday life.
  • Anyone!
    You don’t even need to be Lutheran. Classes are presented from a Lutheran perpective but the information and processes taught are relevant to any Christian.

  Contact MTC with any questions you have.

• How many hours do courses meet?

  MTC courses run for four (4) or eight (8) weeks. Each course meets for two hours per session each week.

  • 4 week courses meet for 2hrs/week = 8 scheduled learning hours.
  • 8 week courses meet for 2hrs/week = 16 scheduled learning hours.

• When are courses offered?

  MTC courses which are delivered online are regularly scheduled by MTC. The intent is that each course will be offered at least once per calendar year and with no more than 18 months between iterations. Click here to view the current Online Course Schedule. One-on-One, Self-Directed Study, and Field MTC courses are scheduled by local instructors in collaboration with the MTC Director. See the FAQ on this page regarding modes of delivery for more information on these options.

  Online courses meet via a video-conferencing platform. The instructor and students log in the same day of the week for either 4 or 8 weeks.

  Weekday classes may meet on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays, typically at 6:00-8:00 PM Pacific time.

  Saturday classes meet 8:00-10:00 AM Pacific time.

• Do I have to be Lutheran or a member of the LCMS to take an MTC course?

  Anyone may join an MTC course! While the classes are primarily designed for lay leaders seeking eventual licensure in their LCMS district, the content is applicable for all Christians looking to dive deeper into their faith and learn practical ways to put that faith into action as they partner in God’s mission.

• What is expected of a student in an MTC course?

  Students who take courses through MTC are expected to complete assignments, readings, projects, attend, and actively join the conversation in the learning sessions. Class assignments are graded on a pass/fail criteria. Though courses are not intended to be as rigorous as undergraduate courses taken in a university, they do expect a level of rigor which surpasses high school learning and study.

• What are the benefits of taking MTC courses?

  MTC courses prepare individuals for missional ministry in congregations, in faith communities, and in their local communities. MTC certificates showing satisfactory completion might be used to indicate competencies acquired for various ministry and leadership opportunities. Students take MTC courses:

  • to prepare for ministry in a congregation or for their own personal and professional development.
  • to prepare for entrance into a future training institution.
  • to prepare for service in a church’s larger organization (synod, district, judicatory, headquarters).
  • to prepare for licensing as Licensed Deacons in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. (Each district individually administers that process).
  • to prepare to enter the Specific Ministry Pastor training program at seminaries of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
  • as prerequisites for matriculation into the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

• How much do courses cost?

  • $150 for 8 hour (4 week) courses
  • $300 for 16 hour (8 week) courses
  • PLUS the cost of books and course materials

  Payments can be made via check or online with a credit or debit card. Courses are expected to be paid in full before the first class session but we understand that life happens and will work with you to help in whatever ways we are able. Please contact MTC to create a personalized payment method and/or schedule.

• How many courses does a student need to take?

  MTC is a training organization and does not determine how many or what particular courses are necessary for entering other training institutions or for receiving licensing, certifications, endorsements, etc., from any church body or organization. Organizations determine which courses are required for any institutional matriculation or future ministry or service in the organization.

  Visit Tracks & Resources to see the specific courses required by our partnering entities. However, students should check with the organization through which they are working to determine specific requirements.

  Students interested in their own professional and/or ministry growth may select any courses which they believe will be beneficial for their own ministries.