For certification: Individuals pursuing formal certification through their LCMS district or other ministry organization may be directed to complete all or part of the training through MTC. Listed below are the course tracks set down by several entities. Be sure to meet with the entity who will be certifying you prior to applying to MTC so that you can 1) understand their program, 2) ensure the courses listed below are still accurate, and 3) complete their application process, as it is generally separate from MTC’s. If you have any questions, please contact us or the entity that will be certifying you.
For Individual Learning & Growth: Individuals (church members, Sunday School teachers, Bible study leaders, Elders, Deacons, Adult Confirmands) may take MTC courses for their own edification and growth. Several focused tracks are suggested below but anyone may take any non-cohort MTC class anytime it is offered for any reason! If you have any questions, please contact us.
The following is the list of courses, offered through Mission Training Center (MTC), for members of the California-Nevada-Hawaii (CNH) District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) or another district using their program who are interested in being trained to be a Lay Deacon. Please complete the application process through the CNH District Office prior to registering for classes or contact the MTC Program Coordinator at MTC@MissionTrainingCenter.com if you have questions.
| Course # | Course Name | Cost | Class Hours |
| REQUIRED COURSES | |||
| MTC001 | Old Testament | $300.00 | 16 |
| MTC002 | New Testament | $300.00 | 16 |
| MTC003 | The Christian Faith: Doctrine | $300.00 | 16 |
| MTC004 | Proclaiming the Faith | $300.00 | 16 |
| MTC005 | Interpreting Scripture | $300.00 | 16 |
| MTC008 | Leading and Creating Christ-Centered Lutheran Worship | $150.00 | 8 |
| MTC010 | Spiritually Caring for Your Community | $300.00 | 16 |
| TOTAL REQUIRED HOURS | 104 | ||
| ELECTIVE COURSES – Students choose any remaining courses totaling at least 56 hours |
|||
| MTC006 | Missional Church and Outreach | $150.00 | 8 |
| MTC007 | Teaching the Faith | $300.00 | 16 |
| MTC009 | God’s Mission in the Early Church: The Time of Christ-1500AD | $150.00 | 8 |
| MTC011 | Congregational Change: Recognizing and Managing It | $150.00 | 8 |
| MTC012 | Ministry With and Among Other Cultures | $150.00 | 8 |
| MTC013 | Starting New Ministries | $150.00 | 8 |
| MTC014 | Urban Ministry | $150.00 | 8 |
| MTC015 | Knowing and Engaging Your Community | $150.00 | 8 |
| MTC016 | Spiritual Leadership Formation | $150.00 | 8 |
| MTC017 | Rural Ministry | $150.00 | 8 |
| MTC018 | Engaging Older Adults in Ministry | $150.00 | 8 |
| MTC019 | Lutheran Worship: Its Roots and Meaning | $150.00 | 8 |
| MTC020 | Church Administration: Organizing Ministry for Mission | $150.00 | 8 |
| MTC021 | Sharing the Faith | $150.00 | 8 |
| TOTAL HOURS | 160+ | ||
The following information is for members of the Northwest District (NOW) of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), or another district using their program, who are interested in being trained through Mission Training Center (MTC) to be a Lay Deacon. The chart below will guide you as you choose courses. If you have any questions, please contact your district office, or the MTC Coordinator at MTC@MissionTrainingCenter.com.
| Course # | Course Name | Cost | Class Hours |
| REQUIRED COURSES | |||
| MTC001 | Old Testament | $300 | 16 |
| MTC002 | New Testament | $300 | 16 |
| MTC003 | The Christian Faith: Doctrine | $300 | 16 |
| MTC004 | Proclaiming the Faith | $300 | 16 |
| MTC005 | Interpreting Scripture | $300 | 16 |
| MTC008 | Leading and Creating Christ-Centered Lutheran Worship | $150 | 8 |
| MTC010 | Spiritually Caring for Your Community | $300 | 16 |
| TOTAL REQUIRED HOURS | 104 | ||
| ELECTIVE COURSES – Students choose any remaining courses totaling at least 56 hours | |||
| MTC006 | Missional Church and Outreach | $150 | 8 |
| MTC007 | Teaching the Faith | $300 | 16 |
| MTC009 | God’s Mission in the Early Church: The Time of Christ-1500AD | $150 | 8 |
| MTC011 | Congregational Change: Recognizing and Managing It | $150 | 8 |
| MTC012 | Ministry With and Among Other Cultures | $150 | 8 |
| MTC013 | Starting New Ministries | $150 | 8 |
| MTC014 | Urban Ministry | $150 | 8 |
| MTC015 | Knowing and Engaging Your Community | $150 | 8 |
| MTC016 | Spiritual Leadership Formation | $150 | 8 |
| MTC017 | Rural Ministry | $150 | 8 |
| MTC018 | Engaging Older Adults in Ministry | $150 | 8 |
| MTC019 | Lutheran Worship: Its Roots and Meaning | $150 | 8 |
| MTC020 | Church Administration: Organizing Ministry for Mission | $150 | 8 |
| MTC021 | Sharing the Faith | $150 | 8 |
| TOTAL HOURS | 160+ | ||
The following information is for members of the Pacific Southwest District (PSD) of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), or another district using their program, who are interested in being trained through its Lay Leadership Training Program (LLTP) using courses from Mission Training Center (MTC). The chart below will guide you as you choose course equivalents from MTC for the LLTP. If you have any questions, please contact your district office, or the MTC Coordinator at MTC@MissionTrainingCenter.com.
| PSD Lay Leadership Training Program (LLTP) | Mission Training Center (MTC) Equivalent Courses | |||
| Course # | Course Name | Cost | Class Hours | |
| REQUIRED COURSES FOR LAY DEACONS (LD) AND PARISH MINISTRY ASSISTANTS (PMA) | ||||
| Old Testament | MTC001 | Old Testament | $300 | 16 |
| New Testament | MTC002 | New Testament | $300 | 16 |
| Doctrine | MTC003 | The Christian Faith: Doctrine | $300 | 16 |
| Evangelism/Assimilation | MTC006 | Missional Church and Outreach | $150 | 8 |
| Teaching | MTC007 | Teaching the Faith | $300 | 16 |
| History/Polity | MTC009 | God’s Mission in the Early Church: The Time of Christ-1500AD | $150 | 8 |
| Caregiving | MTC010 | Spiritually Caring for Your Community | $300 | 16 |
| Leadership/Ethics | MTC011 | Congregational Change: Recognizing and Managing It | $150 | 8 |
| MTC016 | Spiritual Leadership Formation | $150 | 8 | |
| TOTAL REQUIRED HOURS FOR PMAs | 112 | |||
| ADDITIONAL REQUIRED COURSES FOR LDs | ||||
| Homiletics | MTC004 | Proclaiming the Faith | $300 | 16 |
| Worship | MTC008 | Leading and Creating Christ-Centered Lutheran Worship | $150 | 8 |
| MTC019 | Lutheran Worship: Its Roots and Meaning | $150 | 8 | |
| TOTAL REQUIRED HOURS FOR LDs | 144 | |||
| PMA students may choose any remaining courses (including MTC004, MTC008, MTC019 above) totaling at least 32 hours; LD students choose any remaining courses totaling at least 36 hours | ||||
| MTC005 | Interpreting Scripture | $300 | 16 | |
| MTC013 | Starting New Ministries | $150 | 8 | |
| MTC014 | Urban Ministry | $150 | 8 | |
| MTC015 | Knowing and Engaging Your Community | $150 | 8 | |
| MTC017 | Rural Ministry | $150 | 8 | |
| MTC018 | Engaging Older Adults In Ministry | $150 | 8 | |
| MTC020 | Church Administration: Organizing Ministry for Mission | $150 | 8 | |
| MTC021 | Sharing the Faith | $150 | 8 | |
| TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR PMAs | 144 | |||
| TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR LDs | 180 | |||
The following information is for members of the Southeastern District (SED) of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), or another district using their program, who are interested in being trained through Mission Training Center (MTC) to be a Lay Deacon (LLD). The chart below will guide you as you choose courses. If you have any questions, please contact your district office, or the MTC Coordinator at MTC@MissionTrainingCenter.com.
| Course # | Course Name and 2yr Cycle Dates – 2020-2022 | Cost | Class Hours |
| ALL COURSES ARE REQUIRED | |||
| YEAR 1 – Sep. 2020 thru May 2021 | |||
| Courses meet on Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00pm EST, for either 4wks or 8wks | |||
| Thanksgiving – 11/26/20; Ash Wednesday – 2/17/2021; Easter – 4/4/2021 | |||
| MTC001 (SED) | Old Testament – Missio Dei in the Scripture | $150 | 8 |
| Dates: Sep 1, 15, 22, 29 | |||
| MTC002 (SED) | New Testament – Missio Dei in the Scripture | $150 | 8 |
| Dates: Oct 27, Nov 3, 10, 17 | |||
| MTC003 | The Christian Faith: Doctrine | $300 | 16 |
| Dates: Jan 5, 12, 19, 26, Feb 2, 9, 23, Mar 2 | |||
| MTC006 | Missional Church and Outreach | $150 | 8 |
| Dates: Mar 23, Apr 6, 13, 20 | |||
| MTC019 | Lutheran Worship: Its Roots and Meaning | $150 | 8 |
| Dates: May 4, 11, 18, 25 | |||
| YEAR 2 – Sep. 2021 thru May 2022 | |||
| Courses meet on Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00pm EST for 4wks | |||
| Thanksgiving – 11/25/2020; Ash Wednesday – 3/2/2022; Easter- 4/17/2022 | |||
| MTC015 | Defining and Engaging Your Community | $150 | 8 |
| Dates: Sep 7, 14, 21, 28 | |||
| MTC021 | Sharing the Faith | $150 | 8 |
| Dates: Oct 19, 26, Nov 2, 9 | |||
| MTC010 (SED) | Spiritually Caring for Your Community | $150 | 8 |
| Dates: Jan 4, 11, 18, 25 | |||
| MTC008 | Leading and Creating Christ-Centered Lutheran Worship | $150 | 8 |
| Dates: Feb 1, 8, 15, 22 | |||
| MTC007 (SED) | Teaching the Faith | $150 | 8 |
| Dates: Mar 15, 22, 29, April 5 | |||
| MTC013 | Starting New Ministries | $150 | 8 |
| Dates: April 19, 26, May 3, 10 | |||
| TOTAL REQUIRED HOURS | 96 | ||
| Course # | Course Name and 2yr Cycle Dates – 2021-2023 | Cost | Class Hours |
| ALL COURSES ARE REQUIRED | |||
| YEAR 1 – Sep. 2021 thru May 2022 | |||
| Courses meet on Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00pm EST, for either 4wks or 8wks | |||
| Thanksgiving – 11/25/21; Ash Wednesday – 3/2/2022; Easter – 4/17/2022 | |||
| MTC001 (SED) | Old Testament – Missio Dei in the Scripture | $150 | 8 |
| Dates: Sep 7, 14, 21, 28 | |||
| MTC002 (SED) | New Testament – Missio Dei in the Scripture | $150 | 8 |
| Dates: Oct 19, 26, Nov 2, 9 | |||
| MTC003 | The Christian Faith: Doctrine | $300 | 16 |
| Dates: Jan 4, 11, 18, 25, Feb 1, 8, 15, 22 | |||
| MTC006 | Missional Church and Outreach | $150 | 8 |
| Dates: Mar 15, 22, 29, Apr 5 | |||
| MTC019 | Lutheran Worship: Its Roots and Meaning | $150 | 8 |
| Dates: Apr 19, 26, May 3, 10 | |||
| YEAR 2 – Sep. 2022 thru May 2023 | |||
| Courses meet on Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00pm EST for 4wks | |||
| Thanksgiving – 11/24/2022; Ash Wednesday – 2/22/2023; Easter – 4/9/2023 | |||
| MTC015 | Defining and Engaging Your Community | $150 | 8 |
| Dates: Sep 6, 13, 20, 27 | |||
| MTC021 | Sharing the Faith | $150 | 8 |
| Dates: Oct 18, 25, Nov 1, 8 | |||
| MTC010 (SED) | Spiritually Caring for Your Community | $150 | 8 |
| Dates: Jan 3, 10, 17, 24 | |||
| MTC008 | Leading and Creating Christ-Centered Lutheran Worship | $150 | 8 |
| Dates: Jan 31, Feb 7, 14, 21 | |||
| MTC007 (SED) | Teaching the Faith | $150 | 8 |
| Dates: Mar 7, 14, 21, 28 | |||
| MTC013 | Starting New Ministries | $150 | 8 |
| Dates: Apr 11, 18, 25, May 2 | |||
| TOTAL REQUIRED HOURS | 96 | ||
The following information is for members of the Florida-Georgia (FL-GA) District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), or another district using their program, who are interested in being trained through Mission Training Center (MTC) to be a Lay Deacon. The chart below will guide you as you choose courses. If you have any questions, please contact your district office, or the MTC Coordinator at MTC@MissionTrainingCenter.com.
| Course # | Course Name | Cost | Class Hours |
| REQUIRED COURSES | |||
| MTC001 | Old Testament | $300 | 16 |
| MTC002 | New Testament | $300 | 16 |
| MTC003 | The Christian Faith: Doctrine | $300 | 16 |
| MTC004 | Proclaiming the Faith | $300 | 16 |
| MTC005 | Interpreting Scripture | $300 | 16 |
| MTC008 | Leading and Creating Christ-Centered Lutheran Worship | $150 | 8 |
| MTC010 | Spiritually Caring for Your Community | $300 | 16 |
| TOTAL REQUIRED HOURS | 104 | ||
| ELECTIVE COURSES – Students choose any remaining courses totaling at least 56 hours | |||
| MTC006 | Missional Church and Outreach | $150 | 8 |
| MTC007 | Teaching the Faith | $300 | 16 |
| MTC009 | God’s Mission in the Early Church: The Time of Christ-1500AD | $150 | 8 |
| MTC011 | Congregational Change: Recognizing and Managing It | $150 | 8 |
| MTC012 | Ministry With and Among Other Cultures | $150 | 8 |
| MTC013 | Starting New Ministries | $150 | 8 |
| MTC015 | Knowing and Engaging Your Community | $150 | 8 |
| MTC016 | Spiritual Leadership Formation | $150 | 8 |
| MTC017 | Rural Ministry | $150 | 8 |
| MTC018 | Engaging Older Adults In Ministry | $150 | 8 |
| MTC019 | Lutheran Worship: Its Roots and Meaning | $150 | 8 |
| MTC020 | Church Administration: Organizing Ministry for Mission | $150 | 8 |
| MTC021 | Sharing the Faith | $150 | 8 |
| TOTAL HOURS | 160+ | ||
The following information is for members of the Iowa District West (IDW) of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), or another district using their program, who are interested in being trained through Mission Training Center (MTC) to be a Lay Deacon. The chart below will guide you as you choose courses. If you have any questions, please contact your district office, or the MTC Coordinator at MTC@MissionTrainingCenter.com.
| Course # | Course Name | Cost | Class Hours |
| REQUIRED COURSES | |||
| MTC001 | Old Testament | $300 | 16 |
| MTC002 | New Testament | $300 | 16 |
| MTC003 | The Christian Faith: Doctrine | $300 | 16 |
| MTC004 | Proclaiming the Faith | $300 | 16 |
| MTC005 | Interpreting Scripture | $300 | 16 |
| MTC008 | Leading and Creating Christ-Centered Lutheran Worship | $150 | 8 |
| MTC010 | Spiritually Caring for Your Community | $300 | 16 |
| TOTAL REQUIRED HOURS | 104 | ||
| ELECTIVE COURSES – Students choose any remaining courses totaling at least 56 hours | |||
| MTC006 | Missional Church and Outreach | $150 | 8 |
| MTC007 | Teaching the Faith | $300 | 16 |
| MTC009 | God’s Mission in the Early Church: The Time of Christ-1500AD | $150 | 8 |
| MTC011 | Congregational Change: Recognizing and Managing It | $150 | 8 |
| MTC012 | Ministry With and Among Other Cultures | $150 | 8 |
| MTC013 | Starting New Ministries | $150 | 8 |
| MTC014 | Urban Ministry | $150 | 8 |
| MTC015 | Knowing and Engaging Your Community | $150 | 8 |
| MTC016 | Spiritual Leadership Formation | $150 | 8 |
| MTC017 | Rural Ministry | $150 | 8 |
| MTC018 | Engaging Older Adults In Ministry | $150 | 8 |
| MTC019 | Lutheran Worship: Its Roots and Meaning | $150 | 8 |
| MTC020 | Church Administration: Organizing Ministry for Mission | $150 | 8 |
| MTC021 | Sharing the Faith | $150 | 8 |
| TOTAL HOURS | 160+ | ||
The following information is for members of the Mid-South District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), or another district using their program, who are interested in being trained through its Deacon Training Program using courses from Mission Training Center (MTC). The chart below will guide you as you choose course equivalents from MTC for the Mid-South program. If you have any questions, please contact your district office, or the MTC Coordinator at MTC@MissionTrainingCenter.com.
| Mid-South Deacon Program | Mission Training Center (MTC) Equivalent Courses | |||
| Course # | Course Name | Cost | Class Hours | |
| REQUIRED COURSES FOR DEACON LICENSURE | ||||
| Old Testament | MTC001 | Old Testament | $300 | 16 |
| New Testament | MTC002 | New Testament | $300 | 16 |
| Doctrine | MTC003 | The Christian Faith: Doctrine | $300 | 16 |
| Homiletics | MTC004 | Proclaiming the Faith | $300 | 16 |
| Biblical Interpretation | MTC005 | Interpreting Scripture | $300 | 16 |
| TOTAL REQUIRED HOURS | 80 | |||
| ADDITIONAL REQUIRED COURSES FOR DEACON CERTIFICATION | ||||
| Evangelism/Assimilation | MTC006 | Missional Church and Outreach | $150 | 8 |
| Teaching the Faith | MTC007 | Teaching the Faith | $300 | 16 |
| Worship | MTC008 | Leading and Creating Christ-Centered Lutheran Worship | $150 | 8 |
| MTC019 | Lutheran Worship: Its Roots and Meaning | $150 | 8 | |
| Church History | MTC009 | God’s Mission in the Early Church: The Time of Christ-1500AD | $150 | 8 |
| Caregiving | MTC010 | Spiritually Caring for Your Community | $300 | 16 |
| ADDITIONAL REQUIRED HOURS | 72 | |||
| TOTAL HOURS | 152 | |||
| OPTIONAL COURSES FOR CONTINUED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT | ||||
| MTC011 | Congregational Change: Recognizing and Managing It | $150 | 8 | |
| MTC012 | Ministry With and Among Other Cultures | $150 | 8 | |
| MTC013 | Starting New Ministries | $150 | 8 | |
| MTC014 | Urban Ministry | $150 | 8 | |
| MTC015 | Knowing and Engaging Your Community | $150 | 8 | |
| MTC016 | Spiritual Leadership Formation | $150 | 8 | |
| MTC017 | Rural Ministry | $150 | 8 | |
| MTC018 | Engaging Older Adults In Ministry | $150 | 8 | |
| MTC020 | Church Administration: Organizing Ministry for Mission | $150 | 8 | |
| MTC021 | Sharing the Faith | $150 | 8 | |
The following information is a suggested curriculum of Mission Training Center (MTC) courses for individuals interested in becoming a lay deacon in a district of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS). Please check with your district regarding the protocols, expectations, and requirements for becoming a deacon in your own district. If you have any questions, please contact your own district office, or the MTC Coordinator at MTC@MissionTrainingCenter.com.
| Code # | Course Name | Cost | Class Hours |
| REQUIRED COURSES | |||
| MTC001 | Old Testament | $300 | 16 |
| MTC002 | New Testament | $300 | 16 |
| MTC003 | The Christian Faith: Doctrine | $300 | 16 |
| MTC004 | Proclaiming the Faith | $300 | 16 |
| MTC005 | Interpreting Scripture | $300 | 16 |
| MTC008 | Leading and Creating Christ-Centered Lutheran Worship | $150 | 8 |
| MTC010 | Spiritually Caring for Your Community | $300 | 16 |
| TOTAL REQUIRED HOURS | 104 | ||
| ELECTIVE COURSES – Students choose any remaining courses totaling at least 56 hours | |||
| MTC006 | Missional Church and Outreach | $150 | 8 |
| MTC007 | Teaching the Faith | $300 | 16 |
| MTC009 | God’s Mission in the Early Church: The Time of Christ-1500AD | $150 | 8 |
| MTC011 | Congregational Change: Recognizing and Managing It | $150 | 8 |
| MTC013 | Starting New Ministries | $150 | 8 |
| MTC014 | Urban Ministry | $150 | 8 |
| MTC015 | Knowing and Engaging Your Community | $150 | 8 |
| MTC016 | Spiritual Leadership Formation | $150 | 8 |
| MTC017 | Rural Ministry | $150 | 8 |
| MTC018 | Engaging Older Adults In Ministry | $150 | 8 |
| MTC019 | Lutheran Worship – Its Roots and Meaning | $150 | 8 |
| MTC020 | Church Administration – Organizing for Missional Ministry | $150 | 8 |
| MTC021 | Sharing the Faith | $150 | 8 |
| TOTAL HOURS | 160+ | ||
Mission Statement
“To connect communities to Jesus through networking of people, churches, and resources”
Watch here for more information on our evolving relationship with GELNet!
MTC recognizes ministry track certification after successfully completing 50+ hours in a specific area. A person desiring to serve in a ministry context is encouraged to develop a specific learning track by choosing courses totaling 50+ hours which will be most helpful in the local ministry context and/or ministry functions assigned or pursuing. Examples of possible tracks include but are not limited to the following:
Self-Designed Track (Highly Encouraged by MTC)
Students choose any courses totaling 50+ hours
Missional Learning Track Example
| Course # | Course Name | Cost | Class Hours |
| MTC006 | Missional Church and Outreach | $300.00 | 16 |
| MTC011 | Congregational Change: Recognizing and Managing It | $150.00 | 8 |
| MTC012 | Ministry With and Among Other Cultures | $150.00 | 8 |
| MTC013 | Starting New Ministries | $300.00 | 16 |
| MTC014 | Urban Ministry | $150.00 | 8 |
| MTC015 | Knowing and Engaging Your Community | $150.00 | 8 |
| MTC017 | Rural Ministry | $150.00 | 8 |
Biblical Studies Learning Track Example
| Course # | Course Name | Cost | Class Hours |
| MTC001 | Old Testament | $300.00 | 16 |
| MTC002 | New Testament | $300.00 | 16 |
| MTC003 | The Christian Faith: Doctrine | $300.00 | 16 |
| MTC005 | Interpreting Scripture | $300.00 | 16 |
| MTC009 | God’s Mission in the Early Church: The Time of Christ-1500AD | $150.00 | 8 |
| MTC019 | Lutheran Worship: Its Roots and Meaning | $150.00 | 8 |
Congregational Ministries Learning Track Example
| Course # | Course Name | Cost | Class Hours |
| MTC004 | Proclaiming the Faith | $300.00 | 16 |
| MTC007 | Teaching the Faith | $300.00 | 16 |
| MTC008 | Leading and Creating Christ-Centered Lutheran Worship | $150.00 | 8 |
| MTC010 | Spiritually Caring for Your Community | $300.00 | 16 |
| MTC011 | Congregational Change: Recognizing and Managing It | $150.00 | 8 |
| MTC016 | Spiritual Leadership Formation | $150.00 | 8 |
| MTC018 | Engaging Older Adults in Ministry | $150.00 | 8 |
| MTC020 | Church Administration: Organizing Ministry for Mission | $15.00 | 8 |
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Sunday Sermon is:
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