Samford University’s Ministry Training Institute (MTI) has been equipping Christians to become leaders in their churches and communities through theological education and practical ministry training for more than 75 years. The program equips ministers and lay-leaders to live out their calling to service, without the financial pressure and time commitment of formal seminary training.
Through Samford’s MTI, students are able to obtain a variety of certificates or non-degree diplomas via online or extension courses. Extension classes are offered at more than 40 locations in Alabama, Tennessee, Florida and Alaska.
“Samford’s Ministry Training Institute is experiencing the highest program enrollment we have seen in many decades,” said Kevin Blackwell, executive director of the Ministry Training Institute, “with the Shelby Extension continuing to lead the way in enrollment.”
The Shelby/Helena extension site, led by alumnus Scott Bush ’91, MDiv ’95, pastor of Southcrest Baptist Church, has continually had record-highs in enrollment since its inception in 2022.
“Initially, I think we were all surprised at the amount of interest we had,” said Bush. “But I believe part of our success has been involving more local pastors to contribute to the curriculum.”
More than a Bible study, Bush contributes much of his site’s success to its community-wide approach. With four different local pastors from four different Shelby County churches sharing teaching responsibilities; different viewpoints and styles are represented in each course, providing students with a variety of exposure to ministerial pedagogy.
Additionally, in-person students coordinate weekly meals and snacks, so those coming straight from work are not missing mealtime, but rather having more opportunity for fellowship and collaborative study time.
As director of the Shelby/Helena extension, Bush teaches one of every four courses offered, and fills in when his supporting pastors are out. He manages the zoom call and chat room, expanding access and maintaining active participation with these students, providing a better remote experience for those who cannot attend in-person.
The spike in interest and consistent high-enrollment exposes the need for accessible theological education in what is widely considered Alabama’s most un-churched county. With church membership on the decline and the county’s increasing population, ministers and leaders across Alabama churches are flocking to increased opportunity and education to meet the needs of the changing demographics in the state.
“It is a blessing, in many ways, to be working in a growing area with vibrant churches, with most of our participants from Helena, Alabaster or Pelham. They tend to be established members of their churches, usually leaders like Sunday School teachers, small group leaders, and even some bi-vocational pastors,” said Bush.
With the growing interest comes an increased responsibility, rooted in mission, but all for the support of the local community and churches in Shelby County.
“My vision for our group has always been to enrich the teaching and disciple-making ministries of local congregations, not replace or rival them,” Bush said. “More people and churches in our area mean more ministries, more leaders and more opportunities for us to lend a hand. We hope to encourage the faith of our participants, but disciple-making is the mission of the church. We see our work as preparing people, especially leaders, to engage in that mission.”
With more than 40 regular enrollees, the Shelby/Helena extension is meeting the spiritual needs of its community and increasing opportunity for its students, advancing Samford University’s mission is to nurture persons in their development of intellect, creativity, faith and personhood.
Learn more about Samford’s Ministry Training Institute.
