Next Step Certificate Program
The Next Step Certificate Program (NSCP) is an exciting new opportunity for you and the leaders in your church.
- Learn through in-person classroom experiences in Indiana with a seminary professor from NOBTS.
- Boost your ministry confidence with theological training.
- Low-cost, short time-commitment
- Pastors: make this part of the theological component of your pastoral residencies to develop and send pastors from your church.
About the Next Step Certificate Program
NSCP is a non-degree academic program equipping SCBI pastors, ministry leaders, and lay leaders to live out their calling to serve Jesus Christ and His church. In partnership with New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) and The Caskey Center, each course offered is biblically based and administered with the highest quality and integrity by a professor from NOBTS. Courses will be taught at a designated location for face-to-face interaction. Each year we will offer eight courses, with only six required to receive a Next Step Certificate. NSCP can be achieved over a period of multiple years.
NSCP is designed to give an overview of the critical components of successful ministry leadership. Each course is led by NOBTS professors who will offer academic insights and practical wisdom that will assist students to be effective gospel ministers. The courses are designed to equip students with greater confidence in the most challenging areas of ministry leadership.
Cost
$950 for the entire Next Step Certificate Program.
- Includes enrollment in all six required courses, lodging, food, and certificate.
- Or, students have the option to pay $175.00 per class with a one-time registration fee of $50.00 due at the time of their first class.
The Next Step Certificate Courses:
Courses below will be offered this year:
- March 6-7, 2026 Preaching: Proclaiming the Bible w/Dr. Blake Newsom
- April 10-11: Church Administration w/Dr. Jody Dean
- May 8-9: Discipleship Strategies w/ Dr. Jeffrey Farmer
- July 24-25: Christian Doctrine/Theology w/Joe Waller
- August 21-22: Pastoral Ministry w/Dr. Adam Hughes
- September 25-26: Biblical Hermeneutics w/Dr. Cory Branes
- October 23-24: Christian Missions w/Dr. Gregory Mathias
- November 13-14: Lifespan Ministry w/Dr. Eli Byrd
Sponsored by NorthWoods Church – Evansville
We are grateful to partner with NorthWoods Church of Evansville, IN as a sponsor of the Next Steps Certificate Program. NorthWoods Church is committed to making disciples who make disciples and strengthening kingdom leadership across Indiana and beyond.
Visit northwoodschurch.org to learn more about their ministry, community impact, and opportunities to grow in faith.
Want to learn more about our program?
Get in touch with our staff.