the Classroom



Our two-year Field Residency program allows students to train for ministry, by doing ministry, at a healthy ministry organization. Students will receive on-site ministry training at one of our Field Residency partner sites, and have one-on-one attention from a proven ministry coach-mentor committed to helping them become who God wants them to become.
When a student completes Russell School of Ministry they will have the knowledge and experience that ministry organizations desire.

Customize Your Education
Choose the option that works best for you.
A student seeking a degree with a focus in ministry can choose to earn this degree through Central Christian College of the Bible or Hope International University. Ministry classes and residency will be provided by the Russell School of Ministry.
Whether you are a young adult, a ministry professional, or a mid-life volunteer looking to earn a ministry certificate, you can choose to earn a certificate over 2, 3, or 4 years. While earning a certificate, students will receive hands-on ministry training while in the field.
At the end of 2018, student loan debt totaled $1.47 trillion—more than credit cards or auto loans.
You will never have to borrow money to take courses at RSM. Students that are accepted into RSM will receive a tuition-free scholarship.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
A 3-part solution
At the Russell School of Ministry, we offer a genuine solution to one of the biggest issues facing college students today. Employers not only want their prospective candidates to be educated, they want those same candidates to have relevant experience. Student debt is climbing, and most college graduates do not have enough experience to land those sought-after dream jobs. At RSM, we are committed to educating our students while providing them with real-world ministry experience, placing them in the unique position of being employable the day they graduate.
When students graduate from RSM, they are equipped to serve as ministry leaders in today’s reality. We achieve this result by seamlessly integrating quality instruction with two years of personal, hands-on, and practical experience. We partner with more than 20 area churches and ministry organizations. We personally place each student within one of these field experiences to create a win-win for both the student and our field partner.
Deciding to make RSM your home for learning is a decision to do ministry training differently!

Discipleship
We foster an environment where students are discipled in year one and then disciple others in their second year.

Innovative Classroom
Our Flipped Classroom Model provides a unique opportunity for assignments to be applicable to real-life situations.

Field Residency
Consists of two years of supervised ministry experience in an area church or ministry organization.

Real-World Ministry Training
Our Programs Include
Preaching & Congregational Ministry
Effective leadership and communication in the church are built on sound doctrine and theory, but they are best developed by operating in a real-world setting. Building on excellent courses, the Preaching & Congregational Ministry program gives you a seat at the church leadership table and offers opportunities to hone your preaching and teaching skills by—you guessed it—preaching and teaching in front of a congregation.
General Ministry
Don’t know exactly what area of ministry you want to pursue? No problem! The General Ministry program allows you to use electives to become a well-rounded, multi-disciplinary graduate. By combining strategic course selection with the 2-year apprenticeship model, the Russell School of Ministry can prepare you for effective ministry in any church role.
Worship Leadership
Leading an effective worship ministry requires much more than a good voice. You do need to be a strong vocalist, but you also need to have exceptional leadership skills and be knowledgeable in piano, guitar, drums, and worship technology. The Worship Leadership program leverages courses, applied lessons, and 2 years of hands-on experience to hone you into a highly competent and sought-after worship leader.
Urban & Intercultural Ministry
There is no better place to study urban and intercultural ministry than RSM because we are located near a racially, socially, and economically diverse city that 2.1 million people call home. The Urban & Intercultural Studies program consists of courses and 2 years of hands-on experience with nationally-recognized organizations that equip you to be the hands and feet of Christ — to the poor, the immigrant, the oppressed, or the addicted.
Children & Youth Ministry
Cultural relevance is a critical trait in any leadership role, but it is particularly important when dealing with children and youth. They can smell “fake” and they retreat at anything considered antiquated, cliché, or patronizing. Instead of sequestering you in a classroom for 4 years, the Children & Youth Ministry program immerses you in ministry and keeps you on the leading edge of culture, trends, and strategies.