MADE FOR THIS
APPLICATIONS CLOSES AUGUST 8
WHY VSLM IS RIGHT FOR YOU
DESIGNED FOR YOU
Verve School of Leadership and Ministry (VSLM) , powered by Vanguard University, is designed to empower you to live out your calling and impact the world around you.
You will be taught by world-class instructors and supported through your entire journey by our VLSM staff.
FURTHER YOUR FUTURE
WORK TOWARDS A DEGREE
Whether you’re looking to enter into full-time church ministry or be the best volunteer leader you can be, VSLM will help you further your future! We have partnered with one of Southern California’s premier Christian colleges to offer a custom designed 9-month program that provides graduates with a Certificate of Ministry Leadership. Additionally, those seeking to continue their education will be able to transfer up to 15 units towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology with Vanguard University!
BETTER TOGETHER
OUR COHORT MODEL
Great things happen when we work together! As a participant in the VSLM you will grow alongside students just like you who are passionate about God’s kingdom and desire to lead at their fullest potential. VSLM has embraced a cohort approach so that all participants are able to journey together through each course and support each other in their development process. This means that all members of your cohort will begin and end the journey with you!
Each course in VSLM is five weeks long. The cohort meets online from 6:30pm-8:00pm on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Monday of each course for a total of nine meetings per semester. Our team also holds office hours to be available to students. Additional weekend lunch gatherings are scheduled throughout the program to give the cohort time to connect in person.
STRUCTURED FOR SUCCESS
Our program is structured to provide the most enriching experience possible while also offering flexibility for those with other commitments such as family and work. In order to build the highest capacity leaders over a 9-month experience we focus on three foundations: Theology, Spiritual Formation, and Leadership Development. Lastly, students will complete a Capstone Project, under the guidance of their church leadership, to strategically enhance or implement a key ministry within their context.
Theology Foundation - Knowing God and His Story
● Old Testament Studies
● New Testament Studies
Spiritual Formation Foundation - God’s Work in and Through Us
● Spiritual Formation Principles
● Discipleship in the Local Church
Leadership Foundation - Transforming the World Around Us
● Ministry Leadership Development
● Theology of Missions
Capstone Project - Leading Change
The VSLM Program consists of a total of six courses, each lasting five weeks long. Each semester (Fall and Spring) the Cohort will complete three courses. Cohorts meet on weeks 1, 3, and 5 of each course.
The weekly workload is estimated at 10-15 hours per week.
AFFORDABLE
Verve Community and Vanguard University are committed to building God’s kingdom through the empowerment of current and future leaders! To make this certificate program available to as many people as possible it is being offered at a discounted rate.
Total Tuition:
● Verve Community Member: $2400
● Non-Verve Community Member: $2700
● Tuition does not cover the cost of books.
Making Payments:
The program has a built-in affordable payment structure. Each 5-week course is $400 with payment due before proceeding to the next course.
The ability to transfer up to 15 units towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology with Vanguard University, at no additional cost, makes the overall value of this program one of the best out there!
HOW DO I APPLY?
Applying for VSLM through Vanguard University can be done in as little as 5 - 10 minutes! Just follow these steps:
Click any of the “Apply Today” buttons. You will be directed to a Vanguard University application.
Create an account.
Enter the Temporary PIN sent to your email account.
Create a password (be sure to save it!).
Start New Application.
In the “Personal Background Section”, be sure to select Verve Community Church in the dropdown that says, “Please select your partnership or association”.
In the “Academic Plans” section, be sure to select Certificate for Degree Type and Fall 2025 for Entry Term.
Complete the entire application and provide an E-Signature.
A Vanguard University Admissions Team member will contact you.
FAQs
I have questions. Who do I talk to?
You can email our VSLM Director at eddiel@vervecommunity.org
When does the program start?
Classes start on August 25th. Orientation and the first cohort meeting will take place on the same day.
What days and times does the cohort meet?
The VSLM cohort will meet on Mondays from 6:30PM - 8:00PM on Zoom. These meetings will take place on Weeks 1, 3, and 5 of each course. A few additional Sunday lunch get-togethers will also be scheduled.
Who will be teaching the courses?
Each course has been designed and will be taught by Vanguard faculty using their own Hybrid Model. The cohort experience will be facilitated by the Verve School of Leadership and Ministry Director. The Capstone Course and supplemental instruction for each course will be taught by VSLM staff.
What is the value of being in a cohort?
There are many! First, you’ll be surrounded by a group of like-minded people who also desire to grow in their faith, leadership, and ability to make an impact on God’s kingdom! Second, you’ll have a curated experience from our VSLM staff that will provide you extra support, office hours, and exclusive cohort gatherings. Lastly, cohort participants receive a 10% discount on the entire program.
How about payment?
Payment will be made directly to Vanguard University. Students pay per course. The only additional cost is the cost of books.