Pastors and ministers
For pastors and bi-vocational ministers who teach, value theological education, and seek further formation, but are unable to attend a traditional seminary.
Theology belongs
to the Church.
Serious study of Scripture, Christian history, and doctrine for pastors, church leaders, and Christians who want to understand the faith more deeply and pass it on faithfully.
In development · Online learning · Tuition to be determined
Study in service of the Church
From theological study
to faithful service.
7Mile Theological Academy is the theological education arm of 7Mile. We bring serious theological and biblical studies into conversation with the life of the local church. Theological formation belongs to the whole Church, including those entrusted with teaching, leadership, and service.
The course of study engages the worlds of the Old and New Testaments, the history of Christianity, and the doctrines that shape Christian belief and practice. It offers seminary-level study in service of the Church to those for whom traditional seminary education is out of reach.
Instruction will be grounded in Scripture, informed by the historic Christian tradition, and attentive to ministry and congregational life. All courses are taught by instructors who are graduates of accredited seminaries and who bring both academic training and local Church experience into the classroom.
Who this is for
For Christians ready
for sustained study.
Basic familiarity with Scripture and Christian belief is expected. Ordination or formal ministry credentials are not required.
Church leaders
For elders, deacons, ministry leaders, small group leaders, and anyone responsible for discipling others.
Christians seeking deeper understanding
For those prepared for careful reading, reflection, and sustained theological engagement. This is more than introductory coursework.
Our vision
Theology belongs to the Church.
For much of Christian history, theological formation was rooted in the life of the local church. Over time, however, advanced theological training has become concentrated in academic institutions beyond the reach of most congregations. The result is a system in which those who wish to study Church history, biblical interpretation, or Christian doctrine in depth are often required to leave their church context and bear significant financial burden.
This is not a rejection of seminaries or academic theology. Quite the opposite. It is a re-centering of theological formation within the life of the Church.
We believe theological formation is the shared inheritance of the whole Church, not just the professional clergy. It is time to bring it home.
The Economic reality
The modern seminary system, while offering serious theological and biblical training, carries an unintended consequence: the cost of access. For many faithful Christians—parents, tradespeople, educators, and professionals—this cost effectively places advanced theological formation out of reach. 7Mile Theological Academy will be a paid program, with tuition to be determined.
The Discipleship Gap
Why does this matter? Because of how the Bible defines discipleship.
The Apostle Paul defines the goal of discipleship in 2 Timothy 2:2: "And what you have heard from me... entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."
True discipleship is not just about personal spiritual growth; it is about transmission. It is the ability to pass the historic faith on to the next generation. But you cannot pass on what you do not possess. Theological formation is therefore not optional for the Church’s future; it is essential.
If you don’t understand the arguments for the Resurrection, you cannot help your teenager when they have doubts.
If you don’t know the history of the Bible, you cannot answer your neighbor’s skepticism.
Why Sunday Morning Isn't Enough
Sunday morning worship is the heartbeat of the Church. It is indispensable for proclamation, worship, and the sacraments. Yet it is not designed to provide sustained, systematic theological education on its own. The Church requires spaces beyond Sunday worship where deeper formation can take place.
The Return of the Bet Midrash
7Mile Theological Academy is our response to this gap. We are returning to the model as old as the people of God: the Bet Midrash. It translates to “house of study” and is where Scripture is read, questioned, and passed on.
We are building a space where the rigorous study of the seminary meets the spiritual vitality of the local Church. We exist to equip Christians with the extraordinary depth of the Christian tradition, in service of the Church and for the faithful transmission of the faith.
Program details
Eight courses.
A two-year sequence.
Online learning
The program is asynchronous online learning, including recorded teaching. Courses are led by a teacher, with live teaching and opportunities for engagement alongside the asynchronous coursework. There are no in-person classes.
Study rhythm
The curriculum follows a two-year cycle with four quarters per year. Coursework includes teaching, reading assignments, guided discussion, and occasional written reflection. Reading and written reflection are not expected to be at a seminary level. The pace is designed to be manageable for working adults.
Tuition
This will be a paid educational program. Tuition is to be determined. Students are responsible for their required textbooks; additional materials are provided at no cost.
Completion certificate
The Certificate of Biblical & Theological Studies recognizes completion of all eight courses. It is not an academic degree, an accredited qualification, or ordination.
The curriculum
Scripture, history,
and Christian doctrine.
Each course in this two-year sequence builds your ability to read Scripture faithfully, think historically, and articulate the faith with clarity.
Biblical Studies: New Testament
NT 101
Jesus & The Gospels
The Synoptics, John, & Acts
Who was the historical Jesus? We study the distinct portraits of Christ in the four Gospels and the explosion of the early church in the book of Acts. We will learn to read these texts through the lens of First Century Jewish culture (Honor/Shame and Kinship).
NT 102
The Apostolic Mission
Paul, General Epistles, & Revelation
We trace the expansion of the Gospel into the Gentile world through the letters of Paul and the Apostles. The course concludes with a study of Revelation, offering hope to a church living under the shadow of Empire.
Biblical Studies: Old Testament
OT 103
Creation, Covenant, & Kingdom
Pentateuch & History
The story of redemption begins here. We examine the Ancient Near Eastern context of Genesis, the formation of the Covenant at Sinai, and the rise and fall of the Kingdom of Israel.
OT 104
Prophets, Poets, & Exiles
Prophets & Writings
How did Israel survive the loss of their land and Temple? We explore the poetic wisdom of Job and Psalms and the thunderous message of the Prophets who called God’s people back to justice and faithfulness during the Exile.
The History of Christianity
CH 105
From Pentecost to Reformation
The Early & Medieval Church
How did a Jewish sect become the dominant faith of the West? We trace the development of the Creeds, the blood of the Martyrs, the rise of Monasticism, and the theological dominance of the Medieval Church leading up to the crisis of the 1500s.
CH 106
Reformation to Modernity
The Modern Church
We explore the explosive era of the Reformation (Luther, Calvin) and the subsequent fragmentation of the church. We then examine how the church has navigated the challenges of the Enlightenment, Modernism, and the global spread of Christianity today.
Theology
TH 107
God, Word, & World
Theology Proper
What do we believe? This course lays the foundation of Christian doctrine. We explore the nature of Revelation (Scripture), the attributes of the Triune God, and the doctrine of Creation and Anthropology (what it means to be human).
TH 108
Christ, Salvation, & The End
Soteriology & Eschatology
How are we saved? We examine the Person and Work of Christ (Christology), the role of the Holy Spirit, and the nature of the Church (Ecclesiology). The program concludes with a study of the End Times and the New Creation.
Questions
Explore the program.
Is 7Mile Theological Academy a seminary?
No. 7Mile Theological Academy is not a degree-granting seminary. It is a seminary-level theological academy designed to provide rigorous formation within the life of the local church, for those for whom traditional seminary education is out of reach.
Is this program accredited?
7Mile Theological Academy is not an accredited degree program. Courses are taught by instructors who are graduates of accredited seminaries, and the curriculum reflects graduate-level theological study, but no academic degree is conferred.
Who is eligible to enroll?
Pastors and bi-vocational ministers unable to attend a traditional seminary; elders, deacons, ministry leaders, small group leaders, and anyone responsible for discipling others; and serious Christians prepared for sustained study. Students should have a basic familiarity with Scripture and Christian belief and be willing to engage in careful reading, discussion, and reflection.
Do I need to be ordained or in ministry to participate?
No. Ordination or formal ministry credentials are not required. 7Mile Theological Academy exists for all Christians who desire deeper theological formation and are prepared for serious study.
How will online study work?
The program is asynchronous online learning, including recorded teaching. Courses are led by a teacher, with live teaching and opportunities for engagement alongside the asynchronous coursework. There are no in-person classes.
What is the time commitment?
Students should expect recorded teaching, reading, discussion, and occasional written reflection. Reading and written reflection are not expected to be at a seminary level. The pace is designed to be manageable for working adults.
What will it cost?
This is a paid program. Tuition is to be determined. Students are responsible for purchasing required primary textbooks. All additional materials are provided at no cost.
Can I take individual courses, or do I have to complete the entire program?
Yes. You may enroll in individual courses. A Certificate of Biblical & Theological Studies is issued only after all eight courses are completed.
What does the certificate represent?
The certificate affirms completion of a structured, seminary-level course of theological study and signals preparedness for deeper teaching, leadership, and theological engagement within the Church. It is not an academic degree and does not confer ordination.
Is this program affiliated with a particular denomination?
7Mile Theological Academy is rooted in the historic Christian tradition and serves believers across denominational lines. Instruction is grounded in Scripture, shaped by the Great Tradition, and attentive to the life of the Church today.
Our shared foundation
Rooted in life in Christ.
Consulting, daily practice, and theological education share a commitment to discipleship: participation in Christ through the practices, relationships, and shared life that form us.
Application draft
Consider your readiness
for theological study.
Applications are not active yet, but will be soon. You can review the application below in the meantime.
This draft does not send or save your answers. There is no active submission service. Anything typed here is only for trying the draft and will be lost when you leave or reload the page.
Required fields in the application are marked with an asterisk (*).
Church membership is not required. If you attend a church, tell us where you worship.
In 150–200 words, briefly describe your journey of faith. How did you come to follow Jesus, and what does your walk with him look like today?
How do you currently engage with the Bible? You might read a daily devotional, listen to sermons, study deeply, or not have read in a while. Be honest: we want to understand where you are beginning.
Why do you want to join 7Mile Theological Academy? What do you hope will change in your mind, heart, or ministry after two years of theological study?
Reading and reflection
The following excerpt is from our primary textbook for the New Testament Courses, "An Introduction to the New Testament" by David A. deSilva. Please read it carefully and answer the prompts below.
"The culture of the first-century Mediterranean world was collectivistic rather than individualistic. In our modern Western context, we value the individual above the group; we define ourselves by our personal achievements, our distinctiveness, and our independence. The ancient person, however, viewed themselves primarily as a member of a group (a family, a city, a guild). Their identity was derived from the group, and their primary obligation was to maintain the honor of the group. To act independently was not seen as 'authenticity,' but as deviance and shame."
In 3–4 sentences, summarize the author’s main point in your own words.
Based on this text, what is one question or difficulty that might arise when we try to read the New Testament through our modern, Western eyes?
This application is available for review only. Submission details are forthcoming.