A group of seminaries affiliated with the Ascent movement is launching a new pilot program designed to open doors to theological education for students who have struggled to take the first step.

The First Seminary Initiative will begin this fall and aims to provide up to 18credit hours—six graduate-level courses—within a one-year period. Courses will be offered in mini terms and delivered digitally, providing flexibility for students with busy lives or ministry obligations.

“It’s a pilot program to try and mobilize more people toward theological education,” said Chris Backert, senior director of Ascent and assistant executive director of BGAV. “One of our axioms is that the church in North America needs more theological education, not less. It just needs to be delivered differently.”

Participating seminaries include:

• Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary (Texas)
• Winebrenner Theological Seminary (Ohio)
• Northern Seminary (Illinois)
• Missio Seminary (Pennsylvania)

All participating institutions are accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and will accept completed coursework from the program toward their respective degrees. Students are not obligated to enroll full-time in any institution, but the initiative offers them a meaningful taste of what each seminary offers.

Truett Seminary will offer Introduction to Christian Mission and Witness, taught by longtime faculty member Dr. Mike Stroope. Other courses in the program will reflect core seminary curriculum typically taken in the first year of study.

Students may enroll in as few or as many courses as they choose at $300 per month, an intentionally accessible price point. “The idea is to help people move from zero to yes,” said Backert.

The pilot will include a gathering of all participants at the Ascent Summit, March 10–12, 2026, for reflection and next steps.

Dr.Todd Still, dean of Truett Seminary, noted: “It’s the start that stops most from beginning seminary. We didn’t want the ideal to be the enemy of the good. So, we asked, ‘How can you create something accessible, affordable, and flexible?’”

Courses will be offered two per term—in the fall, winter, and spring/summer—providing a steady but manageable rhythm of study.

For more information on Ascent’s First Seminary Initiative, visit www.ascentmovement.org/seminary.