About the Center for
Missional & Pastoral Leadership
Formation 

Biblical. Reformational. Missional. Affordable. Global. These are the five key themes around which we organized the Center for Missional and Pastoral Leadership. What do we mean by “Affordable”? This emphasis may seem to be more practical and less theological than the others, as if all we need to do is figure out numbers and costs. There is that, of course (and more on that below). But did you know that the second-most discussed topic in Jesus’ ministry (after the Kingdom of God) is, in fact, money? Jesus presses us to understand our Father’s gracious care of us (Luke 12:22-34), to not have hope in our worldly possessions (Luke 12:13-21), and even to sell all and give to the poor (Mark 10:17-31). He commends the widow who puts in her “entire existence,” in contrast to the religious leaders who gave from their “abundance” (Mark 12:41-44).

The apostles Paul and James also have a great deal to say about wealth and its proper use. They, as did Jesus, focused on the Father’s gracious provision (e.g., Phil. 4:21) and warn against trusting in one’s own riches (James 1:9-11; 5:1-6).

While our cultural context encourages us to view wealth as something to be pursued and even hoarded for ourselves, in Christ the physical things that God gives us have been entrusted to us that we might carry out his work.  Those in Christ are encouraged to “do honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need” (Eph. 4:28). Within the Body of Christ, the Apostle encourages us to see ourselves as part of Christ, with each of us responsible for and participating together in the lives of our fellow sisters and brothers in Christ: “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it” (1 Cor. 12:26-27). Hence, an image used in the New Testament to describe our life together in Christ is that we are a “household”: “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone” (Eph. 2:19-21).

Now what does all this have to do with “affordable” theological education? Simply that the Holy Spirit has called and gathered his people together into Christ, who now support and encourage and share with one another to carry out the work to which Christ has called in the world. A part of that work is to “pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Luke 10:2). The Apostles also encourage the church to financially support the work of servants of the Word (e.g., 1 Cor. 9:3-12; 1 Tim. 5:17-18).

Finally, now, we can consider theological education. As members of the body of Christ we are called to support each other, contribute toward the work of God’s Kingdom, and support servants of the Gospel—and this includes students who are being formed for Gospel ministry.

One reason that Institute of Lutheran Theology is a good home for CMPL is that, as an online institution, its operational costs are very lean. There is not the expense of extensive buildings, so per credit costs are low. The dedicated faculty members teach courses at rates below what other theological institutions pay. In addition, CMPL is sponsored by thecenter.info, which covers costs for administration, support, and some tuition aid. Therefore, the cost to educate is very low, resulting in a low net tuition cost.

In addition, students learn in their own contexts, without the need to uproot families or in many cases leave their employment. They can continue to support their families while they learn, making this program even more affordable to the student.

CMPL has the goal of keeping student costs below $4000/year. Over four years, this is about the cost of any online master’s degree. We hope that congregations and individuals can help support those remaining tuition costs.

Finally, we have set three goals related to costs: First, the commitment to keeping tuition to under $4000/year for all students. Second, to raise funds to provide financial aid for students who are actively involved in a church plant. We aim to eliminate tuition costs entirely for those who are planting churches. Third, to begin to raise support for bringing these degree programs to international students beginning in 2026-27. Because, typically, international students will not be able to afford U.S. tuition rates, we hope to raise funds to provide these students with education at no cost. We would ask that you would prayerfully consider partnering with us to support any of these three commitments. All so that “the word of the Lord continues to increase and prevail mightily” Acts 19:20.

If you are interested in learning more about the Center for Missional and Pastoral Leadership and opportunities to support the students, please contact the dean at .

For more information, past newsletters, or to donate to the work of CMPL, please visit our website.