The Need for Church-Based Ministry Training

At the heart of GAAMT accreditation is a desire to promote and strengthen church-based ministry training. As our vision and mission states, we want the church to regain its responsibility as the primary centre for discipleship training. We also want the church to be the centre for fulfilling the Great Commission.

To achieve this, churches across the Majority World need quality training for pastoral leadership and church capacity building. Local churches need to raise up their own leaders. Many are already doing this work. It can be improved and increased.

Many church-based training efforts would benefit from some form of certification. Certification motivates teachers and students to faithfully fulfil the requirements of training. It provides a clear goal and a recognised outcome. It also helps churches know that their leaders have been well prepared.

We understand that not all non-formal theological training programs will require certification. But many do. GAAMT exists to collaborate with churches in this work.

We help develop and stay faithful to church-based standards. These standards must be faithful to scripture and useful for the local churches.

Church-Based Ministry Training Accreditation

GAAMT offers accreditation for the ministry training programs conducted by churches or church networks for the following ministry qualifications:

• Certificate of Ministry (Cert. Min)

• Diploma of Ministry (Dip. Min)

• Bachelor of Ministry (B.Min)

• Master of Ministry (M.Min)

• Doctor of Ministry (D.Min)

We do not accredit formal theological programs offering academic theological degrees such as Bachelor of Theology (B.Th), Master of Divinity (M.Div), or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D). 

GAAMT-accredited programs look very different from what is done in seminaries. We aim to replicate church-based learning that is similar to the learning of the early church. The main textbook is the Bible. Learning happens through a combination of sitting and learning, as well as learning through doing. Assessment is practically based. We look at what learners are understanding from God's word. We also look at the ministry the learner is doing in and through the church. Head knowledge alone is not enough. We want to see Christ-like character and faithful service.

With their degrees, GAAMT students will be expected to serve in and through their local churches, and be involved in discipleship community formation and mission. We do not promise that students can transfer their ministry credits to an theological academic seminary context. 

No One Model is Normative

GAAMT works directly with churches and church networks, to affirm and support their ministry training programs. However, the GAAMT model works best when local efforts connect with a wider network of church-based ministry trainers across the Majority World.

While we stay faithful to the evangelical faith, we are also aware that different churches and organisations will emphasise different values. We do not impose a single set of competencies or outcomes on our partners. Instead, we offer a broad framework. Churches choose which outcomes and competencies to target depending on their own capacities and the gifts of their members.

Words like competency and outcomes are important. But they must serve the church. GAAMT accreditation is flexible enough to honour local context while maintaining shared commitments to biblical faithfulness and ministry effectiveness.

Accreditation Partnership

We see accreditation as a partnership. We walk alongside churches and church networks that train their own members for ministry. Our approach is partnership through meaningful dialogue. We aim to guide and encourage, rather than simply approve or reject.

Accreditation partnership is a voluntary process. The church or network submits their program for review. The aim is to improve their program and align broadly with shared standards across the Majority World.

Why the GAAMT accreditation matters

GAAMT works directly with local churches and church networks, and affirm and support their ministry training programs. The GAAMT model works best when local efforts connect with a wider network of church-based ministry trainers across the Majority World.

Fellowship Partnership

For those who do not want accreditation, we offer Fellowship Partnership. Fellowship allows churches and training networks to connect with GAAMT and other partners without pursuing formal accreditation. Fellowship partners can share resources, join discussions, and take part in learning events. This option is for those who want connection and encouragement without the requirements of accreditation. The aim is to improve the effectiveness of church-based ministry training and non-formal theological education globally. (More information about Fellowship Partnership is here)

As more details come in, we will be updating this website further. Please send us an email to accreditation@gaamt.org if you want to be informed about our progress.

All key accreditation information is available in the GAAMT Accreditation Handbook 2026. This Handbook is made available to partners and potential partners upon request

Introducing GAAMT Accreditation | Accreditation Expectations | How to Apply for GAAMT Accreditation | Model Curriculum | Beyond Accreditation