School of Advanced Leadership Training

Through SALT courses, leaders strengthen their practical ministry skills and spiritual health, as well as form a strong Biblical foundation from which to serve others.

 

Upcoming Salt Classes

SPRING 2

Registration ends March 16
Classes meet Mondays, March 23 – May 11, 2026, from 6–8pm

CNS6403 – Family Crisis & Conflict
Taught by Annette Hibner

Equip yourself to navigate family crisis situations and manage conflict within marriages, families, and churches. Identify core issues and understand the dynamics that precipitate crisis and conflict.

Required Books

  • Cloud, Henry, John Townsend, Dave Carder, & Earl Henslin. Unlocking Your Family Patterns: Finding Freedom from a Hurtful Past. Chicago: Moody, 2011. (240 pp.) List Price: $15.99. ISBN: 978-0802477446

  • Sande, Ken. Peacemaking for Families. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House, 2002. (240 pp.) List Price: $8.99. ISBN: 978-1589970069

  • Walsh, Froma. Strengthening Family Resilience. 3d ed. New York: Guilford Press, 2016. (400 pp.) List Price: $36.00. ISBN: 978-1462529865

OR

EVG3840 – Relational [Personal] Evangelism
Taught by Curtis McGinnis

Consider the motivation for personal evangelism, examine various methods, and develop confidence in sharing the gospel. Build a strong biblical model for reaching the world with and for Christ.

Required Books

  • Chan, Sam. Evangelism in a Skeptical World: How to Make the Unbelievable News about Jesus More Believable. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2018. Paperback, $13.60, ISBN: 978-0310534716; Kindle, $16.99, ASIN: B072TLLWYG.

  • Rohrmayer, Gary. Spiritual Conversations. St. Charles, IL: Churchsmart Resources, 2010. $6.50, ISBN: 978-1889638911.

  • White, James Emery. Meet Generation Z: Understanding and Reaching the New Post-Christian World. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2017. Paperback, $12.47, ISBN: 978-0801017018; Kindle, $9.99, ASIN: B01LWY2QH2.

OR

BIB5003/1225 – New Testament Overview
Taught by Monte French

Study the background, history, and emphases of New Testament documents and how they shaped the theology of the early church recorded in Acts.

Required Books

  • Wright, N.T. (2011). Simply Jesus: A new vision of who he saw, what he did, and why he matters. HarperOne. ISBN: 978-0062084392. List: $22.00. (256 pp).

Graduate (dual-credit) Students:

  • Martin, Ralph P., and Carl N. Toney. New Testament Foundations: An Introduction for Students. Revised and Expanded Edition. Eugene: Wipf and Stock, 2018. List Price: $70.00. ISBN: 9781620320884. (20% off if ordered from https://wipfandstock.com/)

SALT Undergraduate Students:

  • Powell, Mark Allan. 2018. Introducing the New Testament. 2nd Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. (Note the support site: www.IntroducingNT.com, which includes features like flash cards, self quizzes, hyperlink materials, and maps.) List Price: $44.99. ASIN: B0752SZSWZ (592 pp).
Register Today!

Overview

In partnership with Hope International University, The School of Advanced Leadership Training (SALT) equips emerging leaders with the knowledge and skills needed for effective and relevant ministry. Courses are conveniently delivered and offer a collaborative student learning environment, designed to be instantly applicable to real-life ministry situations.

SALT students learn from seasoned, well-respected ministry experts. Guest lecturers share their extensive knowledge and first-hand experiences, teaching invaluable principles for exceptional ministry leadership.

    • Biblically based professional and personal enrichment

    • Practical relevance and application for life and ministry

    • Efficient format (8 week courses)

    • Learn from highly qualified faculty and experienced ministry experts

    • Classes in Rochester, MN or at your home church

    • Online and/or on-site mentoring

    • Accredited undergraduate or graduate units

    • May be completed in as little as 12 months

Our Certificates of Ministry equip emerging leaders with the knowledge and skills needed for effective and relevant ministry. Through SALT courses, leaders strengthen their practical ministry skills and spiritual health, and form a strong Biblical foundation from which to serve others. Ministry staff, interns, and church members will all benefit from SALT courses. Upon completing 12 units in this SALT program, (four 3-unit courses), each student will receive a Ministry Certificate from Hope International University. Courses also may be audited (no credits).

    • Intro to Care Ministries

    • Pastoral Care: Listening and Assessing

    • Family Crisis and Conflict

    • Balancing Ministry and Personal Life

    • Personal Evangelism

    • Ministry Practices for the Church

    • Making Disciples

    • Small Group Dynamics

    • Old Testament Overview

    • New Testament Overview

    • Life of Christ ‘ Jesus and the Kingdom among Us

    • Bible Study Methods and Tools

    • Dynamics of Servant Leadership

    • Leadership Styles and Principles

    • Perspectives on Dynamic Church Leadership

    • Developing Spiritual Disciplines

Learn More