How will the new Elevation College shape the future of ministry leadership?

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” : Proverbs 22:6

Elevation Church and Southeastern University (SEU) have officially launched Elevation College, a hybrid ministry training program designed to prepare the next generation of Christian leaders. By combining the practical, high-impact ministry environment of Elevation Church with the accredited academic excellence of Southeastern University: a prominent Assemblies of God-affiliated institution: the program offers students a direct path to earning degrees in leadership, worship, and theology while serving in the local church.

What is Elevation College?

Elevation College is a strategic partnership that addresses a growing need in the modern Church: the desire for academic credentials that are deeply rooted in real-world application. For years, students seeking a career in ministry often had to choose between a traditional four-year residential university experience or a non-accredited internship at a local church. This new initiative bridges that gap.

Students enrolled in Elevation College will earn fully accredited degrees through Southeastern University’s SEU Ministry Network. While their academic curriculum is managed by SEU’s faculty online or through various campus resources, their "classroom" extends into the auditoriums, offices, and community outreach programs of Elevation Church. This model allows students to see how theology is applied in a fast-paced, modern ministry setting.

How the partnership came together

The foundation for this college was not built overnight. Elevation Church, based in North Carolina with a global reach and over 10,000 members, has long prioritized leadership development. Previously, the church collaborated with Southeastern University on the Elevation Church Ministry Leaders Series. That program focused on providing current ministry leaders with advanced training in Scripture interpretation and biblical context.

Seeing the success of that collaboration, both institutions saw an opportunity to expand. SEU is no stranger to this model. They currently partner with over 200 churches across the United States through their Ministry Network. Patrick Fitzgerald, SEU’s chief of staff, has noted that this large-scale partnership model is well-established and designed to be scalable.

By integrating SEU’s academic rigor with Elevation’s innovative approach to worship and community engagement, the two organizations have created a pipeline for leadership that is both biblically grounded and practically skilled.

Current status and enrollment

As of March 2026, enrollment is officially open for the inaugural fall semester. Since applications opened in January, there has been a significant surge of interest from college-aged students across the country.

The program is specifically designed for those who feel a clear call to ministry but want to ensure their education is recognized by the broader academic and professional world. Students will engage in local church practicums, working alongside Elevation staff in areas like youth ministry, technical production, and pastoral care. This hands-on experience is paired with SEU’s curriculum, ensuring that by the time a student graduates, they don't just have a diploma: they have a resume full of experience.

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” : 2 Timothy 2:2

Differing viewpoints on the hybrid model

As with any significant shift in educational delivery, there are varying perspectives on the rise of the hybrid church-college model.

Supporters of the initiative see it as a vital evolution. They argue that traditional seminaries or Bible colleges can sometimes become "ivory towers," where students learn high-level theology but graduate without knowing how to lead a volunteer meeting or manage a church budget. By embedding the education within a vibrant, growing church, supporters believe the next generation will be more resilient and better prepared for the realities of 21st-century ministry.

On the other hand, some academic traditionalists are watching closely to see how the "hybrid" model maintains academic rigor. There is a historical concern that when students are heavily involved in the day-to-day operations of a church, their academic studies might take a backseat. Critics often ask if an online-heavy curriculum can provide the same depth of scholarly debate and mentorship as a traditional residential program. However, SEU’s track record with hundreds of other partners suggests they have found a balance that satisfies accreditation standards while honoring the church’s mission.

Why it matters for our community

While Elevation Church is headquartered in North Carolina, the launch of Elevation College has ripples that reach into our own backyard. Here in the Mid-South and around Memphis, we have a deep tradition of faith and a high concentration of churches looking for the next generation of pastors and worship leaders.

The success of models like this provides a blueprint for how local churches in our region can partner with established universities to keep our young talent local. When students can stay within their community or a similar church environment while getting a top-tier education, it strengthens the local body of Christ. It ensures that the leaders of tomorrow are not just "imported" from elsewhere but are raised and seasoned in the fire of local ministry.

A Biblical perspective from the Assemblies of God lens

From a Pentecostal perspective, the launch of Elevation College is an exciting development in the Great Commission. In the Assemblies of God tradition, we emphasize the "Big Four" tenets: Salvation, Baptism in the Holy Spirit, Divine Healing, and the Second Coming of Christ. Central to these is the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to witness and lead.

Training leaders is not just about passing on information; it is about the "entrusting" mentioned in 2 Timothy. It is a spiritual transfer of fire and vision. We believe that when a student is studying the Word of God while simultaneously serving in the power of the Spirit within a local church, they become a "workman who does not need to be ashamed" (2 Timothy 2:15).

This initiative aligns with the AG mission of ensuring that every generation is equipped to bring the hope of the Gospel to a world that is increasingly loud and confused. It is about raising up leaders who are not only academically qualified but are Spirit-led and ready to move in the gifts of the Spirit to bring healing to their communities.

Life takeaway: Training for the Lord

Whether you are a student considering ministry, a parent guiding a child, or a member of a local congregation, this news is a reminder of the value of intentional preparation. We are all called to be disciples, and discipleship requires discipline.

As Elevation College begins its journey, it serves as a prompt for all of us to evaluate how we are "equipping" those around us. Are we providing the next generation with the tools they need to succeed? Are we making room for them to practice their calling today, rather than making them wait for a distant "someday"?

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” : Colossians 3:23

Calm next step

We invite you to join us in prayer for the faculty at Southeastern University and the leadership at Elevation Church as they finalize the details for the fall semester. Pray specifically for the first class of students: that they would find clarity in their calling, strength in their studies, and a deep, abiding peace as they step into this new journey of discipleship.

Training leaders to bring peace to a loud world is a task we all share.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, confused, or emotionally drained by the news cycle: your reaction is not “weak.” It’s human. We invite you into a Jesus-centered community for spiritual family and care at BoundlessOnlineChurch.org. If you need private, personal guidance during a hard season, Dr. Layne McDonald offers Christian coaching and mentoring at LayneMcDonald.com. Stay grounded, stay hopeful, and keep pointing to Jesus.

Source: Southeastern University, Elevation Church News, SEU Ministry Network Reports.