LifeSong School of Ministry is a ministry training program of LifeSong Church. It is designed to help students grow in biblical understanding, spiritual formation, practical ministry skill, leadership capacity, and a heart for the local church and the mission of Jesus.

LSOM is not simply a collection of classes. It is a discipleship and ministry-development environment where students are formed, equipped, activated, and sent to serve effectively in the church, their community, and wherever God calls them.

LSOM is for believers who desire to grow deeper in Scripture, spiritual maturity, ministry leadership, and practical service.

The two-year program is especially suited for individuals who sense a call to ministry, desire stronger biblical and theological foundations, want practical ministry experience, or are preparing to serve in leadership within the local church.

Students do not have to be planning to become full-time pastors in order to benefit from LSOM. The program is also valuable for volunteers, ministry leaders, parents, marketplace leaders, small-group leaders, worship team members, and anyone who wants to become more effective in serving Christ and His Church.

LifeSong School of Ministry offers ministry-development pathways that include:

• A two-year Diploma in Theology and Ministry Leadership.

• Ministry internship opportunities for qualifying young adults.

• Biblical instruction, leadership development, spiritual formation, ministry practicum, mentoring, and hands-on service opportunities.

• Online learning components through the LSOM Online Campus, combined with in-person instruction and ministry experience.

Specific course offerings, schedules, requirements, and program fees are published in the LSOM Academic Catalog, Student Handbook, and individual course materials.

Students who successfully complete all academic, practicum, financial, and program requirements for the two-year program are awarded a Diploma in Theology and Ministry Leadership from LifeSong School of Ministry.

This diploma is a religious, ministry-focused credential recognizing the student’s completion of LSOM’s prescribed biblical studies, theological training, spiritual formation, leadership development, and supervised ministry requirements.

No. LifeSong School of Ministry is not institutionally accredited.

LSOM does not represent its diploma as the equivalent of an accredited associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. It is not designed to provide transferable academic credit, professional licensure, state-issued certification, or preparation for occupations that require an accredited degree or government-issued credential.

Our purpose is ministry preparation: helping students become biblically grounded, spiritually formed, leadership-ready, and effective in the service of Jesus and His Church.

LifeSong School of Ministry is a religious educational ministry of LifeSong Church. It provides organized instruction, ministry formation, practical training, and a documented course of study in theology and ministry leadership.

At the same time, LSOM is not presenting itself as an accredited college or university. It is a church-based ministry training program focused on religious education, discipleship, leadership development, and supervised ministry experience.

California law includes provisions for qualifying nonprofit religious institutions that offer instruction limited to the beliefs and practices of their religious organization. Under California Education Code § 94874(e), a qualifying nonprofit religious corporation may award religious degrees or diplomas when applicable statutory conditions are met, including that the credential clearly reflects its theological or religious subject area.

LSOM’s Diploma in Theology and Ministry Leadership is intentionally described as a religious, ministry-focused credential. It is not presented as an accredited college degree or as a credential that provides state licensure, professional certification, or transferable academic credit.

LifeSong Church and LSOM are committed to operating in a manner consistent with applicable law and to providing prospective students with clear, accurate disclosures regarding the nature and limitations of the program.

LSOM is not institutionally accredited, and it does not claim accreditation by the State of California.

Accreditation and state approval are different matters. Accreditation is granted by an accrediting agency, not by the State of California. The California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education may approve certain institutions to operate, while other institutions may qualify for an exemption under applicable law.

LSOM communicates its legal and regulatory status clearly in its official catalog, enrollment materials, and required disclosures. Prospective students should not assume that LSOM is accredited, state-approved, or equivalent to an accredited college or university unless LSOM expressly states that status in writing.

Yes. A graduate may accurately list:

Diploma in Theology and Ministry Leadership
LifeSong School of Ministry

However, students and graduates should describe the credential honestly and should not represent it as an accredited college degree, a state license, a professional certification, or transferable college credit.

Whether an employer, ministry organization, church, school, or other institution recognizes the diploma is determined by that organization’s own policies and requirements.

LSOM does not guarantee that coursework, ministry practicum, or the Diploma in Theology and Ministry Leadership will transfer to another college, university, seminary, or graduate program.

Transferability is always determined by the receiving institution. Because LSOM is not institutionally accredited, students should assume that credits may not transfer unless they receive written confirmation from the institution they hope to attend.

Students considering future enrollment in an accredited college, university, or seminary are encouraged to contact that school directly before enrolling in LSOM.

Completion of LSOM does not automatically result in ordination.

Ordination is a spiritual and ecclesial process that involves calling, character, doctrine, ministry fruit, leadership confirmation, and the policies of the church or ministerial organization granting ordination. LSOM may provide valuable preparation for those pursuing ministry credentials, but ordination decisions remain under the authority of LifeSong Church leadership or the applicable credentialing body.

No. LSOM does not guarantee employment, placement in a ministry role, ordination, a pastoral position, income, or acceptance into another educational program.

The goal of LSOM is to prepare students to serve with biblical conviction, spiritual maturity, practical skill, humility, and leadership capacity. Open doors, ministry assignments, and employment opportunities ultimately depend on many factors, including calling, character, readiness, experience, organizational needs, and the discretion of churches or employers.

The LSOM curriculum includes biblical interpretation, theology, Old and New Testament studies, spiritual formation, ministry leadership, practical ministry, discipleship, church life, leadership development, and supervised ministry practicum.

Students will be challenged not only to gain knowledge, but also to develop the habits, character, spiritual disciplines, and ministry skills needed for a faithful life of service.

LSOM uses a blended learning model. Students can expect a combination of in-person instruction, online learning through the LSOM Online Campus, reading, assignments, discussion forums, ministry practicum, mentoring, and hands-on service opportunities.

The specific format for each course is provided in the course syllabus and academic calendar.

Ministry practicum is supervised, real-world ministry experience. Students serve in a ministry area, complete practical assignments, reflect on their growth, receive feedback, and learn how to apply biblical principles in actual ministry settings.

Practicum is a core part of LSOM because ministry leadership is not formed through classroom learning alone. Students need both biblical understanding and faithful experience in serving people.

Students should expect a meaningful weekly commitment that includes class sessions, online participation, reading, assignments, ministry practicum, and personal spiritual development.

Exact expectations vary by course and semester. The LSOM Academic Catalog and course syllabi provide the most current information regarding class schedules, attendance expectations, assignment requirements, and practicum commitments.

LSOM is rooted in the life, doctrine, mission, and ministry culture of LifeSong Church. While students from other churches may be considered, they should understand that the program is designed within a LifeSong Church ministry context.

Students from other churches should have the support of their home church leadership and should be willing to participate respectfully in the spiritual, doctrinal, leadership, and ministry culture of LSOM.

Program fees help support the actual costs of operating the school and providing a quality ministry-training environment. These costs may include curriculum and instructional resources, online learning systems, administrative support, technology, faculty or guest instructor expenses, student materials, ministry practicum coordination, facility use, and other direct program expenses.

LSOM does not use the word “tuition” to suggest that it is an accredited college or university. Program fees are charges associated with participation in a church-based religious ministry training program.

Current program fees, payment schedules, included resources, and any additional student costs are published on the LSOM website and in official LSOM materials before enrollment.

Students should review all current financial information carefully before applying or registering. Fees may vary by program, year, resource needs, or program structure.

Not at this time. Scholarship assistance may be available when designated scholarship funds have been donated for that purpose.

Scholarships are not guaranteed and are dependent on available funds, eligibility criteria, application requirements, and leadership approval. LSOM will provide scholarship information and application procedures when funds are available.

Payment-plan availability, deadlines, and requirements are published on the LSOM website and in official LSOM enrollment materials. Students are responsible for understanding the financial commitment before enrolling and for communicating promptly with LSOM if financial circumstances change.

LSOM’s current withdrawal and refund policies are published in the Student Handbook, Academic Catalog, and enrollment materials.

Students should review those policies before making a payment or beginning classes. Questions about a specific payment, withdrawal, or refund situation should be directed to the LSOM office.

Admission requirements include high school graduation, GED, or equivalent educational experience, an application, testimony of faith, pastoral or leadership reference, interview, background screening where applicable, agreement with student standards, and other requirements appropriate to the student’s program or ministry placement.

Admission is not automatic. LSOM seeks students who are teachable, spiritually serious, committed to personal growth, and willing to serve faithfully.

All ministry practicum placements—including those involving children, youth, vulnerable adults, pastoral care, or other sensitive ministry responsibilities—require a background check, Live Scan fingerprinting, training, or additional screening.

Students are responsible for completing required screening and maintaining eligibility for their assigned ministry placement.

Students are expected to pursue a life consistent with Christian character, spiritual growth, integrity, teachability, healthy relationships, and respect for the ministry environment of LifeSong Church.

LSOM is not only interested in what students know. We are committed to who students are becoming. Student conduct expectations, attendance standards, academic integrity requirements, and ministry standards are described in the Student Handbook.

Some courses, events, workshops, or ministry-development opportunities may be available to non-program participants when space and program structure allow. Availability is determined by LSOM leadership and may vary by course or semester.

Participation in an individual class does not automatically make a person an LSOM diploma student or guarantee admission into the full program.

The LifeSong School of Ministry Internship is a focused, hands-on 9-month ministry development experience for young adults (18-29) who desire to grow spiritually, develop leadership capacity, and serve in the life of the local church.

Interns are placed in a ministry area where they receive practical experience, mentoring, ministry supervision, leadership development, and opportunities to serve alongside LifeSong Church staff and ministry leaders. The Internship is designed to help emerging leaders discover their gifts, develop healthy ministry habits, and gain real-world experience in a church environment.

The Internship is not simply a volunteer opportunity. It is a structured discipleship and leadership-development pathway with expectations for spiritual growth, training, service, accountability, and ministry participation.

The Internship and the two-year Diploma in Theology and Ministry Leadership are both designed to form and prepare people for ministry, but they have different primary emphases.

The Internship is primarily a hands-on, immersive ministry-development experience. It emphasizes practical service, leadership exposure, ministry placement, mentoring, team involvement, and learning through active participation in the life of the church.

The two-year Diploma program is a more comprehensive and structured course of study. It includes biblical and theological instruction, spiritual formation, leadership development, academic assignments, online learning, ministry practicum, and supervised ministry experience. Students who complete all program requirements are awarded a Diploma in Theology and Ministry Leadership.

In simple terms:

• The Internship is designed for emerging leaders who want concentrated ministry experience and development.
• The two-year program is designed for students seeking a more extensive, organized pathway of biblical studies, theology, ministry training, and leadership development.
• Both pathways value spiritual formation, practical ministry, character, leadership, and service in the local church.

In some cases, yes. An intern may also be eligible to participate in the two-year Diploma program, depending on admissions requirements, scheduling, ministry responsibilities, financial arrangements, and approval from LSOM leadership.

However, the Internship and Diploma program are distinct pathways. Participation in the Internship does not automatically mean that a person is enrolled in the Diploma program, and participation in the Diploma program does not automatically guarantee an Internship placement.

Students who are interested in both pathways should discuss their goals with LSOM leadership during the application or admissions process.

Certain Internship training, ministry experience, or supervised practicum activities may align with portions of the Diploma program, depending on the student’s placement and the requirements of the applicable course or practicum.

However, credit toward the Diploma program is not automatic. Students must complete the academic, attendance, assignment, practicum, and program requirements established for the Diploma pathway.

LSOM leadership will communicate clearly which Internship activities, if any, may fulfill specific Diploma-program expectations.

The Internship is primarily designed for young adults (18-29) who are in a season of life where they can commit significant time and energy to ministry development, leadership formation, and hands-on service.

Specific age guidelines, availability expectations, and placement requirements are published in Internship materials. Because the Internship includes ministry responsibilities and direct involvement in church operations, acceptance is based on readiness, character, availability, ministry fit, and leadership approval.

Internship placements may be available in areas such as worship, production, communications, social media, LifeKids, youth, young adults, first impressions, small groups, congregational care, outreach, missions, special events, leadership development, ministry administration, and other ministry departments.

Available placements may change based on ministry needs, supervisor availability, student gifting, background-screening requirements, and the number of interns accepted in a given season.

An applicant’s preferred ministry area will be considered, but LSOM cannot guarantee placement in a particular department.

The LSOM Internship is a ministry training and leadership-development program. Unless LSOM specifically offers and communicates a paid staff position or paid opportunity separately, Internship participation should not be understood as employment with LifeSong Church.

Any paid employment opportunity is separate from Internship acceptance and is subject to the church’s normal hiring process, employment policies, and staffing needs.

Students who successfully complete Internship requirements receive recognition of completion from LifeSong School of Ministry.

The exact form of recognition, including any certificate of completion, is determined by the published Internship requirements and policies in effect during the student’s participation.

Completion of the Internship does not automatically result in the Diploma in Theology and Ministry Leadership. The diploma is awarded only to students who are officially enrolled in and successfully complete all requirements of the two-year Diploma program.

Interns are expected to demonstrate faithfulness, teachability, spiritual maturity, integrity, healthy relationships, appropriate conduct, consistent participation, and a servant-hearted approach to ministry.

Because interns may serve with children, students, volunteers, staff members, and members of the congregation, they are also required to complete background screening, safety training, ministry-specific training, and other placement requirements.

The goal is not merely to give interns a ministry assignment. It is to help develop leaders who are spiritually grounded, emotionally healthy, biblically informed, practically capable, and prepared to serve with humility and wisdom.

No. Completion of the Internship does not guarantee employment, a staff position, ordination, placement in a specific ministry role, or acceptance into the two-year Diploma program.

The Internship is intended to provide meaningful development, experience, mentorship, and ministry exposure. Future opportunities depend on many factors, including calling, character, demonstrated faithfulness, gifting, ministry fruit, organizational needs, and the discretion of LifeSong Church leadership.