Ministry Leadership Institute (MLI) is a training institution that will equip, transform and mobilize Christian Leaders to have kingdom building impact in their sphere of influence.

MLI exists to develop Christian leaders through training programs that cultivate a Biblical worldview (head knowledge), spiritual and character formation (heart knowledge), and practical ministry skills (hand knowledge).

The purpose of this doctrinal statement is to produce clarity and unity regarding the essential biblical beliefs that will guide teaching, learning and community life at MLI.  While students and faculty may hold varying views on secondary doctrinal matters, it is expected that they align with the essentials.

We believe that Scripture, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired, inerrant, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. Through the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, human authors faithfully recorded God’s revelation (2 Peter 1:20–21). Scripture is completely trustworthy in all it teaches and is the final authority for knowing God and living a life of worship and obedience to Him (2 Timothy 3:15–16; Psalm 19:7; Proverbs 8:8–9).

There is one God, eternally existing in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one in essence and co-equal in power and glory. 

God the Father is perfect (Matt. 5:48), infinite (Isa. 44:6), unchanging (Ps. 102:27; Mal. 3:6), all-present, all-knowing, and all-powerful (Jer. 23:23; Jer. 32:17; Ps. 139:7-10; 1 John 3:20). He is set apart from creation (Isa. 55:9; Ps. 113:5-6; 1 Kings 8:27), yet actively involved in it, revealing His truth, faithfulness, and love (Col. 1:17; 2 Cor. 6:16; Acts 17: 27-28; Ps. 19:7–9; Deut. 7:9; Ex. 15:11; John 15:11). 

God the Son, Jesus Christ, is fully God and fully man, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, died for our sins as the atoning sacrifice, rose from the dead, ascended to heaven, and will return to judge the living and the dead (John 1:1–3; Heb. 1:1–3; 1 Cor. 15:3–4; Matt. 1:18–23; Rev. 5:8–14).

God the Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and Son, sent to illuminate, indwell, regenerate, sanctify, guide, teach, equip and empower believers (John 14:16–17; John 16:7–15; 1 Cor. 2:9–16; 2 Thess. 2:13).

Sin entered the world through Adam’s disobedience. All people are born with a sinful nature and personally sin against God. Sin corrupts every part of human life and damages relationships with God, self, and others. Its consequence is death and eternal separation from God (Rom. 3:23; Rom. 5:12; Rom. 6:23).

We believe that all people are sinful and separated from God. It is the death and resurrection of Jesus that pays the wages of sin, defeats death, and makes an unrighteous individual righteous before a Holy God.  Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by works (Eph. 2:8–9; Rom. 10:9; Rom. 6:23; John 14:6; Rom. 3:23; Isa. 59:2).

The Church is the body of Christ, made up of all believers across time who are saved by grace through faith, united in Him, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Christ is the head of the Church, and His authority is expressed through it as His people gather in fellowship for worship and mutual edification. The Church exists to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and build God’s kingdom, with the visible church serving as the gathered expression of this spiritual reality (Matt. 28:19; Rom. 12:4-5; 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 2: 19-22; Eph. 4:4–6; Col. 1:17-20; 1 Tim. 6:6-10).

Eternity awaits all of humanity. Those who are in Jesus will experience glorification (Rom. 8:30; Phil. 3:20–21; 1 John 3:2), while those apart from Jesus will face eternal separation and punishment (Matt. 25:46; 2 Thess. 1:8–9; Rev. 20:11–15).

The Church practices two ordinances: baptism and communion. Baptism is a public declaration of faith in Christ and symbolizes union with Him and His Church, but it is not a means of salvation. Communion is a continuing practice of remembrance, taken with a repentant heart, proclaiming the finished work of Christ’s death and resurrection (Matt. 28:19–20; Rom. 6:3–6; 1 Cor. 11:26).

We believe the mission of the Church, and therefore of MLI, is to bring the good news to the lost, help believers grow in Christlike maturity, and equip the saints for the work of ministry, for the glory of God (Matt. 28:19–20; Eph. 4:11–13; 2 Tim. 3:16–17; Col. 1:28; James 1:22). 

MLI is a highly affordable and highly practical three-year ministry training program that will equip, transform and mobilize Christian Leaders to have kingdom building impact in their sphere of influence. Over the course of three years (three classes per year) students will develop collegiate quality biblical literacy and practical ministry skills.

Head Knowledge:

You will receive college-level biblical education that equips you to properly divide and faithfully apply the Word of God.

Heart Knowledge:

You will be part of a supportive learning community that intentionally nurtures your spiritual formation and personal character.

Hand Knowledge:

You will be mentored by experienced, battle-tested pastors who will help you develop practical ministry skills to lead effectively in your unique context.

MLI emphasizes practical ministry training over traditional academics. Yes, each course will have homework, with some requiring writing assignments. However, the primary focus is developing hands-on ministry skills you can apply. Assignment expectations vary based on your ministry goals and whether you're enrolled in the accredited or non-accredited track. For complete details on coursework, grading, and student expectations, please see the Student Handbook.

Classes are held in person at the Crossroads Ontario Campus in Mansfield, Ohio. Some homework assignments and class discussion boards are completed through an online Learning Management System (LMS). For more information about course design and expectations, please refer to the Student Handbook.

MLI is designed to be affordable in both cost and commitment. Our tuition is significantly lower than that of many traditional academic institutions, and our course schedule is intentionally designed to fit alongside your ministry, work, family, and personal commitments.

Absolutely not. We want you to lead where you are. While students will be taking courses at MLI, the expectation is that students actively serve in their local ministry context. For some that may be their local church, for others that may be at home with kids, and others it may be their vocational setting. Your involvement in your local ministry setting will play a vital role in your development as a Christian leader.

You can absolutely take an individual course without pursuing a certificate or degree. However, some courses have prerequisites or are designed to build upon concepts taught in previous courses. Be sure to review the course description for any specific requirements or recommendations before registering.