Program
The Pastors College is a full-time, residential program in Louisville, Kentucky.
We pursue our vision by following the Apostle Paul’s exhortation to Timothy: “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16)
These twin priorities—life and doctrine—inform every facet of the Pastors College. Our program combines three primary components:
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Careful Scholarship
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Intentional Discipleship
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Practical Training
Students complete 36 modular-style courses over a 10-month period, covering a full range of biblical, theological, and pastoral studies. Biblical Greek is also taught throughout the year (Advanced Greek is offered for students who test out of Introductory Greek.)
Along with the academic program, the students and their wives participate in a rich community of fellowship and discipleship. The Pastors College uses a cohort model in which students participate together in all courses and other aspects of our program. The intent is to deepen relationships which strengthen both learning and transformation, and which help foster ministry partnership beyond the Pastors College year.
This training takes place in the context of a specific local church, Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville. From beginning to end, our ecclesiology informs both the format and context of our program, precisely because our students are being equipped to serve the local church.
Our fervent prayer is that these various components will equip our students to be godly, skilled, and faithful shepherds who lead and care for “the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood” (Acts 20:28).
Student Life
Class Schedule
Each course (with the exception of Biblical Greek) runs Tuesday through Friday, for a total of 24 hours of instruction. Each course also requires 27-30 hours of outside reading and assignments.
In addition, the class enjoys weekly events designed to stimulate further conversation and practical application.
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Tischreden (“Table Talk”) lunches with the instructor
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Class worship and instruction with Bob Kauflin (Director of Music for Sovereign Grace Churches)
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A preaching practicum for each student with Jeff Purswell (Dean of the College)
Pastoral Leadership
Our staff includes a full-time pastor, Brian Chesemore (Director of Student Care), who coordinates care, discipleship, and fellowship among the students and their families. These groups help to deepen relationships, provide mutual care, and pursue growth in godliness.
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Weekly Men’s and Women’s Groups
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Monthly Couples’ Groups
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Meetings with the elders of Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville
Local Church
Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville is the students’ church away from home. Students and their families enjoy many benefits from participating in the life of this church during their year at the Pastors College.
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Preaching, pastoral care, and relationships with church members that last long after graduation
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A working model for what the students are learning in the classroom
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Specific times of fellowship and training from the pastors of SGCL
Wives
The Pastors College is not only for our students. We also prepare the students’ wives to serve alongside them in ministry. We offer care, discipleship, and specialized training to the wives throughout the school year.
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Weekly Women’s Groups
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Monthly Fellowship and Training
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Personal Care from Pastors College Staff Wives
Housing
Students are responsible for their own housing arrangements.
Healthcare
Students are required to demonstrate proof of health insurance.
Special Events
Our events team hosts activities throughout the year for every member of the family. Each event is designed to foster friendships, create memories, and build a sense of class identity.