Question 1

What is it and Who is it for?

Accepted Answer

A 10-month, master’s level church planter training school for pastors and ministry leaders. We will be hand-selecting just 5 people/couples. Upon completion of the Pathfinder Institute, graduates will be launched out to plant a church!

Question 2

Cost?

Accepted Answer

Tuition is $8,000 for the year which includes the missions trip + housing

Question 3

How do I pay for my tuition?

Accepted Answer

Payments are made directly to us. You can fundraise, pay your own way, finance, etc.. Planting a church is a faith journey. Treat this like your first faith adventure. God will make a way!

Question 4

What about Housing?

Accepted Answer

Members of the church have affordable housing available for rent, reserved for our students. There are 4 fully furnished 2-bedroom units, and 1 unfurnished 3-bedroom house.

Question 5

Can I come if I'm married?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We love marriage and family.

Question 6

Can my spouse attend classes with me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, at no additional tuition cost! If your spouse joins the missions trip it is an additional expense.

Question 7

Where is it?

Accepted Answer

Located in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Johnson City, TN.

Question 8

Can I attend virtually?

Accepted Answer

No. Family is our core value and that is expressed primarily in person. All classes, ministry, and experiences of the Pathfinder Institute will be in person in Johnson City, TN.

Question 9

Dates?

Accepted Answer

Apply by May 31st
Class starts September 5th this year and runs through next May 2024.   See Schedule(https://www.pathfinderinstitute.com/schedule)

Question 10

Can I hold a job while attending?

Accepted Answer

You may work a part-time job as long as it doesn’t interfere with your studies and growth and involvement in ministry opportunities. A spouse who is not attending classes can hold a full-time job.

Question 11

Who are my teachers?

Accepted Answer

Mattie Montgomery, Ian Miller, Chris Mathis, Ray Hughes, David Morrison, Brandon Faust, & more! See Instructors (www.pathfinderinstitute.com/instructors)

Question 12

Will I plant an Altar Fellowship church?

Accepted Answer

No. Graduates of the Pathfinder Institute will be a part of the Pathfinder Collective, however, and receive continued instruction and support. You may launch a non-denominational church or a church from the denomination or network you came from.

Question 13

Can I plant through my existing denomination?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may still pursue credentials and the oversight of a traditional church denomination. We encourage students to follow the leading of Holy Spirit.

Question 14

What happens when I finish?

Accepted Answer

Students who graduate from the Pathfinder Institute may be ordained as ministers, be commissioned & sent out to plant a church, and will remain a part of the Pathfinder Collective.

Question 15

What is the Pathfinder Collective?

Accepted Answer

Pathfinder Collective is our church planting network for pastors and church planters to not only remain connected, but to be invested in, taken care of, and be better equipped to serve their flock. As pastors, we know how easy it is to feel alone in the ministry and we want to change that narrative!

Question 16

Are there any education requirements?

Accepted Answer

We evaluate each applicant on a case by case basis. Experience is one of the greatest learning institutions. We recognize this in candidates who have extensive ministry experience.

Question 17

Is prior ministry experience required?

Accepted Answer

While it is certainly desirable, we assess each candidate on their own merits.

Question 18

Do I need to feel a specific call to plant a church?

Accepted Answer

Yes you do. If you don’t, we would encourage you to attend a good bible college and explore local ministry opportunities.

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