The Training Center is a program to equip Christian men to serve the Lord in the home, workplace, and church with the unique gifts God has given them. Each Christian has been "created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10). TC endeavors to assist men discover those good works so they will live Christ-satisfied and Christ-glorifying lives.
Goal
The Training Center desires to fulfill 2 Timothy 2:2 by training men as future pastors, elders, missionaries, church planters, and leaders who will be used of God in local churches for God’s glory, emphasizing Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”
History
The Training Center began at the birth of The Masters’ Seminary. Chris Mueller (currently the teaching pastor of Faith Bible Church Murrieta) was asked to teach senior theology, which covered the entire Bible, theology and practical theology. To graduate, students were required to pass this class so that they would be ready for ordination.
The basics of this seminary course became the foundation for training men in the local church. The senior theology class has been refined and improved over 30 years and is what makes up the first year of the Training Center.
Though functioning periodically for two decades, in 2002, the Training Center was officially implemented at East Valley Bible Church, Arizona with an inaugural class of 24 students from a variety of ministries within that church and churches in the area. Over the next 5 years, over 120 men completed the first year and over 70 men completed all three years, with many now serving in significant ministries spread across the country.
In 2008, the Training Center was created at Faith Bible Church Murrieta. Each class has begun with around 30 men and concluded with about 15 men graduating from the 3rd year. By God’s grace, those graduates are now serving at Faith Bible, in other local churches and overseas, ministering in vital roles as they use their gifts for the health of the Church.
In 2018, Pastor Art Nakamura enrolled at Faith Bible Church's Training Center. The approach and methodology of the Training Center model has had a profound effect on Art's personal and leadership development. The other elders of Foothill Bible and Summit Bible have since visited and observed this church based training program. Recently, the elders of Foothill Bible and Summit Bible have agreed to begin the Training Center for Fall 2021 utilizing the gifts and talents from the pastoral staff of both churches.
Leadership
Art Nakamura is the associate pastor at Foothill Bible Church for the past 16 years overseeing a number of ministries including outreach and missions, administration, counseling, mercy ministries, training hour and small group ministries. Previously, Art was ordained from Foothill Bible and sent out to India in 2000 and served at the Pastoral Training Seminary training men for ministry to the local church within India. Art has been married to Kim for 32 years and has 3 children and 5 grandchildren.
Micah Lugg is the teaching pastor at Foothill Bible Church. He has been at Foothill since 2008, serving in student ministries and adult ministries before being called to be the teaching pastor in 2019. He graduated with a B.A. in Biblical Studies from The Master’s University in 2008 and from The Master’s Seminary in 2013 with an M.Div. He has been married to Audrey for 10 years and has four children. He enjoys reading, hiking, golfing, drinking good coffee, and the Oakland Athletics.
Program
A three-year program running September through early June, Training Center students meet for one single three-hour classroom gathering each week. Classes are primarily scheduled from 5:30 –9 pm so that men can attend following work. Outside study, reading, writing, and class preparation will require an additional 3 to 12 hours, depending on the class year of the Training Center and the students themselves.
- Year 1 = THE WORD
Intense study of the entire Bible, all theology and practical theology with a focus on real life ministry and heart-driven service within the church. - Year 2 = THE SHEPHERD:
Introduction to preaching, teaching, expositional Greek, exegesis, study, expositional theology, discernment in reading and leading, counseling, pastoral care, eldership, shepherding, training men, leadership, purpose, calling, weddings, funerals, finances, and more. - Year 3 = THE LEADER:
Setting direction, philosophy of ministry, leading change, sending and being sent, advanced teaching, preaching and exegesis, and your unique purpose in God’s work for God’s glory.
Next Steps
To better understand the philosophy and methodology of TC, please listen to the podcast found at trainthechurch.com
Click below to access more Training Center Resources
Application
Sample Materials