"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." - Romans 12:2
Immanuel Theological Academy (ITA) exists to bridge the gap between the seminary classroom and the local church context. We believe that serious theological formation is not reserved for professional clergy and is essential for those entrusted with teaching, leadership, and service within the Church.
ITA offers a rigorous, seminary-level course of study that engages the core disciplines of Christian theology, from the worlds of the Old and New Testaments, through the history of the Church, to the doctrines that shape Christian belief and practice today.
Who this is for:
ITA is designed for those who desire deeper theological understanding and formation, including:
Pastors who are called to teach, value theological education, and seek further formation but are unable to attend a traditional seminary
Elders, deacons, and other Church leaders responsible for teaching and spiritual oversight
Serious Christians who are prepared for sustained study, reading, and theological engagement
This is not introductory coursework; ITA assumes a basic familiarity with Scripture and Christian belief; Participants should expect intentional study, careful thinking, and meaningful engagement
The Teachers:
All ITA courses are taught by instructors who are graduates of accredited seminaries and who bring both academic training and local Church experience into the classroom
Instruction is grounded in Scripture, informed by the historic Christian tradition, and shaped by the practical realities of ministry and congregational life
Our Vision: Theology Belongs to the Church
For much of Christian history, theological formation was rooted in the life of the local church. Over time, however, advanced theological training has become concentrated in academic institutions beyond the reach of most congregations. The result is a system in which those who wish to study Church history, biblical interpretation, or Christian doctrine in depth are often required to leave their church context and bear significant financial burden.
This is not a rejection of seminaries or academic theology. Quite the opposite. It is a re-centering of theological formation within the life of the Church.
We believe theological formation is the shared inheritance of the whole Church, not just the professional clergy. It is time to bring it home.
The Economic reality
The modern seminary system, while offering serious theological and biblical training, carries an unintended consequence: the cost of access.
To complete the eight core disciplines offered through the Immanuel Theological Academy curriculum at a traditional accredited seminary would typically require tuition and fees exceeding $20,000.
For many faithful Christians—parents, tradespeople, educators, and professionals—this cost effectively places advanced theological formation out of reach.
The Discipleship Gap
Why does this matter? Because of how the Bible defines discipleship.
The Apostle Paul defines the goal of discipleship in 2 Timothy 2:2: "And what you have heard from me... entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."
True discipleship is not just about personal spiritual growth; it is about transmission. It is the ability to pass the historic faith on to the next generation. But you cannot pass on what you do not possess. Theological formation is therefore not optional for the Church’s future; it is essential.
If you don’t understand the arguments for the Resurrection, you cannot help your teenager when they have doubts.
If you don’t know the history of the Bible, you cannot answer your neighbor’s skepticism.
Why Sunday Morning Isn't Enough
Sunday morning worship is the heartbeat of the Church. It is indispensable for proclamation, worship, and the sacraments. Yet it is not designed to provide sustained, systematic theological education on its own. The Church requires spaces beyond Sunday worship where deeper formation can take place.
The Return of the Bet Midrash
Immanuel Theological Academy is our response to this gap. We are returning to the model as old as the people of God: the Bet Midrash. It translates to “house of study” and is where Scripture is read, questioned, and passed on.
We are building a space where the rigorous study of the seminary meets the spiritual vitality of the local Church. We exist to equip Christians with the extraordinary depth of the Christian tradition, in service of the Church and for the faithful transmission of the faith.
PROGRAM DETAILS
There is no tuition. We believe financial burden should not restrict access to formation. Students are responsible only for their textbooks; all additional materials are provided at no cost.
Learning Rhythm: Cohorts meet in person weekly for lecture and discussion, creating space for communal learning and mutual accountability. Expect coursework that includes weekly lectures, reading assignments, and guided discussion with your cohort. While demanding, the pace is designed to be manageable for working adults. Most students can expect 4–6 hours per week of reading and study in addition to scheduled class meetings.
Curriculum: A 2-Year Cycle (4 Quarters per year).
Certification: The Certificate of Biblical & Theological Studies affirms that you have completed a structured, seminary-level course of study and are prepared for deeper theological engagement and leadership within the Church.
the courses
Each course in this two-year sequence builds your ability to read Scripture faithfully, think historically, and articulate the faith with clarity.
Biblical Studies: New Testament
NT 101: Jesus & The Gospels (The Synoptics, John, & Acts) Who was the historical Jesus? We study the distinct portraits of Christ in the four Gospels and the explosion of the early church in the book of Acts. We will learn to read these texts through the lens of First Century Jewish culture (Honor/Shame and Kinship).
NT 102: The Apostolic Mission (Paul, General Epistles, & Revelation) We trace the expansion of the Gospel into the Gentile world through the letters of Paul and the Apostles. The course concludes with a study of Revelation, offering hope to a church living under the shadow of Empire.
Biblical Studies: Old Testament
OT 103: Creation, Covenant, & Kingdom (Pentateuch & History) The story of redemption begins here. We examine the Ancient Near Eastern context of Genesis, the formation of the Covenant at Sinai, and the rise and fall of the Kingdom of Israel.
OT 104: Prophets, Poets, & Exiles (Prophets & Writings) How did Israel survive the loss of their land and Temple? We explore the poetic wisdom of Job and Psalms and the thunderous message of the Prophets who called God’s people back to justice and faithfulness during the Exile.
The History of Christianity
CH 105: From Pentecost to Reformation (The Early & Medieval Church) How did a Jewish sect become the dominant faith of the West? We trace the development of the Creeds, the blood of the Martyrs, the rise of Monasticism, and the theological dominance of the Medieval Church leading up to the crisis of the 1500s.
CH 106: Reformation to Modernity (The Modern Church) We explore the explosive era of the Reformation (Luther, Calvin) and the subsequent fragmentation of the church. We then examine how the church has navigated the challenges of the Enlightenment, Modernism, and the global spread of Christianity today.
Theology
TH 107: God, Word, & World (Theology Proper) What do we believe? This course lays the foundation of Christian doctrine. We explore the nature of Revelation (Scripture), the attributes of the Triune God, and the doctrine of Creation and Anthropology (what it means to be human).
TH 108: Christ, Salvation, & The End (Soteriology & Eschatology) How are we saved? We examine the Person and Work of Christ (Christology), the role of the Holy Spirit, and the nature of the Church (Ecclesiology). The program concludes with a study of the End Times and the New Creation.
If these courses align with your calling and capacity, we invite you to apply below.
READY TO JOIN?
ENROLLMENT INFO
CLASSES BEGIN: We are currently accepting applications and will begin courses as soon as we are able to fill the seats.
LOCATION: Immanuel Downtown; 105 South 7th Street; Zanesville, Oh
TO APPLY: Click here to Apply
faq
Is Immanuel Theological Academy a seminary?
No. Immanuel Theological Academy (ITA) is not a degree-granting seminary. It is a seminary-level theological academy designed to provide rigorous formation within the life of the local church. ITA complements, rather than replaces, formal seminary education.
Is this program accredited?
ITA is not an accredited degree program. Courses are taught by instructors who are graduates of accredited seminaries, and the curriculum reflects graduate-level theological study, but no academic degree is conferred.
Who is eligible to enroll?
ITA is open to:
Pastors and bi-vocational ministers
Elders, deacons, and ministry leaders
Serious Christians prepared for sustained study
Students should have a basic familiarity with Scripture and Christian belief and be willing to engage in careful reading, discussion, and reflection.
Do I need to be ordained or in ministry to participate?
No. Ordination or formal ministry credentials are not required. ITA exists for all Christians who desire deeper theological formation and are prepared for serious study.
What is the time commitment?
Students should expect:
Weekly in-person class meetings
Assigned reading and occasional written reflection
Up to 10 hours per week: Approximately 4–6 hours per week of reading and 2-3 hours of class
The pace is demanding but designed to be manageable for working adults.
Is the program really free?
Yes. There is no tuition or program fee. Students are responsible for purchasing required primary textbooks. All additional materials are provided at no cost.
Can I take individual courses, or do I have to complete the entire program?
You may enroll in individual courses. Students who complete all eight courses receive the Certificate of Biblical & Theological Studies.
What does the certificate represent?
The certificate affirms completion of a structured, seminary-level course of theological study and signals preparedness for deeper teaching, leadership, and theological engagement within the Church. It is not an academic degree and does not confer ordination.
Is this program affiliated with a particular denomination?
ITA is rooted in the historic Christian tradition and serves believers across denominational lines. Instruction is grounded in Scripture, shaped by the Great Tradition, and attentive to the life of the Church today.
What if I miss a class session?
Because courses are structured and cumulative, regular attendance is strongly encouraged. When necessary, make-up materials may be provided, but participation in the life of the cohort is an essential part of the program. Certification requires attendance at no less than 8 of 10 sessions per course.
Where are classes held?
Classes meet in person at Immanuel Downtown in Zanesville, Ohio. ITA is intentionally embodied and communal, rather than online or self-paced.
Application
CONTACT US
You can reach using the following information:
phone:
email:
immanueldowntown@gmail.com (general inquiries)
pastor@immanueldowntown.org (Pastor Sam)
The office is open Mondays and Thursdays from 9am-1pm.