First Seminary Initiative

The Ascent First Seminary Initiative is a collaboration committed to providing affordable, accessible, and flexible access to theological education. 

For the low monthly tuition cost of $300/month, learners have access to the course options found on the Graduate Theological Education Exchange digital interface (click the GTE link for a list of available courses).  At the conclusion of the pilot year, students will have the opportunity to transfer all 18 graduate credits into any of the participating schools.  Further, since this is comprised of ATS accredited schools and courses, transfer into another school of your choosing is highly likely. 

Find out more

Winebrenner Seminary is serving as the main point of contact for application and initial registration. Your next step is to schedule a time to meet with Winebrenner's Director of New Student Engagement; click here or the link below to schedule a day/time to meet and be sure to tell him that you are interested in the Ascent partnership!


Set up a time to discuss how to join the Ascent First Seminary experience! Just choose your date and time. If this is a Zoom session the invite will be sent prior to the scheduled time. If we are meeting in person you will receive further correspondence.



FAQs

Is $300/month real?

Yes! Our commitment is to keep educational costs affordable so you can join for a single course or pursue a degree – whatever fits your spiritual journey best! You can learn more by clicking here.

What courses are offered during the First Seminary Experience?

The pilot project of the First Seminary Initiative is taught by different professors from the 4 partner schools.  We are pleased to offer the following courses in the 2025-2026 academic year:


WOCW 7385:  Introduction to Christian Witness and Mission


IS 5101:  Interpreting God's World and Word


OT 307: The Pentateuch, Poetry, and Wisdom Books


OT 522:  Genesis (Pentateuch Book Study)


TE 417:  Sexual Ethics and Family


CC 6550:  Counseling the Dying and Grieving

Can I work full time and attend school? When and where are courses offered?

We want to make graduate theological education accessible. Many of our students work full-time and attend classes in the evening. 


The first course begins in late August 2025 (August 25th) and the final course ends in late July (July 30th) 2026.  Courses are offered digitally in the evenings.  You can see a full list of the courses, the dates they are offered, the day of the week, and time of day by going to The Graduate Theological Exchange.