NEWS PROVIDED BY
Dallas Theological Seminary
April 29, 2026
DALLAS, April 29, 2026 /Standard Newswire/ — Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) today announced an exciting expansion of its Phoenix-based initiatives, unveiling a first-of-its-kind academic and ministry training partnership with Arizona Christian University (ACU) alongside a rapidly growing network of leading churches across the Valley. Together, these efforts represent a bold reimagining of how the next generation of ministry leaders is equipped—academically, spiritually, and practically.
Building on its established Phoenix presence launched in 2021 in collaboration with Scottsdale Bible Church (SBC) and ACU, DTS is now scaling an integrated model that combines university education, seminary-level theological training, and immersive church-based residency.
A New Standard in Theological Education
Beginning Fall 2026, DTS and ACU will introduce a pioneering academic pathway in which every undergraduate Bible and theology student at ACU will graduate with a DTS Graduate Certificate of Christian Studies (GCCS)—embedded directly within their bachelor’s degree.
Students will complete 15 hours of DTS coursework during their senior year, taught by DTS faculty at a newly established DTS Academic Training Center on ACU’s campus. The curriculum includes core biblical and theological instruction as well as a hands-on ministry training course that places students within a collaborative network of local churches.
Students in other majors—including business and education—will also have access to the certificate, significantly expanding the reach of formal theological training beyond traditional ministry tracks.
Graduates can then accelerate into a 4+1 pathway, earning a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership (MACL) with just one additional year of study.
“We’re excited to offer our students something no other Christian university currently provides,” said Len Munsil, president of ACU. “This partnership delivers both depth and direction—a strong theological foundation paired with a clear, accelerated pathway into ministry leadership.”
A Collaborative Church Residency Network
In parallel, DTS is expanding its innovative church-based residency model across the Phoenix metro area.
Originally launched in 2023 with SBC, the residency program allows students to earn a DTS master’s degree while actively serving in ministry roles. The model is now extending to additional churches, including Highlands Church and Palmcroft Church, with several more expected to join.
These churches are forming a Valley Church Training Cohort—a collaborative ecosystem where residents are cross-trained across multiple ministry contexts, leadership styles, and organizational structures.
This cohort-based approach provides a level of real-world preparation rarely seen in traditional seminary education.
Expanding Leadership Development—Including Women in Ministry
DTS is also partnering with Pursuit, an 18-month women’s discipleship initiative led by Michelle Clifford, executive leader at SBC. The program focuses on theological formation and leadership development for women and is already being replicated in churches nationwide.
Responding to a Critical Moment in Theological Education
These initiatives come at a time when many seminaries across the United States are facing declining enrollment and financial pressures. DTS’s Phoenix expansion represents a proactive, scalable solution—one that integrates education with ministry experience and aligns directly with the needs of today’s Church.
“There is an infectious excitement for the Church across the Valley and throughout the western United States,” said Mark Yarbrough, president of DTS. “We are honored to partner with churches and universities to equip men and women to go deep in God’s Word and lead with clarity, conviction, and real-world readiness.”
Upcoming Milestones
To mark the launch of these initiatives, Dr. Yarbrough will host:
• A groundbreaking ceremony for the DTS Academic Training Center at ACU
• A Phoenix-area church leadership gathering to formalize and celebrate the Valley Church Training Cohort
About Dallas Theological Seminary
Dallas Theological Seminary is a global leader in theological education, committed to equipping servant-leaders to communicate the truth of Scripture and build up the body of Christ worldwide.
SOURCE Dallas Theological Seminary
CONTACT: DTS Media Relations, 214-887-5000, mediarelations@dts.edu