Capstone Courses Online
Master the Essentials of Urban Leadership
The Capstone Curriculum: A Seminary-Level, 16-module Training Program for the Urban Context
The curriculum is specifically designed to serve as the most essential knowledge and skill learning necessary for effective urban ministry and church leadership.
Through our new digital learning platform, you can now access this high-level training with the flexibility required for your busy ministry schedule.
Deeply Rooted. Spiritually Vital. Aggressively Reproductive.
The Capstone Curriculum is not just about academic knowledge; it is designed to ground emerging urban leaders in the Gospel of Christ and root them in the indispensability of the Church.
Our goal is to train urban leaders to evangelize, disciple, plant, pastor, and minister within evangelical urban churches which will be spiritually vital, culturally conducive, and aggressively reproductive.
Not sure where to start?
Contact Admissions and share your story. We are happy to answer any questions and look forward to guiding you in the right direction.
What's the Application Process?
Step 1:
Apply
Complete your online application and provide a name and email address for your pastoral reference. Contact Admissions with any questions you might have.
Step 2:
Review
The TUMI Admissions office will review your application within five business days of receiving your pastoral reference.
Step 3:
Enroll
You will receive an email notification that your application has been approved with instructions on how to register for your preferred course.
Who is Capstone For?
The Capstone Curriculum is designed for the high-capacity urban leader who is ready to go beyond the basics and master the complexities of ministry in the city.
It is specifically tailored for those who are already on the front lines and need seminary-level training that matches the grit of their calling.
This program is ideal for:
- Urban Pastors and Church Planters: Leaders who need a deep, Nicene-based theological foundation to lead their congregations with authority and integrity.
- Established Ministry Leaders: Those seeking to move from “amateur” to a “workman approved of the Lord,” mastering skills in biblical interpretation, counseling, and church discipline.
- “Tentmakers” and Bi-Vocational Leaders: Urban ministers who require a flexible, modular schedule that respects their full-time jobs and community responsibilities.
- Missionaries and Evangelists: Leaders who want to understand the “warfare of the ages” and develop aggressive reproductive strategies to win their neighborhoods for Christ.
- Advocates for the Poor: Disciples who want to move beyond charity to a biblical framework for doing justice and loving mercy in broken communities.
Whether you are seeking to strengthen your theological foundation or gain practical skills, Capstone provides everything you need to equip yourself for effective ministry in your church and community.
The Capstone Experience
Did You Know Capstone is Modular By Design?
This means the modules (courses) are complete in themselves, independent of each other, and can be studied in any order.
Your online learning journey includes:
- Flexible Access: Materials are available 24/7, allowing you to study at your own pace.
- Community and Mentorship: Benefit from small class sizes and dedicated mentorship to provide personalized attention and peer connection.
- Integrated Learning: Every lesson includes a devotion, clear learning objectives, and comprehensive teaching outlines.
- Practical Application: Each module features case studies and “Ministry Connections” to ensure you can apply your learning immediately in your context.
Cost Per Course
$35
Plus the cost of additional books.
The 16 modules cover four critical areas of ministry, providing a comprehensive “heart theology” for the city:
Biblical Studies: The Lord God
The Lord God – Matthew 4:4
- Conversion and Calling
- Bible Interpretation
- Old Testament Witness
- New Testament Witness
Theology & Ethics: The Kingdom
The Kingdom – Matthew 6:9-10
- The Kingdom of God
- God the Father
- God the Son
- Doing Justice and Loving Mercy
Christian Ministry::The Church
The Church – Matthew 16:18-19
- Theology of the Church
- Foundations of Christian Leadership
- Practicing Christian Leadership
- The Equipping Ministry
Urban Mission: The World
The World – Matthew 5:14-16
- Doing Justice and Loving Mercy
- Focus on Reproduction
- Evangelism and Spiritual Warfare
- Foundations for Christian Mission
Across The Urban Ministry Institute Courses, You Can Expect:
Flexible & Accessible
Flexible & Accessible
Engaging Video Lectures
Engaging Video Lectures
Small Class Size
Small Class Size
Dedicated Mentorship
Dedicated Mentorship
Real-World Application
Real-World Application
Vibrant Community
Vibrant Community
Meet Your Instructors & Mentor
Rev. Dr. Don Davis
Senior Executive,
World Impact
Instructor
Rev. Terry Cornett
World Impact
Instructor
Why Choose The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI) from World Impact for Your Ministry Development?
At World Impact, we believe in practical, robust training that directly applies to your ministry context so you can apply it quickly.
Deepen Your Biblical Foundation
- To ground emerging urban leaders in the Gospel of Christ, enabling them to know the basics of conversion and their own calling to salvation and leadership
- To root our students in the indispensability of the Church to serve as both agent and locus of the Kingdom, and for them to serve the church practically and specifically in the local assembly
- To equip urban leaders with the necessary study skills to study, apply, teach, preach, and minister the Word of God in the urban context, applying their learning in the context of their own personal lives and church ministries
- To challenge urban leaders to regularly memorize select portions of Scripture, and develop the discipline of review to retain and utilize texts both devotionally and in ministry
- To establish urban leaders in a Christ-centered vision of Scripture, and equip them in a Nicene-based, biblical theology that is congruent with the historic orthodox faith of the Great Tradition
- To provide a biblical foundation for both understanding and practicing Christian leadership in the context of the Church, with a special emphasis and appreciation for spiritual formation in urban communities, especially among the poor.
- To train urban leaders to evangelize, disciple, plant, pastor, and minister within evangelical urban churches which will be spiritually vital, culturally conducive, and aggressively reproductive within the various people groups needing Christ in the city
- To encourage urban leaders to find practical, meaningful ways to promote justice and demonstrate mercy with the broken and needy in urban communities, and discover ways to display hospitality, generosity, and compassion in the places where they live and minister
Practical Ministry Skills for Real Impact
Go beyond theory with practical ministry projects, scripture memorization, and exegetical papers in each course. This hands-on approach enables you to apply your knowledge effectively in real-world ministry, so you can make a meaningful impact in your community.
Grow in Community, Guided by Mentors
You’re not alone on this journey. Â
- TUMI emphasizes group learning in small class sizes (fewer than 12 students), guided by dedicated mentors.
- These experienced urban ministry leaders will provide personalized guidance, foster spiritual growth, and invest personally in your life, creating a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
Defend Your Faith, Strengthen Your Leadership Abilities
TUMI equips leaders with a strong biblical foundation, practical ministry skills, and tools to defend their faith confidently, grow in spiritual depth, and leadership capacity to transform communities, especially in urban and underserved contexts.
Flexible Learning to Fit Your Life
We know your schedule is demanding. Â
- Our online experience features video lectures (around 30 minutes each) and 24/7 access to materials, allowing you to study at your own pace. Â
- Balance your studies with your ministry and family commitments seamlessly.Â
Earn Recognition for Your Dedication
Upon completing the Capstone Curriculum, you can earn a Certificate in Christian Leadership Studies.
Additionally, TUMI courses can provide up to 32 college credits through our participating partner institutions, opening doors for further academic pursuit if desired.Â
Learn About the Admission Process
To ensure a committed and Christ-minded learning community, we ask that applicants:
- Be a member in good standing within a Christian church body.Â
- Provide one pastoral reference (email address required).Â
- Hold a sincere conviction of God’s call on your life.Â
- Share belief in the World Impact affirmation of faith.Â
- Affirm the Nicene Creed and Lausanne Statement. Â
Designed for your life (time, money, technology)
Training That Fits Your Reality
You don’t have extra time or money. Cornerstone is shaped around that reality.
Flexible schedule: Study when you’re able—early morning, late night, or on your lunch break—with 24/7 access to materials.
Accessible cost: Course fees are kept low to serve communities of poverty; you pay course by course, and we’ll be upfront about book costs.
Simple technology: No need for fancy software—just an internet connection. Zoom links, video recordings, and interactive tools are built into the course site.
Prefer in-person training?
World Impact has a network of trained TUMI pastors and leaders across the U.S. and worldwide. For local in-person training, please contact us, and we will connect you with someone in our network.Â
Upcoming Capstone Courses
If you’re unsure about online learning, our admissions team will walk you through your first steps and make sure you’re set up before class begins.
Events
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have a question after reading through these FAQs, please contact Admissions.
What is the cost of each course?
Each course has a $35 fee. Please note that books are additional and prices may vary depending on whether you choose a digital or printed version.
What books are required, and when will I know which ones to purchase?
Required books are listed in the course syllabus, which is shared via our learning platform before the course begins. You’ll receive guidance on where and how to purchase them.
What platform is used for course materials and communication?
We use Canvas as our primary course site. It’s where you’ll find assignments, session agendas, course resources, and announcements. No pre-requisite knowledge is required.
What virtual meeting platform is used for live sessions?
Live sessions are hosted via Zoom, with links and schedules provided through Canvas.
I’ve taken TUMI courses before. How do I re-enroll or transfer credits?
If you’ve previously completed TUMI courses, you may qualify as a transfer student. You’ll be asked to indicate prior coursework during the application process and provide a reference for where your transcripts can be obtained. If you’re unsure whether we already have your transcripts, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to assist.
What is the format of each course?
Each course includes a combination of readings, assignments, live sessions, and discussion forums to support learning and engagement.
How long does each course last?
Courses typically run for 8 weeks, depending on the schedule and format. Specific timelines are provided in the course syllabus.
Are there any prerequisites?
Some courses may require completion of foundational courses or prior approval. Prerequisites are listed in the course syllabus or catalog.
Can I take more than one course at a time?
Yes, students may enroll in multiple courses simultaneously, depending on their availability and capacity to manage the workload.