Cornerstone Courses Online
Grow as a Bible‑Confident Leader in Your Urban Church
Affordable, mentor‑led online training for lay leaders, deacons, and ministry workers serving in tough, overlooked communities.
You’re already leading. You just want to be better equipped.
You teach, disciple, and serve in an urban church—but no one ever handed you a seminary degree or a clear training path.
You feel the weight when people ask hard questions, when poverty is all around you, or when you’re trying to lead a Bible study after a long work day.
Cornerstone online courses give you accessible, Bible‑centered training you can take from your home, on your schedule, with a mentor and small group walking alongside you.
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 Cornerstone For?
Cornerstone is designed for men and women God has called to lead in communities of poverty and pressure—especially if time and money are tight.
You’re in the right place if you are:
An urban lay leader (deacon, elder, small group or youth leader, ministry volunteer) who wants solid Bible and ministry training but can’t relocate or enroll in traditional seminary.
An aspiring pastor or church planter in an underserved neighborhood who needs an affordable, flexible way to build a strong biblical foundation.
A man or woman rebuilding life after incarceration who has experienced TUMI or similar discipleship and wants the next step for life and ministry on the outside.
A pastor or ministry leader who wants to send one or two key people into training you trust, without having to run every class yourself.
If you see yourself here, Cornerstone was built with you in mind.
What You'll Experience with Cornerstone Courses
Start With One Course That Meets You Where You Serve
Instead of committing to a full year on day one, begin with a single course designed for real‑life ministry.
Example: Redemptive Poverty Work
- Learn a practical theology of poverty rooted in Scripture and the kingdom of God.
- Discover how to serve neighbors in poverty with dignity—not charity—and avoid common mistakes that hurt more than help.
- Walk away with tools you can use immediately in your church, neighborhood, or outreach ministry.
Cost Per Course
$35
Plus the cost of additional books.
Unit 1: Redemptive Poverty Work (4 weeks)
Learn how to bring hope and justice to communities facing hardship, addressing poverty through a Kingdom lens.
Go beyond good intentions to transformation when serving in difficult places.
Redemptive Poverty Work, unlike traditional approaches to poverty work, goes beyond good intentions and emphasizes creative restoration through sacrifice.
By the end of this unit, you will learn strategies for avoiding and overcoming common challenges that come with poverty work including “savior syndrome,” burnout, and cynicism.
We’ll challenge you to rethink old ways and embrace a redemptive mindset that respects God’s role in the transformation of communities of poverty.
Lessons:
- A Brief Theological Reflection
- Toxic Poverty Work
- Redemptive Poverty Work
- Rhythms of Life and Poverty Work
Unit 2: Biblical Studies (8 weeks)
Get rooted in Scripture—understand the Word so you can teach it with clarity and conviction.
Make the person and purpose of God more plain through your teaching.
The depth of our ministry and leadership can proceed no further than the depth of our knowledge of Jesus Christ.
God has given us the responsibility to represent Him, and everyone God calls into ministry must discipline themselves to master the contents of the Word of God, submit to its commands, and teach its truths.
In Unit 2: Biblical Studies, you will explore the principles and practices of interpreting God’s holy and eternal Word for greater impact in your ministry and witness.
Topics:
- Conversion and Calling: The Word that Creates
- Bible Interpretation: The Three-Step Model
- The Old Testament Witness to Christ and His Kingdom: The Promise Given
- The New Testament Witness to Christ and HIs Kingdom: The Messiah Opposed
Unit 3: Theology and Ethics (8 weeks)
Build a solid foundation of faith and integrity to lead with wisdom in a complex world.
Experience the thrill of a deeper understanding of the richness, wonder, and mystery of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Everything is at stake in our right understanding of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, ascension, and return. It is impossible to minister in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ if that ministry is based upon false and dishonorable views of who He was (and is), what His life signified, and what we are to make of Him today. Â
In this module, you will delve into the theology of knowing how God reveals Himself as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
This knowledge will equip you to represent Him with honor as His servant in personal discipleship and ministry.Â
Lessons:
- The Kingdom of God: God’s Reign Inaugurated
- God the Father: The Triune God—The Greatness of God
- God the Son: Jesus, the Messiah and Lord of All—He Died
- God the Holy Spirit: The Person of the Holy Spirit
Unit 4: Christian Ministry (8 weeks)
Develop practical skills for shepherding, discipling, and serving your community effectively.
Enhance your ability to live for and build up the holy people of God—the Church.
A revolution can occur in urban ministry when gifted and available men and women minister the Word of God in such a way as to raise up a new generation of laborers in communities experiencing poverty—those who can care for the hurting, share the truth of God, and declare the Kingdom to their neighbors.
Your role in this ministry is urgent and needed.Â
Lessons:
- Theology of the Church: The Church at Worship
- Foundations of Christian Leadership: The Christian Leader as Pastor—Poimenes
- Practicing Christian Leadership: Effective Worship Leading
- The Equipping Ministry: The Ministry of Proclamation—Kerygma
Unit 5: Urban Mission (8 weeks)
Discover how to engage the city with purpose, bringing light to the places that need it most.
Explore the possible ways in which we as believers and Christian ministers can demonstrate the love and justice of the Kingdom where we live.
Mission is the warfare of the ages. It is the proclamation of God’s Kingdom come in Christ. Jesus has called us to evangelize the lost, equip new disciples to live the Christian life, and to empower HIS Church to reproduce itself, all for the glory of God.
In a world torn by violence, cruelty, and injustice, we desperately need representatives of the Kingdom who can demonstrate both the justice and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In this module, you will Be fruitful in the work of God—ministering to the lost and advancing the Kingdom of Christ.
Lessons:
- Foundations of Christian Mission: The Vision and Biblical Foundation for Christian Mission
- Evangelism and Spiritual Warfare: Binding of the Strong Man
- Focus on Reproduction: Church Growth—Reproducing in Number and Quality
- Doing Justice and Loving Mercy: Let Justice Roll Down—The Vision and Theology of the Kingdom
Across Cornerstone 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. Alvin Sanders
President & CEO,
World Impact
Instructor
Rev. Dr. Don Davis
Senior Executive,
World Impact
Instructor
Dr. Edith Robinson-Davis
Ordained Elder
& Pastor
Instructor
Rev. Ryan Carter
Pastor & Teacher
Adjunct
Instructor
Tina Busentiz
Director of Talent Acquisition & Development, World Impact
Instructor
Jacqua Brown Williams
Women’s Ministry
& Discipleship Leader
Mentor
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
Our Capstone Theological Curriculum is a seminary-level program specifically designed for individuals in pastoral leadership. Consisting of 16 modules, it covers key areas such as Biblical Studies, Theology and Ethics, Christian Ministry, and Urban Missions. Through this curriculum, you’ll gain a solid understanding of Scripture, empowering you to teach and lead with confidence and authority. The content is geared to those in pastoral leadership.
Our Cornerstone Curriculum is an accelerated, accessible, and affordable online training designed to provide a strong biblical and theological foundation along with practical urban ministry skills. This empowers you to serve effectively and fulfill God’s calling in your community without compromising quality or relevance. The content is particularly suited for aspiring pastors and lay leaders.
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 bite-sized video lectures (10-12 minutes) 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 Cornerstone 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
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Cornerstone | Unit II: Biblical Studies
Get rooted in Scripture—understand the Word so you can teach it with clarity and conviction. Make the person and purpose of God more plain through your teaching. The depth of […]
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Cornerstone | Unit III: Theology and Ethics
Build a solid foundation of faith and integrity to lead with wisdom in a complex world. Experience the thrill of a deeper understanding of the richness, wonder, and mystery of […]
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Cornerstone | Unit IV: Christian Ministry
Develop practical skills for shepherding, discipling, and serving your community effectively. Enhance your ability to live for and build up the holy people of God—the Church. A revolution can occur […]
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Cornerstone | Unit V: Urban Mission
Discover how to engage the city with purpose, bringing light to the places that need it most. Explore the possible ways in which we as believers and Christian ministers can […]
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.