Pastoral Training Institute

The apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:2, The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, entrusts the training of men for ministry to the local church. Based on this biblical pattern, the Anchored in Truth: Pastoral Training Institute (PTI) is a church-centered biblically based pastoral training curriculum. Birthed out of decades of proven experience, in reforming both the doctrines and practices of the local church, the Institute equips God-called men to grow churches that are anchored in the truth of God’s Word and equips seasoned pastors for more effective local church ministry.

Core Values

PTI accords with the six basic principles of Anchored in Truth, namely, that it will be: God-Glorifying, Christ-Centered, Biblically Strategic, Focused on Spirit-Filled Preaching, Personalized Involvement, and always Local Church-Centered (1 Peter 5:12).

Proven Effective Practices

Vince Lombardi rightly said, “Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.” The practices taught in the Institute have proven effective in the crucible of the local church throughout decades at Grace Life Church of the Shoals (Joshua 1:7-8).

Experienced Faculty

The faculty at PTI are experienced pastors who have served faithfully in the local church and, in some cases, in the highest levels of academia. Nonetheless, all faculty members understand that their job is not merely to entrust their personal ministry experiences to faithful men but to set forth God’s Word and to share such experiences that harmonize with the principles of the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:1).

Incarnational Atmosphere

The training takes place in a local church setting where the principles taught are modeled by the leaders and members of the church. We believe that learning is as much caught as taught.

Curriculum

Wise Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 12:11-12, ¹¹ The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. ¹² But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body. While there is an endless array of subjects to study, the PTI curriculum is laser focused. The courses offered in the curriculum include what is most necessary for effective local church ministry.

Class Schedule

Pastoral Mentoring Practicum

The Pastoral Mentoring Practicum at Anchored in Truth Ministries (AIT) seeks to provide interns with on-the-field training under an AIT authorized seasoned pastor over a year-long period. The apprentice will receive mentoring by a pastor that includes, at least, the following: participation in regular meetings led by the pastor (preaching, worship services, business meetings, funerals, weddings, deacons meetings, staff meetings, elders meetings, baptismal preparations and performance of a baptism, mission trips, critiquing and developing expository sermons under the direction of the pastor, reviewing books, accompanying the mentoring pastor on evangelistic and hospital visits, funeral home visits, accountability/devotional time with the pastor, directions on weekly ministry scheduling, and the construction of a philosophy of ministry paper under the guidance of the AIT approved mentoring pastor. This course is available only to those PTI students who have completed all of the PTI courses. The practicum begins upon completion of the other required coursework and lasts one year.

Biblical Pastoral Ministry (1 and 2 Timothy)

The Biblical Pastoral Ministry course provides an intensive study of I & II Timothy and prepares students to identify the proper order and function of a healthy church. The goal of this course is to prepare students to grow, develop and lead a healthy local church. January 19, 2026 - May 11, 2026

Mondays, 6:00-9:00 pm

Biblical Church Discipline, Biblical Counseling, and Biblical Conflict Resolution

Biblical Church Discipline, Biblical Counseling and Biblical Conflict Resolution is an introduction to pastoral and church related methods of counseling. Consideration is given to the scriptural background for counseling, the counselor and counseling, the counseling process, and some of the most common problems that occur in counseling situations. January 20, 2026 - May 12, 2026

Tuesdays, 6:00-9:00 pm

Basic Biblical Greek

This introductory course endeavors to equip students with a foundation of the elements of biblical Greek. The goal is mastery of the Greek alphabet, essential vocabulary, grammar, and syntax in such a way as to give students the tools necessary to read and translate the New Testament in its original language. No prior knowledge of Greek is required. This course is available only to those PTI students who have graduated from the program or who are currently in the Pastoral Mentoring Practicum. January 20, 2026 - May 12, 2026

Biblical Theology

Biblical Theology is the study of the historical progression of the biblical story through the Old & New Testaments. Beginning with creation, the story includes the origin and fall of the entire human race in Adam, the redemption of the elect through the Second Adam, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the culmination of human history in the final judgment of the unredeemed and glorification of the redeemed. God’s presence in Eden, lost through the fall, is recovered in the new heavens and new earth. June 1, 2026- June 5, 2026

The Tyndale Fellowship: Readings in the Greek New Testament

The focus of this course is the practical application of the student’s foundational knowledge of Basic Biblical Greek. Through the reading and translation of Greek New Testament texts, students will build on their understanding of Greek grammar, syntax and vocabulary. Emphasis placed on the improvement of reading fluency and development of exegetical skills will result in an appreciation of the theological richness of the text in its original language. This course is available only to those PTI students who have graduated from the program or who are currently in the Pastoral Mentoring Practicum. Prerequisite: Basic Biblical Greek. August 24, 2026 - November 30, 2026

Mondays, 5:30-6:30pm

The Anchored in Truth Master Plan

The Master Plan class serves as the foundational overview for all the other courses within the Pastoral Training Institute curriculum. Utilizing the Wheel Diagram as the guiding model, students receive practical instruction on topics such as the proper purpose, structure, and function for the local church. Built on a thoroughly scriptural theology and methodology, the goal of this course is to prepare students for local church ministry. Completion of this class is not a prerequisite for other courses. August 24, 2026 - December 7, 2026

Mondays, 6:00-9:00PM

Expository Preaching I

Expository Preaching I provides principles for preaching derived from the Scriptures, with an emphasis on expository sermon development from the Word of God. The course includes an advanced study of preaching through a Bible book in a deductive form. August 25, 2026 - December 8, 2026

Tuesdays, 6:00-9:00 pm

Every Member Ministry

Small Groups provide principles derived from the Scriptures that will help develop healthy church life through every member ministry. The course includes all aspects necessary for the entire local church family to co-labor together in order to reach the lost, equip those who are saved, and build relationships in which individual needs are met. February 1, 2027 - May 17, 2027

Mondays, 6:00-9:00 pm

Expository Preaching II

Expository Preaching II is a practical course where students implement the principles learned in Expository Preaching I. After reviewing the key elements in preaching expository messages and exploring the basics of sermon delivery, each student will preach/teach one or two fully manuscripted expository sermons in the presence of the professor and class members. The professor will provide constructive critiques of the messages endeavoring to improve the exposition of the text, the manuscripting of the text, and the communication skills of the student. In addition, a private meeting between the student and the professor will take place to strengthen the student’s preaching ability. Prerequisite: Expository Preaching I. February 2, 2027 - May 18, 2027

Tuesdays, 6:00-9:00 pm

Church History

The course endeavors to give a topical overview of Baptist History. The goal is to acquaint the student with why it is important to study Church History, in general, and to clarify specifically what makes a Baptist a Baptist. Having discovered what makes a Baptist a Baptist, the course will begin with an archaeological dig into Baptist distinctives, heritage, struggles for theological purity, persecutions, creeds/confessions, diversities among Baptists, prominent Baptists, missions, and controversies. May 31, 2027 - June 4, 2027

Personalized Strategic World Missions

Personalized Strategic World Missions provides principles for missions derived from the Scriptures. The course includes an advanced study of what Biblical Missions is and how it can be effectively personalized in the Church for the glory of God. August 23, 2027 - December 13, 2027

Mondays, 6:00-9:00 pm

1 Peter Intensive

The course involves the practical application of the expository preaching/teaching principles taught in Expository Preaching I to Peter’s First Epistle. Key elements such as discovering the overall theme, the occasion, the major movements (structural analysis), and the historical, grammatical (syntactical analysis), and theological understanding of the text will be highlighted. Ultimately, the student will develop a series of expository messages throughout the Epistle of First Peter utilizing a workshop format. August 24, 2027 - December 14, 2027

Tuesdays, 6:00-9:00 pm

Teachers

Jeff Noblit

Founder and President

Jeff Noblit has served on the pastoral staff at Grace Life Church of the Shoals since 1981 and has served as the senior pastor since 1989. Grace Life Church is known for its earnest desire to be glory of God focused, Christ honoring, and Bible saturated with a passion for spreading the Gospel to all peoples for the glory of God. Jeff is the founder and president of Anchored In Truth Ministries, which is centered on expository preaching. Anchored In Truth is committed to supply resources and materials to strengthen the development of healthy local churches. In recent years God has expanded the ministry to include church planting and the support of pastors who are committed to both sound doctrine and practice in the local church. God has used the True Church Conferences hosted by Grace Life Church and Anchored In Truth Ministries to help train leaders in the United States and around the world. He is the author of the Accountability Notebook, which has been a tool in personal discipleship for more than 25 years. He has also authored booklets including The Great Answer to the Great Question, Born to Reform, Seeking God: Examining the State of Your Soul, and Baptism: Our Profession of Faith. He has contributed articles to various journals and magazines including The Messenger published by Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, Founders Journal, The Wall Street Journal, and the book entitled Calvinism: A Southern Baptist Dialogue. He and his wife, Pam, have three daughters and multiple grandchildren.

Timothy C. Seal

Vice President of the Pastoral Training Institute

Timothy C. Seal serves as the Vice President of the Pastoral Training Institute for Anchored In Truth Ministries and as the Associate Pastor of Grace Life Church of the Shoals. Prior to joining the Anchored In Truth and Grace Life family, he served, in various roles, for fourteen years at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, namely, as the Dean of the Seminary, the Academic VP, the Chairman of the Department of Practical Theology, and as a Professor of Practical Theology and Nouthetic Counseling. He also was honored to serve with Dr. Stephen F. Olford as a teacher and the Vice President at Olford Ministries International. In addition to his years of service in the academic field, he also spent fourteen plus years as the senior pastor of churches in Mississippi and Louisiana and, as an interim pastor, for numerous years. He has written various journal articles including A Prayer of Awakening for the Lost, Contrasting the Secular and Nouthetic Approaches to ADD/ADHD, and Church Discipline: Recovering the Lost Treasure. He and his wife, Sanrea, have three children and multiple grandchildren.

S. M.

Senior Vice President of Anchored in Truth Church Planting/World Missions

S. M. serves as the Senior Vice President of Anchored in Truth Church Planting/World Missions. He has had the joy to serve at Grace Life Church of the Shoals on two different occasions totaling over 20 years, and he is currently serving as a pastor/elder. He has filled various positions in multiple churches including that of Senior-Pastor. In his current role, he knows that God's ministry calling on his life is to serve and support Jeff Noblit through Grace Life Church and Anchored In Truth and has truly been blessed and honored to do so. He spends each year engaging various cultures around the globe and counts some of his closest friends as international. He is a graduate of Auburn University, Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, and The Master's College. He and his wife have been married since August of 1990 and have three grown children.

Admissions

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Current Students

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FAQ

How do I enroll?

To enroll in the Pastoral Training Institute Program, simply go to https://anchoredintruth.org and click on the tab entitled Pastoral Training Institute. On the Application tab, complete the Application Form and return it to AIT. When the application has been approved, you will receive a letter of acceptance within two weeks. After receiving the acceptance letter, the student will be given a code to enter to be able to register for PTI classes.

When are applications due?

Applications are due 30 days prior to the class sessions. This time is important for preparing the materials and for determining the class size for logistic purposes.

Is there an application fee?

Yes, there is a $ 10.00 application fee. This fee helps to pay the cost of materials and handling.

How much does it cost per course?

Each course costs $275.

Is there any kind of financial help available? Scholarships? If so, how should I apply for one and when?

Yes, if you are applying for scholarship assistance, email the AIT office at contact@anchoredintruth.org for more information. We ask that you reach out three months prior to the start of the semester.

Is the Pastoral Training Institute accredited?

We ourselves do not provide accreditation. However, 27 of the 30 hours are fully accredited through Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Are both Master and Bachelor levels of coursework available?

Yes. A student holding any type of Bachelor degree is expected and should plan to follow the requirements of the Master level syllabi for all PTI courses. Otherwise, the Bachelor level coursework for each PTI class is appropriate.

Can I get academic credit for taking a course through the Pastoral Training Institute?

Yes, if an accredited Institution approves the PTI course for credit, you may do so. To obtain credit, you must contact the accredited institution and arrange it through them.

Do I have to know Greek/Hebrew to benefit from the training?

No, but a working knowledge of Greek and Hebrew is always helpful when studying the Bible. Nonetheless, if you have no knowledge of these languages, you can benefit greatly from the training.

When and how will I know what work is required for the course?

The syllabus for the course [or courses] will be sent to the student via email one month prior to the start date of the course. This lead time is necessary to give the student time to complete the pre-work for the course. In the syllabus, you will find the objectives of the course, the contact information, and the requirements for the course and when it is due.

Are there any prerequisites before taking the one-week courses?

Yes, the syllabus of each instructor will designate how many books must be read for each course and what work product must be completed before the week of classwork.

How long will it take me to complete the certificate program?

The coursework can be finished in three years if the student takes two courses both in the fall and the spring and, in addition, takes one course each summer. An additional year of mentoring is required to be awarded a certificate.

What kind of lecture format and quality can we expect?

Most classes last for approximately 5 months and take place one night a week on either Monday or Tuesday from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Intensive classes last Monday through Thursday and half a day on Friday. Academically, each course will be equivalent to a seminary level class.

Will a certificate be awarded upon completion of the coursework? If so, when?

Yes, the first graduation will take place three years after the first courses are offered and will take place each year as necessary. As the student draws close to completing the program, he should make sure everything is completed on the completion checklist and confirm it with the registrar.

I would like to have my entire church staff take this training. Can we study as a group? Are there any group discounts available?

Yes, church staffs of three or more will receive a 10% discount.

What can I do to help the Pastoral Training Institute?

- Pray for AIT.
- Encourage. E-mail us with your comments.
- Advertise. Tell others about the Institute and urge them to check out our website (anchoredintruth.org).
- Give.

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