I.AM
The Institute of Applied Ministry
The Institute of Applied Ministry (I.AM) is the official ministerial development program for New Vision International Ministries. This program is for individuals who are discerning a call to Christian ministry.
We are preparing leaders for traditional, para-church and marketplace ministry through character development, theological education and practical training.
Enrollment
Enrollment is currently closed
We open enrollment to I.AM every two years. Check back for the next enrollment window, or contact us to be notified when applications reopen.
Our Approach
Practical, not just theoretical
The word APPLIED means "put to practical use as opposed to being theoretical." The goal of the Institute of Applied Ministry (I.AM) is to provide individuals with ministerial training that is not simply theoretical, but practical for the times that we live in.
Founder & Chancellor
Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Pastor Dexter Upshaw established the Institute of Applied Ministry in 2021, with the goal of equipping the next generation of ministry leaders.
Grounded in Scripture and led by the Holy Spirit, Pastor Dexter teaches theology from a traditional Christ-centered biblical worldview.
His goal is to equip students to apply a biblical worldview to an ever-changing culture that desperately needs a never-changing Gospel.
The methods may change, but the message remains the same.
Should I Enroll?
I.AM may be a fit for you if you say yes to any of these
Traditional Ministry
I feel called to traditional preaching, teaching, or pastoral ministry.
Transfer of Credentials
I have credentials from another church, but want to submit to New Vision's ministerial culture.
Para-Church Ministry
I serve or lead in another para-church ministry or organization and want proper training and covering.
Missions
I feel called to the local or international mission field.
Bible Student
I am a serious believer, who simply wants to grow in the Word of God.
Creative Arts
I have a creative arts gift (music, dance, visual art, etc.) and I want to worship with a greater level of biblical understanding and anointing.
Marketplace Ministry
I am a marketplace leader who wants to be equipped to minister in my profession, trade, or business outside of the four walls of the local church.
Curriculum
Four Year General Studies
Completion of our four year program will result in a certificate of completion. Select graduates may be considered for licensure or recommended for ordination, under the credentialing of New Vision International Ministries.
Year One
- Intro to Biblical Worldview
- The Work of Salvation
- Christian Character & Personal Holiness
- Sin, Repentance, & Restoration
- Intro to Bible Study Methods
- Tenets of the Faith & Spiritual Disciplines
Year Two
- Resilience & Emotional Health in Ministry
- Christian Morality & Behavior
- Liberty vs Legalism
- Christian Accountability
Year Three
- Ecclesiology
- Apologetics
- Sexuality in Scripture
- Honor Culture
- General Apprenticeship
- Bible Journey (Old Testament & New Testament Survey)
Year Four
- Hermeneutics & Homiletics
- Organizational Behavior
- Ministerial Ethics
- Formal Apprenticeship
- Capstone Project
- Bible Journey (Old Testament & New Testament Survey)
Ministerial Residency
Two-Year Ministerial Residency for Ordination
Chaplaincy & Crisis Response
- Hospital
- Hospice / Palliative Care
- Bereavement
- Schools & Youth Programs
Deliverance & Spiritual Warfare
- Understanding discipleship, demonization & deliverance
- The process of deliverance
Ministerial Counseling
- Conflict resolution & mediation
- Church discipline & restoration
- Mental health & addictive behavior
- Pre-marital & marriage
- Children & youth
Holy Sacraments & Sacred Ceremony
- Communion
- Baptism
- Weddings
- Funerals
- Baby Dedication
Our Crest
The meaning behind the crest
The Bible & The Newspaper
Bishop Vaughn McLaughlin is noted for teaching pastors to "keep a bible in one hand, and a newspaper in the other." A necessary skill of all ministry leaders is to properly interpret the bible and apply it in the midst of an ever-changing cultural landscape and significant current events.
2 Tim 3:16 • Matthew 4:3 • 1 Chronicles 12:32
The Weapon and The Tool
While rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah instructed workers to keep their tool in one hand, and weapon in the other hand. As ministry leaders who are "doing the work of the Kingdom" we must be constantly aware of the Adversary, always ready to defend the faith and complete our assignment.
Hebrews 4:12 • Nehemiah 4:17 • 2 Cor 10:4
The Five Stars
Five stars denote the highest class or quality. We will raise up and release leaders who possess the spirit of excellence.
Daniel 6:3 • Proverbs 22:29 • 1 Kings 10:1-13
The Colors
White denotes the purity of salvation: Ministers must be born again.
Purple denotes royalty: Ministers have delegated authority from the King.
Black represents dying to self: Ministers must not be self-serving.
Ephesians 2:8-9 • 1 Peter 2:9 • Galatians 5:24
