EPIC School of Ministry

Are you hungry for God's Word? Do you feel the call of God to do something of eternal value with your life? Something EPIC?

The EPIC School of Ministry is the place for you! EPIC is a practical, Bible and ministry training school for those who want to be more effective in serving God, in ministry and in helping Valley Family Church fulfill it's God-given vision and purpose.

The Heart Behind EPIC

The EPIC School of Ministry philosophy is summed up in the word: EPIC

E-evangelistic heart - This stands for our passion to reach out to those who are lost, far from God and who have not yet experienced the joy of a dynamic relationship with Jesus.

P-pioneer spirit - This stands for the entrepreneurial, trail-blazing, "we can do this" attitude of faith that trusts God and goes after the impossible.

I-innovative edge - This stands for doing church and ministry in creative, innovative, "unpredictable", out-of-the-box ways and to utilize all of the teaching, media, musical, technological and creative tools God has given us for sharing His Word.

C-cultural relevance - This stands for simply connecting with today's culture and answering questions they are asking with the relevant truth of God's Word.

Our Purpose

To provide a place that satisfies the spiritual hunger of those VFC'ers who sense God's calling to do something EPIC with their lives! At EPIC School of Ministry, we are training and equipping VFC leaders for the ministry including, future staff positions, future campus pastors roles and support ministry. If you are hungry for solid training, mentoring and God-given confidence to move into your purpose, destiny and calling, then the EPIC School of ministry is for you!

The 3-Year EPIC Program

Year 1 - Biblical Studies

The first year of the EPIC program is extremely flexible so that everyone who meets the prerequisites can participate. Students may take single, ala carte classes or participate as a full-time student. Classes include:

  • Foundations of Faith - Part 1, 2
  • The Holy Spirit - Part 1, 2
  • Old Testament Survey
  • New Testament Survey
  • Health and Healing
  • In Him Realities
  • Authority of the Believer
  • Spiritual Disciplines/Prayer Life
  • Submission & Authority 101
  • Kingdom Laws

Year 2 - Leadership Development

The second year is focused on training leaders and equipping students to be successful in culturally relevant ministry. Classes include:

  • Leadership 
  • Submission & Authority 102
  • Spiritual Disciplines/Prayer Life
  • Ministerial Ethics
  • Evangelism
  • Communications/People Skills
  • Culturally Relevant Ministry
  • Family & Ministry
  • Church Organization & Administration
  • Finances
  • Spirit-filled Living
  • Angels & Demons/End Time Events

Year 3 - Hands-On Ministry Training

The third year includes additional hands-on training with specialization in one of four ministry areas: Campus Pastor/Satellite Development, Family Ministry, Pastoral Care/Small Groups or Supportive Ministries. These tracks include in-depth training from VFC staff and participation in each area of ministry.

  • Pastoral Care/Small Groups
  • Campus Pastor/Satellite Church Development
  • Family Ministry/Kids and Students Ministry
  • Supportive Ministries/Creative Arts/Media Tech/Admin/Helps

Class Times and Schedule:

EPIC meets from September-May, on Sunday nights from 5:30 - 9:00pm.
Full-time students will have 3 classes each Sunday night. Each individual class runs for 50 minutes.

Is EPIC accredited?

The EPIC School of Ministry is not an accredited ministry training school; therefore, it will not be possible for the classes to be transferred to or from another Bible school. The EPIC School of Ministry exists to provide practical Bible training for those who want to be effective in helping Valley Family Church fulfill its vision and mission.

What if I graduated from another Bible College? Will this count towards EPIC?

Students who have completed other qualifying Bible school training may audit the first year classes. (In order to attend the 2nd or 3rd year program at EPIC, all students - including those who have previous Bible College degrees - must take the 1st year program in EPIC.) Auditing students must attend all classes, do all homework assignments and take the final exam in order to graduate from EPIC. The first year tuition will be waived; however, students who audit will be responsible for the cost of their books per term. (To find out if the Bible School you attended qualifies for this option, please email: epicschool@valleyfamilychurch.org)

How much homework can I expect?

The EPIC School of Ministry is a ministry training school; therefore, there will be more required of a student than simply sitting in classes and listening to teachers lecture. Since there are only 8 hours of class time per term; there is a time commitment outside of class for reading and writing papers as part of the training. The time required for each student will be dependent on the student and the pace at which they work.

Each instructor will assign at least one book of required reading and one teaching CD for listening outside of class. After completing the books/CDs, the student will be required to write a one page summary on each one. So, in addition to class time lectures, students will read 3 books, listen to 3 CDs and write 6 one page summaries.

How old do you have to be to attend EPIC?

Each student must be at least 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Individuals must be mature in their faith and have a track record of sound financial stewardship.

How much does it cost to attend EPIC?

For the 2010/2011 school year, the fee structure is as follows for classes, books and materials:

Registration/Application: $50 if paid AFTER July 24/non-refundable

Full-Time Students: $800/year
(Payments of $200/term on August 22, October 31, January 16 & March 13 or $100/month on August 1, September 1, October 1, November 1, January, 1, February 1, March 1 and April 1) Tuition payments can be made by clicking here or by going to the Info Center in the Atrium on the weekends.

Part-Time Students: $90/class

Married Couples: Couples applying together as Full-Time students receive 50% off spouse tuition by using the promo code Spouse when paying for tuition.

Graduation Event Fee: 1st & 2nd year students - $30, 3rd year students - $50. These fees are due on or before September 19. Please click here to pay your graduation fees.

For more information or to apply, please email: epicschool@valleyfamilychurch.org

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