IGNITE Cohorts
Earn a Masters of Arts in Christian Formation (MACF) in four years at North Park Theological Seminary (NPTS) in partnership with the Pacific Southwest Conference (PSWC). IGNITE is now open to Covenanters from across the country. This collaborative, cohort-based pathway enables staff pastors and lay leaders serving at local Covenant churches to complete an affordable seminary degree with a consistent community of learners.
The IGNITE experience brings the academic excellence of North Park Theological Seminary into partnership with a “Friends on Mission” culture.
Three Onsite Instruction Weeks - 2024/2025 Year
Fall Week: Mission Springs
Monday - Friday, September 16 - 20
Arrive: Sunday, 9/15 by 8 PM for “IGNITE Family Gathering”
Covenant Midwinter Week: Denver, Colorado
Monday – Friday, January 20 - 24
Arrive: Sunday, January 19
Summer Week: NPTS
Monday - Friday, June 2 - 7
Arrive: Sunday, June 1
A Smart Way to Fund Seminary Education: Five-way Partnership
The low cost of the IGNITE is made possible because of the friendships and partnerships within the Covenant. Here is a glimpse of how Covenant entities contribute to the IGNITE student tuition and experience:
(1) North Park Theological Seminary generously gives each IGNITE student a 50% discount off the normal seminary tuition.
(2) The Pacific Southwest Conference & The Evangelical Covenant Church each contribute to make the fall experience possible and provide a local conference connection.
(3) Mission Springs contributes $100 per student each academic year.
(4) The Sponsoring Covenant Church covers 25% student tuition* (approximately $2600/annually - details to follow in forthcoming church/student contract.)
(5) The Student covers 25% student tuition annually.
*Tuition will likely increase slightly annually.
All Travel and Midwinter Food/Lodging
Travel and Midwinter food/Lodging are arranged by each student. Churches are encouraged to consider assisting with these costs.
Visiting Students
Spots for “Visiting Student” from outside the PSWC are available each. year. These spots require a $500 investment per student/per year from the student’s home Conference (or other sponsor). Please chat with Conference leadership about the possibility of their partnering to invest in your theological education. Please apply, even if there is a question as to the Conference’s financial ability to partner.
In the Pacific Northwest Conference, please contact Erik Cave.
Ready to Begin?
1. Indicate your interest, and NPTS and conference staff will be in touch.
2. Talk with your church leadership and conference staff about their willingness to provide financial sponsorship.
3. Apply.
4. Submit all supplemental items by June 1 to complete your application.
5. Return completed contract to your conference office. (Contract will be posted here when available. All who have applied when the contract posts will be notified.)
If accepted, confirm your enrollment through the process outlined in your admissions letter.
Learn more about NPTS admissions process here.
For more information on church sponsorship, prospective Ignite students and congregations should contact Pacific Southwest Conference.