The New Vision Leadership Institute is more than a program—it’s a launchpad.  NVLI combines classroom instruction in Bible, theology, apologetics, Christian living, life skills, and leadership development with real ministry opportunities in worship, youth, children, technology, audio/video production, missions, and more.  You will gain hands-on experience, personal mentoring, biblical community opportunities, culminating in an optional trip.  NVLI isn’t about preparing pastors—it’s about forming Christ-centered leaders equipped to make a difference in the church and in the world.

This program is primarily open to dedicated Christian college-age adults (generally between the ages of 18 and 23 years old) who desire to be fully committed followers of Christ.

This is currently designed to be a one-year program.

The NVLI year will have two semesters, fall and spring. Each will align with the MTSU academic calendar.

This program offers the flexibility for you to experience various areas of ministry, including hands-on experience, while undertaking systematic courses designed for deeper theological and spiritual growth. Additionally, you will learn essential, practical, and applicable life skills and leadership skills. You can attend college, have a job, meet family obligations, and/or pursue a career in ministry while attending NVLI.

You will attend theological, life skills, and leadership classes once a week for three hours. You will participate in a rotation of ten different New Vision ministry areas over the course of a school year for hands-on experience and interaction with those ministry leaders as well as key volunteers. There is a social component where you will have the opportunity to engage with others in the cohort, as well as New Vision leadership, in fun and dynamic settings.

You will be expected to invest at least 13 hours per week (three hours in “classroom” study and 10 with each of their ministry rotations) and most weeks the time commitment will likely be 15 hours per week. That also includes the time spent in cohort social activities and serving and worshipping at the Point college ministry.

The only program prerequisites are a high school diploma and/or GED, and a desire to be a fully committed follower of Christ.

The NVLI per semester cost has not yet been determined. For qualified students, financial aid will be available.

As of March 2026, we are actively working with Middle Tennessee State University to determine if college course credit will be available. That will be resolved before the program kicks off in August 2026.

Classes meet every Tuesday from 2:00 – 5:00pm. Your ministry rotation will be in addition to that; the day(s) and time depend on the actual ministry area.

Your success will be measured by your participation in all of the program components; successful completion of the ministry rotation, attendance and participation in the coursework, engagement with others in the NVLI cohort, participation at the Point, and regular church attendance.

At the completion of the program, it is our intention that you will be prepared to lead in ministry or in the marketplace. It is our desire that you will have a clear direction as to what your calling is, and how you want to serve God, both in and outside of the church. Through the experiences in ministry, theological training, and leadership and skills development, you will have a solid foundation to determine “next steps” in your Christian careers, continue your formal education if that is your choice, or be ready to be employed in a church ministry or the marketplace. Our prayer is that you will be equipped and empowered to become a Christian leader wherever God leads you.