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School of Ministry

HCSM

School of Ministry

The Hope City School of Ministry is an eight-month leadership in ministry development experience grounded in Scripture, built around community, and designed to grow your love for the church and prepare you for real ministry. Whether you're just beginning to explore a call to ministry or already serving and ready to go deeper, HCSM gives you the theological foundation, practical skills, and hands-on experience to lead with confidence. You'll learn alongside a community of people pursuing the same thing you are: a life fully devoted to following Jesus and serving His church well.

HCSM offers two tracks. The General track is for anyone called to deeper biblical understanding and church leadership. The Worship track is for worship team volunteers ready to deepen their faith and lead with greater skill.

Tuition for the program is $500, covering all books, supplies, and retreat costs for the year.

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Who HCSM is For
Is this the right fit?

Who HCSM is For

This might be right for you if:

  • You love the local church
  • You want to have a greater impact but don't feel equipped
  • You know you're called to something but don't know what
  • You want depth and confidence in your spiritual life
  • You want stronger Biblical and theological grounding

This is not the right fit if:

  • You're interested in a casual or drop-in experience
  • You're looking for an in-depth Bible study
  • An 8-month commitment isn't realistic right now
  • You cannot commit 10 hours a week for classroom, study, and practicum
  • You're in a personal rebuilding season and not yet ready to lead others
Program Details

What to Expect

Classes

Thursday evenings, 7–9 pm
Sep 10, 2026 – Apr 8, 2027

Homework

~3 hrs/week of reading, reflection, and assignments outside of class.

Practicum

~2-3 hrs/week in real ministry meeting real needs.

Retreat

A night away at Alberta Beach (October 30-31, 2026).

How to join

The registration process

HCSM students
1

Apply

Submit your application online. Applications open up ~April 15 and will close mid-late August.

2

Interview

Meet with the HCSM team over Zoom. 

3

Review

We will review your application.

4

Register

If accepted, secure your spot through registration and payment (min. $250 required).

5

Launch

We start on September 10, 2026.



God has a call on your life

Apply Today

Grow in your love for the church. Develop community. Gain confidence. Make an impact.

Applications Closed

Who We Are

HCSM team

Ken McIntyre
Ken McIntyre
Director
Coraly Otavalo
Coraly Otavalo
Administrator
Sean Anderson
Sean Anderson
Instructor
Ruben Valeny
Ruben Valeny
Instructor
Abbey Martin
Abbey Martin
Instructor
Brett Woida
Brett Woida
Worship Track Coordinator


Questions

FAQ

General
What's the schedule? +
HCSM is broken into two semesters:

Semester One: September 10 – December 17, 2026
Semester Two: January 14 – April 15, 2027

We meet every Thursday night from 7:00pm–9:00pm at the Mill Woods Campus for class.
How do you choose who is accepted into HCSM? +
Spots in HCSM are limited, and not everyone who applies will be accepted. Acceptance is based on several factors: your history at Hope City Church (attendance at Hope City is required), your engagement in the life of the church including small groups and serving, and your references. Applicants who have a demonstrated history of engagement and strong references will be given preference over those who have not yet contributed meaningfully to the life of Hope City Church.
What about accreditation? +
Hope City School of Ministry (HCSM) is a non-accredited educational program. However, we're excited to partner with Vanguard College to provide a clear pathway for continued theological study.

Upon successful completion of HCSM, students can transfer up to seven academic credits toward the first semester of a Vanguard College certificate or degree program.

Credit Breakdown:
  • Bible as Story – 3 credits (equivalent to 105 hours of classroom and homework time)
  • Introduction to Personal Formation – 3 credits (equivalent to 105 hours of classroom and homework time)
  • One Semester of Practicum – 1 credit (equivalent to 60 hours of practical ministry experience)

This partnership allows HCSM graduates to continue their education seamlessly while receiving recognition for the work they've already completed.
What if I can't afford the program fee? +
We have attempted to make this program as affordable as possible. You do have the option to pay in two installments of $250. Unfortunately, we do not have any scholarships available.
School and homework aren't my thing — should I still apply? +
This program will require some grit to get through some of the reading and homework. If you're not willing to put in the work or don't have any margin for homework, this isn't the program for you.
What does the application process look like? +
Once you submit an application form, our team will review it. If everything checks out, an in-person or Zoom interview will be scheduled.

Our team will review the applicants and make decisions on students based on previous church engagement, pastoral/ministry leader references, and prior schooling.

Applicants will be notified in August if they have been accepted. Once accepted, you will receive an email to pay the program fee.
What does the practicum look like? +
The practicum component of HCSM is crucial for applying what you're learning in a real-world ministry context and expressing your desire to serve and build God's church.

You can choose which area of church ministry you want to do your practicum in (hospitality, groups, youth, kids, care ministry, music, Alpha, etc.). The time allotment is ~3 hours/week.

Practicums are 'self-directed,' meaning we work on the honour system! We'll help you get involved in a ministry, but no one will hold your feet to the fire to ensure you honour your commitments. Luke 16:10 is the driver behind our practicum: "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much."
Worship track
Do I need to already be on the worship team to apply? +
Yes. If you are not already on a worship team at Hope City Church you will not be eligible to apply.
How is the worship track different from the general track? +
The Worship Track shares 80% of its content with the General Track — including all theological and Bible training, Thursday night classes, the retreat, and homework expectations. The remaining 20% is made up of specialized lessons, mentorship, and practical training tailored specifically to worship ministry, led by Hope City worship pastors and guest speakers.
What does worship-specific training look like? +
Throughout the year, we'll bring in experienced worship pastors, musicians, and practitioners to give live teaching and mentorship during Thursday night classes — typically 5–6 sessions over the course of the program. In addition, the practicum component for Worship Track students is done entirely within the worship ministry department.
Will my practicum hours count toward my worship team serving? +
Yes!
Can I switch from the worship track to the general track? +
The only scenario in which that would happen is if you choose to step down (or are removed) from the worship team.