Clear answers for your next step.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We want you to understand what LifeSong School of Ministry is, what the journey requires, and what you can expect. Explore the questions below as you pray, discern, and prepare for what God may be awakening in you.
ABOUT LSOM
Awakened in His presence. Formed for His purpose.
Discover how LSOM prepares Spirit-filled leaders to carry revival, strengthen the local church, advance God’s Kingdom, and help change the world.
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LifeSong School of Ministry is a church-based, Spirit-filled ministry formation program operated by LifeSong Church in Stockton, California. LSOM brings biblical and theological study together with spiritual formation, leadership development, and supervised ministry.
Our desire is to see students rooted in God’s Word, transformed in His presence, formed in character, equipped for ministry, and activated to carry revival, advance the Kingdom of God, and help change the world wherever He sends them.
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LSOM is for believers who are hungry for more of God and sense Him awakening something within them. You may not yet understand every detail of your calling, but you are ready to pursue His presence, go deeper in His Word, grow in character, serve faithfully, receive feedback, and be formed in community.
LSOM is for those willing to surrender to God’s transforming work and prepare to carry His presence and purposes into the church, the community, and the world.
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No. Students from other churches are welcome. LSOM exists to strengthen the whole Church by developing Spirit-filled leaders who are deeply planted in healthy local-church community.
Students should be meaningfully connected to LifeSong or their home church and committed to serving its people and mission under trusted spiritual leadership. Our goal is not to draw people away from their church, but to help them return more deeply formed, faithfully equipped, and ready to advance the Kingdom where God has planted them.
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LSOM offers a two-year Diploma in Theology and Ministry Leadership. The program includes four academic semesters, 20 required courses, 60 semester-equivalent units, four supervised ministry practica, and a final capstone.
The journey is designed to form leaders who know the Word, recognize the voice and activity of the Holy Spirit, lead with integrity, serve with humility, and carry the presence and mission of Jesus into every sphere of life and ministry.
The diploma is a religious, ministry-focused credential awarded by LifeSong School of Ministry. Additional information is available on the Credential & Accreditation Disclosure page.
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The diploma program is completed across two academic years and four semesters. Each semester combines biblical and theological learning with spiritual formation and supervised ministry experience.
Students progress intentionally through a journey of being awakened, formed, equipped, activated, and sent—growing in their capacity to serve the local church, lead others, carry revival, and advance God’s Kingdom in the world.
THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Learn deeply. Encounter God. Serve faithfully.
LSOM joins biblical learning, spiritual formation, mentoring, and hands-on ministry. Students do not simply receive information—they are invited to be transformed in God’s presence and activated to serve His purposes.
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Students study Scripture, biblical interpretation, theology, spiritual formation, leadership, teaching, pastoral ministry, mission, and the life of the local church. The curriculum moves intentionally from biblical and spiritual foundations toward Spirit-empowered leadership, ministry competency, integrity, and multiplication.
Throughout the program, students learn to handle God’s Word faithfully, recognize the work of the Holy Spirit, lead with character, and translate what they learn into ministry that advances the Kingdom.
Our desire is to see students rooted in God’s Word, transformed in His presence, formed in character, equipped for ministry, and activated to carry revival, advance the Kingdom of God, and help change the world wherever He sends them.
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LSOM is a church-based program delivered primarily through in-person learning and ministry formation at LifeSong Church in Stockton, California. Students gather for instruction, worship, prayer, discussion, mentoring, and community.
MoodleCloud supports the in-person experience by providing course materials, assignments, assessments, announcements, and additional learning resources. LSOM is not designed as a fully online or self-paced program.
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Every semester includes a supervised ministry practicum that joins classroom learning with faithful service in the life of the local church. Students serve in real ministry environments while receiving mentoring, feedback, and increasing responsibility.
Across four semesters, students grow from observation and faithful participation toward leadership, ministry planning, Spirit-empowered competency, and capstone integration. Practicum helps students move beyond knowing about ministry to becoming leaders who can carry God’s presence and serve people well.
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Students should plan for scheduled classes, reading, assignments, MoodleCloud activities, supervised ministry, and consistent participation in the shared life of the LSOM community. The program is designed for adults who may already be balancing family, work, church, and ministry responsibilities, but it requires faithful weekly engagement.
Formation cannot be rushed. Students should enter the program ready to create space for God’s Word, His presence, meaningful relationships, disciplined study, and practical service throughout the two-year journey.
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During the final semester, students complete a ministry specialization elective connected to their calling, gifts, and ministry context. Areas may include pastoral leadership and campus ministry; worship and creative ministry; next generation and family ministry; missions and community transformation; discipleship, prayer, and pastoral care; ministry operations and communications; small groups and leadership development; and evangelism and outreach.
Specialization offerings may vary by cohort and instructor availability. Each option is designed to sharpen the gifts God has placed within students and prepare them to serve with greater clarity, courage, and effectiveness.
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Students need reliable internet access, email, and a computer or suitable device for MoodleCloud, assignments, assessments, communication, and digital study resources.
LSOM uses MoodleCloud as its online learning campus and incorporates digital Bible-study tools, including Logos Bible Software, to help students study Scripture with greater depth. The Technology and Materials Fee supports access to required platforms, learning tools, and course resources.
ADMISSIONS
A clear, prayerful next step.
Applying to LSOM is more than completing a form. It is an opportunity for you and our team to prayerfully discern whether this is the right season for you to begin a journey of biblical learning, spiritual formation, and ministry preparation.
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Applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or recognized equivalent. Students should be meaningfully connected to a local church and ready to participate faithfully in biblical study, spiritual formation, community, and supervised ministry.
We are looking for people who are hungry for God, teachable in spirit, open to feedback, and willing to grow in character and service. You do not need to have every detail of your calling figured out, but you should sense that God is drawing you toward deeper formation and greater Kingdom responsibility.
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Complete the online application and tell us about your faith journey, background, church and ministry involvement, and sense of calling. A nonrefundable $50 application fee is submitted with the application.
The application is designed to help us understand what God is awakening in you and how LSOM may help prepare you to carry His presence, serve the local church, and advance His Kingdom.
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After your completed application is received, you will be asked to provide the requested references. If invited, you will also meet with an LSOM leader for an admissions interview.
The admissions team will prayerfully review your completed materials and communicate its decision, along with important dates and next-step instructions. If accepted, you will confirm your place by submitting the $200 enrollment deposit and completing the remaining onboarding requirements.
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The admissions interview is a personal conversation about your faith journey, calling, goals, readiness, and potential fit with LSOM. It also gives you an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the commitment involved.
The interview is not intended to test whether you have everything figured out. It is a time of honest conversation and shared discernment as we consider what God may be doing in your life and whether this is the right season for you to begin.
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Applications for Spring 2027 open November 1, 2026. Current dates, deadlines, and application instructions will be published on the Admissions page.
Because references, interviews, and onboarding take time, prospective students are encouraged to apply early and leave room for the process to be thoughtful, personal, and prayerful.
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LSOM students are expected to participate faithfully in scheduled classes, complete their academic work with integrity, engage in supervised ministry, and contribute to the shared life of the school community.
Students should come ready to pursue God’s presence, receive instruction and correction, honor others, serve with humility, and allow the Holy Spirit to form both their character and ministry. Our goal is not merely to help students finish courses, but to prepare trustworthy, Spirit-filled leaders who can carry revival, strengthen the Church, advance God’s Kingdom, and help change the world.
PROGRAM COSTS
Plan your investment with clarity.
LSOM is committed to presenting the financial commitment clearly so students can prayerfully plan before applying. Program fees support the instruction, formation, technology, ministry experience, and personal development that shape the two-year journey.
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The standard program fee is $900 per semester or $1,800 per academic year.
A nonrefundable $50 application fee is submitted with the application. Accepted students submit a $200 enrollment deposit, which is applied toward the first-semester program fee.
Students who pay the full annual program fee by the published early-payment deadline receive a discounted rate of $1,700. The enrollment deposit is included in that amount.
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Students may choose from the following payment options:
Semester Pay-in-Full — Submit the $200 semester deposit and pay the remaining balance before classes begin.
Monthly Semester Plan — Submit the $200 semester deposit, followed by four monthly payments of $175.
Annual Pay-in-Full — Pay $1,700 by the published early-payment deadline. This discounted total includes the enrollment deposit.
Payment deadlines and instructions are provided during the admissions and onboarding process.
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Students pay a Technology and Materials Fee of $125 per semester. This supports MoodleCloud, required digital platforms, learning tools, and course materials.
Students should also plan approximately $250–$400 per academic year for required books and resources. Actual costs may vary by course.
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Program fees help support qualified instruction, biblical and ministry formation, MoodleCloud access, digital Bible-study tools, supervised ministry coordination, student care, and continued program development.
These resources allow LSOM to create an intentional environment where students can encounter God, become rooted in His Word, grow in character, and develop the practical capacity to serve the local church and advance His Kingdom.
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Not at this time.
CREDENTIAL & INSTITUTIONAL STATUS
Understand what the credential represents.
We want every student to understand clearly what LSOM’s diploma recognizes, how the school operates, and what the credential does and does not represent. This clarity allows students to pursue ministry formation with confidence and honest expectations.
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Students who successfully complete all published academic, formation, supervised ministry, and capstone requirements may be awarded the Diploma in Theology and Ministry Leadership.
The diploma recognizes completion of LSOM’s two-year religious ministry formation program. It reflects intentional preparation in Scripture, theology, spiritual formation, leadership, and practical ministry.
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No. LifeSong School of Ministry is not accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education, and LSOM does not offer academic degrees.
LSOM is a church-based religious ministry formation program operated by LifeSong Church. It operates under the religious-institution exemption described in California Education Code §94874(e). Exempt status is not the same as state approval or accreditation.
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No. LSOM is not a college, university, seminary, or degree-granting institution. It is a ministry school established to prepare Spirit-filled leaders through biblical instruction, spiritual formation, leadership development, and supervised ministry within the life of the local church.
The program’s purpose is ministry formation—not the awarding of an accredited academic degree.
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Yes. California law permits qualifying nonprofit religious organizations to provide religious instruction and award diplomas that serve as evidence of completing that education.
The Diploma in Theology and Ministry Leadership documents completion of LSOM’s published program requirements. It is a religious, ministry-focused credential and should not be represented as an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, or other accredited academic degree.
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Yes. Graduates may accurately list the credential as:
Diploma in Theology and Ministry Leadership
LifeSong School of MinistryGraduates should describe it as a religious ministry-training credential and should not represent LSOM as an accredited college or university or the diploma as an academic degree.
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Transfer is not guaranteed. LSOM uses semester-equivalent units to organize and measure its own program, but these units are not represented as accredited college credit.
Any college, university, seminary, or ministry school has complete discretion over whether it will recognize LSOM coursework or a completed credential. Students considering further education should contact the receiving institution directly before enrolling.
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No. Completing the LSOM program does not automatically result in ordination, ministerial licensing, or denominational credentialing.
Those decisions are made independently by churches, denominations, ministry networks, or other credentialing organizations according to their own requirements. LSOM can help students become biblically grounded, spiritually formed, and practically prepared, but it does not replace a church or denomination’s credentialing process.
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No. Admission to LSOM and completion of the program do not guarantee employment, placement in a ministry position, ordination, promotion, or compensation.
LSOM’s purpose is to form and equip faithful leaders who can carry God’s presence, serve with integrity, strengthen the local church, and advance His Kingdom wherever He sends them. Ministry opportunities remain subject to each church, organization, or employer’s needs and selection process.
YOUR NEXT STEP
We welcome questions from prospective students, parents, pastors, and church leaders. If you would like greater clarity about the program, credential, admissions process, schedule, costs, or student experience, our team would be glad to help.
You do not have to discern your next step alone. Let’s begin the conversation and explore what God may be awakening in you.