Learn Theology.
Do Ministry.
In the Bay Area.
3 EDUCATIONAL TRACKS
BASOM Programs
Description
Two years of immersive theological and ministry formation
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Best for
Those preparing for pastoral, church planting, or vocational ministry seeking theology and practice
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Commitment Level
High
Length
2 years
Format
In person, faculty-led classroom cohort + part time church employment
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Work Load
16-29 hours per week
Credit
Residency Certificate,
Degree pathway opportunities available
Application Required
Yes
Cost
Cost $500 per quarter
(provided by partner church)
Description
Structured theological training for everyday ministry
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Best for
Church staff, church planters, volunteers, and lay leaders seeking deeper formation
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Commitment Level
Moderate
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Length
2 years (flexible)
Format
In person, faculty-led classroom cohort + BASOM faculty interaction
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Work Load
approx. 5 hours per week
Credit
Completion Certificate,
Degree pathway opportunities available
Application Required
No
Cost
$300 per class​
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Description
Accessible theological learning for the whole church
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Best for
Anyone wanting to grow in a specific area of ministry/theology, one class at a time
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Commitment Level
Flexible
Length
Single course
Format
In person, faculty-led classroom cohort​
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Work Load
approx. 5 hours per week
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Credit
Certificate Program pathway opportunity,
Auditing available
Application Required
No
Cost
$300 per class​
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PROGRAM DETAIL
01
Residency Program
RESIDENCY DETAIL
Ministry experience and theological education — together.
What is it?
The BASOM Residency is a two-year program that combines theological education, hands-on ministry, and pastoral mentoring. Residents serve in a local church while completing seminary-level coursework and being personally invested in by experienced pastors.
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At BASOM, classroom learning and ministry happen together. Residents alternate between theological coursework and hands-on ministry so what they learn can be immediately practiced in the life of the local church.
What will I experience?
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Two years of hands-on ministry in a local church
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One-on-one mentoring from church leaders
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Monthly development with the BASOM Residency Director
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Eight seminary-level courses taught through BASOM
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16–29 hours per week of ministry and coursework
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A supportive community of fellow residents
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Part-time employment through a partner church
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Optional accredited degree pathways through Kairos University
Is it like seminary?
Not exactly. BASOM isn't trying to replace seminary—it complements it. Residents receive rigorous theological training while gaining the kind of ministry experience and pastoral mentoring that can't be learned in a classroom alone. Those pursuing an accredited degree can also earn seminary credit through BASOM's partnership with Kairos University.
What does it cost?
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$500/quarter (provided by partner church.)
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All inclusive: In-person instruction, ministry mentorship, and course textbooks
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Comparative courses in a traditional seminary setting average $2,560 per course. (BASOM's affordability is made possible by generous investments from individuals, churches, and organizations)
Who is it for?
The Residency is designed for men and women who sense a call to vocational ministry and desire to be formed in the context of the local church. Candidates should demonstrate readiness for college-level learning and a commitment to BASOM's doctrinal statement and core values. Students must complete the Residency Program application process.
Next Steps?
Complete the Residency Program application process, starting with an online application.
What students are saying:
CERTIFICATE DETAIL
Structured theological training for everyday ministry
What is it?
The Certificate Program provides a strong biblical and theological foundation for everyday ministry. Through eight seminary-level courses, students deepen their understanding of Scripture, strengthen their leadership, and grow in their ability to serve faithfully in their churches and communities.
Open to anyone, the program provides accessible, seminary-level training without the commitment of a full residency.
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Certificate students take eight 10-week courses over two years. View Required Courses
Why choose the Certificate Program?
The Certificate Program is designed for leaders who are already serving and want to grow where they are planted. It offers the depth of theological education with the flexibility to remain engaged in work, family, and ministry responsibilities. Students choose the program to sharpen their understanding of Scripture, strengthen their leadership, and become more effective in the churches and communities they already serve.
What does it cost?
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$300/course
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All inclusive: In-person instruction and course textbooks
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Comparative courses in a traditional seminary setting average $1,280 per course. (BASOM's affordability is made possible by generous investments from individuals, churches, and organizations)
Who is it for?
The BASOM Certificate Program is an ideal fit for church staff, ministry volunteers, elders, and lay leaders who want deeper theological training without stepping away from their current ministry or career. Through seminary-level courses, cohort learning, and practical application, students develop a stronger Biblical foundation and greater confidence for leadership in the unique cultural context of the Bay Area.
Next Steps?
No application necessary. Complete the online registration to become a Certificate Program student.
02
Certificate Program
03
Open Courses
COURSE DETAIL
Flexible learning for the whole church
What is it?
Open Courses are 10-week, seminary-level classes that can be taken individually. They're an affordable way to grow in biblical understanding, ministry, and leadership without committing to a full program.
Why take a course?
Whether you're exploring a call to ministry or simply want to grow in God's Word, Open Courses let you learn alongside pastors and ministry leaders while gaining practical tools you can immediately apply in your church and community.
What does it cost?
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$300/course
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All inclusive: In-person instruction and course textbooks
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Comparative courses in a traditional seminary setting average $1,280 per course. (BASOM's affordability is made possible by generous investments from individuals, churches, and organizations)
Kairos University Partnership
Residents can pursue accredited bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees through BASOM's partnership with Kairos University—providing a pathway to accredited theological education. Learn more about Kairos at kairos.edu.
Zohary Ross
Residency Program Graduate
"Through the BASOM program I was able to get more clarity about my role as a pastor as well as feel better equipped to do ministry in a post-Christian context through solid teaching and amazing relationships and community."
Cheyenne Lopez
Certificate Program Graduate
"What I've enjoyed most about these classes is getting to refocus my relationship with Jesus and understanding that this is not just about my own effective efforts, but rather me partnering with the Holy Spirit. I'm allowing his work to flow through me so disciple making and spiritual formation can take place."
Justin Chao
Residency Program Graduate
"I came to BASOM wanting to do big things for God. I left wanting to do things with God, at a slower pace. BASOM taught me that identity is at the root of leadership, and we all bring our own ideas, plans, misconceptions and wounds into leadership."
STORIES
