Students will move through the program as a cohort. The cohort provides a relational learning environment for the women with the goal of becoming better equipped as ministry leaders. Women get to know one another through their small group break-out rooms, forums, and praying for one another. Because Prepared is based on a cohort model, women are not admitted to the program after it begins, nor are women allowed to take individual courses

Each class will have assignments that focus on the three values of personal reflection, community learning and course content comprehension. These assignments will include readings, written papers, journaling, online forums, videos, audio recordings and application of the course material to your own ministry.

Classes for Prepared programs beginning in August will be on Friday mornings from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. Central Time. Classes for Prepared programs beginning in January will be on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Central Time.  The class format will include lecture, discussion, small group discussion, videos and PowerPoint presentations.

All courses in the Prepared program are set on a weekly schedule. Aside from the 2 ½ hour weekly class, we anticipate that you will need approximately 3 ½ to 4 hours a week to complete the assignments.

Weekly Zoom meetings will be the only required simultaneous interactions. However, it is important that you keep assignment order in mind to allow for important assignments that require collaboration with classmates. You might find it useful to schedule your participation times in your calendar. Planning ahead will help you integrate your learning into your busy schedule.

In addition, because of the interactive nature of the course, your regular, timely participation is important both to your learning and to that of the other participants.

Each instructor will set the due dates for the various assignments in her course. Final assignments will be due no later than two weeks after the final course meeting, unless the instructor allows for particular exceptions. You are also welcome to work ahead if you like.  

There are no grades for the Prepared program beyond "assignment complete" and "please resubmit the assignment" (specific instructor feedback will always be provided in the event of requiring a resubmit). The quizzes provided in the courses are to help reinforce materials that are covered. As Moodle is a learning platform, you may see references to "grades" or "grading". Please disregard these and focus simply on your participation.

Students will be assigned coaches by the program director. All coaches are women with ministry and mentoring/coaching experience. Coaches and students will be paired for the entire two-year program. Coaches will provide support and encouragement that is specifically related to the Prepared program to help women apply what they are learning, navigate challenges that may hinder their work, and possibly coach others in the future.