Address for ARSOM: P. O. Box 191670, Little Rock, AR 72219
Fax number for ARSOM:  501-455-2122

General Information

The Arkansas School of Ministry (ARSOM) is a vital support to the ministry endeavors of churches and pastors. Knowledge gleaned from the classroom experience becomes a valuable tool that the Holy Spirit can use to further the purpose of God. Clergy and laypersons who understand not only "what to do" but "why to do it" will be far more effective than those who "just do it."

ARSOM integrates spiritual formation, relationship building, and academic achievement to provide a unique learning experience.

Students not only acquire knowledge necessary for obtaining ministerial credentials, but also develop character and skills essential for effective ministry.

Study Track and Class Information

Student will be asked to declare as a "Credential Track" student or a "Biblical Studies Track" student or a "Children's MInistry Track" student.

Credentials Track: Students will take all classes in their respective level, and complete the mentoring program before advancing to the next level. When student has completed a level of study, they are eligible to start the credential application process. Click here for School Registration form for this track.

Biblical Studies Track: Students will study the courses indicated on the class sign up form for Biblical Studies. They will not do a mentoring program, however they will take the class Servant Leadership, which is for Biblical Studies track students only.

Children's Ministry Track: (Beginning school year 2012/2013): Students will study the courses indicated on the class sign up form for Children's Ministry. There is no mentoring program involved in this track. 

New students who want to register in the Children's Ministry track will take the eight courses (four Children's Ministry courses and four ARSOM courses) to receive the certificate of completion.

ARSOM students who have already completed the four ARSOM courses can register and take only the Children's Ministry courses, and receive the certificate of completion.

Students who only want to take the four Children's Ministry courses can sign up and take those four courses, but will not receive the Children's Ministry certificate of completion, only the course certificates.

Structure

Classes are conducted once a month, eight times a year, in a two-semester format. Courses are offered each month of the semester, one for each corresponding tracks.  (See class sign up form or Schedule of Classes page)

Following a mandatory orientation session prior to the Friday evening class (orientation at 6:30p.m.) students participate in six hours of classroom instruction - a 3-hour class session on Friday evening (7:00-10:00 p.m.) for the text overview. One hour (8:00-9:00a.m.) on Saturday morning is set aside for the testing, followed by a 3-hour session of extended teaching (9:00-12:00 p.m.).Students receive a certificate of completion at the end of the class period.

Prior to class, each student is required to work through the course text and text overview. A minimum of 10 hours of preparatory work is necessary. With the classroom time, students will have invested 16 hours or more per course.  Read your textbook(s) and complete the text overview as soon as you receive them. A minimum of 10 hours of preparatory study is required prior to the class session. A basic knowledge of the information covered in the text book is expected when students arrive on campus. The text overview is due at registration for each class. Student must bring two completed typewritten copies of the text overview, one to turn in for grading, the other for use in class.

**Students who do not have the study guide ready to turn in at registration, or who do not have two copies already made, with receive points off their overview grade. All study guides must also be typewritten.  Handwritten study guides also receive a points deduction.

The classroom instruction provides an overview of the material, practical applications, and opportunity for questions and discussion. Instructors use personal experience and a variety of teaching methods.

Faculty members become natural mentors as they build relationships and share experiences with their students. Faculty advisors are available to provide accountability and guidance for the students.

Cost

Registration is $25 per study level ($10 per returning student staying in the same level).
Class fee is $50 per course (all textbooks - student’s expense)
Funds are Non-refundable. Class fee is transferable to another course for up to 1 year.