Northwoods Community Church is part of the Fellowship of Evangelical Churches (FEC).

First, Northwoods School of Ministry partners with FEC, staffed by experienced ministry professionals in the field of establishing reproducing churches worldwide. Aspiring Pastors and Church Plant Team Members, who enter and complete the program, can apply for ministry credentials through FEC.

Second, NSM has also established a collaborative relationship with Lincoln Christian University (LCU) in Lincoln, Illinois, just one hour from our Peoria Campus. By making application to Lincoln Christian Seminary, one can pursue a 36 hour (approximately 2-3 years) M.A. in General Ministries. Because of this relationship, students have the potential to achieve a degree through LCU, an accredited University. At the same time, students will receive the best of Northwoods Community Church. In other words, Northwoods School of Ministry specializes in praxis, so students will be doubly blessed.

A majority of Northwoods School of Ministry classes are held on the Peoria campus with ministry practicum experiences at our church plant sites and our multi-site campuses. These sites include the cities of Galesburg, Chillicothe, Canton, the Quad Cities. Other classes will be available online in collaboration with LCU. And, a few classes can be taken on the LCU Campus in Lincoln in intensive week or a semester. NSM classes taken on our Peoria Campus are generally a semester long.

Yes, Northwoods values the training that includes proximity to the ministry professionals on our staff. In 2021, we began a residency program for Lead Church Planters.