THE DEEP RIVER
THEOLOGICAL
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
for anyone interested in learning more about the Word of God
Our Vision Statement
To be a transformative training ground where passionate believers are developed into wise, Spirit-led leaders who advance the Kingdom of God through teaching, service, and Christ-centered leadership in every sphere of society.
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Our Mission Statement
The Deep River Theological Leadership Academy exists to equip, inspire, and empower emerging Christian leaders with sound biblical teaching, spiritual formation, and practical ministry skills. We are committed to cultivating faithful servants who think deeply, live biblically, and lead effectively in their communities and the world for the glory of God.
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Course Dates
2026 Spring I Session: Mar 9th - May 1st
Registration Deadline: March 2, 2026
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Why Join?
To learn and grow in the Word of God together.
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Course Location
Hybrid learning (online and in-person)
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Our Tier Classes
Tier I - Regular 3 Credit Course: $2,500
Tier II - Non-credit course: $390 per class
Tier III - Non-credit course: $50 per class
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The differences between Tier II and Tier III lies in course engagement:
Tier II participants will complete assignments for a pass/fail grade, and these completed courses can count toward an MA or MDiv application for further studies at Shaw University Divinity School (SUDS). Tier III students do not complete assignments, but they will benefit from in-class discussions enriched by the diverse experiences and biblical knowledge of their fellow classmates.
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How to Register
Tier I: Contact Dr. Seth Klayman, Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies, (919) 716-5522, seth.klayman@shaw.edu
Tier 2 and Tier 3: Go to drmba.org to register
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Our Plan of Study
Introduction to Christian Education
This course explores the problems and opportunities faced by leaders of education programs using case studies and discussion. The course increases the proficiency of teaching supervision; to foster an understanding of the theory, practice, evaluation and selection of curricula materials; to develop curricula models; and to integrate accumulated insights, principles and technique.
* first course taught March 9th 2026 - May 1st 2026
Introduction to Christian Worship
This course focuses on the history, theology and psychology of Christian corporate worship with an emphasis upon the various elements that comprise traditional church worship. Special attention is given to the planning and conducting of recurring services and developing meaningful services of worship for special observances.
Health and Human Services Through the Church
This course introduces students to the Health and Human Services Program of the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. Emphasis is placed on the role of the local church in human health and services and the theological foundation for the wholistic approach to human health.
Pastoral Care and the African American Family
This course focuses upon the unique pastoral care needs that arise out of the historical and contemporary experiences of African American families. Drawing upon literature from the social sciences, students explore historical and contemporary trends in social and economic well-being, patterns in marriage and family formation and childrearing practices. Participants review literature in African American pastoral care and will be introduced to narrative theology as a methodology for pastoral ministry in the Black church.
Pastoral Care with Children and Youth
This course explores the unique developmental and ethical issues that arise in pastoral care with children and adolescents. Emphasis is placed upon the role and development of faith and spirituality, methods for working with children and youth in counseling, components of youth culture that influence adolescent behavior and working with parents.
Homiletics I / Introduction to Homiletics
PWS 501 is a basic course in sermon preparation—moving from text to sermon. Students are familiarized with homiletical terms, the process of exposition, a sermon form and the amplification of a biblical message.
Church Administration
This course looks at the church as an organization and the various administrative functions and units necessary to achieve the goals of the organization. Students are required to develop a paper looking at their particular church with ideal administrative structure to fulfill the vision of their church.
Evangelism and Church Growth in the Black Community
This course is a study of how to witness among and grow local churches in the Black community. Evangelistic strategies and church growth techniques are presented and evaluated for their application in developing congregations, Sunday Schools and other ministry organizations.
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Certifications
Certificate of Participation - Awarded at the end of each 8-week session
Certificate of Completion - Awarded to students who complete the plan of study “8-courses”