Discovery Church · Bakersfield, CA · Fall 2026
Ministry School & Credentialing Program
Equipping the Called  ·  Credentialing the Faithful
Express Interest for Fall 2026 View Curriculum
Certificate of Leadership
20 CEUs
Certificate of Ministry
62 CEUs
B.A.
5 Degree Options
M.A.
Degree Pathways
01 — About the Program

Formed for Ministry

Discovery Leadership College is a ministry school and credentialing program rooted in Discovery Church in Bakersfield, California. It exists to equip, train, and credential men and women who sense a call to vocational or lay ministry.

The program combines foundational biblical study through the Berean School of the Bible (Global University), practical leadership development, and hands-on Pastoral Practicums — moving students from the classroom into the context of real ministry.

Discovery Leadership College runs as an annual cohort beginning every Fall. Students progress through ten courses together — building community, sharpening convictions, and growing into the leaders and ministers God has called them to be.

Program Details
"Rooted, purposeful, and alive — formed for a life of faithful ministry."
📅  Every Tuesday Evening  ·  6:00 – 8:00 PM
📍  Discovery Church · Bakersfield, CA
🗓  September 2026 – June 2027
🎓  Pastoral Credential through Discovery Church
02 — Certificate Tracks

Two Certificates. One Full Calling.

Discovery Leadership College awards two certificates — each recognizing a distinct commitment to training and formation. Students may pursue one or both.

Full Program · Credentialing Track
Certificate of Ministry
Complete all 10 courses + 6 Practicums · 62 CEUs

Awarded to students who complete the full Discovery Leadership College program — all six Berean Bible courses, all four Leadership courses, and all six Pastoral Practicums. This is the flagship credential, representing a full year of biblical, theological, and leadership formation. This certificate is required to apply for a Discovery Church Pastoral Credential.

  • Six Berean School of the Bible courses (BIB/THE/MIN)
  • Four Leadership development courses (LDR 101–401)
  • Six Pastoral Practicums completed (12 CEUs)
  • Qualifies for Discovery Church Pastoral Credential
  • 62 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
62 CEUs Awarded
$150/course · $1,500 total
Leadership Track
Certificate of Leadership
Complete all 4 LDR courses · 20 CEUs

Awarded to students who complete all four Discovery Leadership College Leadership courses. Designed for those called to lead teams, ministries, and communities with greater effectiveness and Christ-centered intentionality.

  • LDR 101 · Foundations of Personal Leadership
  • LDR 201 · Spiritual Authority
  • LDR 301 · Building Healthy Teams
  • LDR 401 · The Multiplying Leader
  • 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
20 CEUs Awarded
$150/course · $600 total
ℹ Credentialing requires the Certificate of Ministry. Students pursuing a Discovery Church Pastoral Credential must complete the full program — all 10 courses and all 6 Pastoral Practicums. The Certificate of Leadership alone does not qualify a student for pastoral credentialing.
03 — Degree Option

Pursue an Accredited Degree

In partnership with Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, CA, Discovery Leadership College students have exclusive access to discounted tuition toward an accredited bachelor's or master's degree — combining ministry training with academic credentials.

Bachelor of Arts

Undergraduate Degrees

  • B.A. in Theology
  • B.A. in Psychology
  • B.A. in Business Administration
  • B.A. in Management
  • B.A. in Early Childhood
Master of Arts

Graduate Degrees

  • M.A. in Theology
  • M.A. in Leadership Studies
Student Scholarship Discount
45%
Bachelor's Degree Discount
Discounted tuition for Discovery Leadership College students
10%
Master's Degree Discount
Discounted tuition for Discovery Leadership College students

Ready to explore a degree?

Submit an Interest Application and a member of our team will follow up with information about degree options, admission requirements, and next steps with Vanguard University.

Degree Interest Application
In Partnership with Vanguard University · Costa Mesa, CA · vanguard.edu
04 — Curriculum

The 2026–2027 Cohort

Ten courses spanning September 2026 through June 2027. Bible and Leadership courses alternate each month, with all six Pastoral Practicums paired with Bible courses throughout the year.

1
BibleBIB 121Introduction to Hermeneutics
Sep 15, 2026◆ Pastoral Practicum: Conducting Baptisms
5 CEU
2
LeadershipLDR 101Foundations of Personal Leadership
Oct 13, 2026
5 CEU
3
BibleTHE 114Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine
Nov 10, 2026◆ Pastoral Practicum: Freedom & Demonization
5 CEU
4
LeadershipLDR 201Spiritual Authority
Dec 8, 2026
5 CEU
5
BibleBIB 214Old Testament Survey
Jan 12, 2027◆ Pastoral Practicum: House & Hospital Visitations
5 CEU
6
LeadershipLDR 301Building Healthy Teams
Feb 9, 2027
5 CEU
7
BibleBIB 212New Testament Survey
Mar 9, 2027◆ Pastoral Practicum: Pastoral Counseling
5 CEU
8
LeadershipLDR 401The Multiplying Leader
Apr 13, 2027
5 CEU
9
BibleMIN 223Introduction to Homiletics
May 11, 2027◆ Pastoral Practicum: Officiating Weddings
5 CEU
10
BibleMIN 183Relationships & Ethics in Ministry
Jun 8, 2027◆ Pastoral Practicum: Officiating Funerals
5 CEU
05 — Tuition & Fees

Simple, Transparent Pricing

One flat rate per course — no enrollment fees, no hidden costs. Students are invoiced per course at the start of each month.

Per Course
$150
per course · billed monthly
Each of the ten courses is billed individually at $150 — keeping costs manageable throughout the year.
Full Program · Certificate of Ministry
$1,500
total · 10 courses · 62 CEUs
Complete all ten courses, all six Pastoral Practicums, and earn your Certificate of Ministry — the credential that qualifies you for pastoral credentialing through Discovery Church.
Leadership Track · Certificate of Leadership
$600
total · 4 LDR courses · 20 CEUs
Complete all four Leadership courses (LDR 101–401) and earn your Certificate of Leadership.

Tuition assistance may be available for those with demonstrated financial need. Contact nalleli@ilovediscovery.church for more information. Course materials and required texts are not included in tuition.

Pastors Jason and Veronica Hanash — Discovery Church, Bakersfield
A Word from Your Instructors

Led by Pastors Jason
& Veronica Hanash

We are deeply honored that you are prayerfully considering Discovery Leadership College as your next step. Whether God is stirring a clear call to vocational ministry or simply deepening your desire to serve and lead within the local church — you are welcome here, and we believe you are here for a reason.

Our passion is simple: to equip and release leaders into the Kingdom of God. Discovery Leadership College was not built merely as a school — it was built as a place of formation, where the Word takes root, character is shaped, and calling is confirmed through community, study, and hands-on ministry experience.

We believe the Church is the hope of the world, and that the best days of what God is doing are still ahead. We are looking for men and women who are ready to say yes — and we cannot wait to walk this journey with you.

Pastors Jason & Veronica Hanash
Lead Pastors · Discovery Church  ·  Lead Instructors · Discovery Leadership College
06 — Get Started

Ready to Answer the Call?

The next cohort begins Fall 2026. Fill out the interest form and we'll be in touch with enrollment details, course schedules, and next steps.

  • No commitment required — this is an expression of interest
  • Cohort begins every Fall · limited enrollment
  • Open to members and friends of Discovery Church
  • Questions? Email nalleli@ilovediscovery.church

Discovery Leadership College · Interest Form

Fall 2026 Cohort · Discovery Church, Bakersfield

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