Theological Foundations for Ministry Events
Students and staff gathered together on a staircase, smiling

Theological Foundations for Ministry

The Theological Foundations for Ministry (TFM) program is designed to develop the theological fluency of our staff in ways that deepen their spiritual maturity and increase their long-term ministry effectiveness in the complex university environment that demands thoughtful theological engagement.

3D Theology

An introduction to InterVarsity’s theological approach, representing both our values and our method for how we “do theology” together as an interdenominational, Bible-based, missional movement.

Next 3DT Class

November 9 – 13, 2026
Online
N/A
Register

Registration closes October 16, 2026

Other 3DT Dates

February 1 – 5, 2027
Online
N/A
June 21 – 25, 2027
Wheaton, IL
Wheaton College

3DT may also be offered to your region or department during a retreat or dates that fit into your ministry calendar – just ask!

Core Seminary Courses wordmark

Once you’ve taken 3DT, four seminary-level courses are available to equip you in your theological growth so that you can contextualize ministry with growing insight.

Upcoming Courses

Introduction to the Old Testament

Spring 2027
Online
Dr. Cathy McDowell
Online weekly meetings: Wednesdays 2:00–4:30 pm Eastern (Feb 3–May 12, 2027)
Additional coursework completed asynchronously online
Register

Registration opens October 11, 2026

Registration deadline December 11, 2026

Global Church History

Summer 2027
Hybrid (online + in-person intensive)
Dr. Jennifer Power McNutt
Asynchronous reading & assignments, May 17–July 31, 2027
One-week intensive at Wheaton College, June 21–25, 2027 (required)

Registration opens February 16, 2027

Registration deadline April 16, 2027

Theology 1

Fall 2027
Online
Dr. Lisa Sung
Meets online at a designated time each week, plus additional asynchronous coursework
Weekly dates and times will be announced when registration opens

Registration opens June 2, 2027

Future Semesters

The 2028 course schedule is still in development. Term dates will be posted in the Academic Calendar, and anticipated course offerings will be listed in the Course Catalog once available.

Self-Directed Courses

Theological Foundations for Ministry stages: Stage 1 Orientation to Theology, Stage 2 Core Theological Documents (self-directed), Stage 3 3D Theology, Stage 4 Core Seminary Courses (instructor led), Stage 5 Optional Certification or Degree (independent)

Stages 1 and 2 of Theological Foundations for Ministry are comprised of self-directed courses which can be accessed by clicking on the course name:

You can find lots of additional information about Theological Foundations for Ministry in the portal here. If you have additional questions about either 3D Theology or Core Seminary Courses, reach out to us at [email protected].