Membership
Partnership with TMAI is open to theological and ministry training centers committed to the authority of God’s Word, the advancement of the gospel, and the fulfillment of the Great Commission—and who meet the standards and criteria outlined below, which include Affiliate, Candidate, and Member levels, reflecting the depth of partnership and stage of development in theological training.
LEVELS OF PARTNERSHIP
Members
Member schools are training centers that have met TMAI’s doctrinal, educational, and financial standards for theological training.
Member status is awarded by the TMAI Board to Candidate Training Centers that have partnered formally with TMAI for an extended period, provided theological education under TMAI’s oversight, offer at least the TMAI Diploma of Expository Preaching, and have demonstrated maturity by meeting the standards and criteria required for Membership—evaluated and confirmed during their time as Candidates.
Candidates
Candidates are training centers that formally partner with us by offering theological training under TMAI’s oversight.
Candidate status is intended for centers pursuing TMAI Membership—whether they are in their formative stages or are already established and offering at least the TMAI Biblical Studies Certificate. Becoming a Candidate involves a formal application process and demonstrated alignment with pre-candidacy qualifications—evaluated and confirmed during their time as Pre-Candidates.
Pre-Candidates
Pre-Candidates are theological training centers that align with the biblical standards TMAI deems essential for training ministry.
Pre-Candidacy begins with an alignment phase, during which the training center aligns itself with TMAI’s doctrinal, educational, and financial standards.
Affiliates
Affiliates are like-minded training centers that seek to partner informally with us through theological dialogue and mutual encouragement in the work of theological education.
This partnership may include an articulation agreement for academic collaboration (such as transferring units) or represent an initial step toward pursuing TMAI Membership.
A theological training center pursuing TMAI membership must undergo a formal seven-phase process.
Membership Process
Affiliate
PHASE 1
Introductory Phase
In its early stages, a training center interested in pursuing TMAI Membership is encouraged to partner informally by attending summits and engaging in regional networking to become better acquainted with TMAI’s leadership and ministry philosophy. This partnership may continue for one to two years.
PHASE 2
Exploration Phase
During the period of deepening its partnership with TMAI, the training center will receive a Needs Analysis from TMAI. This document provides a data-supported study of the cultural, religious, socio-economic, political, and educational environment of the city, province, and country where the training center plans to operate. Additionally, the training center will receive our Foundation Blocks—ministry initiatives that have proven effective in establishing training centers in various contexts. Both resources are designed to strengthen the training center’s foundation as it prepares to pursue TMAI Membership.
PHASE 3
Beginning Phase
Once the Foundation Blocks have been established and advanced, the training center will be ready to sign TMAI’s Statement of Intent. This document serves as the official notification of the training center’s intent to pursue TMAI Membership.
PHASE 4
Application Phase
Once the Statement of Intent is reviewed and approved, the membership application forms will be provided to the training center. The training center will have 4–6 weeks to complete and return the application to the Home Office. After submission, the TMAI Membership Committee will schedule an evaluation meeting with the training center.
Candidate
PHASE 5
Pre-Candidacy Phase
Once the application is approved by TMAI, the training center becomes an official Pre-Candidate. At this stage, the center has 6 to 24 months to align its training and operations with TMAI’s Candidate-level standards. This includes ongoing development of the Foundation Blocks and the ability to offer TMAI’s Biblical Studies Certified Academic Program.
PHASE 6
Candidate Status
Once all Candidacy standards and criteria are fulfilled, the Pre-Candidate will be recommended by the TMAI Membership Committee for Candidate-level partnership. This recommendation will be submitted to the TMAI Board for approval. Upon board approval, the training center will officially receive Candidate-level status and continue to mature its training and administration to the point of offering TMAI’s Diploma of Expository Preaching Certified Academic Program, in order to meet TMAI’s Membership-level requirements. During this time, the TMAI Membership Committee will receive regular updates on the center’s progress toward full membership.
Member
PHASE 7
Membership Status
When a Candidate has fulfilled all membership standards, the training center will be recommended to the TMAI Board for Member-level partnership. Once approved, the center will be required to maintain TMAI’s academic, administrative, and financial standards, which are reviewed annually by the TMAI Membership Committee.
Membership Requirements
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Secured signed affirmation of the annual Doctrinal Statement from all training center leaders, board members, and staff
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Adopted the governance and staffing structure appropriate for a theological institution according to TMAI’s standards
Installed qualified leadership, with at least two TMS graduates on the leadership team
Attended regular TMAI meetings including the Regional Meetings, Regional Summit and Dean’s Meeting
Expanded and strengthened the network of local churches and relationships with model churches hosting the training
Developed a network with like-minded ministries (i.e., radio, biblical counseling, conferences, etc.)
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Evaluated and developed the Biblical Studies Certificate Certified Academic Program (CAP) under the guidance of TMAI leadership
Established the Diploma of Expository Preaching CAP
Submitted the annual academic report, and attended the annual evaluation meeting
Supported further training for faculty members to fulfill requirements for program offerings
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Submitted an annual budget and accurate financial reporting
Established the Training Center as a charitable organization in the country of operation
Ensured financial controls and segregation of financial duties, employing secure financial software for documentation and reporting
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Expanded and adjusted sufficient administrative staff and organizational structure according to the school’s needs
Implemented systems to manage and retain student records
Established development efforts, including annual donor initiatives, for self-sustainability
Developed a healthy discipleship culture for current students
Employed technologies to support and advance ministry efforts including online classes, seminars, etc.
Developed an online presence through outlets such as website, media streaming, social media, etc.
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Developed and grown translation and publication efforts for sound theological resources
Developed and grown radio ministry efforts to stream expository preaching
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Offer at least 1 conference annually to promote the ministry’s efforts and encourage networking
Offer at least 1 seminar annually to supplement the training program
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Demonstrated continuous growth in the strategic areas of indigenization, operational self-sustainability, academic excellence, and church interconnection—in accordance with TMAI’s ministry distinctives.
