Wagner Leadership Institute (WLI) trains and equips men and women for leadership positions in local churches and in Translocal ministries. It provides an earned training credential for church and ministry leaders who desire ordination, licensing, or other forms of public recognition. Its goal is to equip leaders in necessary skills for effective ministry.

For literally thousands of leaders, the present traditional form of education designed for Christian leaders is inaccessible. Moving to another location to spend many years and thousands of dollars in a school that provides only academic knowledge and not the "how to’s" of ministry is not an option for most.

The educational paradigm of WLI differs considerably from traditional academic models. WLI is not based solely on classroom knowledge, but rather incorporates a variety of learning events and experiences which are offered as a basis for earning Training Units (TUs). WLI teaches the "how to’s" of practical application of God’s Word and Ways while allowing the student to remain at home and on the job.

Educational Format:
The focus on training in WLI is more on impartation than information. This is not to deny the importance of information, but rather it is to affirm that relevant information will be provided in a context of imparting skills and anointing for practical ministry. Ministry in the Spirit receives equal emphasis to ministry in the Word and Truth.

The design of WLI seeks to free the institution from some of the more burdensome characteristics of traditional academia such as: required courses, theological party lines, denominational control, bureaucratic entanglements, faculty tenure, costly library facilities, residential requirements, influence of large donors, and other limitations.
As a result, WLI can present courses based on what God is saying to the Church today, flow with the needs of our students’ areas of interest, and strengthen the local church without having students pick up and move to a particular school location. Through regional "Fast Tracks" (a grouping of several 2 to 2 1/2 day courses back to back over 1 or 2 weeks) or the Local Church Seminar (weekend courses), WLI enables the student to stay in their church and job as we bring the school to them.

Grading:
Unlike purely academic training which measures head knowledge alone, WLI recognizes the impartation of revelation unique to the students’ life and experience as well as "head knowledge." The measuring of the impact of the anointing and revelation is best done by the student. Therefore grades are not given for courses or training experiences.

Students can earn "Training Units" (or TU's) in a number of ways, but with each way of learning, a "SEP Form" - Self Evaluation Paper must be completed, sharing what impartation happened to make the student a better worker for the Lord. Each 14-15 hour course or conference for example, is worth 4 training units. For additional learning, each student can read 2 books or approximately 500 pages of reading on course related material for 2 more training units. Each TU is only $50. If the course is more or less than 15 hours, the TU's are calculated at $50.00/TU to provide a flexible way of learning.

We also need a self study paper completed for each book that is read, to try to communicate the depth of impartation the book has provided. These papers become a part of the student’s permanent file and will not be marked, and will not be returned to the student.

Self  Evaluation or Self Study Report:
The Self Study Report should be at least 2 pages written or typed double spaced. The student’s name must appear at the top right of the first page, or on a cover page. There is no guideline for content other than it should be a reflection on the impartation received during the course. It should not be a report on the information presented, but rather how that information relates to the student’s life (impartation). See the student center above for more information and SEP forms that can be used to complete your work.

Book Reports:
Each course will have an approved reading list of books that pertain to that course with a listing of the number of pages in each book. The student needs to read 2 normal sized books of approx. 180 pages, or 360 pages minimum in total. Please see the homepage student center for reading lists and more information. Any time you see a training book written by any WLI from all over the world, that book is automatically approved.

Each report should be a minimum of 2 pages written or typed double spaced. The student’s name must appear at the top right of the first page, or on a cover page. The report should contain not only information from the books, but how that information has impacted the student’s life. See the student center above for more information about reading lists and book report forms that can be used to complete your work.

All Self Evaluation/Reports and Book Reports must be in the WLI office within 90 of the close of class, conference or learning event..

Diploma Levels:
WLI awards earned diplomas for Associate of Practical Ministry, Bachelor of Practical Ministry, Master of Practical Ministry, and Doctor of Practical Ministry. These do not certify levels of academic attainment, but rather accumulation of Training Units (TUs).

Disclosure:
Because of the nonacademic nature of WLI, there should be no expectation that Training Units (they are not academic credits) will be recognized for transfer or for any sort of academic standing in traditional academic institutions. Since WLI has chosen to adopt an educational paradigm so different from traditional seminaries, some may not be comfortable with its’ position. This could mean that in certain ecclesiastical circles, diplomas from WLI may not be recognized as legitimate credentialing for ministry. Before enrolling in WLI check with your ordaining body to be sure that your diploma will be accepted.

Admissions:
WLI has an ‘open admissions’ policy, meaning that we will receive applications for enrollment from a prospective student at any time during the calendar year. We have an online application form that students can use or they can choose to print off the forms and send them in. They are also included in the catalogues. All students are required in the application to give evidence of Christian character. This includes the new birth, commitment to the will of God and a determination to prepare for Christian service.

Admission to WLI is based upon an objective evaluation of the applicant without regard to race, color, ethnic origin or disability.

Referral Tuition Bonus:
We encourage WLI students to tell their pastors, friends and Church members about the great aspects of WLI. Every student that helps enroll another person into WLI will receive a $100.00 tuition bonus. Please have the person include your name near the end of their application form where it asks who referred the person to WLI.  Application forms can be found on the website in many different formats, as well as online for convenience.