In your local church.
At the same time.
Study + serve
Destiny Leadership Institute
The Destiny Leadership Institute is a two-year online program for Christian leaders who want to grow in Bible, theology, and leadership, while serving in their local church as a required part of the program. Real training, where you're already called.
Most programs ask you to pick. Leave your church for the classroom, or stay and learn on your own. DLI was built on a different conviction: the deepest training happens when study and service are woven together, in the local church.
You don't have to choose between learning
and Serving.
Program at a glance
isn't
what DLI
Churches building leaders on purpose.
See DLI Church Partnership.
Who DLI is for
pastors and church staff
Emerging leaders in the local church.
You're already serving, and you're ready to grow. DLI gives you the biblical, theological, and leadership foundation to lead well for the long haul, without stepping away from the people you lead.
You sense a calling. You're serving faithfully. You want training that takes you seriously without asking you to press pause on family, work, or ministry responsibilities.
We are partners with the local church, not competitors. Every piece of DLI is designed to make you more useful in the church you're already part of.
Serve your church.
Biblical knowledge, theological depth, leadership skill, and practical ministry competence. The tools to carry the weight of the call.
Increase your capacity.
Each of us was designed on purpose, for a purpose. DLI helps you name yours and walk into it.
Discover your calling.
Before we teach you what to do, we want to form who you are. Character is the foundation; everything else is built on it.
DLI is organized around four outcomes we work toward with every student:
Develop your character.
One Program.
Four Pillars.
what you'll study
Required each semester. Supervised ministry service in your local church.
A framework for understanding and interpreting the New Testament.
An introduction to theology: the Bible, God, humanity, and sin.
Jesus' life and ministry as the ultimate model of servant leadership.
A framework for understanding and interpreting the Old Testament, with the historical, geographical, and cultural context.
A clear, usable understanding of Scripture and the basics of Bible study methods.
Introduction to Bible
Old Testament Survey
Servant Leadership
Christian Foundations I
New Testament Survey
Internship 1 & 2
Introduction to Bible
Old Testament Survey
Servant Leadership
Christian Foundations I
New Testament Survey
Internship 1 & 2
ONE
Required each semester. Supervised ministry service continues.
The doctrines of Christ, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and last things.
Developing clear, powerful sermons and teaching; principles of pastoral care and counseling.
Identifying and implementing values, vision, mission, and strategy in your ministry context.
A biblically grounded practical theology of preaching, teaching, and leading in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The development of the believer's spiritual life, the disciplines, and the relationship between formation and character.
Spiritual Formation
Spirit-Filled Leadership
Intro to Christian Coaching
Effective Ministry Communication
Christian Foundations II
Internship 3 & 4
Spiritual Formation
Spirit-Filled Leadership
Intro to Christian Coaching
Effective Ministry Communication
Christian Foundations II
Internship 3 & 4
TWO
priced so the calling isn't kept out
Tuition is $1,500 per year. Two flexible ways to pay:
Flex Plan
Pay in Full
Covenant partners subsidize the cost of operation, which is why DLI can offer top-quality ministry training for a fraction of the price of comparable programs. Cost shouldn't decide who gets trained for the work.
$250/month
for six
consecutive months.
(a 10% discount)
$1,350 up front
You can start where you are.
the degree pathway
Decide about further study later.
Learn in the flow of ministry.
bachelor's or masters degree
DLI is a complete program on its own. Two full years ending in a Diploma in Christian Leadership. And for leaders who want to keep going, the coursework can step toward an accredited through our partner schools.
DLI is a complete program on its own. Two full years ending in a Diploma in Christian Leadership. And for leaders who want to keep going, the coursework can step toward an accredited bachelor's or master's degree through our partner schools.
You'll get your login for the online classroom. Your cohort is waiting.
3. Log in + begin.
You'll receive instructions for submitting payment and ordering your books.
2. Watch for your welcome email.
A short form — who you are, where you serve, and what you're hoping to grow in.
1. Complete the online application.
how to apply
"DLI is where I will always look back on as the starting point of my journey into a life of adventure and ministry. It is where I learned, grew, developed essential skills, and found friendships that have changed the trajectory of my life. Through the process of completing DLI God made clear His call on my life. Its courses, teachers, and students helped to equip me to carry out the calling with knowledge, wisdom, and guidance from His Spirit."
- Pastor Daniel Vecore
"Destiny Leadership institute has been a vital part of the team-building ministry DNA of Oasis Church. The focus on the local Church from the perspective of servant leadership has shaped our entire serve culture. The theological framework and in- depth live webinars has been the highlight for our students. We love DLI!"
- Bishop Jonathan Suber
"I chose DLI because I trusted my pastor, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. DLI gave me practical tools and a strong spiritual foundation that helped me grow in my calling and serve others with more confidence. I always recommend DLI to others—because of my time there, I’m now pursuing a psychology degree through DLI’s partnership with Nelson University."
- Sixmarie Martinez
DLI courses are taught by experienced pastors, theologians, and ministry practitioners. Every instructor is a leader who knows the local church from the inside.
Our Faculty
God called Dr. Brassfield at a young age to develop Leaders. He has served in almost every position imaginable in the local church including Senior Pastor, and in a variety of executive positions with three different non-traditional Christian Colleges whose primary focus was equipping leaders in partnership with the local church. In 1997 Destiny Ministries was birthed and today has grown into a globally recognized apostolic ministry committed to developing Christian Leaders. Dr. Brassfield has achieved the following credentials: Bachelor of Christian Leadership, Ecclesia College; Master of Divinity, Logos Graduate School; Doctor of Ministry in Christian Leadership, Laurel University.
Dr. Phillip Brassfield
about
Landon has been the director of DLI since 2011. He is responsible for devising DLI’s unique, online platform that allows students to obtain formal educational training while gaining practical experience in their own local church. His academic accomplishments and practical experience has prepared him to lead DLI with purpose and vision. He earned the Bachelor of Arts in History and Mississippi State University, the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Biblical Language from Oral Roberts University, and the Masters of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His primary research interest is the rhetorical and literary features of the New Testament narratives, particularly Luke-Acts.
Dr. Landon Galloway
about
Landon has been the director of DLI since 2011. He is responsible for devising DLI’s unique, online platform that allows students to obtain formal educational training while gaining practical experience in their own local church. His academic accomplishments and practical experience has prepared him to lead DLI with purpose and vision. He earned the Bachelor of Arts in History and Mississippi State University, the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Biblical Language from Oral Roberts University, and the Masters of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His primary research interest is the rhetorical and literary features of the New Testament narratives, particularly Luke-Acts.
Dr. Landon Galloway
about
God called Dr. Brassfield at a young age to develop Leaders. He has served in almost every position imaginable in the local church including Senior Pastor, and in a variety of executive positions with three different non-traditional Christian Colleges whose primary focus was equipping leaders in partnership with the local church. In 1997 Destiny Ministries was birthed and today has grown into a globally recognized apostolic ministry committed to developing Christian Leaders. Dr. Brassfield has achieved the following credentials: Bachelor of Christian Leadership, Ecclesia College; Master of Divinity, Logos Graduate School; Doctor of Ministry in Christian Leadership, Laurel University.
Dr. Phillip Brassfield
about
Rob Griffin has been in full-time ministry since 1986. During this time he has served as a youth leader, evangelist, associate pastor, and lead pastor. Rob is an ordained minister with Destiny Ministries. He is the founding pastor of Triumph Worship Center in Glenpool, Oklahoma. He is also the founder and president of Griffin Ministry Group, a non-profit ministry aimed at equipping local churches and ministries. Rob is an alumnus of Oral Roberts University where he earned a Master of Divinity and graduated with High Honors and recently received a Doctor of Ministry Degree from ORU.
Dr. Rob Griffin
about
Jonathan A. Buckland has been in ministry from a very young age having grown up on the mission field. Throughout his time in ministry he has served in many different capacities such as a missionary in Eastern Europe, a youth pastor, a lead pastor and as a church planter. Jonathan is an ordained minister with Destiny Ministries. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia University in Organizational Management and Leadership, an Master of Arts in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern University, a Certificate in Thriving in Church Ministry from Ashland Theological Seminary and is a certified SYMBIS marriage mentor. In addition to working at Cleveland State University, Jonathan equips churches and leaders through leadership training and consulting and through his speaking ministry. He is the co-founder of Healthful Living, an organization designed to help people create a life they love and has authored the book, Permissionary.
Jonathan Buckland
about
Rob Griffin has been in full-time ministry since 1986. During this time he has served as a youth leader, evangelist, associate pastor, and lead pastor. Rob is an ordained minister with Destiny Ministries. He is the founding pastor of Triumph Worship Center in Glenpool, Oklahoma. He is also the founder and president of Griffin Ministry Group, a non-profit ministry aimed at equipping local churches and ministries. Rob is an alumnus of Oral Roberts University where he earned a Master of Divinity and graduated with High Honors and recently received a Doctor of Ministry Degree from ORU.
Dr. Rob Griffin
about
Jonathan A. Buckland has been in ministry from a very young age having grown up on the mission field. Throughout his time in ministry he has served in many different capacities such as a missionary in Eastern Europe, a youth pastor, a lead pastor and as a church planter. Jonathan is an ordained minister with Destiny Ministries. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia University in Organizational Management and Leadership, an Master of Arts in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern University, a Certificate in Thriving in Church Ministry from Ashland Theological Seminary and is a certified SYMBIS marriage mentor. In addition to working at Cleveland State University, Jonathan equips churches and leaders through leadership training and consulting and through his speaking ministry. He is the co-founder of Healthful Living, an organization designed to help people create a life they love and has authored the book, Permissionary.
Jonathan Buckland
about
Jessica Buckland has been in ministry unofficially since birth. The daughter of a church planting pastor, she has unofficially served in every capacity of the church from day one. From an official standpoint, Jessica has served as a youth pastor, missionary, worship pastor, co-pastor, speaker, church planter, and co-founder of HealthFULL Living (an organization that coaches, consults, trains, and teaches). Jessica’s calling is to be a conduit for people to discover and live out their purpose, pursue and declare hope, and to recognize and receive every promise God has for them. You can crossover to your destiny. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Marietta College, and a Master of Arts in Human Services from Concordia University. She is a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) through the National Council on Family Relations (ncfr.org) and holds a postgraduate certificate in Human Resources with the SHRM-CP designation.
Jessica Buckland
about
Jessica Buckland has been in ministry unofficially since birth. The daughter of a church planting pastor, she has unofficially served in every capacity of the church from day one. From an official standpoint, Jessica has served as a youth pastor, missionary, worship pastor, co-pastor, speaker, church planter, and co-founder of HealthFULL Living (an organization that coaches, consults, trains, and teaches). Jessica’s calling is to be a conduit for people to discover and live out their purpose, pursue and declare hope, and to recognize and receive every promise God has for them. You can crossover to your destiny. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Marietta College, and a Master of Arts in Human Services from Concordia University. She is a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) through the National Council on Family Relations (ncfr.org) and holds a postgraduate certificate in Human Resources with the SHRM-CP designation.
Jessica Buckland
about
Roger Powers serves as the lead pastor of Thrive Church in Searcy, Arkansas—a church he and his wife planted in 2021 with a mission to reach people with the hope of Jesus and cultivate a life-giving, Christ-centered community.
His ministry and academic journey began with Destiny Leadership Institute, where he graduated in 2013. Since then, he has earned a Bachelor of Biblical Studies from Ecclesia College and a Master of Divinity in Theology from Liberty University. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Ministry degree at Liberty. Roger and his wife, Stephanie, live in Searcy with their three daughters: Selah, Zoe, and Hallie.
Roger Powers
about
Roger Powers serves as the lead pastor of Thrive Church in Searcy, Arkansas—a church he and his wife planted in 2021 with a mission to reach people with the hope of Jesus and cultivate a life-giving, Christ-centered community.
His ministry and academic journey began with Destiny Leadership Institute, where he graduated in 2013. Since then, he has earned a Bachelor of Biblical Studies from Ecclesia College and a Master of Divinity in Theology from Liberty University. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Ministry degree at Liberty. Roger and his wife, Stephanie, live in Searcy with their three daughters: Selah, Zoe, and Hallie.
Roger Powers
about
FAQ