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Frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions Answered

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Whether you're exploring our programs for the first time or are a current student seeking information, we've compiled answers to the most common questions about the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple.

Our mission is to make quality education accessible to those called to ministry or driven to create community change, and that begins with providing clear information about our programs, processes, and community.

If you don't find the answer you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact our administrative team:

Rev. Marcus Van Hook
mvanhook@allen-temple.org
707-334-2750

We're committed to supporting your leadership journey every step of the way.

General Information About LIAT

The Leadership Institute at Allen Temple empowers emerging leaders to transform their communities through accessible education, spiritual growth, and civic engagement. Founded in 1997 under the leadership of Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Sr., LIAT provides affordable, quality education for those called to ministry or driven to create community change.

LIAT offers four main programs:

  • Certificate in Christian Ministry (two-year program)
  • Certificate in Civic Engagement (two-year program)
  • Emerging Leaders Program (selective application process)
  • Bay Area Academy of Responsible Preaching (one-year program)

LIAT uniquely combines academic rigor with grassroots wisdom. Our programs are designed specifically for working adults and bi-vocational leaders, with classes scheduled in evenings and weekends. We maintain master's-level faculty while keeping tuition affordable and accessible. 

Our approach embraces diverse theological perspectives—from prophetic preaching to Black theology, from womanist thought to social justice ministry—while maintaining deep connections to practical community engagement.

LIAT attracts a diverse student body of various ages and from various educational backgrounds ranging from high school diplomas to doctoral degrees. Many students are bi-vocational, balancing work/career with education.

Our students come from various professional fields, with some being retired professionals seeking continued learning and community impact. They are typically active in local community organizations or religious institutions and are seeking structured education to formalize their leadership capabilities.
You can support LIAT through financial contributions, volunteering your time and talents, or by spreading the word about our programs. Visit our Give and Get Involved pages for more information.

Admission and Application

For most programs, you'll need:

  • Completed application form
  • $20 application fee
  • High school diploma or GED

For certificate programs, you’ll need to submit official transcripts.

No prior theological education is required. Our programs are designed to accommodate students from diverse backgrounds and experience levels.

Yes, you can take individual courses without a high school diploma or GED. However, a diploma or GED is required to enroll in our certificate programs.

Yes, we welcome international students. However, LIAT does not currently provide visa sponsorship. International students must have appropriate documentation to study in the United States.
Applications are typically processed three weeks from submission. You'll receive notification of your acceptance status by email or phone.

Programs and Curriculum

The Certificate in Christian Ministry focuses on theological education and ministry preparation, while the Certificate in Civic Engagement emphasizes community organizing, advocacy, and civic leadership skills. Both are two-year programs with structured curricula.

The Emerging Leaders Program has a more selective application process and offers a hands-on, experiential learning approach with personal mentorship. It emphasizes servant leadership and direct community organizing, culminating in the Certificate in Civic Engagement.

This is a one-year program offering intensive training in homiletics (the art of preaching). It features courses taught by experienced preachers with doctoral degrees and focuses on connecting scripture with contemporary issues.

Yes, you can take individual courses that interest you without pursuing a full certificate.
  • Certificate in Christian Ministry: 30 units of credit
  • Certificate in Civic Engagement: 30 units of credit
  • Bay Area Academy of Responsible Preaching: 24 units of credit

LIAT has strategic partnerships with institutions like Fuller Theological Seminary and Berkeley School of Theology. Credit transferability depends on the receiving institution's policies. We recommend consulting with any institution where you plan to transfer credits.

Classes typically meet weekly during evenings or Saturday mornings to accommodate working adults. The academic year consists of fall and spring semesters, with some programs also offering intersessions and summer courses.

The cohort model groups students (no more than 15 per cohort) who progress through the program together. This creates a supportive community, exposes students to diverse perspectives, enhances spiritual growth, provides regular mentorship, and leads to higher program completion rates.

Tuition and Financial Information

  • Application/Registration Fee: $20.00 (one-time, non-refundable)
  • Course Fee: $150.00 per course
  • Certificate Program: $300.00 per semester (includes 2 courses per semester/intersession)

Additional costs include required textbooks and course materials, which are not included in tuition. Instructors will provide information about required materials before classes begin.

Yes, LIAT offers flexible payment plans to accommodate various financial situations. Please contact our Registrar Connie Grier at 510-326-8031 for more information.

Limited scholarships may be available based on demonstrated need and leadership potential. Please contact our Registrar Connie Grier at 510-326-8031 for more information.
Refund requests must be submitted in writing prior to the second class session. The application/registration fee is non-refundable.
We accept online payments through our secure online portal. You can also mail checks made payable to "Leadership Institute at Allen Temple":

Address for Mailing:
Leadership Institute at Allen Temple
Attn: Registrar
P. O. Box 2134
Oakland, CA 94621

Campus and Resources

Classes are primarily held online. Occasional hybrid and intersessions are held at the Allen Temple Campus in Oakland.

Yes, LIAT offers some remote learning options, making our programs accessible to students throughout the Bay Area and beyond. The availability of remote options varies by program and course.

Students have access to library resources, academic advising, spiritual mentorship, and networking opportunities with community leaders and organizations.

Yes, free parking is available on campus for students during class hours.
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