Christian Life Launch
This one-year program directs students toward their God-given calling and purpose – whether they continue biblical studies, go on to university or start a business, this program is designed for students to build a foundation centered on Christ and His mission before they set out onto their respective paths. After eight months of on-campus studies, students finish the program with a month-long foreign missions trip that is bound to broaden their knowledge about what God is doing around the world.
The missions trip at the end of LifeLaunch blew the doors off my view of the world and changed me deeply. My time at PLBC is one of the most influential and formative chapters of my life, and I continue to see its impact year after year.
PURPOSE
This one-year program with its focus on practical theology helps the student to build their life on a solid biblical foundation, while developing a desire to serve others whether in the church or in the marketplace. The LifeLaunch Program is especially recommended for those students who plan to go on to university or training for another career, but who would first like to solidify their knowledge of their Christian faith. Unique to the LifeLaunch Program, students have the opportunity to be involved in several local ministries and an international missions trip. As with the Biblical Studies Certificate, the LifeLaunch Program comprises the first year of studies of the four-year Bachelor of Arts programs, making transferal into one of PLBC’s two- or four-year programs simple should the student wish to continue their studies.
PROGRAM LENGTH
31 credit hours
1 year full-time
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Greg Nelson – Greg is a pastor, missionary, and global networker who loves to create gospel-centered ecosystems that produce movement and multiplication. He is passionate about empowering and equipping young people for their specific calling in God’s Kingdom ministry while always practicing hospitality. After graduating from Appalachian State University and spending ten years in the business field, he finally answered the call God put on his life at a very young age to be an apostle and evangelist. This has led him on mission’s trips to over 10 countries with a call to “make disciples”. Greg has had a vast amount of ministry experience with Alpha Canada, as a Discipleship Training School Leader with Youth With a Mission, and as a Young Adult Pastor. He boasts about nothing but Christ and his beautiful wife and 2 girls
Program Details
OBJECTIVES
In addition to meeting the learning objectives required for all programs, Christian LifeLaunch will enable graduates to:
- Gain a foundational knowledge of the Old and New Testaments and basic Christian beliefs.
- Practice disciplines of the Christian faith that will deepen their relationship with God.
- Integrate theology and faith with the world and people around them.
- Value and practice tangible expressions of God’s love for humankind.
- Learn tools to build and support a Christian worldview.
CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS
GENERAL STUDIES COURSES (6 CREDIT HOURS)
GEN 100 Personal Life of the Leader
GEN 198 Christian Worldview
BIBLE AND THEOLOGY COURSES (12 CREDIT HOURS)
BIB 101 Old Testament Survey
BIB 152 New Testament Survey
BIB 192 Biblical Interpretation
THS 101 Survey of Christian Beliefs
MINISTRY DEVELOPMENT COURSES (13 CREDIT HOURS)
PTH 101 Spiritual Formation
PTH 107 Life Launch I
PTH 108 Life Launch II
PTH 114 Life and Ministry in the Holy Spirit
Plus ONE of the following:
MIN 101 Short Term Missions Trip
MIN 103 Tour Team
MIN 109 Service Ministry Practicum
Missions Trip
Each year our Life Launch students apply what they’ve learned by going on an extending missions experience. Last year the team served in Scotland.
The 2023/24 Missions team is back and their experience was filled with Spirit empowered ministry. The team was afforded the chance to go into 2 maximum security prisons and 1 reintegration center for a total of 5 visits. They led worship, shared about God’s forgiveness and grace, and talked and prayed with inmates on several occasions. They got to roast coffee beans with a local re-integration ministry @glesgaroasters and led a Sunday Service and a couple of prayer nights and youth services. They finished their time in London at #LC24 Alpha Leadership Conference where they volunteered on the prayer team. Some of the speakers included Nicky and Pippa Gumbel (founders of Alpha), Lecrae, and Danielle Strickland to name a few. It was a life changing experience to say the least. Join us in giving glory to God for equipping and sending them safely and God being glorified.
2024/25 MISSIONS TRIP: COSTA RICA
We are excited to announce the location of our next missions trip in Spring 2025. Serving alongside missionaries in Costa Rica, students will gain valuable life expereines in ministering in various locations around the nation. Partnering with Costa Rica Kids, a school sponsorship program, providing backpacks, uniforms, school supplies shoes to underprivileged families opening the doors for evangelism and discipleship. We will be working in different communities (some indigenous people groups) through churches, schools and our Missions Center meeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the children and their families.
Financial Details
Life Launch is an immersive year long experience. We have 3 ways that you can participate:
LIFELAUNCH: ONSITE
$20,235 This includes all fees for 9 months of housing and food M-F, 31 semester hours, and missions trip
LIFELAUNCH: OFFSITE
$12,235 This is all semester hours and mission trip but you provide your own housing and food.
LIFELAUNCH: PROGRESS
This can be done over 18 months where you gradually increase your workload to adjust to college. Prices vary dependent on route. Call us to find out more.