History
It all started when Jerry & Tami McKinney started Carmel Church (formerly City Church) in 1998 with their three sons. Their purpose was to build a church where everyone felt comfortable from the moment they walked in. They dreamed of a church that would love God, love His Word, love people and love life. Serving Jesus and people is at the heart of their story.
They met in a Young Adult ministry in Portland Oregon and saw the value in that season of life. The friendships, life-lessons and leadership they learned in that season set their lives up for success. From the founding of the church, they had a vision to reach people from all walks of life, ethnicity, background and economic status. Their vision was simple, “Follow Jesus, Build a Great Church, Love People and Love Life.”
Since the beginning, they wanted to pour into the young adults of this community, just like they experienced 40 years ago. They had a heart to see young adults help in the building of the church. SDCLC has been training and releasing Young Adults to lead for more than 25 years, releasing thousands of young people into influence around the world in ministry, politics, business, media, academia and so much more.
“I learned about life. I learned about the Lord. And, I learned how to lead.”
SDCLC GRADUATE | class of 2016
How We Work - Our 3 Different Schools
SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
One of our main goals is that you draw closer to God. One of the ways you do that is by learning more about Him. The core classes to the theology program include: Basic Doctrine 1 and 2, ACTS, Life of Christ, Old/New Testament History, Old/New Testament Survey, Discipleship, Evangelism, Covenants, Holy Spirit, Leadership, Speaking & Public Speaking, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Leadership 1 and 2 and more. The uniqueness of our program, is we give you the opportunity to take your theology training and implement it into the church, local outreaches and to the world through missions.
SCHOOL OF LIFE & Leadership
We want to help you in every facet of life. We have elective classes on finances, dating, marriage, raising Godly kids and more. Beyond that, we offer incredible one-on-one and group mentorship on practical life, pastoral ministry, life coaching, family issues, church planting, business success, even resume building. Whatever your next step is, beyond SDCLC, we will help you build the foundation and give you confidence and skills to help make you a success.
school of ministry & missions
We are all called to leave a legacy and make an eternal impact on those around us. Whether you go into vocational ministry, or into the marketplace, you were meant to impact others. In SDCLC you will learn how to serve and lead in a church setting (through creative, youth, young adult, young professional, worship, admin, kids ministries or more). Beyond the walls of the church, you will experience local and international missions, make a difference in one of the largest campus ministries in San Diego and travel to other nations.
“Out of all the schooling I’ve done in my life, Basic Doctrine is the best class I’ve ever taken.”
SDCLC GRADUATE | CLASS OF 2016
Classes & Curriculum
2024-2025
first semester (Fall 2024)
Old Testament Survey
The Book of Acts
Rooted Discipleship
Spiritual Leadership
OLP (Organizational Leadership Practicum)
Victorious Christianity
*Optional Elective - Financial Peace
Second semester (SPRING 2025)
New Testament Survey
Covenants
Life Management
OLP (Organizational Leadership Practicum)
Bible Research Online
*Optional Elective - Marriage Class
2025-2026
first semester (Fall 2025)
Basic Doctrine 1
Life of Christ
On Mission (Discovering the Purpose that God has for Every Believer)
OLP (Organizational Leadership Practicum)
Life Management/Rooted
*Optional Elective - Parenting Class
Second semester (SPRING 2026)
Basic Doctrine 2
Holy Spirit
Worship
OLP (Organizational Leadership Practicum)
Online Leadership
*Optional Elective - Financial Peace
*All electives are non-credit classes
“I didn’t just learn how to make a living. I learned how to make a difference.”
SDCLC GRADUATE | class of 2001
Ministry & Leadership Experience
We want to help you get from point A to point B. After discovering who God created you to be, we’ll help you develop that gifting with hands on ministry and leadership experience. You can’t “go” until you “grow.” Good mentorship will help.
What is practicum?
Practicums are adviser-led areas of hands-on ministry and service time. We want to help you discover, develop and implement your gifting. It is an accredited time (part of your degree) but, beyond that, will help you learn to lead by pouring into the lives of others.
What areas of ministry can i participate in?
There really are countless areas. Some of the practicums include:
Kids Church
Youth Ministry
Youth Campus Outreach
College Ministry
Young Adults
Service Production
Finance / Administration
Campus Ministry
Pastoral Assistance
Events
Tech Arts (sound, lights, audio visual)
Media Arts
Design
Pre-School
Video Production
Missions and Outreach
Pastoral Care
Assimilation (Newcomer Care)
Marketing
Preschool
“This is the greatest investment I’ve made in my life.
SDCLC GRADUATE | Class of 2008
Weekly Schedule
Tuesdays
9:00-10:00a | Chapel and Prayer
10:00-11:00a | Campus Prep
11:00-1:30p | Campus Outreach
1:30-2:00p | Lunch Break
2:00-3:00p | Leadership Class
3:00-5:00p | Practicum Ministry Time
5:00-6:00p | Break
6:00-8:00p | Core Class
Wednesdays
5:00-9:00p | Youth Night (for youth leaders)
THURSDAYS
Pursuit Prayer - 6:00-7:00p
Monthly - First Thursday Tijuana Outreach - 8:00a-2:00p
Monthly - College Outreach - 8:00-10:00p
SATURDAYS
7:00-9:00p - The Gathering (Young Adult and Young Professionals)
SUNDAYS
8:30-9:00a | Sunday Prayer
9:00-1:00p | Practicum and Service - Serve One, Sit One
9:00 & 11:00a | Sunday Services
**Schedule is subject to change
Tuition & Fees
Total Tuition: $2,000
Payment plans will be setup upon acceptance
Registration Fee: $50
Additional Books: $100
Missions Trips (approximate cost)
Dominican Republic: $2000
Brazil: $2550
Admission Requirements
High School Diploma or G.E.D. (exceptions will be made for students simultaneously working toward their G.E.D.
17 years of age or older (younger students require special permission from a parent or guardian)
Must have been a faithful member of a local church for at least 6 months
Is spiritually, intellectually, physically, and emotionally able to complete the program
Is financially able to complete the program and work no more than 30 hours a week
Agrees to comply with the Student Handbook requirements and code of conduct
Student must submit one pastoral reference form and one personal reference form (found in online registration application)
Please contact us about any questions or requests for exceptions.
Financial Aid
Limited financial aid is available through SDCLC. Students can apply for financial aid by completing the financial aid application following acceptance into the program. Email us with any questions. If approved, financial aid may be applied to tuition costs only. Applications are due by August 20th. The maximum amount of financial aid awarded to any one student is $1,000 (some exceptions may apply).
Fundraising
We are aware that tuition may be a financial stretch for some of you. We believe God is the provider and will provide for this season. We are here to help you in the journey. Please don’t hesitate to connect with us.
Support Letters
You can proactively seek out financial support and send support letters to family, friends, church members, and co-workers. Download our missions support document here (can be adapted for internship). Use it as a guideline. Ask for a one-time gift, or a monthly commitment. We highly recommend that you personalize each support letter by writing a short introductory paragraph specifically addressed to each individual.
Go Fund Me
Create a free GoFundMe account to be shared on social media platforms, or sent directly to friends and family.
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