The Summer Institute of Theology is an extension of the regular seminary program.   It is conducted each summer during the first full week of August. The institute provides an opportunity for continuing education for pastors and lay-people under the guidance of the regular faculty as well as guest lecturers who are recognized as leaders in specialized areas of theological study.  It aslo serves "licensed pastors" in the AFLC who are required to successfully complete eight credits annually in order to maintain their clergy license. 

 A full range of theological courses in the Old and New Testaments, Systematic Theology, Church History, and Pastoral Work are offered in a twelve year cycle. Participants registering for credit at the institute are given research projects which are due on November 1 of the same year.  A certificate of Pastoral Studies (C.P.S.) is awarded to those who successfully complete 96 credit hours.  Credits earned in the Institute are not transferable into the regular seminary program due to the altered expectations in course fulfillment as well as the compacted structure of the courses.