Beecher Institute is a licensed Proprietary School in the state of Michigan. It was officially formed in 2010 but was birthed out of the Ministry Training model of Mt. Zion’s Ministers Training School (previously called Ministers Candidate School, and typically
referred to as “MTS”) began in 1986 and graduated its first class, consisting of 24 students, in 1989. The last class was graduated in 2
009. Over that 20-year period, well over 700 students graduated from the program. Many MTS graduates have served in ministry capacities on either a full-time or lay minister basis. Over 100 graduates have served as official deacons at Mt. They and much more
have made vital contributions to the various ministries that Mt. Dozens have served as pastors at Mt. Zion and various other churches; several have also started their own churches and/or served in the mission field. Zion’s Counselors Training Program began in 1992 and graduated its first class, consisting of 29 students, in 1994. Over the past 20 years, well over 400 students graduated from the program. Like the MTS program, Counselors Training graduates have served vital ministry roles both in and outside of Mt. In addition to pastors, missionaries, deacons and committed church volunteers, graduates have also served important counseling roles. Over 60 have served as group facilitators in Mt. Zion’s group counseling program, called Life Enrichment. Dozens have also served as one on one lay counselors at Mt. Zion Church under the leadership of Dr. Jeanne Cagle. The name “Beecher Institute” was derived from an important figure in the history of the American Church – Lyman Beecher. He was a leader in American’s Second Great Awakening. His philosophy was that “The great aim of the Christian Church in its relation to the present life
is not only to renew the individual man but also to reform human society.” He advocated that society could be changed. His life serves as an example that one individual can make a difference, as he launched a movement that had a profound impact on American history (the
Temperance Movement). Based on Beecher’s life, our goal is to train and educate individuals to change society. Therefore, Beecher Institute’s mission is to use Bible-based, people oriented Higher Education in order to cultivate Christian leaders, preparing them to excel in diverse capacities, being able to represent Christ in and beyond the church. We aim to educate and develop Christians as individuals, members of the church, and participants in society, so they can prosper in diverse capacities and represent Christ in every realm of culture!