ABOUT:

We designed the practical aspects of Calvary International Training Institute (CITI) to help you grow in your relationship with Christ and to equip you to be an effective leader not only in a North American context but you’ll be prepared for ministry internationally as well.  CITI is a one-year program divided into trimesters. In each session, you will focus on a distinct area of study, broken up into two main aspects: 1) Academic, and 2) Practical.  With this strategy, we will help to equip you for success in ministry, whatever your gifting and abilities may be.

Academic:

The academic focus of your training will include courses on Practical Theology, Hermeneutics, Homiletics, Church Planting, Administration, Missiology and more.

Practical:

The practical focus of your training will concentrate more on your particular gifting and call.  A variety of departments where you will apply what you learn in real time include; Pastoral Ministry, Worship, Children’s Ministry, Media, Graphic Design, Missions, and Evangelism. In addition to the work you’ll be doing locally with the Reliance Church team, you will be asked to join one of four international short-time mission trips to Europe, the Philippines, Africa or South America. 

Trimester 1)

In the first trimester, the academic focus will be on the Bible Study Methods.  Using these methods, you will be learn how to study and understand scripture the way the author intended and the way the original audience would have understood. You will then learn how to apply these truths to your life. Theology 101 will include topics such as Research and Writing and Prolegomena.  With the practical focus, you will gain experience in a variety of departments at Reliance Church. By the end of the first trimester, you should have a strong grip on your calling and areas where you are most gifted. 

Trimester 2) 

In the second trimester, the academic focus will be on sermon preparation (Expositional v. Topical). Theology 102 will include topics such as Bibliology and Theology Proper & Creation.  With the practical focus, you will continue to rotate through and serve different departments within Reliance Church.

Trimester 3)

In the third and final trimester, the academic focus will be on Sermon Delivery. Theology 103 will include topic such as Christology and Pneumatology. With the practical focus, you will zero in on your preferred ministries where you will use the tools you’ve gained and apply them in the areas you are most gifted in.

What We Believe: Reliance Statement of Faith

Meet the Team

  • Ted Leavenworth

    Ted Leavenworth

    Ted Leavenworth is the founding and senior pastor of Reliance Church in Temecula, California and has been in christian service for over 30 years. A graduate of the Calvary Chapel School of Ministry, Pastor Ted has a heart for church planting - leading two church plants in Southern California and facilitating the establishment of seven others both nationally and internationally. Ted serves on the Executive Committee of Calvary Global Network where he focuses on leadership coaching and pastoral mentoring. Additionally, Pastor Ted co-hosts the Leadership Collective Podcast, focusing on the “nuts & bolts” of church leadership. Pastor Ted and his wife Brenda were married in 1985, and together they have three adult children and ten grandchildren.

  • Kyle Fox

    Kyle Fox

    Kyle Fox has been involved in full time, bi-vocational ministry since 2009. In 2014 after selling their business, his family set out as full time missionaries. They spent a short stint on a sailing catamaran in Southern Florida and the Bahamas, home schooling thier two boys and preparing for their first assignment. In 2017 they planted Calvary Belém in Northern Brazil, in the state of Pará. Kyle and his wife have started a number of ministries under Calvary Belém ranging from human trafficking/prostitution ministry, refugee care, coffee shop ministry and a number of different forms of street outreach. During their eight years in Brazil, It was a joy and honor to regularly teach at the bible school in the south of the country. Kyle is passionate about teaching and equipping the next generation of missionaries, church planters and leaders. His heart is to be used by the Lord to preach the gospel, and strengthen the body of Christ.

  • Shirley Ruiz

    Shirley Ruiz

    Shirley Ruiz is the church administrator at Reliance Church. Her position entails managing the church office and its staff, as well as assisting ministry leaders with organizational facilitation. Shirley previously served as the youth ministry administrator at Revival Christian Fellowship for 5 years. Before that, Shirley was the CFO for Family Business in Washington for 5 years. Amazingly, Shirley has successfully balanced her time to be a homeschooling mom for the past 12 years. Shirley has been married to her husband since 1989. They have 4 children. Shirley serves as the administrator for Calvary International Training Institute.

  • Josh Lazo

    Josh Lazo is the Facilities Lead, responsible for maintaining the church property and helping ministries facilitate Bible Studies and Events, he’s the Director of the Young Adults Ministry and Director of Operations.

    He and his wife Michaelah have two girls, Keziah and Jora, as well as four children in Heaven that they are eagerly waiting to meet. Their chief aim is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

FAQ’S

  • Tuition is $400 per Trimester. In addition to the tuition cost, you will be required to raise funds for your international short term mission trip. The cost typically cost between $2,000 to $2,500 depending on the location. Passport and visa fees and all other fees associated with the trip will be at your expense as well.

  • Cost for housing is not included. Students will be responsible for housing arrangements. We may be able to assist in finding housing for those in need. See housing request form.

  • Cost for food is not included. Students are responsible for all dietary needs.