Bringing the accredited, rigorous, and faithful education of The Master's Seminary to churches from Stockton to Bakersfield.
Grace Church of the Valley hosts the Central Valley Distance Location of The Master's Seminary. Since 1986, The Master's Seminary has trained men for pastoral ministry—to preach the Word of God, reach the world for Christ, and teach others to do the same. Our distance location is conducted in close association with the pastoral staff and leadership of Grace Church of the Valley. Our church has been thoroughly vetted to ensure total theological compatibility with The Master's Seminary and a precise philosophy of ministry in line with Grace Community Church in Southern California. For more information, watch the video below or contact our Seminary Director, Brendan Tomassian, at Brendan@graceofthevalley.org. |
How Does it Work?
98Units |
$500Per Unit(Before Scholarships) |
3-4Years |
Two-Way LivestreamThis teaching style connects students with the L.A. campus and professors for live interactive courses. ![]() |
Onsite ClassesIn-person interaction from professors enhances teaching on topics such as pastoral ministry. ![]() |
Online LecturesLectures are taught via pre-recorded teaching along with regular communication and feedback. ![]() |
Seminary ExperienceEvents, accountability, discipleship, and a cohort of fellow classmates, all within the local church. ![]() |
Watch This Video to Hear from our Dean and Students
Meet Our Staff
Scott Ardavanis | Dean and Professor |
Scott Ardavanis serves as the Senior Pastor of Grace Church of the Valley. Scott was previously on the pastoral staff of Grace Community Church. He is an adjunct professor at The Master’s University and The Master’s Seminary in the area of Pastoral Ministry and Homiletics. Scott earned his degrees at The Master’s University, B.A., The Master’s Seminary, M.Div., and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, D.Min. Scott also serves on TMUS’s Board of Directors. |
Brendan Tomassian | Director |
Brendan Tomassian directs and provides support for the students and faculty of the Distance Location. He graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in The Study of Religion and Middle Eastern Studies and from The Master’s Seminary with a Master of Divinity. He is currently pursuing a D.Min. in Biblical Counseling at The Master's University and a PhD in Applied Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has pastoral experience in children’s ministry, youth ministry, and adult discipleship. He also serves the biblical counseling ministry on staff at Grace Church of the Valley. |
Andy Woodfield | Instructor |
Andy Woodfield came to the US from New Zealand with his family in 2003. After graduating from The Master’s Seminary in 2007, Andy served at Hickman Community Church as their Lead Pastor until the end of 2022. He new serves on staff at Grace Church of the Valley as the Pastor of Discipleshp. In this role, he oversees men's and women's ministries, biblical counseling, Spiritual Leadership Training, Marriage Builders, equipping classes, and other ministries. Andy's greatest joy is serving the Lord Jesus Christ through preaching and teaching, discipleship, counseling, and hospitality. |
Sam Musgrave | Instructor |
Sam Musgrave serves as the Pastor for Teaching, Equipping, & College Ministries at Trinity Community Church in Clovis, CA. He studied at Fresno Pacific University, B.A. (Philosophy and the Classics), Western Seminary, M.Div., The Master's Seminary, D.Min., and currently studies part-time at The University of Edinburgh in Scotland, Ph.D. He is also on the leadership team of a Bible College that is launching soon in the Central Valley. |
Helpful Documents for New Students
12 Questions About Seminary | |
Sample Degree Plan | |
Do I Need to Go to Seminary? | Integrated Training Plan |