Commercial Farming & Agricultural Apprenticeship Program
Training Farmers for Mission, Stewardship, and Excellence
The Commercial Farming & Agricultural Apprenticeship Program is a hands-on, faith-based training pathway that prepares students for meaningful work in agriculture while grounding them in the work of sharing the Three Angels’ Messages. This program integrates practical farming skills, farm operations, and evangelism—training students to steward the land faithfully and use agriculture as a tool for service and outreach.
A Mostly Hands-On, Paid Apprenticeship — Not a Classroom-Only Program
This is not a classroom-based agriculture program.
Training takes place on a working commercial farm through an apprenticeship-style model that emphasizes learning by doing. The majority of instruction occurs through paid, hands-on field training in areas such as orchard establishment, welding, and metal fabrication for agricultural applications. Students actively participate in daily farm operations under guided mentorship.
Classroom instruction supports the fieldwork but does not replace it. Students learn through real-world experience—developing practical skills, work ethic, and confidence in an agricultural environment.
Why Agriculture?
The program is grounded in the biblical view of agriculture and the writings of Ellen G. White, particularly Counsels on Agriculture. Farming is taught not only as a practical occupation, but as a means of stewardship, character development, and mission.
Students learn how agriculture can:
- Build trust within communities
- Create opportunities for meaningful relationships
- Support self-sustaining mission work
- Reflect God’s design for work, health, and service
Program Structure & Pathway
The Commercial Farming & Agricultural Apprenticeship Program follows a progressive pathway, with each stage building upon the previous one.
1. Foundations of Agriculture
Students begin with foundational agricultural training while participating as paid apprentices on a working farm. No prior farming experience is required.
2. Advanced Agriculture & Mission Integration
As students progress, they take on greater responsibility in farm operations while deepening their understanding of agriculture within a mission context.
3. Farm Management Apprenticeship (Planned Future Track)
A future, advanced track will focus on long-term farm leadership, management, and operational planning for those who demonstrate readiness and aptitude.
Areas of Training
Throughout the program, students gain experience in key areas of commercial farming, including:
- Soil health and regenerative practices
- Orchard establishment and pruning
- Irrigation systems and water management
- Pest and disease management
- Farm tools, machinery, and equipment operation
- Welding and metal fabrication for agricultural applications
- Farm planning, efficiency, and stewardship
Training emphasizes practical application in real farming conditions.
Mission & Evangelism Integration
Each year includes comprehensive evangelism instruction and participation in a mission trip. Agriculture is taught as a means of supporting ministry, and comprehensive evangelism is taught as a means of keeping a focus on mission.
Through classes from our comprehensive evangelism course, agriculture apprenticeship students are trained to share the gospel in diverse ways, equipping them as well-rounded missionaries. Each method builds skills for connecting with communities and effectively presenting the three angels’ messages. Through classes that focus on biblical leadership and administration, students learn to create, manage, and lead ministries, shaping them to become effective ministry leaders upon completion of their apprenticeship. Additionally, a focus on Christian living and theology grounds students in faith essentials, teaching them how to grow in their faith, share it, and defend it, empowering them to serve God boundlessly.
Faith, work, and mission are intentionally integrated throughout the program.
Who This Program Is For
This program is designed for individuals who:
- Desire hands-on agricultural training
- Are interested in farming, orchards, or agricultural work
- Want a faith-based, mission-aligned pathway
- Prefer real-world experience over classroom theory
- Are exploring agricultural service connected to ministry
No prior farming experience is required to begin the program.
Outcomes
Graduates of the program are prepared to:
- Work competently in commercial agricultural environments
- Support farm and orchard operations
- Implement sustainable and regenerative practices
- Use agriculture as a tool for mission and service
- Progress toward advanced leadership and management roles
Take the Next Step
If you are interested in learning more about the Commercial Farming & Agricultural Apprenticeship Program, including availability, application details, and start dates, we invite you to connect with us.
Streams of Light Training Institute
Pullman, Michigan
