The training of
NEW LEADERS IN JAPAN
is critical for this generation
Why Kerusso?
OUR MISSION is to serve the body of Christ by training leaders to faithfully proclaim the gospel to the church and the world.
At Kerusso, we exist to equip leaders for ministry who love and serve the church while fulfilling the great commission through biblically-based, gospel-centered ministry.​
The Need in Japan
There is a dire need to train new leaders to guide existing churches and plant new ones across Japan. With Japan’s rapidly shifting population landscape and growing urbanization, the need is immense, and the opportunity to equip this generation to lead the church in reaching Japan is extraordinary.
The Need for Pastors
15% of churches in Japan don't have a pastor. As Japan's churches age and churches close every year, it is estimated that over the next few years 50% of churches will close or be without a pastor.
Less than 10% of pastors in Japan are under 50 years old. The average age of pastors in Japan is over 70 years old​.​​​​
2nd Largest Global Unreached People Group
117,205,000 Japanese People
The Japanese People in Japan are the second largest unreached people group in the world, with an evangelical Christian population around .3%.
(Source: The Joshua Project)
​
In Japan there is one church for every 16,700 people (compared to 1 church for every 800 people in the US). Yet 70% of churches have less than 30 people.​
What makes Kerusso unique?​
Theological Distinctives
5 Pillars of Theological Training for Ministry
High View of God
A commitment to honoring God above all, recognizing His glory, sovereignty, and centrality in all aspects of life and ministry.
​
High View of Scripture
We uphold and teach the inerrancy, sufficiency, authority, and infallibility of the Bible. A clear and accurate understanding of Scripture is foundational to our education program and essential for faithful ministry.
High View of Church
God deeply loves the church and has established it as His primary means of caring for believers and reaching the lost. We aim to equip leaders who love the church passionately, lead it humbly, and tirelessly reach the lost through its ministry.
Expositional Preaching
Teaching and proclaiming God’s Word faithfully, with clarity and conviction, is at the heart of effective pastoral ministry. We train leaders to handle Scripture carefully, making its meaning clear and applying it to our own lives and the lives of their listeners.
Passion for Missions, Evangelism, & Discipleship
Guided by the Great Commission, we seek to see churches flourish, people saved, and God glorified as disciples are made among those who do not know Jesus.
Theological Position
Kerusso adheres to biblical, orthodox, evangelical Christianity. Full theological statement to be released soon.
​
In addition to this, our classes are taught from the position of being credo-baptist and complementarian with a high value on the great commission, expository preaching, primacy of the local church, and gospel-centered ministry.
Academic Program Distinctives
Specialized Learning Pathways
​
​3 Year Track 25+ Classes
Designed for a comprehensive theological education
​​
1-2 Year Track 15+ Classes
Tailored for accelerated learning
​
1 Year Track
A fundamental program ideal for laypersons seeking an essential theological foundation
​
​
Fully Supported Language Options
All courses are fully available in both Japanese and English, ensuring that instruction, assignments, readings, and discussions are conducted entirely in your chosen language.
In-Person Experience Across Japan
All classes are offered in person. While headquartered in Tokyo, we offer in-person classes nationwide. Our remote cohorts meet face-to-face with a supervisor and connect with Tokyo and other groups via video conferencing, creating a hybrid learning environment throughout Japan.
Designed for Ministry
Our program integrates deep theological teaching with practical skills for real-life ministry. We focus on training individuals to humbly live out what they learn, apply it faithfully to their own lives, and to lead in ministry with excellence, purpose, and integrity.
Tensions We Embrace
as profressors, staff, and students
Competent Church Leaders + Humble Servants
​
Seekers of lost sheep + Shepherds of found sheep
​
Knowers of the Word + Doers of the Word
​
Deep study of theology + Charitable to diverse understanding of Theology
​
Strong doctrinal identity + Healthy cooperation and catholicity​