Hey there! I’m Timothy Olaniyi—
Co-Founder, President & CEO of Selah Seminary
We exist to transform the future of Christian leadership by equipping ministry leaders with holistic discipleship that emphasizes spiritual, emotional, and intellectual integration. Through our prophetic life coaching model, we challenge the traditional, intellectual-centric seminary model by prioritizing the spiritual integrity of our students through their emotional and relational development.
We cultivate leaders who are not only knowledgeable but deeply transformed, equipped to pioneer ministries that foster healing, spiritual empowerment, and societal transformation. Today, Selah serves as a non-accredited resource of theological education for those who desire to pursue radical visions for ministry impact that challenge the status quo.
But our journey didn’t start here…
I founded Selah Seminary with my wife Nicole because we both had a desire to see holistic discipleship for ministry leaders. It’s a journey that began in two very different places but ultimately led us together in our mission to raise up leaders who are both spiritually and emotionally whole.
Nicole and I come from different backgrounds, but we share a common experience: both of us grew up in Christian traditions where intellectual knowledge of the Bible was heavily emphasized, but personal well-being—emotional, relational, and spiritual—was often left out of the equation. We were both immersed in ministries that placed a premium on doctrine and outward success, but as we rose through the ranks in leadership, we each began to feel a deep dissatisfaction with what we were seeing.
There was an invisible gap: people were learning, preaching, and teaching, but many weren’t thriving personally. Their leadership was often disconnected from their everyday struggles, and we saw the damage it caused—emotionally, spiritually, and even physically.
The Journey from Knowledge to Holistic Restoration
I personally had spent years building my leadership in the church. I thought success meant accumulating knowledge and taking on more responsibilities. But over time, the emotional and spiritual toll began to show. The burnout, the fatigue, and the sense that something was missing became harder to ignore. It wasn’t until I took a step back and really examined what was lacking in the system I was part of that I realized the truth: leadership needed to be holistic. It’s not enough to be theologically sound—you also need to be emotionally healthy and spiritually restored to lead effectively.
Nicole’s journey mirrored mine in many ways, but in her case, the story was also deeply personal. She had been raised in a tradition where religious knowledge was paramount, but it was often void of a relational, humanizing approach to ministry. For Nicole, the turning point came during a season of personal struggle. After battling and overcoming a five-year pornography addiction, Nicole saw the cracks in the system from a different perspective. It wasn’t just the lack of emotional care in ministry that troubled her—it was the failure of the church to address real human needs. She realized that the traditional discipleship model had significant gaps that kept leaders from experiencing true healing and growth.
Equipping Leaders for Ministerial Freedom
Nicole’s transformation became the foundation of Selah Seminary. From her own journey of healing, she envisioned a seminary where people wouldn’t just be trained for ministry, but where they could be whole in every sense of the word: emotionally, spiritually, and physically. She went on to found Prophetic Life Coaching, a unique approach that integrates emotional restoration, spiritual growth, and prophetic calling. Nicole’s work in prophetic life coaching helps people not only discern their purpose but also equips them with the tools to break free from unhealthy cycles and move into the fullness of their calling. Together, we realized that we couldn’t just continue doing ministry the way it had always been done.
Something had to change.
My journey, too, has been one of deep transformation. As a young man, I faced a battle with witchcraft and spiritual oppression that shaped my understanding of spiritual warfare. Overcoming these forces required more than just knowledge—it demanded a deep spiritual renewal and a commitment to freedom from the unseen forces that were holding me back. This experience has shaped my approach to ministry and leadership. I have developed expertise in helping others overcome spiritual oppression, including witchcraft, through both personal deliverance and practical steps toward healing. I’ve seen firsthand how destructive forces can block a person’s ability to fulfill their calling, and I’m passionate about helping others break free from these chains.
Leading with Heart and Purpose
Our shared vision, rooted in our own struggles and corporate experiences, became the blueprint for Selah Seminary. From our experiences with traditional denominations, we saw the importance of structure, systems, and strategy in building strong organizations, but we also saw how organizational culture can overlook the personal health and growth of the people within it. These experiences helped us understand that ministry leaders need more than just theological training—they need support in navigating their personal and emotional lives, as well as practical guidance on how to serve and lead with integrity.
Selah Seminary is the result of these converging paths. Together, we are dedicated to creating a new kind of seminary experience—one that nurtures leaders holistically. Our aim is to equip individuals to lead with strength, wisdom, and authenticity—whether that’s within the church or in any sector where faith and leadership intersect.
We are not just about developing good ministers; we’re committed to raising up leaders who are healthy, grounded, and able to carry the weight of their calling with clarity and confidence. Our story is your story, too—a story of growth, healing, and discovering what it truly means to lead with heart and purpose.
We invite you to walk this journey with us, as we build a new kind of leadership for the church and the world around us.
Our Vision
We envision a new generation of Christian leaders who are spiritually vibrant, emotionally whole, and equipped to lead transformative ministries. By redefining theological education through our prophetic life coaching model, we offer a dynamic, adaptable framework that enables students to design personalized learning paths uniquely aligned with their callings.
Our graduates emerge as catalysts for change, equipped with the spiritual depth, emotional resilience, and cultural awareness to lead ministries that address the pressing needs of our time. They will pioneer movements that bridge tradition with innovation, fostering holistic healing, empowerment, and a faith that resonates deeply within diverse communities across the globe.
Your Path to Empowerment Starts Here
At Selah Seminary, we are on a transformative journey, and we invite you to be a part of our vibrant community of change-makers. Established with the vision to nurture and enhance the holistic well-being of ministry leaders, we are dedicated to fostering spiritual restoration, emotional resilience, and physical health. Our mission is to equip apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists with the skills and insights needed to lead five-fold ministries effectively and to usher in a new era of pioneers and visionaries.
Together, we can create a legacy of leadership that heals, inspires, and transforms.
Join us at Selah Seminary—where your ministry comes to life.