The Pastoral Ministry Certificate is designed for those in the local church who are responsible for pastoral duties in a staff or volunteer capacity. It is also suited to those mature persons who already have a college degree but desire formal training and certification in pastoral studies. Courses included in this certificate prepare students to preach, lead worship, provide pastoral care, and administer to the church with effectiveness. They would gain a primary grounding in theology, the life of Jesus, and biblical studies.
Because of the nature of the ministry, enrollment in the Pastoral Ministry Certificate Program is limited to those at least 30 years of age with local church experience in evangelism, counseling, leading worship, and preaching. Admission to the program is by recommendation of the Chair of the Pastoral Department.
The Pastoral Ministry Certificate will equip students to:
- Exegete the Scriptures for teaching and preaching.
- Prepare and preach sermons.
- Evangelize and train others for personal evangelism.
- Plan and lead worship.
- Use basic counseling skills in short-term counseling.
- Administer a congregation.
- Provide pastoral care.
