Ministry Leadership Certificate – Southwestern College Professional Studies » Southwestern College Professional Studies

Ministry Leadership

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Courses
Course Descriptions
Admission Requirements
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Is a Ministry Leadership Certificate for Me?

The Ministry Leadership Certificate provides individuals with the foundational teachings in scripture and the practices of the Christian faith. Completion of the Ministry Leadership Certificate will better equip a lay person who might be leading a small congregation or assisting in the ministry in their organization.

Classes taken in the Ministry Leadership Certificate program can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Studies and Youth Ministry.

Courses

REL 215 Understanding the Old Testament
REL 216 Understanding the New Testament
REL 301 Systematic Theology I
REL 302 Systematic Theology II
REL 325 Basic Preaching
REL 420 Evangelism

Course Descriptions

REL 215 Understanding the Old Testament

A survey of the Old Testament books (Hebrew Scriptures) with focus on appropriate interpretive methods that pastors and youth pastors use to help congregations understand and apply the scriptures. It shows the deep influence of the Old Testament upon the New Testament (Prerequisite: REL 200). Credit 3 hours.

REL 216 Understanding the New Testament

A survey of the New Testament books with focus on appropriate interpretive methods that pastors and youth pastors use to help congregations understand and apply the scriptures. It illustrates the New Testaments dependence upon the Old Testament (Prerequisite: REL 200 and REL 215). Credit 3 hours.

REL 301 Systematic Theology I

An introduction to the best practices of Christian thinkers, to equip pastors and youth pastors with interpretive tools for helping people understand the Christian faith. The focus of this course is on methods (critical tools) for the interpretive role of pastor/youth pastor (Recommended Prerequisite: PHIL 225). Credit 3 hours.

REL 302 Systematic Theology II

A study of the core teachings of the Christian faith and the means by which the church through the centuries has come to organize these teachings. This course shows the deep internal relationships between the various teachings and how they shape both individual and communal Christian life. Credit 3 hours.

REL 325 Basic Preaching

Though a form of public speaking, preaching is different in many important respects. This course is designed to help the learner develop skills in delivering a sermon. Credit 3 hours.

REL 420 Evangelism

This course is designed to help the learner gain theoretical and practical education in Christian evangelism. Credit 3 hours.

Admission Requirements

Anyone interested in completing the Certificate in Ministry Leadership may complete a Southwestern College Professional Studies Application for Admission. The six courses comprising the Ministry Leadership Certificate can be completed in nine months or less and there are no prerequisites.

Individuals completing the Ministry Leadership Certificate at Southwestern College may apply these 18 credit hours earned toward either the Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies or the Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry offered by Southwestern College Professional Studies.

The Ministry Leadership Certificate is offered in an online format. Courses are delivered in 6-week sessions to allow maximum flexibility for busy professionals.