Primary Certificates
The main option at the primary level is a Certificate of Ministry. It is intended to serve laypeople and ministers alike through higher-level study of broad ministry areas. We also offer additional certificate options at the primary level for students with specific ministry interests.
Primary-level certificates require the completion of the Certificate of Christian Foundation.
Certificate of Ministry
The Certificate of Ministry is ideally suited for students following a calling toward ministry (and not just those called to the role of pastor). The program is open to anyone, regardless of gender, background, or experience.
To earn a Certificate of Ministry, students must complete the Certificate of Christian Foundation and these four additional courses:
This course strives to teach the essential aspects of providing care for people in times of crisis. The subject matter is not specific to “pastors”, but rather it is intended for any who may find themselves extending care on behalf of a congregation.
This course is suitable for laypeople and ministers of all types who want to become better equipped to share and show the Gospel in an ever-changing world.
This is not just for those called to pulpit ministry; it takes a formal approach to learning the practice of communicating a passage of Scripture in a way that seeks to connect to people’s hearts and prompt them toward application.
- Elective*
*Electives can be chosen from any combination of seminar courses, partnership courses, or Independent Study Projects.
Certificate of Chaplaincy Ministry
The Certificate of Chaplaincy Ministry may be the appropriate option for students feeling led to serve as volunteer chaplains. This certificate is offered in partnership with Texas Baptist Chaplaincy Relations.
Students working toward a Certificate of Chaplaincy Ministry must meet a specific set of requirements outlined in the Certificate Program Course Catalog. These requirements may include a combination of the following:
- Hands on Ministry — These 12 hours of classroom training provide an extensive overview of practical chaplain ministry in a variety of settings.
- Disaster Spiritual Care — This training, administered by the Texas Crisis Resiliency Team, focuses on providing care for survivors of disasters and other traumatic events
- Chaplaincy Mentoring Project — This project is structured similarly to an Independent Study Project and is the culminating course for the Certificate of Chaplaincy Ministry. It should be taken after all other courses have been completed. Texas Baptist Chaplaincy Relations will help students connect with an active or retired chaplain for the project. When arrangements are needed, contact the Certificate Program office and Texas Baptist Chaplaincy Relations at 214-828-5277 or chaplaincy@texasbaptists.org.
Certificate of Ministry in Western Heritage
The Certificate of Ministry in Western Heritage is designed for students serving in Western Heritage/Cowboy churches. To achieve this certificate designation, students must complete a specific Independent Study Project designed in conjunction with a Cowboy Church Clinic offered through the American Fellowship of Cowboy Churches.
Students will ideally complete the Cowboy Church Clinic Independent Study Project as the ninth or tenth course in their pursuit of a Certificate of Ministry. Any student is able to complete the Cowboy Church Clinic Independent Study Project, regardless of whether they would like to receive the Western Heritage certificate designation.
Certificate of Community Development & Ministry
The Certificate of Community Development & Ministry is intended for students who want to learn Christian community development skills and understand urban issues, particularly among the poor and marginalized.