Six focused courses. Available 100% online or residentially at our Hamilton Campus.
The Certificate in Christian Studies provides a foundational framework for Christian thought and ministry.
Embark on your journey of theological education to foster a Christ-centered approach to your unique ministry context. Gordon-Conwell’s most popular certificate, the Graduate Certificate in Christian Studies is designed for Christians cultivating a foundational framework for public ministry, personal growth, and academic pursuit. Courses are available 100% digitally and in-person at the Hamilton, Charlotte, and Jacksonville campuses. This certificate includes six foundational courses in theology, biblical studies, and ministry. With a modular design, the Certificate in Christian Studies is stackable and build towards any master’s degree.
This certificate program is ideal for:
- Elders & Deacons
- Church Staff
- Small Group Leaders
- Christian Mentors
- Campus Ministry Staff
- Missionaries
Courses
Six courses (18 credits)
Exploring the Old Testament
Exploring the Old Testament (OT500) highlights the big picture of the Old Testament through the lens of God’s relationship with his people. We will explore the content, context, message, and purpose of each Old Testament book. We will see how each book fits into the overarching story of the Old Testament and how the unfolding narrative points forward to Jesus as the climax in the story of redemption.
Exploring the New Testament
Exploring the New Testament (NT501) traces the revelation of the Good News of Jesus Christ from the time of Jesus’ inauguration of God’s Kingdom, through the international missionary work of the Apostle Paul, to the Church’s communal life and witness in the first-century world. We will explore the content, context, message, and purpose of each New Testament book and see how they show the fulfillment of Scripture’s overarching narrative.
Interpreting the Bible
Have you ever heard someone ask, “does the Bible really say that?” This question often stems from a curiosity about biblical interpretation. In NT/OT517, you will acquire critical exegetical skills for faithful biblical analysis for ministry contexts, as well as for deeper spiritual enrichment. Gain a foundation of the theory and methods of Biblical interpretation and utilize modern exegetical resources. Apply interpretive principles to various genres of Scripture. Distinguish between various schools of thought related to key hermeneutical issues in Biblical interpretation. This course will provide you with the essential tools you need for each ministry setting, and to tactfully engage in “why?” conversations with informed knowledge and insight.
Theology Survey I
What exactly sets Christianity apart from other religious expressions in the world? Examine the development of the nature, history, and methodology of Christian theology. Explore the distinctives of Christianity through the over-arching theme of the doctrine of God in the first of a two-part survey on Christian theology. Observe the awesome being of God, the attributes of God, and the Trinitarian nature of God. Reflect upon various methodological issues, theological implications of creation, and theological anthropology. In completion of TH501, you will be able to outline fundamental Christian doctrines, articulate various theological positions with biblical support, and communicate a personal theological position on significant theological topics.
Theology Survey II
With a theological foundation laid in TH501, TH502 undertakes a more comprehensive analysis of Christology, the person and work of the Christ, as well as Pneumatology, the work of the Holy Spirit. The doctrines of predestination, conversion, justification, sanctification, perseverance, the nature and mission of the church, sacraments, and eschatology will be examined more extensively, and all doctrinal observations will be made from the perspective of divine missions and Trinitarian activity. Theological reflection will occur in a comparative fashion, observing evangelical traditions alongside other major Christian traditions, specifically Catholic and Eastern-orthodox doctrine, for the purpose of enhancing the range of theological study.
Spiritual Formation for Ministry
Prioritizing spiritual formation is a fundamental ingredient to healthy ministry, academic, and workplace relations. This course will equip you to develop a vibrant spiritual and active devotional life with Christ. Learn about the multi-disciplinary nature of spiritual formation from biblical, theological, historical, liturgical, experiential, and literary perspectives. Look closely at the life of Christ as a model for developing healthy spiritual patterns and conduct case studies to observe practices from historic Christian figures for developing a robust personal spiritual discipline.
Upcoming Courses
Further Study
Our Graduate Certificates are intentionally modular, allowing you to stack certificates together to build towards (or even complete) a master’s degree.
*The MACM is a “professional degree,” which primarily means it is weighted toward developing practical ministry skills. As such, six of the concentration electives in the MACM should be drawn from practical theology or counseling courses. Currently, the Certificate in Spiritual Formation fits ideally in this scenario.
In the same way, certificates can be applied toward the MATS (60 credits) or the MDIV (90 credits). Graduate certificates allow you to start small and work toward a full MA.
TUITION RATES
Visit our tuition page for information on tuition rates and financial aid.
* All students can expect to receive some form of financial assistance. Most students qualify for the scholarship listed here. Reach out to our admissions team (using the form below) to see if you qualify for this or any other scholarships or financial assistance. Unfortunately, our Graduate Certificates are not eligible for federal aid.
Have Questions?
Someone from our friendly admissions team would be happy to reach out to you.
