Certificate Programs < Bethel University

Overview

Increasingly, large numbers of capable and committed Christians express the need for more depth and background in knowledge and experience in order to serve Christ more effectively. They also want to understand and appreciate the dimensions of their own faith to a greater extent. Some are not certain about their future vocations. Certificate programs offer a limited course of study, giving individuals a basis for deciding whether a church vocation might be what God desires for them.

Online Certificates

The Certificate in Church Planting

The Certificate in Church Planting is designed to provide foundational training for individuals seeking to plant a new church. Those who complete the certificate will be prepared to develop a vision for a new church, organize teams and a support network to launch a new church, plan worship services and welcoming experiences, and create and implement systems to sustain a new church.

This certificate is awarded upon the completion of 7.5 semester credits. All courses run in a fully online format and do not require an on campus component for completion. The certificate can be completed in one academic year with one 3 credit course offered in the Fall, a 1.5 credit course offered in January Interim, and a 3 credit course offered in Spring. Courses do not need to be taken in a specific order. The Certificate in Church Planting is not eligible for financial aid. Requirements for the Certificate in Church Planting are below:

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
ML 531DE	Church Planting Vision and Preparation	3
ML 533DE	Critical Worship Service Elements for Church Plants	1.5
ML 535DE	Creating Sustainable Church Plants	3
Total Credits		7.5

St. Paul Certificates

The Certificate in Theological Studies

The Certificate in Theological Studies is offered for those individuals who want more depth in biblical studies and theology to enhance their current ministries and occupations; for those needing biblical and theological studies for missions and parachurch organizations; or for individuals seeking direction regarding their future vocations who want a limited course of study to guide them in making a decision about vocational Christian ministry.

The Certificate in Theological Studies comprises three core courses and five electives. The 24-credit certificate can be completed in two years with either face-to-face or fully online courses. The following courses are required for the certificate:

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
SP 001	Formation Assessments	0
BT 510	Hermeneutics	3
SP 510	Introduction to Spiritual and Personal Formation	3
TS 512	Systematic Theology I: God the Creator	3
or TS 513	Systematic Theology II: God the Redeemer
Electives	Any master's level course at Bethel Seminary	15
Total Credits		24

San Diego Certificates

The Certificate in Anglican Studies

The Certificate in Anglican Studies is awarded upon completion of 21 credits. The certificate requires the following courses:

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
HS 689	Anglican Spirituality	3
ML 679	Worship in the Prayer Book Tradition	3
TS 674	Ministry with the Sacraments	3
TS/HS 690	Anglican Theology and History	3
Select one preaching course		3
Select one Old Testament course		3
Select one New Testament course		3
Total Credits		21

The Certificate in Ministry

The Certificate in Ministry is awarded upon completion of 21 credits (12 credits for students who have a prior seminary degree; see below). This program is designed to offer those individuals who desire more depth and background knowledge in a specialized vocational area in order to minister more effectively. Three foundational courses (3 credits each) are required for students who do not have a prior seminary degree: Hermeneutics (BT 510), Systematic Theology I: God the Creator (TS 512), and a Spiritual Formation elective. The remaining concentration courses (12 credits total) will be selected from one of the four MA in Ministry concentrations: Anglican Studies, Chaplaincy, Pastoral Care, or Missional Leadership.

Campus-Wide Certificates

The Certificate in Biblical Studies

Awarded upon completion of 9 credits in the areas of biblical interpretation and surveys of the Old and New Testaments. The goal of this certificate, which emphasizes foundational coursework in biblical studies, is to nurture more informed, whole and holy people for the blessing of church congregations and their witness to the world. Its purpose is to strengthen faith and understanding, and to equip people to teach and lead with godly wisdom. The 3 required courses for this certificate are: Hermeneutics BT 510, Old Testament Survey OT 516, and New Testament Survey NT 516. All 3 required courses must be taken at Bethel, and only courses taken for credit will apply toward the certificate. Coursework from other institutions is not transferable. After receiving this certificate, students who later choose to pursue a Bethel degree, may receive transfer credit toward their specific degree program for courses taken, if applicable.