Church Leadership
Communities of faith depend on empowered and inspired leaders to guide them throughout the many seasons of life. Often, full- and part-time ministers provide guidance for congregations, but lay leadership is equally if not more important in the sustaining and thriving of congregations. Deacons, Sunday school teachers, small group leaders, support staff, youth volunteers, and many others who serve within a congregation enrich the community through their gifts. The Certificate in Church Leadership is designed to provide additional preparation and resources for lay leaders as they continue the important work of sustaining ministry work through their contributions to congregational life.
Hear more about the program from Dr. Karen Massey
Program Overview
Why earn a Church Leadership Certificate?
What is Your Why?
F.A.Q.s
What courses would you take?
Required Courses — 9 hours
- Emotional Intelligence in Ministry & Leadership — 3 credit hours
- What You Do is a Sacred Calling: Nurturing Faith in Ministry — 3 credit hours
- Leadership & Polity in the Church* — 3 Credit Hours
Choose 1 from:
- Global Perspectives in Ministry & Misson — 3 credit hours
- Ethics — 3 credit hours
Total: 12 hours
*Requires church-based internship and must be completed in final Spring semester.
What if you have taken similar courses before?
Students may appeal to complete a substitute course if they have successfully completed that course in a different degree program or certificate. Courses completed may only apply to one certificate program.
When can you start?
The Church Leadership program accepts students in August and January.
What are the admissions requirements?
Please refer to our Admissions Requirements page.
When is the application deadline?
For students wanting to start in August: June 15
For students wanting to start in January: November 15
How much does this program cost?
For cost and other financial questions please our FAQ page.
Do you receive graduate credit for courses?
Yes! As a graduate certificate program, you earn credit for the courses you take and you earn grades in the course that can be moved into a degree program in the future if you so choose.