Pastoral Ministry Certificate
Pastoral Ministry Certificate
This twelve-course program is designed to prepare leaders with no prior theological training to successfully provide pastoral leadership for a congregation. Coursework in the Pastoral Ministry Certificate Program provides a solid introduction to Biblical interpretation, Lutheran theology, church history, and ministerial practice.
Program Overview
Zero Student Debt
Our goal is for every student to graduate with no debt. Our donor-sponsored financial assistance makes that possible.
Total: $0.00
Tuition
$400 per Credit Hour
*Tuition cost is subject to change. Additional costs may apply.
Total: $14,400
Requirements
Consists of 12 courses in the areas of biblical theology, historical and systematic theology, and pastoral theology.
More Information Below
Total: 36 Credits
Expected Timeline
Full-time students can finish this degree in 2 years taking 3 courses a semester.
Total: 2 Years
*Additional costs may apply. (Application fee, books, costs associated with researching and producing the independent projects or the final project or thesis, etc.) are also the responsibility of the participant.
Course of Study
The Pastoral Ministry Certificate program provides a foundation education in Lutheran pastoral ministry. This program is designed to help lay people serve their congregations in the absence of a pastor.
| Course Requirements | Credit Hours |
| BT 221: Principles of Biblical Interpretation | 3 Credits |
| BT 311: Old Testament Theology and History | 3 Credits |
| BT 321: New Testament Theology and History | 3 Credits |
| PTE 241: Christian Apologetics | 3 Credits |
| HST 201: Systematic Theology I | 3 Credits |
| HST 321: Luther and His Catechisms | 3 Credits |
| HST 331: Lutheran Reformers and the Book of Concord | 3 Credits |
| PT 401: Pastoral Theology and Care | 3 Credits |
| PT 411: Lutheran Worship | 3 Credits |
| PT 421: Proclaiming God’s Word | 2 Credits |
| PT: One Credit Elective | 1 Credit |
| A Total of Two (2) Courses from the Following Courses: | |
| HST 301: History of the Early Christian Church | 3 Credits |
| HST 302: History of the Medieval and Reformation Christian Church | 3 Credits |
| HST 303: History of the Post-Reformation Christian Church | 3 Credits |
| Total | 36 Credits |
*All work must be in the student’s field of study.
After completing this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of Scripture and theology, including exegetical skills and tools to discern God’s Word as law and gospel.
- Gain pastoral experience in the congregational setting.
- Display basic competencies in preaching, worship, and pastoral care.
- Appropriate a theology appropriate to the pastoral office.
- Completion of online application form.
- Proof of completion of secondary education and transcripts from any post-secondary schools.
- A letter of recommendation from a pastor, teacher or mentor.
- Entrance writing evaluation.
- Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit a
score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) that is not more than two years old. Normally, minimum acceptable scores for the TOEFL are 26 on the speaking section and 24 on the writing section. Minimum acceptable scores on the IELTS are 8 on the speaking section and 6.5 on the writing section. Please request that your score be sent to ILT. ILT’s DI Code for the TOEFL is 5745. More information concerning TOEFL can be accessed at the Education Testing Services website. Information regarding the IELTS can be found at their IELTS website. - Non-Refundable Application Fee
- Copy of an official photo identification.
- Admissions interview with Director of Enrollment Services.
score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) that is not more than two years old. Normally, minimum acceptable scores for the TOEFL are 26 on the speaking section and 24 on the writing section. Minimum acceptable scores on the IELTS are 8 on the speaking section and 6.5 on the writing section. Please request that your score be sent to ILT. ILT’s DI Code for the TOEFL is 5745. More information concerning TOEFL can be accessed at the - Practicum: Students preparing to serve in congregation ministry are required to participate in a practicum during the first 30 credits of their program. This practicum will consist of working with a pastor in a local congregation for 5-10 hours a week. Practicum students will meet with the practicum coordinator twice a month (or at least once a month) throughout each semester until they have earned 30 credits or more.