Certificate in Scripture, Theology, and Ministry
Earn a graduate-level certificate when you build your own course of study or follow one of Northeastern Seminary's prepared competency tracks. A certificate may be the perfect option if you are interested in lifelong learning, developing new skills to complement your gifts and ministry, or are looking to experience theological education before committing the time and financial investment in a Master's degree program.
ROCHESTER AND ONLINE
6 CLASSES / 18 CREDITS
GO FARTHER
seamlessly use credits from the certificate program towards a Master's degree
What will I learn?
At Northeastern Seminary, you will grow as an effective, Biblically-minded leader in service and ministry through innovative online and classroom experiences in the certificate program. Develop a deeper understanding of the significant connection between Scripture, Theology, and effective Ministry in courses that are Biblically-based, expertly taught, and holistically supported.
- Recognize the primacy of Scripture for Christian faith and life.
- Use scriptural and theological reflection faithfully in contexts of ministry.
- Design and implement strategic initiatives in your ministry contexts.
Upon completion of your course of study, you will earn an accredited certificate that can be highlighted on your resume and LinkedIn profile or applied toward one of the Northeastern's Master's programs.
Pick Your Courses
Choose one of the three options to fulfill your course requirements for the certificate program:
Design a Course of Study
Complete Pre-assigned Classes
Choose a Prepared Competency
Select a Competency
Biblical Interpretation
Choose 6 courses from this collection of classes focused on becoming a faithful interpreter and communicator of God's Word in the context of God's world. By the conclusion of this course of study, you will develop an aptitude for preaching and teaching Scripture to new generations in the faith with a foundational understanding of the Bible within its cultural and historical contexts.
Community Advocacy
Choose 6 courses from this collection of classes focused on understanding God's call to social justice and reconciliation. At the conclusion of this course of study, you will be prepared to develop appropriate, biblically-informed strategies to respond to the effects of poverty, violence, war, sexism, and discrimination on families, society, and the world.
Gracious Christianity
Choose 6 courses from this collection of classes focused on your growth as a gracious participant in the worldwide, multi-ethnic, multi-generational Christian communion as a reflection of God's good news to the world. At the conclusion of this course of study, you will be attentive to God's active presence in your own life, the lives of others, and the world by listening to the voices throughout time and around the world engage in the Great Conversation of what it means to live and lead as a follower of Christ.
Pastoral Leadership
Choose 6 courses from this collection of classes focused on becoming a pastoral leader who empowers God's people toward active participation in God's mission of restoring wholeness to the world. By the conclusion of this course of study, you will develop an aptitude for shaping healthy worshiping communities by designing and persuasively implementing strategic initiatives for congregational renewal.
Spiritual Direction
Choose 6 courses from this collection of classes focused on becoming a wise guide who attends to God's activity in your own life, the lives of others, and the world. At the conclusion of this course of study, you will demonstrate the ability to assess the formational impact of personal and communal events, traditions, and dispositions in nurturing or hindering spiritual formation.
Transformational Leadership
Choose 6 courses from this collection of classes focused on becoming a leader who champions transformation in organizations and communities. At the conclusion of this course of study, you will interpret the rapidly changing culture and design and implement strategic initiatives to meet today's challenges.
Upcoming Class Starts
- Monday, May 24, 2021 | Summer Session
- Monday, August 30, 2021 | Fall Session
- Monday, January 24, 2022 | Spring Session
Who will I meet?
Rebecca S. Letterman, Ph.D.
Professor of Spiritual Formation
Dr. Letterman grew up as the daughter of a Pentecostal minister and sensed a call to full-time ministry as a child. She began her formal Christian spiritual formation studies in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with Dr. Adrian van Kaam, founder of the field of Formative Spirituality, and his colleague Dr. Susan Muto. Dr. Letterman’s vocation focuses on bridging formative faith traditions – whether across time or across cultures – in order to foster respect for diversity, while at the same time nurturing unity among Judeo-Christian faith communities that are seeking to live in vital relationship with God, one another, and the wider world.
What does the certificate cost?
2020-21 Cost per Credit Hour: $534
Total Certificate Program Cost: $10,112
- 18 credits
- $500/Yr Student Fee (includes processing and graduation fees, network access, and administrative support)