The Certificate in Christian Ministries targets staff members who are hired from within churches and who do not have prior bachelor’s degrees, nor Christian college or seminary background. Students will complete five online courses (3 credits each). Upon completion, graduates can apply these fifteen credits toward an online associate or bachelor’s degree at Johnson University.
This course explores two areas: The first is how God works in believers through his Holy Spirit to conform them to the image of Christ and empower them for ministry. The second is how to help others grow spiritually. Students survey the history and theology of spiritual formation, examine biblical and historical spiritual disciplines, experience spiritual practices firsthand, develop a “rule of life,” and consider the most effective ways of fostering spiritual maturity in individuals, groups, and congregations.
Learning to read, interpret, and apply the biblical text is a skill set built upon specific presuppositions and principles. Biblical Interpretation teaches learners how to recognize these presuppositions and use these principles to study Scripture with care and understanding.
Choose three:
Orientation to Old Testament
This survey familiarizes learners with a definition and description of the literature of the Old Testament. Key theological ideas, important characters, textual turning points, and historical sweeps are highlighted. Emphasis moves beyond what the Old Testament says to why it matters.
Orientation to New Testament
This survey familiarizes learners with a definition and description of the literature of the New Testament. Key theological ideas, important characters, textual turning points, and historical sweeps are highlighted. Emphasis moves beyond what the New Testament says to why it matters.
Mark
This course is a study of the Gospel of Mark, with special focus on how to interpret biblical narratives. In addition to literary considerations (plot, characters, structure, recurring themes, etc.), it also considers
the Gospel of Mark in various contexts (historical, theological, canonical, etc.).
Introduction to Ministry Leadership
This course provides students with biblical and practical
resources for exploring ministry callings, establishing healthy personal and interpersonal skills for ministry effectiveness, and embracing the role of higher education in equipping for ministry leadership.
Theories and Practices of Biblical Teaching
This course equips students with the skills necessary to prepare and present biblical lessons. It gives special attention to studying a biblical text for teaching purposes, developing thesis statements and objectives, interactive and creative strategies, and utilizing group dynamics to help individuals grow spiritually.
Biblical Teaching and Preaching
This course equips students with the fundamental skills necessary to prepare and present biblical lessons and sermons. It gives special attention to studying a biblical text for teaching and preaching purposes; developing thesis statements, outlines, and support materials; and communicating effectively with contemporary students and listeners.
Pastoral Ministry
This course focuses on many of the day-to-day responsibilities of the pastoral ministry, such as applying for positions, ministry beginnings and endings, relationships with elders and staff, weddings, funerals, baptisms, visitations, office management, and discipleship ministries. Students also examine the underlying theology of the ministry of all believers.
Conflict and Communication
This course explores both the destructive and transformative dynamics of conflict in faith communities and equips students with the self-understanding and skills needed for effective communication for conflict management. The course emphasizes individual and group settings, but also introduces the larger dimensions of corporate conflict. This is an interactive, skills-based course.
Pastoral Counseling
This course provides an overview of specific counseling situations faced in ministry, including integration of psychology and theology. Theory and practical application will be integrated in such a way as to assist the student in developing a “style of counseling.” Some role-play situations are included.
History of the Restoration Movement
This course examines the history of the American Restoration Movement from its inception within the Stone and Campbell traditions of the early 19th century to the contemporary era. Although a significant portion of the course is devoted to the early development of this “Reformation of the 19th Century,” the entire scope of the movement, including current issues of importance, is addressed.
