Certificate in Christian Ministry and Religious Studies
A 26-week program preparing aspiring ministers, church leaders, Christian educators and missionaries in systematic theology, the authority of Scripture, the doctrine of God and the Trinity, Christian ethics, eschatology and servant leadership.
About This Program
The Certificate in Christian Ministry and Religious Studies is a comprehensive, 26-week theological education program designed to prepare aspiring ministers, church leaders, Christian educators, missionaries, and individuals seeking a deeper understanding of biblical doctrine and practical Christian ministry.
The program provides foundational instruction in systematic theology, biblical authority, the Old and New Testament canons, the attributes and existence of God, the Trinity, Christian ethics, eschatology, and the responsibilities of Christian servant leadership.
The ultimate objective is not merely the acquisition of a certificate or ministerial license, but the preparation of individuals who can faithfully teach Scripture, demonstrate Christian character, and fulfill their calling to Christian service.
Tuition & Options
Tuition covers the full 26-week program, faculty-graded assessments, a faculty-read final thesis, and documented competency records. Textbooks not included.
Published Tuition
$1,995
Regular tuition for the six-month certificate program.
Founding / Introductory Cohort
$1,495
Limited founding-cohort rate for the first intake of students.
Church-Sponsored Group
$1,395
Per student when a church enrolls five or more students together.
Enhanced Ministerial Preparation
$2,495
Extended faculty mentoring and additional ministerial preparation beyond the standard certificate.
Tuition Assistance Plan — $100/month
$100 per month for six months ($600 credited toward the published tuition of $1,995). The remaining balance is due in full before your certificate is released at the end of the six-month course. The remaining balance is $1,395.
Ministerial Licensing Application / Review Fee — $75
Optional. Charged only when a graduate applies for ministerial licensing review, which remains subject to institutional approval.
Program Outcomes
Course Requirements
Admission Requirements
- Possess basic reading, writing, and computer skills.
- Demonstrate a sincere interest in Christian ministry.
- Willingness to comply with the seminary's academic and ethical standards.
Completion Requirements
- Complete the 26-week certificate program.
- Satisfy all instructional requirements, assessments, and the final thesis.
- Achieve a minimum overall grade of 70%.
Curriculum (26 Weeks)
Each week includes a principal learning focus, Scripture reading, and lesson response.
Weeks 1–13 · Scripture, Authority and the Doctrine of God
Introduction to Systematic Theology
Nature, purpose, and methods of theological study
The Doctrine of the Word of God
Revelation, inspiration, and Scripture
Old Testament Canon
Formation and recognition of Old Testament Scripture
Biblical Authority I
Scripture as authoritative revelation
Biblical Authority II
Authority in doctrine and Christian practice
Inerrancy of Scripture I
Biblical foundations of inerrancy
Inerrancy of Scripture II
Interpretation and apparent difficulties
Inerrancy of Scripture III
Application to teaching and preaching
Clarity of Scripture
Understanding and communicating biblical truth
Necessity of Scripture
Scripture's role in salvation and discipleship
Sufficiency of Scripture
Biblical guidance for faith and conduct
Existence of God
Biblical and theological perspectives
Knowability of God
Divine revelation and knowing God
Faculty Oversight
Guided, faculty-reviewed study — not video-only coursework
- A named faculty of record oversees each 26-week cohort and reviews every graded assessment.
- Weekly Scripture reflections, lesson responses, and theological application assignments are graded against published rubrics with written faculty feedback.
- The final thesis is read by a faculty reader who returns written comments before the certificate is issued.
- Grade records, graded artifacts, and faculty feedback are retained in the student file as documented evidence of ministerial preparation.
- Ministerial licensing review is conducted by faculty and administration and is separate from certificate completion.
Documented Ministerial Competencies
Each competency is evidenced by graded coursework retained in the student's academic record.
Biblical Interpretation and Exposition
Weekly Scripture reflections, lesson responses, and the final thesis
Doctrinal Understanding
Introduction to Systematic Theology quiz, midterm exam, and final exam
Theological Research and Writing
Theological application assignments and the 10–15 page final thesis
Christian Ethics and Character
Christian ethics coursework and theological application assignments
Pastoral and Servant Leadership
Practical Ministry Reflection and applied Christian ministry coursework
Ministry Readiness
Faculty review of the completed assessment record, references, and licensing review
Assessments & Grading
A minimum overall grade of 70% is required for certificate completion, together with satisfactory submission of the final thesis.
Assessment Framework
Grading Scale
Midterm Exam
Weeks 1–13 — Introduction to Systematic Theology through the Knowability of God
Taken after Week 13 · 15 questions · 70% passing score
Final Exam
Weeks 14–26 — Christian Ethics through Final Thesis Submission
Taken after Week 26 · 15 questions · 70% passing score
Final Theological Thesis
Every student must write and upload a final thesis on one approved theological subject addressed within the certificate program. It must demonstrate the student's ability to interpret Scripture, explain theological principles, engage supporting academic resources, and apply biblical doctrine to Christian life and ministry.
- •Length: 10–15 double-spaced pages, excluding the title page and bibliography.
- •Format: Microsoft Word or PDF.
- •Citations: consistent academic citation style, preferably Turabian.
- •Sources: the Holy Bible and at least three credible theological or scholarly references.
- •Structure: introduction, biblical foundations, theological analysis, ministry application, conclusion, and bibliography.
- •Submission: uploaded through the seminary's online learning portal by the end of Week 26.
Ministerial Licensing
Successful completion of the certificate satisfies the program's educational requirements for consideration for a ministerial license issued by Fellowship Theological Seminary. The certificate does not automatically confer ministerial licensure. Licensing requires separate institutional approval, and the seminary reserves the right to evaluate ministerial character, doctrinal understanding, and readiness before granting a license. To be considered for an institutional ministerial license, a candidate must complete the certificate program and provide two references from an established church institution, or successfully complete a background check administered or authorized by the seminary. A license issued by the seminary does not automatically establish eligibility for ordination or recognition by another denomination or church jurisdiction.
Prepare for a Lifetime of Ministry
Enroll in the Certificate in Christian Ministry and Religious Studies and build a firm foundation in Scripture, doctrine, and servant leadership.