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Certificate of Ministry

Requirements for graduation: 30 semester hours of study minimum; and 33 semester hours maximum hours

The Certificate in Ministry is a one-year program of study, in cooperation with the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, designed to improve the level of competency in ministry for ministers and lay persons who have not met college entrance requirements. It is not a degree program; however, some of the coursework required may be useful to individuals who desire further study.

Program of Study
Course Number First Semester Credits
MIN 100 Effective Preaching I 1
BIB 300 Introduction to New Testament 3
BIB 303 Introduction to Old Testament 3
+Q.C. 098 English/Reading 1
+Q.C. 099 Vocabulary Building 1
+Q.C. 097 Math 1
Total 10 hrs
Course Number Second Semester Credits
MIN 101 Effective Preaching II 1
BIB 301 New Testament Survey 3
BIB 304 Old Testament Survey 3
TH 400 Intro. to Systematic Theology 3
Total 10 hrs
Course Number Third Semester Credits
COM 230 Public Speaking 3
BIB 402 Christian Moral Values 3
MIN 205 Practical Ministry 1
MIN 199 Intro. to Church Administration 3
Total 10 hrs
Total 30 hrs
Course Description

The goal of this course is to assist the student in gaining an understanding of the New Testament scripture texts. And we aim to accomplish this by equipping the student with the cultural, literary, and historical understanding necessary for a critical reading of the New Testament. The course will introduce participants to the New Testament through a close reading of various New Testament books from the Gospel through the book of Acts and from the book of Romans through Revelation.

Competencies:
  • Develop an understanding of the different types of literature in the New Testament.
  • Demonstrate how to read the different types of literature in the New Testament.
  • Gain knowledge of the general divisions and content of the NewTestament.
  • Understand the New Testament literature in its historical and cultural context.
  • Demonstrate written communication skills.

This course is designed to introduce the student to the literature, history, and the message of the Old Testament. The Old Testament provides its readers with a history of the people of Israel and a picture of Israel’s relationship with God. Yet, the Old Testament is far more than the story of ancient Israel. The material revealed in its pages functions as the theological and moral foundation for three of the world’s major religious traditions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Competencies:
  • Understand the basic theology of the Old Testament.
  • Identify characteristics of the various books of the Old Testament.
  • Understand the cultural settings of the Old Testament world.
  • Develop an understanding of the main people and events described in the Old Testament.
  • Understand the chronology of Old Testament writings and events

This course is designed to assist the student in knowing the primary content of the Old Testament books and themes. It will also provide thestudent with an appreciation for the cohesive understanding of the major figures, events and themes of the Old Testament.

Competencies:
  • The student will analyze certain persons, places, and events in the Old Testament.
  • Interpret Biblical texts using literary, historical-critical, and feminist methodologies.
  • Synthesize faith and critical thinking by understanding how the historical, literaryand contemporary dimensions of the Bible relate to each other.

A course that explores Christian moral teachings as found in the Bible with special attention to covenant, law and prophets of the Old Testament and how these teachings relate to life today.

Competencies:
  • Understand the basic ethical systems, both non-Christian and Christian.
  • Develop an informed and more Biblical ethical system.
  • Identify critical ethical issues facing the church and society.
  • Apply Biblical precepts, principles and examples to a variety of contemporaryethical dilemmas.

Provides special supervised laboratory work in the preparation and delivery of sermons. It equips the preacher with practical experience in speaking before the public.

Competencies:
  • Demonstrate the ability to select a text and utilize the hermeneutical and exegetical skills necessary to evolve Biblical truth into a homily.
  • Demonstrate a knowledge of crating seminal and skeletal outlines.
  • Apply the basic principles of good composition to the writing of a sermon.
  • Utilize such organizing principles as the message in one sentence, the doctrine, and the desired response within.

A more extensive study and practice of effective preaching. This course continues the study beyond Effective Preaching I (MIN 100) and provides a more thorough study and practice of the principles of effective preaching.

Competencies:
  • Develop and strengthen preaching skills through practical application of techniques in the preparation of sermons.
  • Interpret correctly and appropriately the entire cannon of scripture as representative of and consistent with the good news of Jesus Christ
  • Develop and strengthen preaching skills through, and delivery of, several different styles of sermons.

A study of the foundation and working models for effective Christian church administration. The student will study the principles of leadership as it relates to the church.

Competencies:
  • Demonstrate a foundational understanding of leadership and theory in a broadsense.
  • Develop a personal philosophy of leadership and administration.
  • Demonstrate a basic grasp of the primary responsibilities and roles of leadershipin Christian organizations.
  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of at least one major leadership or administrative role or responsibility.

This course is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of practical ministry which include the following: Hospital and nursing home visitation; prison and jail visitation; officiating funerals and wedding and pulpit ethics.

Competencies:
  • Develop and refine a Biblical definition of worship
  • Understand how Christians have ordered their worship services and why.
  • Identify issues which the current worship renewal movements present to the church.
  • Explore and evaluate how Christian worship uses time.
  • Explore and evaluate how non-verbal means of communication enrich worship.

An introduction to the study of the topics covered in Old Testament 1 (BIB 303). The student will analyze certain persons, places, and events in the Old Testament.

Competencies:
  • Articulate an account of the doctrines of creation and providence.
  • Understand the meaning and importance of the divine attributes.
  • Explain the foundations, development, and implications of the doctrine of theTrinity.
  • Understand the spiritual purposes and vitality of theology.

This developmental course serves as an Enrichment course designed to help students enhance their basic language skills. The course provides a review of grammatical and syntactical material and helps students improve their Reading comprehension skills. A student must receive a grade of “C” or better in order to receive credit and move to the next level in sequence.

Competencies:
  • Identify words in sentences according to their parts of speech.
  • Identify words according to their function in any given sentence.
  • Differentiate between phrases and clauses and understand their relative use.
  • Recognize and avoid fragments and run-on sentences.
  • Read college level material more easily.

This course follows in sequence Q.C. 098, and is designed to continue its review of Standard English usage. Q.C. 099 focuses on honing the higher level reading and writing skills necessary for success in the various academic disciplines. In addition, students study the components of a well-written essay. A student must receive a grade of “C” or better in Q.C. 099 in order to receive credit.

Competencies:
  • Understand and apply rules of coordination and subordination.
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Virginia University of Lynchburg
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Lynchburg, VA 24501
+1 434.528.5276
schoolofreligion@vul.edu
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