Pathways for Ministry
Beginning in 2024, Perkins will be offering – in collaboration with Wesley Theological Seminary and thanks to a $5 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. – a certificate program in Spanish for pastors with no formal training, lay pastors, and others with pastoral experience.
Certificate in Ministry
This certificate is designed for pastors without formal training, lay pastors, and others with ministry experience. Available both online and in person. To receive the certificate, students must complete the five required courses:
Description
This course introduces participants to the basic functions of congregational care, learning ways to provide spiritual guidance and emotional care as well as when and how to be a knowledgeable resource for referrals to appropriate services. By taking the course, participants will be more able to oversee appropriate congregational care issues.
Classes will be held from February 15 to March 14 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Students will meet every Thursday once a week for five weeks.
Click Here to Download Class SyllabusDescription
This course introduces participants to the formation and main events of the Hebrew Bible. Participants will develop skill in biblical interpretation, or exegesis, as a basis for preaching and teaching. By taking the course, students will more fully grasp the breadth of meaning in Old Testament texts and grow more able to exegete, proclaim, and apply scripture in preaching, teaching, and participation in the life of the congregation.
Classes will be held from April 11 to May 16 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Students will meet every Thursday once a week for five weeks.
Note: There will be no classes on April 25.
Description
This course introduces participants to the Gospels, the Pauline letters, and other New Testament books. Participants will learn about the formation and central themes of the New Testament and develop skills in biblical interpretation, or exegesis, as a basis for preaching and teaching. By taking the course, participants will more fully grasp the breadth of meaning in the New Testament texts and grow more able to exegete, proclaim, and apply scripture in preaching, teaching, and participation in the life of the congregation.
Classes will be held from July 25 to August 22 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Students will meet every Thursday once a week for five weeks.
Description
Participants will learn how to lead a congregation toward its vision and mission. They will learn ways to navigate obstacles while moving towards transformation. By taking the course, participants will be able to discern the context and engage the congregation in moving toward fulfilling their mission.
Classes will be held from November 7 to December 12 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Students will meet every Thursday once a week for five weeks.
Note: There will be no classes on November 28 for thanksgiving break.
In this course, participants will learn how to interpret Old and New Testament texts for writing sermons. They will also learn the basics of preparing liturgies for various worship experiences. By taking the course, participants will become more confident in proclaiming God's word and developing meaningful liturgies that support the sermon, the church year, and the life of the congregation.
Registration fee: $100
To sign up for our next course (Approaches to Leadership), which starts on November 07, click the button below.