51²è¹Ý

Each course will have a series of graded assignments that participants must complete within designated deadlines. Depending on the course and instructor, some assignments may be due prior to the course meetings. All course readings should be completed before course meetings. All major assignments must be submitted no later than two weeks from the final class gathering. Grades will be finalized nine weeks after the last class meeting. Students will receive “pass/fail” designations based on the total grading of their assignments. Students must have attended course meetings and score a 70% or above to receive a “pass” designation.

Yes!

If you've completed one certificate with us, you do not need to repeat core courses. We will work with you, individually, to make sure you build a course load that meets your specialization needs and adds vital tools to your ministry leadership toolbox. 

Absolutely! 

We hope that more than one specialization will be relevant and applicable to many of you! Returning certificate students who wish to continue their education with additional specializations may be eligible for a course reduction. Please contact our office to discover your course reduction options. 

You can complete the program at your own pace, based on the availability of your courses. The program is designed for students to complete the program at a pace that fits their work and life schedule, in two - five years. Students are welcome to take one class each term, or take classes in January or May only. The certificate must be complete within ten years of a student's first course.

We recognize that some of the material covered in the core courses will be repeat for our seminary graduates. If you have completed a graduate-level degree in ministry, theology, or Bible from an ATS-accredited school in the last seven years, as a certificate student, you will be expected to take four courses instead of five: either Engaging the Bible or Engaging Theology, Adaptive Leadership, and two specialization courses.

If you are currently enrolled in a graduate-level degree in ministry, theology, or Bible from an ATS-accredited school, and have already completed the required Bible and Theology courses for your degree, as a certificate student, you will be expected to take four courses instead of five: either Engaging the Bible or Engaging Theology, Adaptive Leadership, and two specialization courses. 

Absolutely!

Our courses are perfect for undergraduate students who are working in the church, or feel they may be called to ministry in some way, but are not ready for graduate school yet. 

Absolutely!

First, there is no such thing as "just a lay person." Lay people ARE the Church! We couldn't *do* church if it weren't for lay folks just like you. Our courses are designed to engage all people who are in ministry in the church in relevant, applicable ways. 

Yes!

We value ecumenism and are excited to have faculty who represent several denominations teaching our courses. Our courses are designed to teach you to think theologically in relevant, applicable ways-- no matter your context, or denominational affiliation. 

Yes. 

As a GBHEM approved school, we have partnered with The United Methodist Church to supply courses work for United Methodist Certification for over thirty years. We have carefully crafted our courses to meet the educational requirements defined for certification. Candidates for United Methodist Certification will still receive a Certificate in Practical Ministry from 51²è¹Ý Perkins. Please keep in mind that you are responsible for filling out and with GBHEM and your Board of Ordained Ministry before starting course work. 

Yes. 

If you have completed your course work since January 2018 and are in current good standing with GBHEM and your annual conference, you can transfer your certificate to a Perkins Certificate in Practical Ministry. Contact our office for more details.

Yes. 

Students still need to fill out and pay full tuition, even if they're taking one course a la carte.

Each course count toward 2.0 continuing education credits.

A student can take any specialization course a la carte.

A student can only take ONE core course a la carte.