Graduate Certificates in Religion

The graduate certificate involves 15 credits (5 classes) in a specialized area. Emphases include Biblical Counseling (fully online), Church Leadership and Management, and Ministry and Evangelism (with online classes and in-person intensives). Each of the classes are designed to provide insightful teaching, meaningful resources, and useful skills for ministry.

A special tuition rate is provided for those in the certificate program that is only 40% of the regular tuition costs! In addition, pastors get special waivers or discounts as follows:

• Southern Union pastors:  Pastors may receive a tuition waiver by submitting a signed Conference Authorization form each semester (Summer, Fall, Winter) that they are enrolled for classes. Submit immediately after registration.
  SOUTHERN UNION AUTHORIZATION FORM
  

• North American Division pastors:  Pastors in Division Conferences outside of the Southern Union may receive tuition assistance by submitting a signed Tuition Assistance form each semester (Summer, Fall, Winter) that they are enrolled for classes. Submit immediately after registration.
  NAD PASTOR TUITION ASSISTANCE FORM
  

• International Students:  Since these courses are designed to be part-time, the schedule of the classes does not meet student-visa requirements.

Biblical Counseling Emphasis

Biblical counseling is a practice of the local church whereby each member is empowered to speak the truth in love, so that the whole congregation grows together toward spiritual maturity. Biblical counseling applies the gospel to everyday life situations, allowing the practical wisdom of Scripture to guide decisions, resolve conflict, heal emotional wounds, build relationships, and empower change.

Biblical counseling is not professional counseling. A student who takes classes in biblical counseling at Southern is not preparing for state licensure or to receive church credentials. The program is designed for those who work in a church setting, who wish to enhance their coaching and counseling skills while gaining a broad-based ministry and theological background. It teaches the counselor how to do “triage” when hurting people come to the church for help and how to effectively refer. The program also prepares students for further studies in biblical counseling.

Church Leadership and Management emphasis

The emphasis in Church Leadership and Management is specifically designed to prepare church leaders and administrators with training in the principles of business management, as well as to equip them with leadership-ministry training skills.

Evangelism and Ministry emphasis

The emphasis in Evangelism and Ministry is specifically designed to equip workers for gospel outreach to the world.