Online Christian Ministry Foundations Graduate Certificate

Graduate Certificate in Christian Ministry Foundations

Are you ready to level up your journey of deepened faith and empowered ministry? Wesley Seminary’s Christian Ministry Foundations Certificate program is designed especially for the engaged church volunteer seeking to enhance their ability to serve within and beyond the church walls. This fully online program offers a comprehensive suite of courses that equip you with a robust understanding of biblical teachings, theology, church history, and the practical skills necessary for effective ministry. Whether your goal is to pursue a ministry-focused graduate certificate or build a strong foundation for future theological studies, this program is crafted to meet the needs of individuals passionate about serving their communities with confidence and spiritual insight.

What Will I Learn in this Online Christian Ministry Program?

Ministry is not limited to the role of pastor — it includes the essential work of millions of Christians who serve and lead in various ministry roles. Recognizing that many ministry leaders feel under-equipped for the challenges they face, this certificate program helps bridge that gap. You will deepen your ability to interpret and teach Scripture, appreciate the role of theology in modern ministry, and apply historical insights to today’s issues with clarity and wisdom.

The Christian Ministry Foundations certificate also emphasizes the importance of contextualizing the Gospel, preparing you to adapt your ministry approach to connect authentically with diverse communities. This is vital in today’s ever-evolving cultural and social landscape, where the ability to share timeless truths in relevant ways is more important than ever.

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

IWU has provided education for more than 100 years.

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Rooted in Christ

Faith-integrated curriculum and a commitment to changing the world.

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Superior Support

Center for Student Success for counseling, tutoring, and more!

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Tuition & Aid

14 Credit Hours

$551/ Credit Hour

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Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and employer reimbursement.

Financial Aid Tuition & Fees Info

Applicable fees for resources and services will be assessed throughout the program. Tuition and fees for prerequisites and required elective courses are in addition to the charges shown on the program cost sheet. Your tuition rate will remain the same as long as you remain continuously enrolled in the same program. The estimated cost of attendance is available on the financial aid webpage. Cost sheets may be requested from an enrollment counselor by calling 866.498.4968 or emailing iwuenroll@indwes.edu.

What You'll Study

Coursework in this online certificate program covers:

Effective methods for interpreting and teaching the Bible
Key theological principles and their modern applications
The importance of church history in addressing contemporary challenges
Strategies for sharing the Gospel in diverse cultural settings
Personal spiritual formation for ongoing growth and ministry impact

Courses in this Program

These courses contain the program-specific knowledge. Upon completion, you should have the tools to conquer your new career with confidence. For a full list of courses required to complete your degree, please visit the course catalog. Click on a course below to view the description.

BIBL-500,CHST-500,THEO-500,MISS-500,SPIR-500,SPIR-520

Program Requirements

Admission Requirements

A baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a member agency of the International Council for Evangelical Theological Education (ICETE) or by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
A minimum grade-point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 from the degree granting institution.
An official transcript from the degree granting institution.
Two recommendations including: One from a pastor or denominational supervisor. A general recommendation.
A completed Ministry Context Form.
A three to four page autobiography and statement of ministry purpose. The statement of purpose should reflect one's sense of God's direction in relation to Christian ministry or service.
A criminal history background check must be completed before acceptance into any Wesley Seminary degree program if a felony was disclosed by the student on the application form.

Graduation Requirements

Cumulative GPA of 2.5, or higher
Payment of all tuition and fees in order to receive a diploma

Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org, 312-263-0456. Other accreditations and associations of Indiana Wesleyan University are available at www.indwes.edu/about/iwu-profile/accreditation.