NBTS Offers Microcredentials: Skillsets for Ministry
August 7, 2025
New Brunswick Theological Seminary already offers certificate, master’s, and doctorate of ministry programs. Why add microcredentials?
Microcredentials at NBTS meet a specific learning niche: they are short, focused programs offering theological and practical training without the full-time commitment of a traditional degree. In one year’s time, learners can earn a microcredential. Moreover NBTS’s microcredentials are affordable and fully online.
What exactly is a microcredential? A microcredential is a series of courses (typically three to five) centered around a certain skill set. Microcredentials are offered not only in ministry areas but in many occupational fields.
“Microcredentials fit the mission of NBTS,” says Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Charles Rix. “Those working in churches and nonprofits need to be empowered with skill sets to think critically, act justly, and lead faithfully.”
NBTS is currently offering two graduate-level microcredentials with more to come. Each include three courses and a capstone practicum, all designed to be completed online in less than a year. Plus, these microcredentials are stackable toward an NBTS master’s degree.
The Spiritual Care and Wellness microcredential starts on September 2, 2025. Students will start with a foundational course in the fall, build their leadership skills in the Spring 2026, and finish with a summer capstone practicum. In one year, they will have earned this microcredential.
Skills included in the Spiritual Care and Wellness microcredential include the following:
- Assess and make an intervention for members experiencing difficulties navigating the life cycle.
- Identify and compile resources for the practice of spiritual disciplines.
- Manage the organizational, financial, and leadership responsibilities of church, ministry, or professional setting.
The Justice and Inclusion microcredential starts on January 26, 2025. This program starts with Analyzing the Systems of Privilege, a course required for all graduate programs at NBTS. Students can choose their second course—either Christian Ethics and Social Justice in spring or Spirit and Struggle in summer. Following a relevant fall elective, the program will end with an online capstone weekend in December.
Skills included in the Justice and Inclusion microcredential include the following:
- Examine personal biases and engage in sustained, collaborative conversation about social injustices, fostering a supportive community for justice-oriented work.
- Demonstrate critical interpretation of scripture, theological traditions, and historical contexts.
- Develop actionable strategies for addressing oppression and inequality within local communities and religious organizations.
NBTS is building their microcredential program around needs expressed by ministry leaders in churches and nonprofits. “It all started with church leaders requesting training around power and privilege,” said Rix. “As a Seminary, we thought—why not offer these specific skill sets in packages geared for clergy, commissioned pastors, and lay leaders?”
NBTS anticipates developing more microcredentials—training in skill sets that help people serve the Church. To learn more about NBTS microcredentials, visit the website or contact Dr. Rix at crix@nbts.edu.