Certificate Program

The NBTS Certificate Program is designed for you
and is entirely online!

Click here to apply online for the certificate program.

Are you called to do more in your church? Do you want to be a better teacher, mentor,  leader, or lead the way in justice ministries? Do you need more training to complete your mission and calling? Are you seeking to become a Commissioned Lay Pastor?

The Certificate Program at NBTS is exactly what you are looking for:

• Designed for Lay Leaders
• Customize the program to fit your needs
• Includes the courses for Commissioned Lay Pastor/Commissioned Ruling Elder programs/li>
• Two semesters per year (Fall and Spring)
• Required and Elective courses
• Two Year Completion (8 courses)
• Taught by Experienced Professors
• Less cost than a graduate program

A certificate program is taken for professional or personal enrichment. The time for completion is one-half to one-third of a degree program. The classes also meet for fewer hours per week and the time to complete assignments is significantly less than for a traditional degree program.

The program runs on a Fall and Spring schedule as an online program. Online courses are a combination of independent study and live, online classes via video conferencing on Saturday mornings. Courses are offered once every other year. Semesters are fourteen weeks in length.

Students who have completed a Certificate in Theological Studies or Church Leadership with an average of B or better for all 8 courses are qualified to apply to an NBTS master’s program without a Bachelor’s degree.

Students can pursue a certificate in Theological Studies or Church Leadership

Theological Studies

COURSES

Note: there are no electives in the Theological Studies program

Church Leadership

COURSES

ELECTIVES:

• Introduction to Pastoral Care
• Introduction to Christian Education
• Sermon Preparation and Delivery
• Church Leadership and Administration
• Denominational Worship and Polity
• Christian Ethics
• Women’s Studies

COURSE SCHEDULE
The program runs on a Fall and Spring schedule as an online program. Online courses are a combination of independent study and live, online classes via video conferencing on Saturday mornings. Courses are offered once every other year. Semesters are fourteen weeks in length.

Students will be expected to read 40 pages per week per course and write papers, projects, and other assignments. An average grade of C is required in all 8 courses to receive a certificate.

Suggested curriculum for RCA students who desire to be a Commissioned Pastor:

• All the Required Courses and
  • Introduction to Pastoral Care
  • Sermon Preparation and Delivery
  • RCA Worship and Polity

Suggested curriculum for PCUSA students who desire to be a Commissioned Lay Pastor:

• All the Required Courses except Church History and
  • Introduction to Pastoral Care
  • Sermon Preparation and Delivery
  • Introduction to Christian Education
  • PCUSA Worship and Polity

For other denominations, please check with your denominational leadership for curriculum needed to be a Commissioned Lay Pastor or Licensed Minister.

The Certificate Program will engage you and take your ministry and leadership to a new level. Contact us so you can be part of the next class.

Students completing the certificate program will receive a transcript and Certificate of Completion. Student are invited to participate in the NBTS graduation ceremony to celebrate their achievement.

Certificate Program Admission Requirements

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR A CONCENTRATION IN THE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

• Completed Application Form;
• Copy of high school diploma or GED; or college transcript
• One-page Personal Statement/spiritual journey to include your reason for pursuing the Certificate Program in its chosen concentration;
• One letter of recommendation from a minister or supervisor from your home church;
• Once accepted, a tuition deposit of $100 is due.
• Provide Photo ID (state issued driver’s license, state identification card or Passport) to verify identity.
• Background Check

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR PERSONAL ENRICHMENT (NON-CERTIFICATE TRACK)

Students who wish to take a course without pursuing a Certificate may do so by completing and submitting the following:

• Completed Application form;
• Copy of High School Diploma or GED; or College transcript
• One-page Personal Statement/spiritual journey to include your reason for pursuing the Certificate Program in its chosen concentration;
• Provide Photo ID (state issued driver’s license, state identification card or Passport) to verify identity;
• Payment in full for course(s).

Learning Outcomes

Click here to see the learning outcomes for this program.

For additional information or if you have any questions, contact our Admissions team at: 
(848) 237-1717  or
admissions@nbts.edu

Listen below to NBTS graduate, Arlene Romaine, speak about how the NBTS Certificate Program prepared her for enrollment in the Masters of Divinity program.

Arlene Romaine Certificate completed 2004 Master of Divinity completed 2023