Abilene Christian University (ACU) is launching two new online undergraduate certificates in church leadership, focused on equipping church leaders with foundational and practical aspects of the Christian faith to serve their congregations better.
Taught by a diverse array of passionate scholar-practitioners, each certificate is designed to help church leaders expand their biblical interpretation skills and theoretical frameworks to minister effectively in today’s contemporary culture.
“As the landscape for Christian ministry employment is changing, the need for more accessible formal education for church leaders becomes imperative,” said Dr. Tiffany Dahlman, assistant professor and program director.
Within the Certificate in Church Leadership: Foundations, students will raise their awareness of the greater needs within their churches and increase their understanding of biblical interpretation and its effect on congregational dynamics, as well as explore leadership strategies and spiritual disciplines to sustain faithful service.
The Certificate in Church Leadership: Praxis will build on the previous knowledge gained from the Church Leadership: Foundations certificate and offer guidance on preaching, teaching, pastoral counseling, mission and vision for church leaders.
Both certificates are 16 credit hours and are designed to be completed in under a year with fully-online courses.
“ACU Online prides itself on developing programs to meet each student’s career goals, including those who serve and lead local congregations. Our hope is that through these interactive, online certificates, we can be a part of the educational journey that forms the next generation of men and women called into ministry,” said Dr. Stephen Johnson, chief administrative officer for ACU Online.
ACU’s online programs are administered through its branch location in Dallas and include 15 bachelor’s degrees, 15 master’s degrees, four doctoral degrees, two undergraduate certificate programs, and nine graduate certificate programs. Learn more about ACU Online’s degree programs at acu.edu/online.