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Our online degree programs are designed for busy working adults just like you – intentionally structured to allow you to balance work, life, and other commitments. As a student of ACU Online, you are part of a vibrant, virtual, Christ-centered community.
Introducing
Locked-In Tuition.
Our Locked-In Tuition program guarantees you’ll pay the same price for your entire undergraduate degree.
About the Program
With an undergraduate Certificate in Church Leadership: Foundations, you’ll receive instruction from our online Bible scholars, practitioners, and theologians with the foundational expertise and knowledge to prepare you for effective leadership in and out of your congregation. This certificate is for individuals pursuing or who are in Christian leadership but who do not have formal training in the field and recognize they need it.
Program Structure
All the Details on Your Degree
This certificate provides an introduction to church leadership by educating Christian leaders on the fundamentals of faithfully serving their congregations by learning biblical interpretation tools and practices to enhance your congregation’s identity.
Required Hours
16 hours
8 – 12 month timeframe
Cost: $395/Hour with $600 resource fee per semester
Example Coursework
Introduction to Biblical Interpretation
Christian Leadership
Church Leadership Foundations Capstone
Upcoming Start Dates
January 14, 2025
March 11, 2025
Common Job Titles
Clergy
Religious Workers
Congregational leadership*
*depending upon denominational requirements
Scholarship Opportunity
Church Matching Scholarship
Interested students are encouraged to partner with their home congregation to sponsor one-third of the tuition price, and ACU will match this scholarship, making the final cost to the student $2,100. For more information, speak with an admissions advisor.
Meet the Program Director
Dr. Tiffany Dahlman
Tiffany Dahlman is ACU Online’s Assistant Dean of Vocational Formation, as well as an assistant professor and the program director for the Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry and Spiritual Formation, Certificate in Church Leadership: Foundations, and Certificate in Church Leadership: Praxis. She received her bachelor’s degrees in English and Religious Studies from York University and earned a Master of Divinity with specializations in Old Testament and Spiritual Formation from Asbury Theological Seminary. She graduated from ACU with a Doctor of Ministry in the Preaching for Community Transformation track. Tiffany has experience in foreign missions and has served as a congregational minister since 2015. She believes in loving God with the mind, heart, soul, and body, and as program director, she seeks to help students prepare for the spiritual vocation into which they are called.
Spotlight
Five Benefits of Obtaining a Certificate in Church Leadership
Are you a current or aspiring church leader looking to expand your impact within your local congregation? With ACU Online’s undergraduate certificates in Church Leadership: Foundations and Church Leadership: Praxis, leaders of all levels and denominations are trained and encouraged to learn new ways of re-engaging scripture, answering today’s toughest questions, and guiding others toward truth.
Furthering Your Career: Pursuing Professional Development vs. Earning A Degree
The job market is as competitive as ever. In order for you to advance your career and standout, additional education and training are a must. Check out our latest blog where we compare and contrast furthering your career by pursuing professional development opportunities vs. earning a degree. Read more to learn about which route might be best for you.
Faculty Spotlight: Tiffany Dahlman
The modern world presents unique challenges to Christians and the practice of their faith. For ACU Online Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry and Spiritual Formation program director, Dr. Tiffany Dahlman, that means more room for opportunity and outreach. Check out our latest faculty spotlight to learn more about her story and how she’s equipping students to minister to our ever-changing world.
Defining Meaningful Work: What Does it Mean and How is it Valuable?
Do you want to come home from work each day feeling fulfilled? Meaningful careers may be what you seek. Learn more here.
Upon completion, graduates will be able to:
- Interpret scripture with a basic understanding of context, key literary functions, and theological pillars.
- Understand the significance of cultural and contextual awareness and sensitivity for ministry.
- Reflect on the pastoral skills necessary to care for a church, ministry, or faith community.
- Create a plan for incorporating the spiritual disciplines within their ministry context.
To be considered for admission, students must:
- Submit official high school and/or college transcripts.
- Complete the online program application accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee.
- Students are not required to submit ACT or SAT test scores.
- Two letters of recommendation from the leadership of the applicant’s home congregation. (Recommendation forms will be provided.)
- An essay in response to a provided prompt. This essay will serve as a writing sample and will help determine student fit in the program.
Abilene Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Ga. 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of ACU.
Abilene Christian University enjoys a strong national reputation as one of the leading private Christian universities in the west and southwest, indicated by various ratings (such as U.S. News and World Report and other reports).