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School of Ministry

Certificate Programs

Certificate in Christian Ministry

This program seeks to train individuals in order that they may be prepared to serve in various ministries lay, part-time, or full-time throughout the Church.  Students will engage themselves in a deeper level of biblical studies and ministry related courses: in the areas of Theology, Biblical Studies (OT & NT), Worldviews, Counseling, Church History, Missions, and more.  The hallmark of this program is the guided ministry, or practicum, element; in which students will work under and alongside a pastor or ministry advisor in the area of their calling: such as; Worship; Children; Youth; Women’s or Men’s ministries; Counseling; Teaching; Pastoring; etc..  Students will then engage in specified tasks and responsibilities assigned by their advisor to thoroughly equip them for ministry in this area. 

Certificate of Ministry
How the Certificate Program works
This Certificate in Ministry program may be completed in as little as two years.  The program requires satisfactory completion of three elements: 1) Faithful attendance of the seminars offered through The Worldview Project   2) The completion of each of the required courses and 6 elective courses from Cornerstone Bible Academy   3) And the completion of the core courses and a ministry track through the School of Practical Ministry. 

Upon completion of all requirements, the student will earn a Certificate of Ministry.
More details and applications are available in the School of Ministry Student Handbook.

The Worldview Project Seminars
Students will enroll in the seminars as they are offered (seminars are offered approximately 3x per year).  See The Worldview Project catalogue for the list of seminars and topics.

Cornerstone Bible Academy 
Students will complete the following required courses and six elective courses offered through the Cornerstone Bible Academy: (see the course descriptions in the CBA portion of the catalogue)

  • Introduction to Theology I & II
  • Introduction to the NT 
  • Introduction to the OT
  • Biblical Interpretation 
  • History of Christianity
  • Intro to Biblical Counseling
  • Defending the Faith/Apologetics
  • Introduction to Missions
  • Independent Reading: Every Christian Leader’s Library


School of Practical Ministry

Students will complete a program of core courses and a curriculum in accord with their designated ministry track.

Core courses: (number of weeks the courses last are listed at the end of each course title)

  • How to be a Leader; Christian Leadership (6 wks)
  • How to Disciple Someone (2 wks)
  • Theology of Worship (4 wks)
  • How to Build a Team, Plan, and Lead a ministry (4 wks)
  • Ethics and Decision Making in Ministry (3 wks)
  • Conflict Management (3 wks)
  • How to Lead a Small Group (2 wks)
  • How to Preach and Teach effectively (4 wks)
  • What to Expect in Ministry: Pitfalls and Rewards (4 wks)


Ministry Track: Before or during their second year each student will consult with the Director of the SOM in order to determine which ministry track the student should pursue.  Each ministry track includes a unique curriculum that is designed by the ministry supervisor that serves to equip persons in a specified ministry.  Tracks include: (other tracks can be created to suit a particular need)

  • Children’s Ministry
  • Counseling Ministry
  • Marriage Ministry
  • Media
  • Men’s Ministry
  • Missions
  • Pastoral Ministry
  • Prison Ministry
  • Singles Ministry
  • Teaching
  • Women’s Ministry  
  • Worship
  • Youth Ministry

For more information contact:

Cyndie Guthmiller
School of Ministry Administrator
925-447-3465 ext 5433
cyndieg@cornerstoneweb.org