Frequently Asked Questions
The School of Ministry is designed to provide an arena in which persons who are called to ministry in any capacity may have a practical means of preparing themselves through education and hands-on experience. This program is designed to equip those called to ministry with both the knowledge and the practical experience necessary to prepare them for ministry.
One of the highlights of the Certificate in Christian Ministry program is the fact that those seeking preparation for ministry will obtain not only the classroom knowledge necessary for effective ministry, but also hands-on practical ministry experience under the supervision of various pastors and ministry leaders. Our Practical Ministry courses emphasize the ‘how to’s’ of ministry. The SOPM also provides a mentored program (Ministry Track) in the area of ministry in which the student is called and desires to serve. Students may work alongside ministers of Worship and Music; Children, Youth, Women’s, or Men’s ministries; Counseling; Teaching; and others.
The program can be completed in as little as two years. One should assess their own personal circumstances and decide the Lord’s will and what is best for themselves, their family, and their ministry.
Classes are offered on Tuesdays evenings. SOPM courses are offered during the third and fourth quarters (Winter/Spring) and meet from 5:00-6:00 pm. Courses for CBA meet from 6:15-7:15 and 7:30-9:00. Seminars through our Worldview program will occur on Monday or Friday nights, or Sunday mornings and are offered 2-3 times per year. The Ministry Track courses are arranged with a pastor or program advisor.5. Can women enroll?
We see no reason why women cannot engage in numerous aspects of Christian ministry and, thus, we strongly encourage women to enroll.
We are not seeking accreditation for three reasons. First, we do not wish to be submissive to the state in terms of allowing them to control what we can and cannot do. Second, accreditation would consume too much time and too many resources. Third, most of the students that we envision in our program do not need an accredited program; and for those who do we may be able to facilitate some of their needs.
Not at all. Instead of the state establishing our requirements, we have been able to determine the parameters of our program based on what believe the Lord has desired of us and our own experiences as to what would best prepare our students for ministry life.
It may be possible to have some of your work here transferred to another school. We will make every effort to assist you with this, but we can make no guarantees. We are working with some local seminaries to see if we can incorporate our program with theirs to make available the opportunity for students to earn an MDiv degree with as little as one year of additional study
CBA courses cost $40 each; or $25 for wishing to audit. There are additional discounts for students and seniors. Students will also need to purchase their own texts and any other materials they may need.
SOPM courses generally cost $20; or $10 for those wishing to audit.
Yes. Absolutely. Scholarships are available for those in need. Students will need to fill out the appropriate form and turn it in to the registrar.
For those students who are taking the courses for credit there are regular assignments and readings. Students should expect approximately one hour of homework per week per credit hour. In most courses, the homework is graduated so that students desiring to earn an ‘A’ will be required to do more work.
It may be possible to receive some credit for work that has been previously completed. Please notify the registrar in writing with as much information you may have about the courses: especially the course content, and where and when they were completed. Any transcripts made available will only aid us in this process.
Cyndie Guthmiller
School of Ministry Administrator
925-447-3465 ext 5433
cyndieg@cornerstoneweb.org