Certificate in Town & Country
Church Leadership

Are you looking to

• develop lay ministry skills?

• refresh your mind and faith?

• expand your current ministry?

The Center for Theology & Land has as its mission the education of laity and clergy to provide leadership in carrying out God's mission in rural congregations.  The Certificate in Town & Country Church Leadership was designed to provide training for Lay Leaders, New-to-rural Pastors, and other adults invested in Rural Ministry.

To this end we provide courses

• for lay ministry

• for pastors in smaller church & rural settings

• for those who enjoy learning.

The Certificate in Town & Country Church Leadership is comprised of twelve courses taken online and in residency.  It is designed to give you the flexibility to work at your own pace taking one, two or three courses at a time; in your own office or home.
 

Certificate Program Requirements

1. Complete a total of 12 courses; with a minimum of two courses taken in residency.

2. Complete one course in each of the following 9 core course areas:

• Old Testament

• New Testament

• History & Confessions

• Theology

• Pastoral Care

• Education & Discipleship

• Leadership & Faith Formation

• Evangelism

• Worship & Preaching

3. Complete two courses in rural ministry and/or community development.

4. The 12^th course may be an elective course or an additional course in rural ministry or from one of the core course areas.
 

Online Courses

Each year we typically offer three-four online courses during the fall and spring terms.  On average, the online courses run for 6-8 weeks.  Students are given weekly reading assignments and are asked to post responses at least twice a week on the course’s discussion forums allowing students to interact with both the instructor and their classmates. 

 Students working towards the Certificate in Town & Country Church Leadership are asked to complete at least one paper or other project for each course.  Students should plan to spend a total of 36-40 hours (per course) over the 6-8 weeks (or 5-6 hours per week). Time spent will be divided between readings, forum postings, written and other assignments.

Click here for current online course offerings.

Click here for a list of previously offered courses.

**Only synods (ELCA) and Presbyteries (PCUSA) or other judicatory bodies authorize lay ministers. We, at the Center for Theology & Land, have worked with these bodies to ensure that our program is providing for the needs of the church, and that our Certificate offers courses that are applicable to their requirements for authorized lay ministry.

For more information contact us via email at: ruralmin@wartburgseminary.edu or call (563) 589-0273.