Graduate Certificate for Women in Ministry

The Graduate Certificate for Women in Ministry provides a solid theological foundation for women who desire to:

• Gain practical skills for life and ministry
• Mature in their faith and character
• Spread the gospel in Canada and around the world
• Thrive as a woman in ministry

The certificate fosters personal spiritual development while equipping women to serve Jesus more effectively in churches and communities in Canada and around the globe. It is tailor-made for women who are mature students (28 years old) and for younger women with a bachelor’s degree, who are looking for seminary training in a flexible and easily accessible format.

Women who have a heart for future ministry will benefit from specific training in ministry leadership, teaching, writing, evangelism, and pastoral care for women. Women already serving in local churches and/or parachurch organizations will gain further theological and ministry skill development with the flexibility to continue to serve in their context while growing in an academic environment.

The certificate is also perfect for women looking for an onramp into a master’s degree or for current Master of Divinity or Master of Theological Studies students desiring specialized training within their program. Alumni may audit a course for ongoing personal development and to become more effective in ministry.

Features of the Program

Quality Instructors

Women who teach in the courses have extensive ministry experience and usually hold doctoral degrees. Each course will feature a professor who is teaching at a seminary, writing curriculum or other resource, and reaching out in ministry that spans Canada, North America, and the globe.

Personal Growth

Each course will identify specific areas for growth and provide opportunities to develop new ministry skills and practices. Students will be challenged to grow in an intentional, encouraging, supportive environment that fosters deeper faith and Christ-like character development.

Connections with Women

Ministry can be lonely. Through these five courses, women are enriched and encouraged through fellowship with other women serving Jesus.

Class Delivery Flexibility

Each course is offered in a modular format comprised of four days per semester on campus and online at the same time as in-person (synchronous). Students in the certificate program will have the flexibility to continue their current rhythms of working and ministering while gaining a solid theological foundation they need for ministry and greater maturity in Christ. The certificate can be completed in two years.

Transferability

All five courses can be transferred into the Master of Divinity degree and the Master of Theological Studies degree at Heritage.

Five Course Curriculum

See the Seminary Course Schedule for upcoming course dates.

1. Women Studying God’s World: Developing Life Changing Bible Study Curriculum

Learn to select, adapt, and write Bible study curriculum that is biblically sound, relevant, and applicable to all arenas of life. Grow in confidence in training Bible study leaders and discussion leaders to shepherd biblically stimulating, relationally healthy small groups.

2. Women Reaching the World: Local, National, and Global Evangelism

Beginning with a Biblical foundation for evangelism, grow in effective evangelism through personal testimonies, outreach strategies, and community involvement. Be inspired by women who faithfully serve locally, at a national level, and around the globe. This course also provides an examination of cultural perspectives and worldviews to equip students to meaningfully engage with others with the hope of the gospel.

3. Women Serving in Ministry and Leadership

A study of theological foundations for women in ministry, including exegesis, hermeneutics, and Biblical theology. This course also provides a study of practical foundations for women in leadership, including strategic planning, team development, spiritual formation of the leader, discipleship, and ministry to women in pain.

4. Women Teaching God’s Word

Grow and embrace God’s call for women to teach women in ways that are biblically faithful and culturally relevant. We encourage passionate teaching from the heart and to the heart of women.

5. Great Women of the Christian Faith: A Survey of Church History

Gain an overview of church history through readings and extensive study of the lives of exemplary women, beginning with women in Scripture and continuing through history to the revivals of the 18th century. Students will also become acquainted with writers who contributed to evangelical thought and pioneer missionary women. Students will be challenged to “consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (Heb 13:7b).

For other non-academic options for women, see the Heritage Centre for Women in Ministry. For more information please contact the Director of the Graduate Certificate for Women in Ministry.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Graduate Certificate for Women in Ministry 28 years of age or over are not required to have a bachelor’s degree for entrance to this certificate. If any applicant has had previous post-secondary education, official transcripts will be required in the application process. Applicants under 28 years of age must have a bachelor’s degree to apply to the certificate.

Program Benefits

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