Lay Ministry Certificate
Lay Ministry Certificate Program
A Ministry of the Williamson Bible Institute
"Study to show yourself approved to God.
A workman who does not need to be ashamed."
II Timothy 2:15
Rationale
The purpose statement of WBI includes the objective "to provide training for lay ministry." We recognize that not all our potential and actual students aspire to the ordained ministry. Rather, our goal remains to equip men and women for ministry, clergy and laity alike. The development and wide promotion of a "Lay Ministry Certificate" Course of Study will more effectively open doors for the laity of the Washington District to discover their spiritual gifts and enhance their ministry skills.
What Is the Lay Ministry Certificate Program?
The Lay Ministry Certificate program was begun to provide a training program for those who would like to further their knowledge for lay ministry in the local church, or for those who are exploring further ministerial study. These classes that can be used to fulfill the requirements for the course of study should a student decide to enter the ordination track.
The Core Courses
The following courses are required of everyone to complete the Lay Ministry Certificate program:
1. Biblical Interpretation
2. Introduction to the Old Testament
3. Introduction to the New Testament
4. History and Polity of the Church of the Nazarene
5. Spiritual Formation
6. Exploring Christian Holiness
7. Philosophy and Christian Ethics
Areas of Specialization
After completing the Lay Ministry Certificate program, each student will be eligible to take an additional three elective courses and thereby complete an Advanced Lay Ministry Certificate. The following areas of emphasis are available and the courses connected to that area are listed.
I. Teaching / Bible
- Introduction to Christian Educational Ministries
- Pentateuch or Hebrew Prophets
- New Testament Gospels or Pauline Epistles
II. Church Ministry
- The Practice of Christian Ministry
- Developing a Missional Church
- Pastoral Care & Counseling or Church Administration &Finance
III. Missions
- Global Evangelism
- Developing a Missional Church
- Any Compassionate Ministry Class
IV. Theology
- Systematic Theology 1
- Systematic Theology 2
- Pauline Epistles
In addition, other areas of specialization can be worked out. Additional areas would include Compassionate Ministries, Church Music, and Youth Ministries. In these cases, the same core classes would be taken along with other modules for the additional three classes for the specialization area.
Additional Information
1. Participants in the Lay Ministry Certificate program will take the course for credit, pay the same fees, qualify or scholarships, and fulfill the same course requirements as other students.
2. Participants would be encouraged to maintain the Student Portfolio in the event that later on they continue their studies to a more advanced level.
3. All participants will receive an orientation to the Ministerial Internship and would be encouraged then to enter the MI.
4. All participants will receive official certificates at the conclusion of these programs.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE LAY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM,
CONTACT REV. JOHN W. NIELSON AT 301-599-6700 or at Dean@WilliamsonBible.org.
