In addition to fully accredited degree programs, the Charlotte campus also offers two certificate programs designed for lay people who want to be better informed and better prepared to serve in Christian ministry. Students will be granted full graduate credit for courses taken through the certificate program. Those who begin through this program and wish to continue in any of the masters degrees should seek admission to that degree prior to the completion of their sixth certificate course; courses successfully passed will be transferred wherever possible into the degree.

Since certificate courses carry graduate credit, applicants must meet the entrance requirements of the M.Div. degree. Those who do not have the requisite undergraduate preparation will not be admitted to this program.

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CHRISTIAN STUDIES CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

The Certificate in Christian Studies is designed to provide a basic foundation for those who currently serve or plan to serve in some form of ministry, primarily in a lay context. This program is not intended to replace formal training provided through the various degree programs Gordon-Conwell offers; those considering vocational ministry are encouraged to pursue an appropriate degree program.

The Christian Studies program consists of eight courses from the various divisions of study: two in Biblical Studies; two in Christian Thought; two in Ministry of the Church; and two general electives.

URBAN MINISTRY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

The Urban Ministry Certificate Program is a response to the challenges of the local urban church. Early in the history of the Charlotte campus, a concern and a vision emerged for the needs of the "inner city". At that time, several urban pastors described theological education for emerging leaders as a fundamental, long-term answer to the needs of their communities. With this strong sense of support from recognized leaders of the city, Gordon-Conwell instituted this special program for students who have a calling to community-based ministry.

This program combines introductory level courses in Bible (Old and New Testament surveys) and Christian Thought (Church History and Theology sequences) with practical classes in ministry with an urban focus (i.e., Evangelism, Cross-Cultural Counseling, Youth Ministry, Christian Education). This program has been designed collaboratively with leaders from across the metro-Charlotte area and it has received widespread support for its combination of practical and academic training.

The program is based on a cohort model: students take one course at a time in a specified sequence as a group, meeting weekly with an academic mentor (advanced M.Div. student). A certificate is granted after the completion of the eight prescribed courses all, of which, count for full graduate credit.

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