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Certificate in Ministry
Certificate in Ministry
Saint John’s Certificate in Ministry offers a foundation in theology for those working in ministry contexts. Coupled with a variety of formation opportunities this certificate invites learners toward a deeper understanding of the theological tradition, especially as it is connected to pastoral and ministerial practices.
At a Glance
Formats
Online
In-Person
Hybrid
Application Deadline
Rolling
Audience
Pastoral Ministers
Parish Volunteers
Continuing Education
Certificate in Ministry Overview
The Certificate in Ministry requires the completion of 18 credit hours. The Certificate includes 9 credits in required coursework, 9 credits in constrained electives, and formation requirements.
Certificate Breakdown
Required Courses: 9 credits total
- Ecclesiology: 3 Credits
- History of Christianity: 3 Credits
- Theology and Practice of Ministry: 3 Credits
Formation
- Monthly Spiritual Direction
- Formation Conference Workshops
- Spiritual Companioning
Electives: 9 credits total
- Old Testament Elective: 3 Credits
- New Testament: Elective
- Moral Theology, Liturgy, Spirituality, or Pastoral Theology course: 3 Credits
Master of Arts in Ministry
Certificate in Ministry students can transition their credits into the Master of Arts in Ministry degree, pending successful admission to the Degree and satisfactory grade point average of coursework (3.0).
A Benedictine Approach To Pastoral Ministry
The mission and identity of Saint John’s School of Theology has deep roots in the Catholic and Benedictine tradition, which bears impact on our pedagogical and formational practices. Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary approaches teaching and formation for pastoral ministry from a Benedictine perspective by:
- Contemplative pedagogy in the classroom: Our classes incorporate prayer, reflection and space for discernment, relying on monastic practices like statio and lectio divina.
- Commitment to stability: Our approach to pastoral theology takes seriously our contextual rootedness, and prizes stability as commitment to the cultural locations and communities where ministry unfolds.
- Listening and hospitality: We form ministers to gain a disposition of deep listening for pastoral work and to discover Christ in pastoral interactions, especially when “welcoming the stranger.”(RB 53)
- Spiritual direction and peer companioning: attentiveness to spiritual formation
Application Process
Saint John’s uses a robust application software, Slate, for the application process. Prospective students will create a username and password, and then upload/request pertinent information directly into Slate. After beginning an application, students can log back into the application portal and check their progress.
If you have any questions/concerns about Slate and the admission process, please reach out to the Admission Office: [email protected]
Letters of Intent
Applicants are required to upload a typed letter of intent as a part of the application. This letter should be about 350-500 words. Applicants should indicate their ministerial context and desire to pursue coureswork in pastoral ministry.
Resume/CV
Applicants are required to submit an updated résumé outlining personal, educational and professional backgrounds. This can be uploaded directly into the application portal, Slate.
Letters of Recommendation
- Certificate in Ministry applicants are required to request 2 letters of recommendation from educational, religious/formational, or professional contacts, within the online application system.
- Recommenders should be able to speak to the applicant’s capacity for success in graduate theological coursework, their spiritual disposition, and/or potential professional application of coursework.
- Letters of recommendation must be requested through the Slate Portal and cannot be sent directly from the applicant to the admission office.
Transcripts
Official transcripts of post-secondary coursework must be sent from the Registrar’s Office to the Admissions Office
Contact Information for Sending Transcripts:
Admissions at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary
P.O. Box 7288
Collegeville, MN 56321
Next Steps
Our Office of Admission is available to walk with you in your discernment. Whether you’re questioning which degree is the best for your personal, vocational, and professional goals or if you feel ready to start your application today, our team is prepared to accompany you through the process.