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 18 credit certificate invites learners toward a deeper understanding of the theological tradition, especially as it is connected to pastoral and ministerial practices.

Certificate Breakdown

• 9 Credits: Required Coursework
  • 3 Credits: Ecclesiology
  • 3 Credits: History of Christianity I
  • 3 Credits: Theology and Practice of Ministry
• 9 Credits: Constrained Electives
  • 3 Credits: Old Testament
  • 3 Credits: New Testament
  • 3 Credits: Choose: Moral Theology, Liturgy, Spirituality, or Pastoral Theology
• Formation
  • Monthly Spiritual Direction
  • Formation Conferences
  • Peer Group Spiritual Companioning

A Benedictine Approach to Pastoral Ministry

The mission and identity of Saint John’s School of Theology has deep roots in the 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 and spiritual growth is integral to our curriculum and to our formation requirements