Certificate in Children and Family Ministries
The purpose of the Certificate in Children and Family Ministry is to equip persons with deeper theoretical and practical understandings in order to better serve children and families in the local church or ministry context.
Overview
Educational Ministries & Studies Department Certificates
In light of the need for continuing education in the church, higher education, and organizational leadership, the Educational Ministries and Studies Department offers four Certificates – Certificate in Educational Ministries (masters level), Certificate in Children and Family Ministry (masters level), Certificate in Teaching and Learning (both masters and doctoral levels), and Certificate in Organizational Leadership (both masters and doctoral levels). The Certificates are intended to engage learners who may not be interested in enrolling in a degree program, may wish to add it to their current master’s degree program, or are interested in postgraduate or postdoctoral studies. Students can use these certificates as an entry point into the MA in Educational Ministries.
Purpose
The Certificate in Children and Family Ministry is designed for person who desire to obtain advanced certification in children and family ministries but do not wish to enroll in a degree program. for the certificate may also benefit persons who may not possess a baccalaureate degree but have had intensive or extensive life experience with educational practice and are able to demonstrate the ability to do graduate level studies. It is also appropriate for those who wish to explore the area of children and family ministry in addition to their other TIU degree program. Admission to the Certificate does not ensure admissions to a Trinity degree program; however, it is designed so that courses completed may apply toward a future TEDS degree.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Certificate in Children and Family Ministry generally possess the following:
- Prospective students who do not meet the general admission requirements in the Admission section of this Catalog should possess intensive or extensive life experience with children and family ministry practice in the church, parachurch or other Christian organizations, higher education, or the public education arena (generally five-plus years of full-time experience);
- Academic, non-formal, or informal preparation for children and family ministry at the graduate level;
- Demonstrated academic ability through evaluation and interview by the EM Department (personal interview encompassing demonstrable skills, character, knowledge, and critical thinking);
- Completion of the Certificate Application with accompanying requisite materials.
Completion Requirements
- All 12 hours must be completed through Trinity with a cumulative GPA for course work of at least 2.0, with no course work graded below “C-“ applicable to the Certificate.
- All coursework applicable to the Certificate must be completed within a five-year period.
- When the Certificate is taken simultaneously with a TIU degree, all 12 hours must be in addition to program degree coursework. However, a student may complete the Certificate simultaneously with the Master of Arts in Educational Ministries without completing additional hours.
- Students who wish to use the Certificate as an entry point into a master’s degree should apply for admission to that degree and may apply all credits earned toward the master’s degree. The Certificate in Children and Family Ministry matches well with the MA in Educational Ministries. Admission to the Certificate does not ensure admissions to a Trinity degree program.
- Evidence of Christian life and character and recommendation by the faculty.
- Completion of certificate requirements required by the catalog curricula in effect at the time of initial enrollment.
- Settlement of all financial obligations to Trinity and any other ACTS seminaries with Student Financial Services.
Certificate in children and family ministry (Masters level) Requirements
Courses may be completed on the Bannockburn campus, through TEDS online courses, and at approved extension sites. Not all courses are available in all modes or every semester. The following requirements must be completed:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Generally Completed at the beginning of enrollment | 4 | |
| EM 5125 | Teaching and Learning | 2 |
| EM 5200 | Educational Ministries | 2 |
| Additional Requirements 1 | 8 | |
| Suggested curricular courses include but are not limited to: | ||
| Christian Leadership and Administration | ||
| Christian Formation & Journey | ||
| Intergenerational Ministry in the Church | ||
| Building Ministry Teams | ||
| Curriculum Development | ||
| Spiritual Formation in the Family | ||
| Children in Congregations | ||
| Nurturing Families in the Church | ||
| Program Planning Dynamics in the Local Church | ||
Other departmental courses offered regularly may apply. | ||
| Total Hours | 12 | |
- 1
Select additional semester hours of courses prefixed EM or ES available at the master’s level (5000-8999). Courses from other departments or ES 8000 Seminar: Current Issues in Educational Ministries may be applied when such substitutions are approved in advance by the EM Department.