Advanced Faith Formation Certificate

The Advanced Faith Formation Certificate Program provides participants with the knowledge and skills to lead local congregation-based Faith Formation programs for all ages in the post-COVID world.

Professionally trained Faith Formation Practitioners: (e.g., authorized clergy, commissioned educators, those with undergraduate or graduate degrees/training for faith formation, Bible, Youth Ministry) may earn the certificate after completing seven courses and documenting their Biblical equivalency through the registrar's office. Local church Faith Formation Leaders: (Superintendents, Youth Leaders, Sunday School and Adult Education teachers, etc.) have a nine course requirement, including three Bible courses to provide a foundation for quality Christian Faith Formation ministry.

Bible Requirement

Professionally trained Faith Formation Practitioners: please connect with the registrar's office to add your Bible course waivers to your study plan.

Local Faith Formation Leaders: Those without previous Bible undergraduate, graduate or Biblical equivalency recognized by authorization as clergy will take one of two paths through their Biblical requirement.

BIBLE OPTION ONE: Massachusetts Bible Society Dickinson Series, Level 1*

  • What is the Bible? (Level 1)
  • Introducing the Old Testament (Level 1)
  • Introducing the New Testament (Level 1)

BIBLE OPTION TWO: PATHWAYS Biblical Foundations

Core Courses

All Advanced Faith Formation students:

The five core courses have been designed and written by The Rev. Debbie Gline-Allen, past Minister of Faith Formation for the Southern New England Conference (SNEUCC), and The Rev Josh Lunde-Whitler PhD, a long-time Faith Formation Practitioner. Each 6-week course builds understanding of spirituality in children, youth, and adults; curriculum evaluation, development, and design; and diversity of learning styles  as well as the importance of intergenerational learning experiences. The 9-week Supervised Ministry course offers participants an experiential and experimental learning opportunity to practice what they have learned and receive feedback from their own students, from a site supervisor, and from the course facilitator.

  • MP10607 - Faith Formation and Spiritual Practices (Children, Youth,Adults) - Level 1 [This course is also part of the core Ministry Preparation Program]

  • MP20614: Applied: Faith Formation and Spiritual Practices for Children, Youth, and Adults - Level 2

  • MP30611: Synthesizing: Faith Formation and Spiritual Practices for Children, Youth, and Adults - Level 3

  • SM10301 - Introduction to Supervised Ministry (3 week course, administrative fee instead of full tuition)

  • SM30901: Supervised Ministry IV (Faith Formation and Spiritual Practices for Children, Youth, and Adults) 

Electives with Education-related outcomes projects. 

Student will choose course or courses from the Ministry Preparation program or Project Proclaim designated courses. If the outcome project for the course is not education related, the student will propose a project to the course facilitator and the Academic Dean.

Professional Faith Formation Practitioners:  will choose two elective courses from any PATHWAYS Level 2 or Level 3 offering and complete education-related Outcome Projects for each plus documenting their Bible requirement equivalency with the registrar's office.

Local church Faith Formation Leaders: will choose one elective course from Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 for certificate. It is recommended that you complete your Bible requirements before taking any other Level 2  or Level 3 courses including both the core and elective courses

Visit our website at www.PATHWAYSTheological.org to apply or email The Rev. Dr. Ruth Shaver, Academic Dean, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or The Rev. Melissa Ashmore, Registrar, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., with questions or for more information.

*SNEUCC local church members are eligible for a reduced rate for the Dickinson Series courses.

Affordable

PATHWAYS believes that quality theological education should be available to any who want it. That’s why we provide a cost-effective online theological program accessible to all. 4-week Explorer courses are only $124, 6-week courses just $375, 9-week courses Supervised Ministry courses are $500, and our 12-week UCC History and Polity course is only $650.

Flexible

Because classes are not bound by geography and have a flexible weekly schedule, PATHWAYS courses are able to fit into the rest of your busy life. Courses typically involve weekly readings and discussion in a facilitated online forum, offering practical, open-minded education and a learner-centered environment where participants can bring their own questions and insights.

Accessible

Our courses have between 4 and 15 participants. This allows for deep and productive discussions in the online forum. We know that a small class size allows the participants to develop learning relationships with each other and for facilitators to push participants to a more indepth learning experience.

 

PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.,
P.O. Box 897
Tucker, GA 30085
Phone:770-569-3384

Partner with PATHWAYS

 

PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc. is a nonprofit provider of theological education that is academically rigorous and affordable.   A PATHWAYS education in Ministry Preparation can be completed on-line in three years at a fraction of the price of a seminary education.   Our program is aligned with the requirements for ordination of most mainline Protestant denominations and seeks to work with ordaining bodies to make sure that participants are meeting their goals.   Now is the time to make an inquiry for the future of theological education.  Reach out today to Partner with PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.

Support PATHWAYS Today!

 

PATHWAYS is an innovator in cost-effective, progressive Christian education. We work alongside denominations, regional partners and individuals to make our programs accessible to all regardless of their ability to pay. This commitment to funding begins with each of our supporters. No matter how large or how small the donation, it all goes towards making theological education affordable to everyone who desires to learn.

There is no time like the present to contribute financially to PATHWAYS’ work and mission by making your tax-deductible gift – Today!