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Non-Degree Certificates

The Non-degree Certificate programs of Midwestern Baptist College and Seminary are designed to offer basic biblical, theological, historical, and personal training for lay ministry in the local church. These certificates are not alternatives to undergraduate preparation for vocational ministry offered through the College; however, they afford students an opportunity to deepen their understanding and skills through study and training in a formal academic environment.

Students graduating with an Undergraduate Certificate will be able to do the following:

  1. Demonstrate introductory knowledge of the Bible and theology.
  2. Interpret the English text of Scripture with greater proficiency using appropriate hermeneutical principles.
  3. Articulate and defend their own theological beliefs on the basis of Scripture and within the larger setting of church history.
  4. Understand and practice the classical spiritual disciplines.
  5. Be engaged faithfully in the Great Commission, having the skills and understanding needed for lay evangelism and/or missions involvement.

Undergraduate Certificates Offered:

The curriculum for each certificate is determined by the prefix assigned to each 3 credit-hour course appearing in the institution’s undergraduate catalog. Accordingly, the following certificates are available to the non-degree seeking undergraduate student

  • History and Theology – 4 courses with an HT prefix
  • Biblical Studies – 4 courses taken with a BS prefix
  • Humanities – 4 courses taken with an HM prefix
  • Business – 4 courses taken with a BN prefix
  • Biblical Counseling – 4 courses taken with a BC prefix
  • Christian Education – 4 courses taken with a CE prefix
  • Ministry – 4 courses taken with an MN prefix
  • General studies – any 4 courses
  • Certificate of Worship Ministries

Graduate Certificates Offered:

The curriculum for each certificate is determined by the prefix assigned to each 3 credit-hour course appearing in the institution’s graduate catalog. Accordingly, the following certificates are available to the non-degree seeking graduate student

  • Biblical Studies – 4 courses taken with a BS prefix
  • Christian Education – 4 courses taken with a CE prefix
  • Christian Ministry – Any 4 courses
  • Biblical Counseling – 4 courses taken with a BC prefix
  • History and Theology – 4 courses with an HT prefix

Midwestern Women's Institute

More About MWI

Purpose

Midwestern Women’s Institute (MWI) provides a course of study for any woman regardless of marital or occupational status who wants to enable and enhance spiritual and practical skills necessary for effective service. MWI offers courses designed to equip women for ministry in the home, church, and community. Completion of a Certificate of Ministry Studies satisfies the requirements with the International Missions Board (IMB). Courses with MWI are not equivalent to college level courses and may not be used to substitute undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degree programs

Objectives

Students graduating with the MWI Certificate will be able to do the following:
1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the Bible and personal discipleship
2. Develop an appreciation for Baptist heritage, mission, and ministries
3. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the biblical foundation for marriage and the family
4. Develop an understanding of ministry opportunities in view of their personal talents and gifts.

Two different levels of study are available

Certificate of Ministry Studies

The Certificate of Ministry Studies provides women an opportunity to enhance their spiritual and practical skills necessary for ministry such as having a basic knowledge of the Bible, personal discipleship, and gaining a better understand of their personal gifts and talents. Must complete 10 hours of MWI courses.

Advanced Certificate of Ministry Studies

The Advanced Certificate of Ministry Studies provides women an opportunity to enhance their spiritual and practical skills necessary for ministry. Women who complete this certificate will have the opportunity to build upon the basic knowledge of the Certificate of Ministry Studies, with the opportunity to expand their knowledge base by taking additional courses. These courses will help women not only have a basic knowledge of the Bible, personal discipleship, and a better understanding of their personal gifts and talents, but will help them to better understand mission and ministry. Must complete 15 hours of MWI courses.

Certificate of Ministry Studies:

  • 10 credits Granted to the student who completes all 10 credits of required courses.

Advanced Certificate of Ministry Studies:

  • 15 credits Granted to the student who completes all 10 credits of required courses and 5 credits of elective courses (see course descriptions in the back of the catalog for possible MWI electives).

Course List

  • WC30 Old Testament Survey I
  • WC31 Old Testament Survey II
  • WC32 New Testament Survey I
  • WC33 New Testament Survey II
  • WC34 Evangelism & Missions
  • WC35 Discipleship I
  • WC36 Discipleship II
  • WC37 Hermeneutics I
  • WC38 Baptist Heritage & Beliefs
  • WC39 Theology I OR WC40 Theology II

Purpose
The Certificate in Worship Ministries (CWM) offers an abbreviated course of instruction that prepares bi-vocational and lay worship leaders an opportunity to develop personal skill in the theory and practice of worship ministry, while giving current full-time students additional training in a core ministry skill. There are no competency music tests required for entering this course of study.

Objectives
Students earning the CWM will be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate a basic biblical and historical framework upon which to form a theology of worship and philosophy of ministry practice

2. Demonstrate the basic leadership, communication, and ministerial skills with which to humbly serve, minister and relate to staff, congregation, and worship ministry

3. Demonstrate a basic understanding of local church worship ministry that transcends church size, musical style, and various worship ministry trends – learning to utilize a gospel filter with which to carry out and implement all worship ministry ideas and endeavors

4. Demonstrate an elementary understanding of fundamental musical leadership skills including worship ministry technologies

Required Courses

  • CM 9100 Biblical Foundations of Worship 3 hrs
  • CM 9205 Survey of Christian Worship & Congregational Song 3 hrs

Electives (Choose 2)

  • CM 9401 Worship Ministry Administration 3 hrs
  • CM 9403 Corporate Worship Leadership 3 hrs
  • CM 9421 Worship Technology 3 hrs

Center for Biblical Counseling

More About CBC

Certificate Features

  • Reduced Tuition Rate
  • Fully Online
  • Fulfills training portion of Phase 1 of certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC)

Certificate in Biblical Counseling

The Certificate in Biblical Counseling provides students access to 30 hours of lessons, quizzes, readings, and other training material at a reduced price. This certificate meets the requirements for the training portion of Phase 1 of certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC). The program is offered through Midwestern’s For the Church Institute and provides continuing education units through Spurgeon College.