Advanced Faith Formation Certificate Program
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 six courses. Local church Faith Formation Leaders (Superintendents, Youth Leaders, Sunday School and Adult Education teachers, etc.) have an eight course requirement, including three Bible courses to provide a foundation for quality Christian Faith Formation ministry.
The four core courses have been designed and written by The Rev. Debbie Gline-Allen, Minister of Faith Formation for the Southern New England Conference (SNEUCC), and Dr. Josh Lunde-Whitler, 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.
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.
Local church Faith Formation Leaders have one elective course from Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 for certificate plus the Bible requirement for completion.
BIBLE OPTION ONE: Massachusetts Bible Society Dickinson Series, Level 1*
- What is the Bible?
- Introducing the Old Testament
- Introducing the New Testament
BIBLE OPTION TWO: PATHWAYS Biblical Foundations
- Understanding the Bible as a Progressive Christian (Level 1)
- Old Testament Hermeneutics (Level 2)
- New Testament Hermeneutics (Level 2)
Courses begin September 4.
Visit our website at www.PATHWAYSTheological.org to apply or email The Rev. Dr. Ruth Shaver, Academic Dean,
*SNEUCC local church members are eligible for a reduced rate for the Dickinson Series courses.