Graduate Certificate for Women in Ministry

Heritage exists for Christ, His Church and His mission in the world. As part of our efforts to equip women to serve in local churches, nation-wide para-church organizations, and for global ministries are have developed the Graduate Certificate for Women in Ministry.

Equip Women for Ministry. Women who have a heart for future ministry will receive specific training in teaching, writing, evangelism, ministry leadership, and pastoral care for women.

Encourage Women in Ministry. Many women already serving in local churches, para-church, or missions organizations recognize the need for further personal and ministry skill development. We encourage women to grow in an academic environment while remaining in ministry.

This training enables women to serve Jesus more effectively in churches and communities in Canada and around the globe.

Features of the Program

Quality Instructors

Women who teach in the courses have extensive ministry experience and usually hold doctoral degrees. Each course will feature a professor who is teaching at a seminary, writing curriculum or other resource and reaching out in ministry that spans Canada, North America, and the globe.

Personal Growth

Each course will identify specific areas for growth and provide opportunity to develop new ministry skills and practices. You will be challenged to grow in an encouraging environment.

Connections with women in ministry

Ministry can be lonely. Through these courses, women are enriched and encouraged through relationships with other women serving Jesus.

Integration of Knowledge and Practice

We equip our students for life and ministry through speaking, writing, serving, and reaching out into our communities through academic course work that is connected to real ministry.

Transfer-ability

The Graduate Certificate for Women in Ministry can be completed in two years, and can be transferred into a MTS degree or MDiv degree. The Graduate Certificate is available to any woman with a bachelor’s degree. Women who are mature students (28 years old) may apply for the Certificate without a prior degree.

Five Course Curriculum

The following five (5) credit courses are required for the Graduate Certificate for Women in Ministry. Each course may be taken individually or as an audit course (non-credit). To see the upcoming course dates, see the  Seminary Course Schedule

Next Courses for 2024 – 2025

• Fall 2024— Women in Ministry and Leadership with Dr. Linda Reed and Dr. Terri Stovall, Interim Associate Dean of the Jack D. Terry School of Educational Ministries, Professor of Educational Ministries, and Dean of Women at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
• Winter 2025— Reaching The World with Drs. Rick and Linda Reed and Ryan and Ashley Kruezer

1. Women Serving in Ministry and Leadership

Students explore call, character, craft, and competency in ministry. Ministry cycles, gender issues, and pastoral care for women are considered with biblical, historical, and contemporary examples of women in ministry.
*This class is taught by Dr. Terri Stovall and Dr. Linda Reed

2. Developing Life Changing Bible Study Curriculum

Learn to write, select, and adapt Bible study curriculum for women that is biblically sound, relevant, and applicable to all arenas of life for neighbourhood, church-based women’s or co-ed Bible studies.
*This class is taught by Dr. Phyllis Bennett and Dr. Linda Reed

3. Great Women of the Christian Faith: A Survey of Church History

This course presents an overview of church history through readings and extensive study of the lives of exemplary women, beginning with women in Scripture and continuing through history to the revivals of the 18th century. Students will also become acquainted with pioneer missionary women and writers that contributed to evangelical thought. Through this overview of women such as Perpetua, Macrina, Lady Jane Grey, Phillis Wheatley, Amy Carmichael and Elisabeth Elliot, we are challenged to “consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (Heb 13:7b). Students will grow in their awareness of the lives of these women, as well as understand more clearly the overall sweep of church history.
*This class is taught by Dr. Michael Haykin & Dr. Linda Reed

4. Women Reaching the World: Local, National, and Global Evangelism

Beginning with a Biblical foundation for evangelism, experienced outreach coordinators will challenge women to lead local outreach events and think globally.
*This class is taught by Dr. Rick & Linda Reed

5. Women Teaching God’s Word

Grow and embrace God’s call for women to teach women (Titus 2) in ways that are biblically faithful and culturally relevant. We encourage passionate teaching from the heart and to the heart of women.
*This class is taught by Dr. Rick & Linda Reed

For other non-academic options for women, see the Heritage Centre for Women in Ministry.

These courses may be taken for the Graduate Certificate for Women in Ministry, and may also become part of the Master of Theological Studies or Master of Divinity programs.

Master of Divinity

Many of the Graduate Certificate courses transfer into our Master of Divinity (MDiv) program. Please contact the Registrar’s office for more information.

Master of Theological Studies

The Graduate Certificate is a great way to test your desire for more intensive biblical training. All courses in the Graduate Certificate for Women in Ministry program transfer 100% towards our Master of Theological Studies degree.

For more information please contact the Director of the Graduate Certificate for Women in Ministry.

Admission Requirements

Program Benefits

This certificate is intended to enhance a degree program or equip an individual who is serving in ministry. The following are positions that our graduates and current students hold and/or would be options for future graduates:

Women’s Ministry Director

Crisis Pregnancy Center Director or Counselor

Bible Study Leader

Speaker for women, youth, children

Trainer of women

Welcome Centre Director

Hospitality Coordinator or Ministry

Missions ministry (such as TEACH Beyond, OMF, AIM)

Children’s Ministry Director

TESOL or ESL teacher

Camp Ministry

Published Author or Blogger

Youth Ministry Director or Assistant to Director

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