The Graduate Certificate in Ministry (G.C.Min) program is a 1-year program that offers a holistic and advanced understanding of biblical concepts, principles, history, and methods of the theological disciplines for use in a variety of ministries and/or vocations. This certificate program helps prepare individuals for a career in church ministry and/or in the marketplace. This program is also designed to accommodate the working student and provides a flexible course of study for those individuals who desire to gain a deeper understanding of biblical and theological principles, but not necessarily aspire to obtain a degree program. Specifically, this program is for:

Individuals who desire a short-term program of studies to equip them for effective ministry in the local church or elsewhere and/or vocational endeavors.

Individuals who wish to begin ministry studies on a trial basis to help them determine if they desire to pursue a degree program. Earned credits can be applied to the graduate degree program.

Those who intend to enter a professional ministry are encouraged to apply for admission to the graduate degree program (if eligible).

Through the infusion of the 7 Core Competencies, each student is expected to:

PLO 1: Demonstrate an advanced ability to interpret the Bible.

PLO 2: Integrate biblical, historical, and theological perspectives into an effective strategy for responding to challenges in church and marketplace.

PLO3: Explore correlates of human development and functioning through biblical and psychological perspectives.

PLO 4: Demonstrate an advanced level of effective oral and written communication skills and to formulate and discuss ideas logically and critically.

PLO 5: Analyze seminal texts, discerning and effectively communicating the importance and quality of the arguments therein in light of related literary, historical, cultural, ecclesial, and global contexts.

PLO 6: Demonstrate an ability to integrate and defend Biblical truth through correlates of theology, while critically evaluating the range of alternate views and perspectives.

PLO 7: Demonstrate Christian leadership skills which integrate faith and practice.

PLO 8: Develop and implement a personal plan of spiritual formation involving the practice of spiritual disciplines.

Complete a minimum of 18 semester credit hours

A 3.0 cumulative grade point average and a passing grade in all required courses.

At least 9 semester credit hours must be earned at VCC.

Complete the general graduation requirements listed below.

Bible/Theology Core - 9 Hours

Biblical Studies (3)

• BIB 511 Reading and Interpreting the Old Testament; or
• BIB 512 Reading and Interpreting the New Testament

Theological or Historical Studies (3)

• THEO 621 Systematic Theology; or
• HT 531 Historical Theology I; or
• HT 532 Historical Theology II

Spiritual Development (3)

• SF 571 Spiritual Formation

Ministry Practice Core - 9 Hours

Apologetic Studies (3)

• APOL 541 Christian Apologetics and Evangelism

Care & Counseling Studies (3)

• CC 551 Counseling & Christian Thought

Leadership Studies (3)

• LD 561 Leadership in the 21st Century

• A minimum of a bachelor degree in any field
• Completed Application 
• Essay addressing 1) reason for applying for the program; 2) description of ministry or leadership experience; and 3) future vocational and/or ministerial goals
• One (1) Reference Letter from your Pastor or spiritual leaders

Life Experience cannot contribute toward a degree, but a transference of up to 9 comparable credit hours from previous learning institutions can be applied. Students must normally have earned a grade of B or better (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) in order to be eligible to transfer a course from another institution to Virginia Christian College. Transferability of credits earned at this institution is at the discretion of the receiving institution. Consult the Office of Academic Affairs for further information.

The above list of courses may be offered at any time during the student’s course of study. Each course will be selected from one or more of the components and will fulfill the student’s requirement for each learning component. Of the courses offered each semester students may select the course(s) for which they would like to register. There will be a number of electives (TBD) offered throughout the course of study. With the approval of the Program Director, electives of comparable or greater academic rigor may be substituted for a required course.