Frequently Asked Questions
Q and A about the Certificate of Pastoral Ministry
Q: If I take the introductory “Understanding the Bible” course, am I obligated to take more classes?
A: No, “Understanding the Bible” is open to those who wish to pursue a certificate and those who simply desire to know more about the Bible.
Q: What is the Certificate of Pastoral Ministry program?
A: It is a three-year program of classes for lay, licensed, or commissioned ministers that includes 480 hours of classroom instruction. Most of these are offered on Friday nights and Saturdays at the Rickman Retreat Center near Jefferson City, but we are now offering some classes online.
Q: Do I have to take every class in the order it is offered?
A: The classes are offered in a three-year rotation, but you do not have to complete the certificate in three years.
Q: What if I do not want a certificate, but just want to know more about certain topics?
A: We ask that you take the introductory “Understanding the Bible” class first. It is offered in January, May and August in one overnight session. Then you may take any class you desire. (Exceptions to this prerequisite are occasionally made for introductory courses taken elsewhere if they meet the objectives of “Understanding the Bible.) You are not required to pursue a certificate.
Q: Who teaches the Certificate of Pastoral Ministry classes?
A: Our instructors are ordained ministers from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), United Church of Christ, Presbyterian Church, USA and other mainline denominations. They each hold at minimum a masters degree and have several years of pastoral experience.
Q: Do other denominations besides the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) accept the CPM courses as training for lay, licensed or commissioned ministry?
A: The CPM classes are often complimentary to requirements of other denominations. Consult your conference office, presbytery or other judicatory body to determine what will fulfill your requirements. We often have students join us who are fulfilling requirements in the Presbyterian Church USA, the United Church of Christ, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Church of the Brethren and other denominations.
Q: If I complete the Certificate of Pastoral Ministry, am I guaranteed a position as a pastor?
A: No, we do not place our graduates in churches. Consult your judicatory about ministerial possibilities.
