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Professional Certificate in Church Ministry
Introduction
Many in active church ministry today are seeking to gain new knowledge or refresh their knowledge in Bible and theology. They, therefore, seek an alternative to the strictly in-person training model. The Professional Certificate in Church Ministry (PCertCM) equips students for the practice of ministry. It establishes foundations for ministry through the study of scriptures, theological traditions, historical and contemporary contexts. It requires concentrated study in ministry praxis.
This programme is a blend of online and in-person models. Pastors with at least ten years of experience may seek exemption from not more than 40% of the courses through our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
The programme is designed for pastors and church leaders already in ministry but do not possess a Bachelor of Divinity (BDiv/BD), Master of Arts in Sacred Ministry (MA) or their equivalent. This this qualification is an alternative to BD and MA requirements for licensing and ordination in ICGC.
Target:
Those Christians leaders and church workers seeking refresher courses or those interested in Bi-vocational ministry or full-time ministry in ICGC and other sister churches.
Programme Duration
Complete 20 course (Equivalent to 3 Semesters). Accelerated programme can be completed in one year or even less where there are exemptions.
Mode of Assessment
Assignments and/or Project
Fees
GH¢ 300 per course.
In order to be awarded this Professional Certificate, the candidate should have passed all the required course and fulfilled all financial obligations.
Graduates can becomes administrators or pastors within the International Central Gospel Church and sister churches upon passing the relevant interviews conducted by the churches.

CORE, 3 CREDIT HOURS
DICM501 CHURCH ORDINANCES
This course is designed to teach students practical information about how to minister effectively and meaningfully during the Ordinances of the Church (e.g. Water Baptism, Feet Washing, Communion,) and special events (e.g. Christenings, Weddings, and Funerals, etc.) in addition to exploring the meaning and spiritual significance behind these areas. Upon completion of this course the students will Gain practical knowledge of the Ordinances, Gain hands-on experience of how to conduct Ordinances and Develop a better understanding of the purpose of the Ordinances.
CORE 3, CREDIT HOURS
DICM503 CHURCH PLANTING AND REVITALIZATION
From struggling congregations to communities devoid of healthy churches, God calls us to shepherd his people well. This course seeks to teach the principles of planting culturally relevant churches. The mechanics and pathways for church planting will be presented to equip the student for effective ministry as a church planting pastor. The course will help the student develop a plan of action and a course of preparation for planting a local church in a specific geographic and cultural setting. Attention will also be given to how to revitalized weak congregations and dying churches.
CORE, 3 CREDIT HOURS
DICM504 CHURCH FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Overview of financial management, receipts and payments, bank reconciliation, assets management, investment, budgeting, financial statements and auditing. The aim of the course is to expose students to church financial management principles and practices. This is a comprehensive and yet practical treatment of the subject.
CORE, 3 CREDIT HOURS
DICM502 BIBLICAL LANGUAGE TOOLS
Many ministers struggle with study and sermon preparation. They need help in deeply understanding biblical texts. This course is an introduction to the biblical Greek/Hebrew alphabet, word formation, the verbal system, and basic syntax. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in the use of concordance and lexicons, as well as the use of various linguistic helps and differing English translations. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: Identify the letters of the Greek alphabet and select Greek paradigms; Define select Greek vocabulary words; Explain the basic steps involved in exegesis; Employ Greek/Hebrew language tools in the process of biblical interpretation.
CORE, 3 CREDIT HOURS
DICM505 PREACHING THE WORD
The student will learn basic skills in oral communication fundamentals of expository sermon preparation, and develop sensitivity to the liturgical, social, and cultural contexts in which preaching takes place.
CORE, 3 CREDIR HOURS
DICM506 OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY
The purpose of Old Testament Survey is to prepare the student for more intensive studies in the Old Testament. Emphasis is placed upon gaining an overview of the Old Testament through a survey of geographical and historical backgrounds and a book by book study. Attention is given to the structure of each biblical book, significant interpretative problems, and major theological themes.
CORE, 3 CREDIT HOURS
DICM507 NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY
The purpose of the course is to introduce the student to the background and literature of the New Testament. After a background study of the historical and cultural factors of the inter-biblical period and of pertinent political and geographical factors, the remainder of the course is devoted to a book-by-book study, including introductory matters for each book and a content summary.
DICM508 CHRISTIAN DOCTRINES 1
Fundamental Christian beliefs and teachings, including revelation, inspiration, the Godhead, angels, the devil and the origin of sin, creation, man’s original condition and fall, state of the dead, the Holy Spirit, and the incarnation, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ. Attention will also be given to angels and demons.
DICM509 CHRISTIAN DOCTRINES II
Introduction to the doctrine of sin (hamartiology), doctrine of salvation (soteriology) and the doctrine of the end times.
DICM511 MISSIONS AND EVANGELISM
This course is an exploration of the challenges of and approaches to mission and evangelism in a 21st century, Western context. Students will be encouraged to develop and/or hone their own theology of mission and evangelism as well as formulate creative approaches to mission and evangelism within the Western cultural context. Particular attention will be given to evangelistic challenges, possible approaches to evangelism, congregationally based mission and issues of contemporary social concern.
DICM512 BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION
The course discusses methods and interpretative principles involved in discerning the meaning of the biblical text. Topics covered include essential steps in interpreting the Bible, the variety of methods and approaches available to the contemporary student of Scripture, historical and theological issues arising out of the interpretative task, the relationship between the Testaments, word studies and literary genre. Students learn to use standard tools of biblical research.
DICM513 SPIRITUAL FORMATION
The students will survey biblical, theological, and historical approaches to prayer, the devotional life, and the person and work of God. Focus will be on Spiritual Formation from the experiences of Daniel and lesson that can be applied in pastoral leadership in church and society. Students will produce a reflection paper on how they can mirror Daniel. In a Journey Narrative, the student will write his/her own personal spiritual story (4-5 pages) and produce a 3-4 page review of a book selected for spiritual formation. The student will be required to submit a two-three (2-3) page paper on his/her notations and reflections of the audio messages from the General Overseer and heads of churches. The student is to embark on an Individual Spiritual Retreat. The individual retreat will be planned by the student with the facilitation of a mentor chosen by the student and endorsed by his/her instructor/professor. The retreat should be at least three hours on an evening (or afternoon) and then four hours the following day. (example – Friday evening, 6:30 – 9:30 and Saturday morning, 8:30 – 12:30). Students will be asked to write a 2-3 page reflection paper about the experience they select.
DICM514 PASTORAL ETHICS
Ethical approaches to premarital, marital, and divorce and remarriage counseling. This course will also include a careful consideration of the ethics of inter-gender relations for both the pastor and church members within the context of normal church life. The ethical and legal concerns surrounding church discipline, leadership conflicts, and church divisions will also be presented with an emphasis on methods of conflict resolution.
Student will reflect upon, measure, and monitor the diligent work of continual spiritual formation that directs and empowers pastoral ethical life. We will examine the warning signs of spiritual corrosion that lead to moral failure, and we will explore the far-reaching impacts of clergy ethical failure. Students will be equipped and challenged by the readings and course work to develop a personal code of ethics as a Christian minister. The course product will afford students to take away broad principles of personal conduct that will help monitor and guide Christian ministry for years to come.
DICM515 HISTORY OF REVIVALS
Revivals and evangelistic thrusts within Christianity since the 20th century, especially noting their distinctive character, causes and effects, theological underpinnings, and the unique role of the Holy Spirit in promoting revival. What Christians did to bring birth to the revivals and why they could not sustain it. These norms, issues and questions will be examined from biblical and theological perspectives in an effort to arrive at a viable and practical model that can be applied within a contemporary ecclesiastical and personal context.
Discussions will also include the “reactionist” and anti-denominational posture of founders of 20th century Christian ministries and movements, their strengths and weaknesses and what we can learn to strengthen the church today. How to pastor a revival and work with God as He brings change and revitalization to His church are also covered.
DICM516 MINISTERIAL FORMATION
This course is an experiential learning course that encompasses five key components. A ministry placement that requires 8 hours per week of engagement in an ongoing ministry context, the development of a ministry learning covenant that sets learning goals for the placement, connection to an experienced ministry practitioner as a placement supervisor, regular meetings with an external ministry mentor (appointed by DI) and several forms of evaluation at the end of the placement. Faculty Advisor determines how many weeks are required for a given student or whether a student is to be given exemption depending on Prior Ministerial Experience (PME). Student complete the Daniel Institute Green Book for assessment.
DICM517 CHURCH LEADERSHIP
This course is a study of the dynamics of leadership as they apply in a local church setting. Classes will involve readings, online discussions, problem solving and scenario assignments. During the course, each student will be led to discover his/her leadership style while gaining new skills and insights into church leadership.
DICM518 PASTORAL CARE & COUNSELLING
This course considers pastoral care and counseling issues specific to contemporary congregational contexts. It will address pastoral care approaches that are grounded in contextual pastoral theologies. It will focus on the pastoral concerns of the congregation, families, and individuals, as well as the broader community issues that contemporary pastors must face, and will emphasize the development of skills and attitudes necessary for effective and theologically coherent pastoral care and counseling. This course also includes exposure and practice with various approaches to pastoral assessment, counseling, and referral. This course requires some local travel to churches and associated ministries. Pedagogical approaches: case method, role play, demonstrations, readings, and lecture.
DICM519 CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
Introduction to church administration and management of non- profit organizations. It is designed to inform and educate students regarding management principles, procedures, techniques, theory, and practice for leading and managing churches and non-profit organizations. The course applies a problem-solving approach to the subjects of management, administration, supervision, organization, leadership, church government, finance, and legal issues relevant to ministers and lay leaders.
DICM521 MANNERS, CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS OF BIBLE LANDS
This course is the study of cultural backgrounds of both Old and New Testaments and its interpretation to the scripture. Student will be well aware about the cultural background about the people who lived in biblical times. They will be able to provide the interpretation of scripture with cultural insight and learn how to break out the cultural barriers in the light of scripture.
DICM522 PENTECOSTAL/CHARISMATIC THEOLOGY
This course will provide a thorough review of those doctrines that are considered to be "distinctives" of the Pentecostal movement such as Divine Healing, the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, and spiritual gifts. The course will also include explanations of the fundamental doctrines of the Christian church.
DICM523 CHURCH HISTORY THROUGH THE CENTURIES
An examination of the history of the Christian church from the first century to the present, with an emphasis on the roots of African Christianity.
DICM524 LEADING YOUTH MINISTRY
The focus of this course is to help church leaders plan, coordinate, lead, and evaluate youth ministry in a local church. Students will learn to develop a biblical philosophy of youth ministry and how to organize youth ministry in the church. Emphasis will be given to ministry with students, parents, and adult volunteers. Additional study will include the various roles of the youth minister as a staff member, family member, and community leader. Special attention will also be given to relational discipleship in student ministry.
DICM525 STRATEGIC MINISTRY PLANNING
Strategic ministry planning and implementation helps turn vision into reality. The plan provides a clear path on how to get from here to there. It aligns the resources of the church in order to accomplish the mission. This course focuses on strategic thinking skills in order to equip pastors in the planning and implementation process.
DICM526 MANAGING CHURCH BUILDING PROJECTS
In this course, students will identify the steps the course attendee needs to consider for their church in planning and undertaking a building project, the jobs which need to be done, the responsibilities taken on and how to be a good client for the people who design and build the project. The objectives include establishing the importance of community engagement in defining the purpose and scope of your project, Understanding the need to plan, organise and budget, to achieve good governance and sustainability after opening, Accepting that good communication with your stakeholders is vital to a successful project., Recruiting, contracting and procuring the right team members, professionals and contractors is key to your success in achieving your purpose and in getting value for the funds you spend.