These free online pastoral certificate programs will help you become well-grounded or give you a solid foundation in running the affairs of a church or ministry. Are you a pastor or wish to become one? Then read this article with your undivided attention.
If you are a priest or pastor, you play a very significant role in the lives of your members or those who attend your church as you are seen as the shepherd of the church directing and giving guidance to everyone.
Hence, there is every need for you to take pastoral certificate programs which will equip you with strategies needed to carry out your role effectively and efficiently. These intensive trainings make you to become a better leader and shepherd to the people.
We will be exploring various online pastoral certificate programs from prestigious institutions, colleges, and schools that you can enroll in. I plead with you to read through with rapt attention to get the full insight.
Aside from the pastoral certificate programs, you can also enroll in these online bible schools freely to get top-notch training. Okay, let’s get started.
Things You Can Do With A Pastoral Certificate
First of all, possessing a pastoral certificate means that you have undergone some Christian training programs whether onsite or virtual, and satisfied all required conditions.
This certificate now makes you qualified to be a priest or pastor who can minister to the needs of the church and also spread the word of God appropriately.
Keep in mind that when I talk of pastoral training programs, it can be basic, intermediate, or advanced. It all depends on your level.
How To Obtain A Free Online Pastoral Certificate?
You can get a free online pastoral certificate when you enroll in a free pastoral certificate program, and complete it successfully. Certificates are usually awarded at the end of any certificate program as long as the conduct of the participant is satisfactory.
Yes, I have been saying certificate, certificate, certificate, but listen, some churches do not mind if you have a certificate or not before you become a pastor. The role of a pastor/priest requires knowledge, not a degree.
You understand what I am trying to communicate right? Well, if you can, enroll in pastoral certificate programs. They are worth it!
Top 10 Free Online Pastoral Certificates
Below are the free online pastoral certificate programs that you can enroll in and kick-start your spiritual leadership. I will list and give a brief overview of them so you can understand what they are all about.
Our data results from deep research about the topic from trusted sources. Let’s take the ride.
- Online Certificate In Bible Counselling
- Certification of Personal and Teams Leadership
- AMES School of Ministry Free Pastoral Certificate
- Certification of Pastoral Ministry
- Licentiate Pastoral Leadership
- Pastoral Care and Leadership
- Online Certificate and Diploma in Church Leadership
- Advanced Certification of Pastoral Ministry
- Advanced Certification of Ministry Leadership
- Diplomas from Christian Leaders Institute
1. Online Certificate In Bible Counselling
The online certificate in Bible counseling tops our list of free online pastoral certificate programs. It is designed to equip Christian leaders, counselors, pastors, and spiritual leaders with how bible counseling.
The topics covered are general principles of bible counseling, psychology and Christian counseling, theology, and biblical counseling, the tenderness trap, counseling in a postmodern world, the doctrine of sanctification, etc.
This program is held online and free of charge, but to get the certificate, you must pay the little amount attached.
2. Certification of Personal and Teams Leadership
The next on our list is the Certification of Personal and Teams Leadership. This program is made for ministers or pastors who are in new, small, or emerging churches. It is free and done online such that at no point will your physical presence be required.
The topics covered in the program are personal evolution in the ministry, understanding kingdom ministry, God’s call your response, personal development and teamwork, and many others.
While this certificate program is for pastors in sprouting churches, those who have served in local ministries before as also allowed to get the certification.
Get started with the link below.
3. AMES School of Ministry Free Pastoral Certificate
AMES School of Ministry Free Pastoral Certificate is also among the pastoral certificates that you can get at the end of the program. The program takes you through all you need to serve in the ministry or church and has about 22 courses.
After successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a printable certificate. It is good to note that this certificate will be sent to your mail in a PDF format, and it will contain your name, the school’s name, and the date of completion of the program.
4. Certification of Pastoral Ministry
Certification of Pastoral Ministry is another free online pastoral certificate program provided by Axx Bible College. It is designed for pastors and others who wish to become a pastor and aims at improving spiritual formation and pastoral ministry.
It has about eight courses: theology of God, Crossing Cultures, introduction to the Biblical Narrative, Authentic Leadership, God’s Call Your Response, analyzing and Applying the bible, Sermon Design and Delivery, and Personal Management and Spiritual Health.
Get started with the link below
5. Licentiate Pastoral Leadership
Licentiate Pastoral Leadership is among the pastoral certificates that you can get to begin your spiritual leadership. It is provided by Axx Bible College and has about 190 lessons. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded the certificate.
The program covers topics such as principles of teamwork, counseling basics (part 1 & 2), person and work of the Holy Spirit (part 1 & 2), theology of the church (part 1 & 2), church dynamics and health, organizational management, etc.
The outstanding tutors who taught this course are Pastor Grant Buchanan, Andrew Drummond, Dr. John Newton, Pastor Andrew Groza, Dr. Peter Downes, and Dr. Nigel Pegram.
6. Pastoral Care and Leadership
Pastoral Care and Leadership was founded by the Western Seminary, and focuses on teaching topics such as how to deal with sickness and death, leading a wedding service, caring for yourself and others, handling the church’s money wisely, etc.
This program is taught by a man with a solid foundation in bible teachings named Dr. John Johnson who has taught for at least 30 years. There are about 23 lessons in the program for about 17 hours. It is good to note that it is offered only in English.
7. Online Certificate and Diploma in Church Leadership
This is among the free pastoral certificate programs offered by Trinity International Theological Seminary. The program is specially designed for apostles, Christian leaders, ministers, evangelists, and pastors and aims to help them understand their roles.
Online Certificate and Diploma in Church Leadership has 11 courses and topics covered include the definition of leadership, a leader must educate and encourage others, a Christian leader must lead by example, a leader must have discernment, a leader has a positive attitude, a true leader seeks righteousness, a true leader has a heart of servanthood, etc.
Get started with the link below
8. Advanced Certification of Pastoral Ministry
Advanced Certification of Pastoral Ministry is an advanced certification of pastoral ministry just as the name implies. This program is equivalent to a pastoral diploma, and for you to enroll, you must have passed through the basic program.
It is fully taught online by outstanding tutors and has a duration of about 9 to 12 months for completion. The tutors are Dr. Adrian Turner, Pastor Cheryl Forest, Pastor Grant Buchanan, and Dr. Albert Haddad.
9. Advanced Certification of Ministry Leadership
This program aims to equip you on how best to function as a church leader. It is an advanced pastoral certificate program and is open to only those who have completed the certification of the Personal and Teams Leadership Program.
The topics learned in the program are principles of teamwork, navigating team dynamics, emotional intelligence, organizational management, lifelong leadership development (parts 1 & 2), and many others.
Get started with the link below
10. Diplomas from Christian Leaders Institute
You can enroll in the free pastoral certificate program organized by the Christian Leaders Institute, and be awarded a diploma upon completion. It is open to pastors and individuals who are in training to become spiritual leaders.
The diploma you will be awarded contains many other certificates such as workplace ministry diploma, commissioned pastoral diploma, Christian enterprise diploma, continuing ministry diploma, and many others.
Conclusion
Enroll in any free online pastoral certificate programs listed above that best match your interest. There, you will be groomed and equipped with all you need to know in playing your role as a pastor, priest, church leader, and so on.
I wish you the best of luck!
Recommendations
- Best Free Online German Language Courses
. - Free Online Food Safety Courses With Certificate
. - Best Free Online Early Childhood Education Courses
. - Free Homeschool Curriculum With Daily Lesson Plans
. - Best Sites To Read Comics Online Free