Certificate Programs

Certificate Programs
- Certificate Students complete a partial admissions application.
- Students participate in courses alongside degree seeking students.
- Students choose whether or not they will take classes for credit.
- Excellent path for students called to ministry but unable to obtain a college degree.
Certificate For Credit
- Will receive academic credit by fulfilling same course requirements as degree-seeking students.
- B.A. degree or at least one year of college/university credits required.
- Credits may transfer into a degree program once they have completed 24 hours of coursework successfully.
Certificate Not For Credit
- Will NOT receive academic credit by fulfilling same course requirements as degree-seeking students.
- High School Diploma required.
- Students are not required to fulfill any assignments.
Note: Students wishing to take 12 or fewer credit hours for credit will need to apply as a Special Student. Special Students must complete the application and fee, submit transcripts, and provide one letter of recommendation. In place of the essay, students may write a few sentences indicating their plans for coursework at Lexington Theological Seminary.
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Certificate in Pastoral Ministry
The Certificate in Pastoral Ministry is a 24 hour program designed for non-degree seeking students.
This Certificate Program prepares students for Biblically-grounded church ministry and leadership. Students graduate fully prepared to serve their church communities with confidence, grace, and competence.


Certificate in African American Ministry
The Certificate in African American Ministry provides theological, biblical, spiritual, and leadership training for pastoral leaders with a focus on the 21st century African American congregational context.
This program is offered as a partnership between Lexington Theological Seminary, the Office of African American Clergy Leadership Development, and the National Convocation. It is funded in part by the Thriving in Ministry Project at LTS with a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.


Certificate in Hispanic Ministries (Certificado en Ministerios Hispanos)
The Certificate in Hispanic Ministries provides theological, Biblical, and ministerial training to individuals in Hispanic and bilingual (Spanish/English) congregations.
The program is co-sponsored by the Central Pastoral Office for Hispanic Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Lexington Theological Seminary. Courses in this program will examine the 16 competencies required by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ.)
To accommodate busy schedules, students will attend synchronous courses online (via Zoom) and four-day intensive courses each summer for two years on-site at Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, KY. Courses will be offered in Spanish. Upon successful completion of all 12 courses in the 16 competencies, students will earn a Certificate in Hispanic Ministries, or may apply them as continuing education (CEU) credits.