Christian Educator Certification
The Leadership Institute offers courses within a certificate program in Christian Education in conjunction with the Presbyterian Church (USA) Educator Certification program. To learn more about the certification process and how to apply to become a Certified Christian Educator (CCE) through the PC(USA), click here.
These courses are designed to increase skills and knowledge in a structured curriculum that leads to certification in that program area.
Note: Participants do not need to be seeking certification in order to take any of the courses offered.
For those seeking certification, courses are outlined in the schedule below.
Christian Educator Certification Courses
These online courses are designed to meet the requirements for Christian Educator Certification in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Courses offer both synchronous (scheduled live class meetings) and asynchronous work (at-home assignments posted on Blackboard, the seminary’s learning management system, with logins provided).
Four courses are offered through the seminary each year, with six (6) courses offered in total. A participant who completes all of the course work will receive a certificate of completion with 3 CEUs for each individual course.
Course Syllabus: The course syllabus is shared after participants register and before the course begins.
Christian Educator Certification online courses slated for 2024
- Presbyterian Polity, Mission, and Program (April 1-May 9) – Registration for this course is now closed
- Reformed Theology (June 18-July 23) – Registration for this course is now closed
- Worship and Sacraments (August 1-September 1) – Registration for this course is now closed
- Human Growth and Faith Development (October 8-November 12) – Registration for this course is now closed
Christian Educator Certification online courses slated for 2025
- Biblical Interpretation (February 3-March 9) – Click here to register
- Course Description: Courses are designed to meet the requirements for the Christian Educator Certification in the PC(USA). This is an online course, with both synchronous and asynchronous assignments. Designed to address the calling of Christian educators to interpret and teach the Bible, this course provides a historical overview and practical examples of an array of approaches to biblical interpretation, emphasizing key elements of interpretation from the perspective of the Reformed Tradition. The course offers a guide for close reading of passages, featuring peer discussion of the meaning and message of selected biblical texts. In a final course project, students write a paper in which they present their exegesis (interpretation) of a biblical passage. Students also prepare a presentation in which they draw from the fruits of their exegetical study for a teaching-and-learning event.
- Religious Education Theory and Practice (May 13-June 17) Click here to register
- Course Description: Religious Education Theory and Practice provides Presbyterian Christian Educators an opportunity to think theologically about the teaching ministry of the church. It exposes educators to a variety of educational theories that informs pedagogical practices. Writing publishable, quality lesson plans, as well as choosing and evaluating curriculum are essential components of this course. Courses are designed to meet the requirements for the Christian Educator Certification in the Presbyterian Church (USA). This is an online course, with both synchronous and asynchronous assignments. Asynchronous work begins May 13.
- Reformed Theology (August 2025)
- Presbyterian Polity, Mission, and Program (October 2025)
Christian Educator Certification online courses slated for 2026
- Worship and Sacraments (February 2026)
- Human Growth and Faith Development (May 2026)
- Biblical Interpretation (August 2026)
- Religious Education Theory and Practice (October 2026)
