The Certificate in Congregational Leadership (CCL) Program is a leadership development program designed for those serving as part-time Local Pastors and Certified Lay Ministers. *
Program Structure
The Certificate in Congregational Leadership (CCL) Program offers online learning to provide a comprehensive approach to developing leadership excellence in the local church. It is designed accommodate the busy schedule of the bi-vocational pastor and certified lay minister.
The program is comprised of seven online courses, four required and three elective. Learners must complete the four required courses and at least one elective course for certificate completion. Courses are structured so all the work can be done independently.
Basic courses takes place during a seven-day period and require approximately 10 hours of work. The Capstone course is a 28-day course requiring 30 hours of work. all but two of which can be done independently. There are two one-hour online sessions in which learners cover course material together.
“As I get ready to go before DCOM this week, I am reminded of how grateful I am that I have taken your congregational leadership courses, particularly the one on the sacraments. Frankly, I think your courses should be required for CLMs going on to licensed ministry.”
Online Offerings for 2023 – 2024 Cycle
Online Core offerings (required for certificate) are listed in bold. At lease one elective (non-bold) course must be chosen from the other online offerings for Certificate completion.
Basic Courses ($59 each)
Church Administration | September 6 – 12, 2023
Sacraments | October 11 – 17, 2023
Pastoral Care | January 10 – 16, 2024
Wesleyan Theology | February 8 – 14, 2023
Time Management | April 26 – May 2, 2023
UM History/Doctrine | June 7 – 13, 2023
Capstone Course ($198)
The Non-Anxious Leader: Family Systems Basics | July 5 – August 1, 2023
The CCL cycle of online courses will be offered at about the same time each year. Therefore, one can complete the Certificate requirements over the course of two years or more, depending on schedule and budget.
* While this program is designed for Part-Time Local Pastors and Certified Lay Ministers who have completed the CLM process and are assigned to a ministry setting, any person, lay or clergy, may participate in any or all of its components and receive a Certificate of Congregational Leadership by completing the requirements.
The CCL Program is open to all. Those that do not wish to pursue a Certificate in Congregational Leadership may disregard the course requirements.