About NNU’s Northwest Nazarene Divinity School Certificate Programs

Certificate in Wesleyan Studies
Can be completed in as few as 21 months.

After completion of PRTH6000. OnRamp Program Orientation (0), students will complete the following courses and lab:

• PRTH6000L. Personal Development Lab (0)
• BIBL7290. Grounded in the Living Word: Scripture and the Christian Life (4)
• CHIS6290. Founded on Embodied Tradition: Church History and the Christian Life (4)
• PHIL7290. Reflecting on Character: Philosophy and the Christian Life (4)
• THEO6290. Engaging with Prophetic Voices: Theology and the Christian Life (4)

16 Required Credits

BIBL7290 – Grounded in the Living Word: Scripture and the Christian Life (4 credits)

This course explores the dynamics and power of Scripture in spiritual formation, personal transformation, and the Christian life. A key aspect of this course is an understanding and development of biblical hermeneutical principles and practices that focus not only on the biblical text’s content but also on its potential effects as part of the church’s Scripture. In addition to learning about life with God from Scripture, successful students can gain competence in listening to the spirit of the text, move from informational reading to transformational reading, and learn to engage Scripture in ways that grasp and change one’s being and doing.

CHIS6290 – Founded on Embodied Tradition: Church History and the Christian Life (4 credits)

This course is designed to provide an historic underpinning for the practice of ministry in the Wesleyan tradition. Emphasis is placed on Wesley’s theological sources (Early Church, Medieval, Reformation, Anglican), his theological methodology, his theology of spiritual formation, and his ability to engage his cultural context. Particular attention is given to how students can pursue personal and social holiness, and develop effective and dynamic missional approaches to leadership.

PHIL7290 – Reflecting on Character: Philosophy and the Christian Life (4 credits)

This course explores Christian ethics from a philosophical perspective. Students engage in biblical, theological and philosophical reflection, study dominant approaches to ethical thinking, and examine contemporary moral problems. Particular emphasis is placed on developing critical reflection skills, rather than finding answers to various ethical questions. This course also facilitates a deeper understanding of character formation and sharpens one’s discernment as to how theological and philosophical reflection helps shape Christian practice.

PRTH6000 – OnRamp Program Orientation (0 credits)

This course orients the student to the resources, procedures, electronic operations, and expectations of the program, and also includes the completion of the California Psychological Inventory (CPI), which students will discuss in PRTH6000L, as well as a required criminal background check. Grade of Pass/Fail.

THEO6290 – Engaging with Prophetic Voices: Theology and the Christian Life (4 credits)

Students reflect theologically on life and ministry by exploring various sources of theological reflection. In particular, dominant themes and figures in contemporary theology are explored, especially voices and perspectives that are often overlooked. In this exploration, students compare and contrast distinctive characteristics of Wesleyan theology, including various understandings of holiness, with issues found in contemporary theology. This course explores issues of holiness and justice and how the Church can better live into the reign of God for all and not just those in power.