About NNU’s Northwest Nazarene Divinity School Certificate Programs

Complete PRTH6000L. Personal Development Lab (0)

And complete two of the following courses:

• ​YCFM6130. Foundations of Youth, Children & Family Ministry
• YCFM6530. Leadership in Ministry
• YCFM6730. Missional Ministry
• YCFM7930. Developmental & Spiritual Formation of Youth, Children & Families

And complete two of the following courses:

• ​​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.

YCFM6130 – Foundations of Youth, Children and Family Ministry (4 credits)

This course focuses on developing one’s personal vision and practice of youth, children and family ministry and gives attention to the foundational and diverse elements of this ministry. It will explore the biblical and theological foundations of ministry with young people and families. Special attention will be given to those in early to late adolescence (11-29 years of age). Attention will be given to the church’s responsibility to young people in and beyond congregations. This course emphasizes incarnational and missional approaches to the gospel, as well as young people’s own agency as participants in the total mission of the church.

YCFM6530 – Leadership in Ministry (4 credits)

This course covers recent literature written about both secular and ecclesiastic leadership. Students will be shepherded through a process of honing their own philosophy of leadership in the Church. Attention will be given to case studies and the formation of a practical theology of leadership.

YCFM6730 – Missional Ministry (4 credits)

This course explores the biblical mandate to follow the call to “go to all nations,” especially as it relates to young people and families. Students will learn how to articulate and pass on to others the biblical and theological view of evangelism and outreach. Through readings, lecture, projects, and discussion, students will learn how to design an incarnational as well as relational ministry program that addresses Christian care and evangelism with unbelieving young people and families.

YCFM7930 – Developmental and Spiritual Formation of Youth, Children and Families (4 credits)

This course will survey the key developmental periods of a young person’s life. Attention will be given to puberty (transition from childhood) and how adolescents grow into adults, stages of family life, and family systems theory.

NNU’s Northwest Nazarene Divinity School is accredited by The Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools. The following degree programs are approved by The Commission on Accrediting: Master of Divinity; Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry; and Master of Arts in Leadership & Formation with specializations in Missional Leadership; Spiritual Formation; and Youth, Children & Family Ministry.

Since 1930, NNU has been continuously accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities, the same respected accrediting body that validates other leading educational institutions across the Pacific Northwest.