Certificate- Center of African Descent Studies

The Certificate in Black Renewal Studies program is designed to provide comprehensive education and training in the rich heritage and practices of Black Renewal Christianity. This certificate program is divided into two parts, offering students the flexibility to pursue their educational goals according to their interests and aspirations.

Students enrolled in Part One will complete a series of courses designed to provide a foundational understanding of Black Renewal theology, history, and praxis. These courses are specifically tailored to equip students with essential knowledge and skills relevant to Black Renewal Christianity.

Upon completion of Part One, students who wish to further their studies may opt to continue towards the completion of the full Certificate Program. A successful completion of the full certificate program will provide the inroads to admission into PTS Master’s Degree programs (with the exception of the Clinical Counseling degree program).

The two-part curriculum of the CADS programs are as follows

Part One: Certificate Program

Fall Semester 1, Session 1 (6 credits):
1.    History of the Christian Church in Black Renewal Perspective
2.    Christian Ethics: A Pentecostal Approach to Social Action

Fall Semester 1, Session 2 (6 credits):
3.    Foundations for World Mission & Evangelism
4.    Introduction to New Testament

Spring Semester 1, Session 1 (6 credits): 
5.    Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics
6.   Contextual Theology

Spring Semester 1, Session 2 (6 credits): 
7.    Ministry Formation in Black Pentecostal Churches
8.    Roots of Pentecostal Spirituality: Black Pentecostalism

Summer Semester 1 (6 credits): 
9.    Introduction to Old Testament
10.  Foundations for Pastoral Counseling in African Descent Communities

Part Two: Certificate Program (Bridge to Master's Degree)

Fall Semester 2, Session 1 (6 credits):
1.    Applied Theology, Research & Writing  
2.    Preaching in the Black Renewal Tradition

Fall Semester 2, Session 2 (6 credits): 
3.    Introduction to Philosophy and Critical Thinking
4.    Liturgy & Ecclesial Practices in Black Pentecostal Churches

Spring Semester 2, Session 1 (6 credits): 
5.    Fundraising, Budgeting & Financial Management 
6.    Church of God History and Polity: Black Pentecostal perspectives  (Substituted with Church of God In Christ History and Policy)

Spring Semester 2, Session 2 (6 credits): 
7.    Behavioral Science
8.    Pastoral & Educational Ministry to African Descent Immigrants in the United States

Summer Semester 2 (6 credits): 
9. Christian Education Strategies & Techniques 
10. Wesleyan-Pentecostal Theology in Black Renewal Perspectives

Fall Semester 3, Session 1 
11.    OT Book Study
12.    NT Book Study

Fall Semester 3, Session 2 
13.    CERTIFICATE CAPSTONE: Ministry Practicum with Black Renewal Integration

* These courses may be modified with a Church of God In Christ related course

** All courses are 7 week, online courses