SDB University
Ministry Leadership Certificate
Biblical foundations and practical skills for leaders serving the local church.
Grow as a ministry leader
The Ministry Leadership Certificate trains leaders in local Seventh Day Baptist churches who are already performing, or feel called to perform, ministry functions, whether or not they currently carry the title “pastor.”
Explore Scripture, develop practical ministry skills, and strengthen your ability to lead and serve in your local church.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and recommended by their local SDB church. The sponsoring church should provide opportunities to serve and exercise gifts under the guidance of its leadership. Students must retain their local church’s endorsement throughout the program.
At a glance
Level: 200
For: Local church ministry leaders
Format: Primarily online, with local church mentoring
Planning guide: A possible two-year sequence
Courses and preparation
Explore each course below for prerequisites, expected time, and a description. Work with the Dean to confirm the courses and sequence required for your certificate.
SDBU 201: Ministry Leadership in the Church
Prerequisites: None
Expected Time Investment: 13-15 weeks
Description: To help church leaders learn the role of a ministry leader in the local church and how to understand and use leadership in a congregational government. This creates healthy churches and leaders by helping them to understand and clarify what the role of church leader looks like and how a healthy church leader functions. To help church leaders become better stewards of time and effort through biblical productivity. This creates healthy churches and leaders by helping them use their time and talents more effectively so that the ministry of the church is ordered and flourishes.
SDBU 210: Bible Interpretation (English Bible)
Prerequisites: None
Expected Time Investment: 15-18 weeks
Description: This course introduces the student to the tools and methods necessary for an inductive study of the Bible. The student’s coursework will culminate with the writing of an exegetical paper 10-12 pages in length on a selected passage from Ephesians.
SDBU 211: Bible Preaching
Prerequisites: SDBU 210
Expected Time Investment: 15 weeks
Description: Seventh Day Baptists value biblical preaching. This course introduces the student to the tools and methods necessary for preparing, developing, and delivering biblically sound sermons. The student’s coursework will also provide tools to assess one’s ministry context. Finally, the course will culminate with writing and videotaping a sermon which will be evaluated by the instructor.
SDBU 220: Old Testament Survey
Prerequisites: None
Expected Time Investment: 13-15 weeks
Description: An introduction to the literature and content of the Old Testament from the beginning of the biblical narratives to the intertestamental period. Attention will be given to the cultural, geographic, political and historical backgrounds necessary to understand the text in its proper context. An introduction to the archaeological and academic concerns around the OT texts will be given. The form of the OT texts (genre, etc.) will also be considered.
SDBU 230: New Testament Survey
Prerequisites: None
Expected Time Investment: 13-15 weeks
Description: An introduction to the literature and content of the New Testament from the Gospels through Revelation. Attention will be given to the cultural, geographic, political and historical backgrounds necessary to understand the text in its proper context. An introduction to the archaeological and academic concerns around the NT texts will be given. The form of the NT texts (genre, etc.) will also be considered.
SDBU 250: Introduction to Theology
Prerequisites: SDBU 210, 220 & 230
Expected Time Investment: 13-15 weeks
Description: This course introduces the discipline of Systematic Theology from an evangelical perspective and provides a survey of key topics in the discipline. The course is intended to help the student better understand and articulate their faith in the context of the Biblical witness and to appreciate how what we believe influences how we live.
SDBU 260: Introduction to Evangelism & Apologetics
Prerequisites: None
Expected Time Investment: 13-15 weeks
Description: An introduction to the areas of evangelism and apologetics, with a view towards equipping those serving in pastoral roles with the basic tools necessary to share the Gospel with confidence in a diverse and multi-cultural world, both inside and outside the church. Focus will be given to identifying the nature of the Gospel biblically, to specific strategies that can be used in the work of evangelism, and finally, to some basic tools pastors and leaders can use to defend the faith.
SDBU 261: Introduction to Missions
Prerequisites: None
Expected Time Investment: 13-15 weeks
Description: A broad overview of missions looking at the biblical basis for missions, missions history, the current state of the world, mission strategy, and culture. The course focus is to actively engage students in missions activity in their current context and broaden thinking around how individuals and churches in North America can become involved with missions to the unreached.
SDBU 280: Practical Ministry Skills
Prerequisites: None
Expected Time Investment: 8-10 weeks
Description: To help church leaders learn some basic practical ministry skills so that they may begin or enhance their current ministry to their congregation. This creates healthy churches and leaders by giving them the practical skills and knowledge to lead through service to God and the congregation.
A possible two-year course sequence
Use this published sample as a starting point for a conversation with the Dean. Course offerings, prerequisites, and permission for concurrent enrollment determine your individual plan.
Year 1 · Fall
- SDBU 201: Ministry Leadership in the Church
- SDBU 210: Bible Interpretation (English Bible)
Year 1 · Winter/Spring
- SDBU 211: Biblical Preaching
- SDBU 280: Practical Ministry Skills
Year 2 · Fall
- SDBU 220: Old Testament Survey
- SDBU 250: Introduction to Theology
Year 2 · Winter/Spring
- SDBU 230: New Testament Survey
- SDBU 260: Introduction to Evangelism & Apologetics
Plan with the Dean: SDBU 250 lists SDBU 210, 220, and 230 as prerequisites. Confirm timing and any approved concurrent enrollment before following this sample. Ask the Dean how SDBU 261 fits your program.
Learn in the context of your church
Experienced SDB instructors teach primarily online using Canvas. Students need reliable internet access and a computer. Continued service and mentoring in the local church are an essential part of the learning experience.
Course workloads vary and may exceed 15 hours per week. Discuss your commitments with the Dean or an instructor before registering.
Students who complete the program receive a certificate from the School of Ministry. The certificate counts toward the General Conference’s credentialing and accreditation process.
Contact the Dean for current tuition, textbook costs, and possible financial assistance.
Download the 2022 Ministry Leadership brochure (PDF)
This historical brochure is preserved for reference. Its contact information and fees may be outdated; use the Dean contact page for current guidance.
Take your next step.
Explore how SDBU can equip you to serve your local church.