Pastoral Formation

Our Pastoral Formation and Certification track is perfect for recognized leaders in churches who want to take the next step in their ministry journey. We'll equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to become an ordained or commissioned pastoral leader in your church or denomination.

Through the Pastoral Formation track, you'll dive into essential areas of pastoral leadership, such as:

  • Spiritual Formation

  • Bible study

  • Theology

  • Church History

  • Sacraments

  • Pastoral Care

  • Preaching and Communication

  • Leadership

  • Mission and Multiplication

We understand that everyone's journey is unique, which is why our program is designed to be flexible. You'll be able to work through the content at your own pace, even while working a full-time job. The program typically takes between 550 to 600 hours to complete and can be finished in 2 to 3 years. You'll have access to a combination of online content, live courses, and personalized mentoring from a leader in your local church.

The beauty of our program is that you can start whenever you're ready. Some courses are online, while others are in-person or via Zoom. Mentoring sessions can be scheduled at times that work best for you, either in-person or via Zoom.

We work closely with local churches, networks, and denominations to ensure that our Pastoral Formation track includes the specific competencies and requirements that are important to them.

At Coram Deo, we believe that pastoral leaders are formed in the same way that God tells us to love Him - with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. That's why our competency-based approach is grounded in Jesus' teaching on the summary of the law, focusing on four key areas:

  1. The Heart and Soul of the Leader

  2. The Mind of the Leader

  3. The Strength, or Practical Gifts and Energies, of the Leader

  4. The Servant Leadership of the Candidate

By the end of the program, you'll be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and character needed to serve effectively as a pastoral leader in your church or denomination.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The program typically takes between 550 to 600 hours to complete and can be finished in 2 to 3 years, depending on your pace and schedule.

  • Absolutely! Our program is designed to be flexible, allowing you to work through the content at your own pace while still maintaining your current work commitments.

  • You'll have access to a combination of online content, live courses, and personalized mentoring from a formation mentor as well as pastor in your local church. This multi-faceted approach ensures that you have the support and guidance you need to succeed.

  • Yes! We recognize that many candidates come to the program with existing skills and experience. Competency credit may be given for those who have demonstrated proficiency in approved areas by the church.

  • If you're interested in the Pastoral Formation track, the first step is to speak with us and we can help get you connected through your local church. We can help you get started on your journey towards becoming an equipped and certified pastoral leader.