Certificate in Preaching

CUGN’s 16-credit Certificate in Preaching is designed for pastors, teachers, and public speakers who share biblical truths with others either professionally or personally. The six courses and the preaching practicum required for the Certificate in Preaching are designed to equip Christian leaders in key areas of Bible study and spiritual formation and to provide specific instruction in sermon preparation and delivery.

Downloadable Program Brochure (PDF Format): Certificate in Preaching Program

Foundations of Systematic Theology along with Foundations of Spiritual Formation I and II offer an online group-learning model. In these courses, you will be part of a cohort of students and will be guided by an online instructor who will monitor your work, engage in conversation with you, and issue a final grade. These courses are offered in an eight-week semester format (semester schedules are given in our academic catalog available on our website at cugn.org). In them you will listen to seminary-level lectures, read from assigned textbooks, participate in contemplative exercises, keep a journal or online blog, and engage with other students in discussion forums.

The internship will be centered in your locality and will be provided under the direction of a pastor or teacher on site who will provide mentoring as well as preaching and teaching opportunities in a practical ministry setting.

The remaining courses in this certificate are defined as directed study courses. In them, you will study independently of a cohort, but you will interact with one of our online professors who will guide you through the course and will grade all your work.

Next Steps:

1. Apply for the Certificate in Preaching by completing the above Admissions Requirements.
2. Receive welcome instructions via email from the Admission Office; complete the AP exam, await instructions and then enroll in your first course.
3. You will receive transcript credit for each course that you successfully complete.
4. When you have received credit for all of the courses required, the Registrar will issue your Christian University GlobalNet Certificate in Preaching.

Core 1: Self-Study

Course Description

The term hermeneutics can be intimidating. It sounds academic and is foreign to most of our vocabularies. However, the act of interpretation is as common as communication itself. This course will instruct in various parameters for biblical interpretation and will show how specific methods are applied to Bible study.

Credits

2 Credits

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

New Testament Basics: Things We Thought We Knew provides an introduction to the New Testament as it surveys vital information that guides the student’s thinking in the study of the New Testament books. This information is both basic and essential to an accurate understanding of New Testament Scriptures.

Credits

0.5 Credit

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Craig L. Blomberg, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

Matthew - Mark: Two Presentations of Jesus introduces students to the Gospels as literature and then focuses in on the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. Students will study the specific purposes of each book and how the writers told the account of Jesus’ life to accomplish their unique goals.

Credits

0.5 Credit

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Craig L. Blomberg, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

Luke - John: Two Interpretations of Jesus provides two different renditions of Jesus’ life and ministry. Adding the perspectives of Luke and John to those given by Matthew and Mark will provide additional detail and explanation to the incredible life of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

Credits

0.5 Credit

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Craig L. Blomberg, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

During Jesus’ time in Galilee, He introduced the basic rules of life for the Kingdom He was offering to His people. This course, Jesus in Galilee: Popularity and Misunderstanding, studies the great Galilean phase of Jesus’ ministry, which is the setting for the Sermon on the Mount, and then actually studies the Sermon itself.

Credits

0.5 Credit

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Craig L. Blomberg, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

As amazing as it seems, the people Jesus came to save actually rejected Him. In Luke – John: Jesus in Judea—Opposition and Rejection students will survey the Judean phase of Jesus’ ministry and gain insight into His teachings and actions that increased the Jewish opposition to the point where they would turn one of their own countrymen over to the Romans for crucifixion.

Credits

0.5 Credit

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Craig L. Blomberg, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

Most people recognize the fact that the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ was the turning point of world history. After His resurrection and ascension, His disciples spread His Church across the Roman Empire and changed the world. Acts: Crucifixion, Resurrection & Proclamation will add depth to the student’s understanding and appreciation of these world-changing and individual life-changing events.

Credits

0.5 Credit

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Craig L. Blomberg, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

The New Testament epistles to the Galatians and Thessalonians are Paul’s earliest preserved letters. In them he began to lay a theological and behavioral foundation for Christian belief and conduct. This course, Galatians - 1 Corinthians: Paul’s Earliest Letters, surveys these early writings.

Credits

0.5 Credit

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Craig L. Blomberg, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

The Corinthian church was planted in a moral cesspool. The people who came to Christ and formed that church brought a wagon-load of philosophical, religious, and moral baggage with them that made this a tough church. The two letters we have from Paul to the Corinthians deal with some of the most thorny spiritual and moral issues addressed anywhere in the Bible. This course, 1 & 2 Corinthians: Two Letters to a Tough Church, contains essential help for the Church in any age.

Credits

0.5 Credit

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Craig L. Blomberg, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

Rome was the capital of the world. Although Paul hadn’t yet visited there when he wrote his epistle to the Christians at Rome, he wanted to make certain they were clear on what the Gospel really was. In the Roman epistle, we have Paul’s great theological statement on God’s salvation. Later, Paul was imprisoned in Rome while waiting for his trial before Caesar. While there, he wrote four letters. In this course, Romans - Ephesians: The Letter to the Roman Church & Letters from a Roman Prison, we study the letters Paul wrote both to and from Rome.

Credits

0.5 Credit

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Craig L. Blomberg, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

This course, 1 Timothy - Hebrews: Letters to Pastors & a Church Struggling to Believe, combines three letters of instruction to young pastors and a letter to a church struggling with its foundational beliefs. The Pastoral Epistles provide doctrinal and tactical help to those who lead God’s people; and Hebrews presents Jesus Christ as the sovereign Savior and Lord of His church and encourages its readers to pursue unreservedly their relationship with Him.

Credits

0.5 Credit

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Craig L. Blomberg, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

Unlike Paul’s epistles, the general epistles were not addressed to a particular city or person. These letters deal more with the broader topics of suffering and the dangers of false teachings and unbelief among Christians. This course, James - Jude: Letters to Everyone – General & Johannine Epistles, covers these epistles.

Credits

0.5 Credit

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Craig L. Blomberg, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

In Revelation: The Book of Revelation – The End and the Beginning, the New Testament and the Bible culminate with this glorious description of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. All of history’s events are culminated in this fantastic story of Christ’s ultimate triumph over evil and the restoration of all things to their created design.

Credits

0.5 Credit

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Craig L. Blomberg, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

Genesis - Leviticus: God Builds a People for Himself tells the story of Israel’s roots. From the creation of all things to the creation of Israel as a nation at Sinai, this course studies God’s process of building a nation to represent Him on earth. It is the foundation for understanding the struggles and triumphs of the relationship between God and Israel that is recorded in the rest of the Old Testament books.

Credits

0.5 Credit

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Douglas K. Stuart, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

Numbers-Joshua: The Tragedy of Fear and the Glory of Faith is a study of contrasts. Israel’s fear prevented them from entering the land God promised to give them, resulting in the story of wandering and death recorded in Numbers. In contrast, the books of Deuteronomy and Joshua record the preparation and triumph of faith as the people allowed God to win the Promised Land for them.

Credits

0.5 Credit

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Douglas K. Stuart, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

This course, Judges-1 Samuel: Israel’s Choice From God-Rule to Human-Rule, covers the books of Judges, Ruth and the book of 1 Samuel. These books contrast Israel as they rebelled against God’s rule in the period of Judges, but Ruth gives a snapshot of obedience during that same period. 1 Samuel examines Israel’s amazing transition from having God-as-their-King to having men-as-their kings.

Credits

0.5 Credit

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Douglas K. Stuart, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

2 Samuel-2 Kings: The Difference Leaders Make will guide students through a study of Israel’s kingdom era—as a united nation and as a nation divided into Israel and Judah. It not only covers this critical time in Israel’s history, but also provides an essential foundation for studying Israel’s prophets.

Credits

0.5 Credit

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Douglas K. Stuart, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

1 Chronicles - Nehemiah describes the fact that while Israel and Judah flaunted their disobedience in God’s face and persecuted His prophets, He kept His commitment to His covenant promises. Chronicles traces the Davidic kings through whom God would bring His Messiah. Although God exiled His people, Ezra and Nehemiah tell how He restored them to their land and life.

Credits

0.5 Credit

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Douglas K. Stuart, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

Pressure and pain are realities of life. One of the verifying realities of the Old Testament record is its openness about the difficulties God’s people often suffered—and were often confused by. This course, Job-Lamentations: God’s Path Through Pain, studies three books that deal head-on with the pain and pressure often associated with being God’s people.

Credits

0.5 Credit

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Douglas K. Stuart, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

Times change and life’s issues take new forms. Solomon never sat in a traffic jam on the freeway and we never fret over an attack by the Philistines, but human emotions remain the same. In this course, Proverbs-Psalms: Singing the Sounds of Real Life, students will study the distilled language of Israel’s poets as they sang the songs of their lives. They are, amazingly, like the songs of people’s lives today.

Credits

0.5 Credit

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Douglas K. Stuart, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

God’s prophets stood up and spoke out when it was very unpopular to do so. As men with a message from God, they were preachers with a message that God-rejecting Israel and Judah wanted no part of. This course, Daniel-Micah: Studies of Integrity—Good Men in Bad Times, presents the men, their messages and their times.

Credits

0.5 Credit

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Douglas K. Stuart, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

This course, Ecclesiastes-Isaiah: God Guides His People Through Poets and Prophets, takes students through two of the Old Testament books of poetry and then introduces them to the writing prophets—who also used a great deal of poetry in their writings. Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs present the importance of living life under God’s direction. Isaiah introduces the prophetic literature, which is a series of calls to abandon the pursuit of alternative lifestyles and live life God’s way.

Credits

0.5 Credit

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Douglas K. Stuart, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

In this course you will study two prophets whose ministry related to Jerusalem’s fall to the Babylonians. This unthinkable event – that the city where God lived in His temple could be destroyed – is studied as a threat in Jeremiah and as a historical reality in Ezekiel. The miserable failure of God’s people, and God’s success in judging and yet preserving His people, are surveyed in this course that studies these two prophets.

Credits

0.5 Credit

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Douglas K. Stuart, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

This course demonstrates the fact that while God had chosen Israel as His covenant people, His compassion extended beyond Israel to all people. We study prophets whom God sent to Israel’s great oppressor and prophets God sent to Judah.

Credits

0.5 Credit

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Douglas K. Stuart, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

The prophets studied in this course ministered after Jerusalem’s destruction and, in Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi, during the return and reconstruction of Jerusalem after the exile in Babylon. They demonstrate God’s concern for all His people, Jew and Gentile and emphasize the essential place of obedience to His moral will.

Credits

0.5 Credit

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Douglas K. Stuart, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Core 2: Semester-Based

Course Description

This course will help to teach you the basic research and writing skills that are necessary for clear and accurate written communication.  The goal is to prepare you for research project requirements for courses at CUGN, but also in any academic endeavor you might pursue.  The course includes five lectures on topics including selecting a topic, conducting research, citing sources, ethics and legalities, and, finally, proofreading and publishing.  These topics, which are succinctly presented, will serve as an online resource for you to return to often in your academic pursuits.  The ultimate goal of this course is to equip you to deliver clear written communication, not just in your studies but throughout your life.

Credits

0 Credits

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Linda Triemstra-Cook

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

Spiritual formation is a topic of discussion in many circles. We all long for intimacy with God, but how is spiritual growth and maturity developed? What are the dynamics in which God most often works in the heart of believers to make them like His Son, Jesus Christ? In this seminar, Dr. Richard Averbeck addresses these and other questions in order to lay a biblical foundation for proper Christian thought and behavior. In this course, he identifies and describes specific practices that can be applied immediately to your walk of faith.

This course is designed to help students grow in intimacy with God and to mature in spiritual life and relationships. Averbeck traces the work of the Holy Spirit through the Old and New Testaments and identifies specific spiritual practices that encourage growth in the spiritual life. The course utilizes lectures from SF403 as a basis for the practice of contemplative exercises and online discussion of issues related to the spiritual life.

Credits

1 Credit

Course Duration

8 Weeks

Professor

Richard E. Averbeck, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

How is spirituality formed both in private and in community? This course explores the meaning of biblical Christianity and its relation to faith and practice, giving special attention to spiritual formation through prayer, meditation, and personal disciplines. The lectures form a paradigm of spiritual growth and maturity that will affect both the individual and the church.

Credits

1 Credit

Course Duration

8 Weeks

Professor

Gordon T. Smith, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

Theology can be intimidating for beginners. Many students have been overwhelmed by the diversity of opinions and sheer volume of information to comprehend. If they are to succeed in theological studies they must first establish a foundation of concepts and terminology on which to build their theological framework. In this course, Dr. Frame covers the essentials of all major areas of systematic theology with the goal of orienting listeners to the basic material necessary to understand and study God’s Word. Focusing on the overarching theme of God’s Lordship, Dr. Frame uses three “Lordship Attributes” (control, authority and presence) to organize the doctrines and help listeners remember and apply them to life.

Credits

3 Credits

Course Duration

8 Weeks

Professor

John M. Frame, D.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Core 3: Directed-Study

Course Description

Biblical preaching is a divinely ordained way of calling people to repentance and for edifying the people of God. It is communicating God’s Word to His people—standing between the world of Scripture and the world of people and speaking the truth of God. Some wonder whether preaching is an out-of-date form of communication and not of value to current church needs. Dr. Stott gives a clear presentation of the importance of the preaching ministry today. This course will enable pastors, teachers, and church leaders to understand the importance and power of preaching, to develop an awareness of true biblical preaching, and to receive practical guidance for preparing and delivering biblical messages. m

Credits

3 Credits

Course Duration

6 Months

Professor

John R. W. Stott, D.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

Preaching is the primary way God has appointed for the teaching of the truths of His Word. Preaching well done honors God, expounds the Bible, and equips its hearers for spiritual growth and fruitful ministry. But, those who preach must make a study of the art. Dr. Haddon Robinson has taught preaching skills for more than five decades and offers tried and proven methods of teaching that have trained many who are either preparing for or are active in various areas of ministry. By focusing on the world of the Bible, the mindset of the expositor, and the development of teachable ideas, Robinson leads the student to the preparation and presentation of effective sermons.

Credits

3 Credits

Course Duration

6 Months

Professor

Haddon W. Robinson, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

Practicum will be three months long beginning at any time convenient to both the student and the practicum provider and ending ninety (90) days thereafter.

Credits

3

Course Duration

3 Months

Professor

Internship

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Linda Triemstra Cook

Linda Triemstra Cook is the author and instructor of this course. She edits trade and academic books, with emphasis on reference works and commentaries, and has edited seven Gold Medallion winners. After starting her editing career at Baker Book House, she established her own company and currently owns Gold Leaf Editorial Services. In addition to her editing, Ms. Cook co-teaches the Writer’s Publishing Workshop held twice each year at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

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John Worgul, PhD

Dr. John Worgul received his B.A. from Bethel College, Minnesota in 1977, an M.A.R. in biblical studies from Westminster Theological Seminary in 1979, and his Ph.D from the Dropsie College in Hebrew Bible in 1987.  He has taught at Seminary of the East (now Bethel Seminary) since 1987 both full time and as adjunct.  In addition to biblical studies, Dr. Worgul has a deep interest in spiritual theology and formation.

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Haddon W. Robinson, PhD

Dr. Haddon W. Robinson is the Harold John Ockenga Distinguished Professor of Preaching and the Senior Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He received a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary, a M.A. from Southern Methodist University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. Over the years, Dr. Robinson has left a lasting imprint on the various schools and ministries he has served. Since 1991, Dr. Robinson has been a preaching…

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Douglas K. Stuart, PhD

Dr. Douglas K. Stuart is Professor of Old Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts, where he specializes in Assyrian and Babylonian languages and literature. He received a B.A. from Harvard University, did graduate studies at Yale Divinity School, and earned a Ph.D. from Harvard University. Since 1971, Dr. Douglas Stuart has been a bedrock in the Old Testament department at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. As Professor of Old Testament, he has introduced thousands…

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John M. Frame, DD

Education: Belhaven College, DD Yale University, MPhil Westminster Theological Seminary, BD Princeton University, AB Teaching Career: D. Trimble Chair of Systematic Theology and Philosophy, Reformed Theological Seminary Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy, Reformed Theological Seminary Founding faculty member (taught apologetics and theology courses), Westminster Theological Seminary, California (1980-2000) Professor of Apologetics and Systematic Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia (1968-1980) Balanced time between teaching and extensive academic research Other Career Highlights: Discerning media critic…

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Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., PhD

Education: Brandeis University, MA and PhD Wheaton College, BA and BD Teaching Career: President Emeritus and Distinguished Professor of Old Testament and Ethics, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Distinguished Colman M. Mockler Professor of Old Testament Studies, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Professor, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (1966-1993) Professor of Bible and Archaeology, Wheaton College (1958-1966) Leader of more than 20 graduate and undergraduate study tours abroad, while lecturing and preaching at thousands of schools and churches around the…

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Richard E. Averbeck, PhD

Education: Annenberg Research Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, PhD Grace Theological Seminary, MDiv and MA Calvary Bible College, BA Teaching Career: Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Dallas Theological Seminary (1990-1994) Chairman of the Old Testament Department, Grace Theological Seminary (1980-1990) Visiting lecturer at the Lutheran School of Theology in Copenhagen and Åarhus, Denmark Preached and taught in China, across Germany, and West Africa Expertise in Old Testament Law,…

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Craig L. Blomberg, PhD

Dr. Craig Blomberg is the Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary, in Littleton, CO, where he specializes in New Testament Studies. He received his B.A. from Augustana College, Illinois (with a triple major in mathematics, Spanish, and religion), a M.A. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. At Denver Seminary, Dr. Blomberg is a Distinguished Professor of the New Testament where he has served on the faculty…

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Gordon T. Smith, PhD

Education: Loyola School of Theology, the Ateneo de Manila University, PhD Canadian Theological Seminary, MDiv Teaching Career: Academic Vice President, Regent College Dean, Regent College Associate Professor of Spiritual Theology, Regent College Researched key studies in Christian living, including the Lord’s Supper, Christian Spirituality, and Christian Community Theology instructor, Canadian Theological Seminary Theology instructor, Alliance Biblical Seminary in the Philippines Other Career Highlights: President of reSource Leadership International Pastor in Canada and the Philippines Member,…

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John R. W. Stott, DD

Education: Multiple honorary doctorates from British, Canadian, and American universities Lambeth, DD Ridley Hall Theological College at Cambridge, MA equivalent Rugby School and Trinity College Cambridge, double first (BA equivalent) in French and Theology Career Highlights: Rector Emeritus of All Souls Church in London—served there for more than 60 years Chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II Knighted as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire President, Evangelical Fellowship in the Anglican Communion Chairman, English…

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In order to ensure that students who seek a Certificate in Preaching are familiar with the basic narratives and teachings of the Bible, we require all applicants to take a free Bible competency exam. Please contact us at admissions@cugn.org for information on completing this 150-question, multiple-choice test online. If the test shows that there are areas of Bible knowledge in which you are weak, you may be asked to take one or more of the Bible survey courses in CUGN’s Core 1 program.

This is an online program. In order to complete it, you must have internet access and basic computer skills.

To be admitted, simply submit:

If, after you receive your Certificate in Preaching, you can choose to continue with CUGN to earn other Certificates or degree plans. Contact the Registrar's Office at registrar@cugn.org to develop an educational plan.

Costs for your 16-credit hour Certificate in Preaching will be as follows:

Application fee $15
Estimated Tuition $2,960

Estimated TOTAL $2,975* (plus textbooks as needed)

You will pay tuition course-by-course when you register for each. Full program tuition payment is not required.

*Payment plans are available. Click here to read more.

Earning a Certificate in Preaching prepares individuals seeking or already involved in a preaching or teaching role. See below for possibilities:

Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor, Children's Pastor, Youth Pastor, Teacher, Public Speaker, Missionary.

In order to receive your certificate, you must complete all of the requirements listed herein within 36 months of registration for the program.

In order for any course in this program to apply toward the certificate, you must achieve a grade of C or higher in the course.

Upon completing the above course requirements, submit the graduation request form to receive your certificate.

We are happy to help. Please contact us as follows:

Christian University GlobalNet
Address: 3000 Kraft Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Email: admissions@cugn.org
Phone: (888) 487-5376 ext. 1