Certificate of Ministry Studies (CMS)

Pacific School of Religion's Certificate of Ministry Studies (CMS) is a unique lay theological education program which combines the real-life practice of ministry with basic theological education. The program is offered in three locations: Berkeley, Sacramento, and in southern California through a partnership between PSR and the Disciples Seminary Foundation.

Multi-cultural in its design and focus, the CMS provides leadership training for lay and clergy leaders of diverse racial/ethnic communities, equipping them to strengthen their congregations and create new ministries. CMS students come from many different faith communities and backgrounds, including:

  • Lay pastors who are seeking an experience-based education that stresses critical reflection on actual pastoral practice and experience
  • Lay leaders in specialized ministries such as Christian education, music, youth, seniors, single adults, music or administration
  • Congregations who are looking for seminary education for their Sunday School teachers, youth organizers, Bible study leaders, council and committee members, and others in positions of church leadership
  • Faith seekers and prospective ministers who are discerning their call to serve God in their churches or faith communities and want to explore theological studies

Program Guidelines

The CMS is a 24-month program of part-time study for adults ages 30 and over who are serving as pastors or lay leaders in their faith communities. Students participate in one-day seminars during the regular academic year, one-week intensive courses in January, and three-week intensive courses in the summer. They also meet one-on-one with CMS teachers to develop their ministry and vocational goals.

CMS faculty are drawn from Pacific School of Religion, other seminaries and local faith communities. These teachers represent a variety of racial/ethnic backgrounds and many come from the same communities as the CMS students.

Sample CMS Courses

  • Preaching
  • Christian spirituality
  • Bible
  • Pastoral care
  • Worship planning and leadership
  • Church history
  • Christian education
  • Thinking theologically
  • Worship and the Arts
  • World religions
  • Sacraments
  • Research and writing
  • Church administration
  • United Church of Christ, United Methodist, and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) traditions and practices

Application Process

The CMS program is open to persons age 32 or older who have served at least one year as a pastor or lay leader and are ordained or officially endorsed by their denomination, congregation or faith community. Applicants must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. A college degree is not required, though it is preferred. Applications are accepted year-round and students may begin their studies in January or the summer months. Please note that application to the CMS program is made directly to the Berkeley/Sacramento or southern California coordinators, not through the PSR Admissions Office.

To apply to the Berkeley or Sacramento CMS program, see How to Apply or contact Program Coordinator Ann Jefferson at 510/849-8284 or 800/999-0528.

To apply to the southern California CMS program, contact Program Coordinator Tamara N. Rodenberg at the Disciples Seminary Foundation, at 909/624-0712.