Pacific School of Religion

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 (non-graduate level) theological education.

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 theological 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

The program is offered in three locations: Berkeley, Sacramento, and in southern California through a partnership between PSR and the Disciples Seminary Foundation.

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. Students are encouraged to meet one-on-one with CMS staff and instructors to develop their ministry and vocational goals, particularly if they are considering further studies at PSR.

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 CMS students.

CMS Subject Areas

The CMS program offers courses in the following subject areas. It is also possible to take individual courses and/or intensive seminars without enrolling in the certificate program. See current course schedule.

• Biblical interpretation and preaching
• Christian spirituality and world religions
• Bible and Church history
• Pastoral care and Christian ethics
• Christian education
• Liberation and global theologies
• Worship and the arts
• Research and writing
• Church administration and congregational leadership

Application Process

The CMS program is open to persons age 30 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 are encouraged to begin their studies in summer or January (beginning at other times may extend program length). 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, download a CMS application 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 Young Sook Kim at the Disciples Seminary Foundation at 909/624-0712.