Studying Theology and Leading Congregations in Community
Who We Are:
TEL programs provide progressive, accessible Christian theological education year-round through special courses and seminars for clergy, laity, and spiritual seekers from diverse racial/ethnic communities. TEL fosters a strong and supportive community environment while enabling participation at a distance through online learning.
What We Offer:
All of TEL’s offerings are multicultural and intersectional in design and focus and are structured to allow students to be engaged at the level that works for them. A carefully selected curriculum of online experiences can be engaged individually or combined as part of a certificate program. While rich in context and perspective, and taught by instructors with years of academic and leadership experience, these offerings do not require graduate-level engagement.
Course Offerings
Program at a Glance
| Program Length | 9 months (aligned with holidays and Commencement) |
| Cohort Size for CRC | 2-5 congregants per church |
| Curriculum | 9 courses (plus Renewal Project for CRC) |
| Pathways | Congregational Renewal OR Ministry Leadership |
| Format | Each course runs for 4 weeks with both asynchronous learning components and synchronous sessions. 3 Saturdays on Zoom, 2 hours per session. |
| Time commitment | 12-15 hours per month |
| Credential | TEL Certificate plus the opportunity to transfer 3 academic credits toward a PSR graduate-level degree upon successful matriculation (restrictions apply) |
| Scholarships | Available upon request for each pathway |
| Tuition | $2,000 per person, for the entire pathway (9 courses) or $249.99 per course |
TEL Learning Pathways
Congregational Renewal Certificate (CRC):
9-month cohort-based program for congregational transformation. Comprised of three microcertificate track offerings and a final Renewal Project. The track offerings are “Faith in Action,” “Wisdom & Witness,” and “Innovation & Impact.”
The Congregational Renewal Project is completed by each cohort and implements a real-world renewal initiative tailored for their church context, such as:
– Community Engagement
– Worship Renewal
– Mental Health & Spiritual Well-being
– Justice-focused Ministry
– Cultural and Political Bridge-building
Ministry Leadership Certificate (MLC):
9-month individual-based program for congregational leadership and those pursuing ministry preparation. Comprised of three microcertificate track offerings: “Faith in Action,” “Wisdom & Witness,” and “Ministry Essentials.”
Course Schedule
| 2026-27 | Congregational Renewal | Ministry Leadership |
|---|---|---|
| September | Spiritual Formation | Spiritual Formation |
| October | Design Thinking for Social Change | Pastoral Care and Counseling |
| November | Introduction to Christian Ethics | Introduction to Christian Ethics |
| December | History of Christianity for Social Change | History of Christianity for Social Change |
| January | Theological Thinking | Theological Thinking |
| February | Rhetorical Use of Text | Rhetorical Use of Text |
| March | Transformative Leadership | Transformative Leadership |
| Åpril | Contextual Thinking | Worshipful Life |
| May | Igniting Vibrant Ventures | Preaching Foundations |
Rev. Heesung Hwang, PhD
(510) 849-8094
Rev. Tanisha Walton
Course Descriptions
Spiritual Formation
Deepen your spiritual life through contemplative practices, mystic teachings, and inter-spiritual traditions. Learn to cultivate vitality and creativity in faith, leadership, and social justice work while discerning sustainable spiritual practices.
Design Thinking for Social Change
Explore how design thinking can drive positive social impact by creating intentional, just, and effective solutions. Through a hands-on project, learn to apply human-centered design to organizations, services, and ventures while integrating a theological understanding of creative praxis.
Introduction to Christian Ethics
Explore ethical theories in Christian traditions with a focus on ecological well-being. Engage case studies on human and non-human relationships to practice ethical discernment and Christian moral responsibility.
History of Christianity for Social Change
Survey Christian history through the lens of social change, examining how Christians have shaped society across different eras. Engage with primary and secondary sources through lectures, discussions, and group activities.
Theological Thinking
Examine theology as “faith seeking understanding” by engaging with historical and contemporary theological ideas. Through lectures, small groups, and writing assignments, explore theology’s role in social transformation and develop your own theological reflections.
Rhetorical Use of Texts
Develop skills in close reading, historical analysis, and critical interpretation of sacred and secular texts. Apply rhetorical strategies to create inclusive and socially conscious interpretations that address contemporary issues.
Contextual Thinking
Understand how knowledge and ministry are shaped by social contexts, with a focus on race and intersectionality. Engage historical, theoretical, and theological perspectives to develop cultural humility and cross-cultural competency through self-exploration and dialogue.
Transormative Leadership
Examine transformational leadership as a force for justice and social change. Explore prophetic imagination, social entrepreneurship, and strategies for inspiring communities to pursue shared goals and vision.
Igniting Vibrant Ventures
Apply social entrepreneurship principles to congregational ministry and nonprofit leadership. Gain hands-on experience in adaptive strategic planning, resource development, and venture creation to support mission-driven initiatives.
Worshipful Life
Design and lead worship that forms faithful and responsive communities. Explore liturgical theology, collaborative planning, and contextual adaptation while practicing worship leadership skills. Through hands-on projects, craft services that are inclusive, mission-centered, and rooted in the lived realities of your community.
Preaching Foundations
Build foundational skills for preaching that connects text, context, and community. Through sermon workshops, peer feedback, and embodied practice, develop clarity, theological depth, and authentic voice. Learn to proclaim with pastoral sensitivity and prophetic imagination in ways that inspire faithful action.
Pastoral Care and Counseling
Develop practical skills for pastoral care as relational and contextual ministry. Through case studies, role-play, and theological reflection, learn empathetic listening, spiritual assessment, and ethical boundaries. Engage real-life challenges—grief, trauma, conflict, and mental health—with tools that support both congregational vitality and sustainable leadership.