Academics

Certificate Programs

Certificate in Christian Spirituality
HGST has designed the Certificate in Christian Spirituality for clergy, counselors, other religious professionals, and lay persons who wish to enhance their ministries with a thorough yet practical program that will enable them to lead and teach in institutional settings, small groups, and one-on-one situations in the areas of spiritual formation and spiritual direction. By the completion of this certificate program students will be able to:

• Articulate the role that history and theology of spirituality play in various faith traditions and Christianity as a whole.
• Explain the role of spirituality in life and ministry, including both individual and corporate dimensions
• Integrate the study of spirituality into the practice of ministry
• Integrate the disciplines of spirituality into life

Students currently enrolled in the MDiv degree program who wish to complete a certificate as well should meet with their faculty advisor or the Academic Office to determine the most effective plan for meeting all requirements of both programs.

Certificate in Spiritual Direction
Students who desire more extensive preparation in the area of Christian Spirituality and who feel called to serve as Certified Spiritual Directors should seek the Certificate in Spiritual Direction. By the completion of this certificate program students will be able to:

• Articulate the role that history and theology of spirituality play in various faith traditions and Christianity as a whole.
• Explain the role of spirituality in life and ministry, including both individual and corporate dimensions.
• Integrate the study of spirituality into the practice of ministry.
• Integrate the disciplines of spirituality into life.
• Exhibit the ability to spiritually direct individuals and groups with integrity, discernment, and sound theological principles.

*Pre-practicum packets requiring background checks, liability insurance, personal counseling sessions, supervisor information, and more are available at www.hgst.edu/academics/resources.

Certificate in Missional Leadership
The Certificate in Missional Leadership is designed for men and women involved in ministry and desiring to be more missional in thought and action. For those seeking to participate in the mission of God in the world, this certificate offers theological, biblical, spiritual, and philosophical foundations for such ministry. The graduate certificate may stand alone for those already in ministry and not desiring a master’s degree. However, the student may also pursue the Certificate in Missional Leadership as part of an MTS—Missional Theology or an MDiv degree. By the completion of this certificate program students will be able to:

• callArticulate missio dei as revealed in Scripture and in historical Christian writings.
• Establish the practice of cultural exegesis as a foundation for ministry.
• Incorporate the skills and qualities necessary for ministry leadership with a view toward personal, congregational,
• Integrate an understanding of missio dei into a practice of ministry that impacts the global culture.

*Pre-practicum packets requiring background checks, liability insurance, personal counseling sessions, supervisor information, and more are available at www.hgst.edu/academics/resources.