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Compass Bible Institute

Pastoral Ministry Training

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The Compass Bible Institute Pastoral Ministry Certificate is our Seminary-level program. Designed to prepare men for Christian service through hands-on training and mentoring in a church-based context. Students will acquire the exegetical, application, and ministerial skills needed to serve effectively in vocational ministry within the local church. Students will develop initial competency in the classroom and advance in proficiency through practical ministry experiences.

For more information, email tracy@compassinst.org.

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COURSE REQUIREMENTS (24 Units)

PREACHING (6 Units)

PCM711 - Expository Preaching

3 Units

A study of the organization, style, and delivery of expository sermons. Topics will include studying like a scholar, planning like a pastor, preparing like a preacher, prayer and sermon preparation, and crafting an effective sermon series.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

  • Find good sources and conduct effective study for sermon preparation.
  • Discern the pastoral intentions of the text in light of the select audience.
  • Develop an effective Praying for Sunday
  • Create a sermon series that is faithful to the text and relevant to the audience.

PCM712 - Preaching Practicum

3 Units

An observation and evaluation of sermons delivered in various ministry contexts. The delivery and content of sermons by individual students will be analyzed and graded.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

  • Prepare and preach an expository sermon based on the Preaching that Changes Lives
  • Demonstrate principles of effective communication.
  • Apply principles for continual growth and improvement in relation to expository preaching.

COUNSELING (6 Units)

PCM713 - Biblical Counseling

3 Units

A study of the principles of biblical counseling. Topics will include: long term counseling, emergency counseling, common Issues, methods of biblical counseling, how people change, question framing, homework.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

  • Understand fundamental components of biblical counseling, and how these different from other forms of counseling.
  • Understand effective methods for biblical counseling.
  • Create homework assignments that help, instruct, and motivate counselees.

PCM714 - Counseling Practicum

3 Units

An observation and evaluation of biblical counseling conducted by students. Observation may take place via live observation, recordings, or student reports. The content and style will be analyzed and graded.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

  • Understand how contemporary issues such as human sexuality, social justice, and psychology relate to biblical counseling.
  • Demonstrate principles of effective communication.
  • Counsel utilizing biblical instruction and godly wisdom.
  • Apply principles for continual growth and improvement in relation to biblical counseling.

GENERAL MINISTRY (12 Units)

PCM715 - Pastoral Ministry 1

3 Units

A guide to the integration of theological and practical aspects of ministry with in-classroom and out-of-classroom instruction, observation, and evaluation. Topics include leadership, public speaking, public prayer, time management in the office, administration, hospital visits, shepherding, rest, reading (what and why), marriage and family life in full time ministry, and personal spiritual disciplines.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

  • Apply theological concepts within practical church ministry contexts.
  • Understand roles and responsibilities of biblical ministry.
  • Demonstrate principles and practices of leadership.
  • Maintain effective spiritual devotion to Jesus Christ.

PCM716 - Discipleship Practicum

3 Units

A guide to effective discipleship processes as provided in Scripture. Students will study various methods to discipleship, and be given practical steps to effective biblical discipleship. Students will implement classroom principles in hands-on settings.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

  • Understand various methods to discipleship.
  • Evaluate best practices for effective, Bible-based discipleship.
  • Implement effective, Bible-based discipleship practices.
  • Apply principles for continual growth and improvement in relation to effective discipleship.

PCM717 - Pastoral Ministry 2

3 Units

A guide to the integration of theological and practical aspects of ministry with in-classroom and out-of-classroom instruction, observation, and evaluation. Topics include weddings, funerals, financial aspects of church, organizational management, assimilation, outreach, evangelism, growing a ministry, baptism, communion, and ethical issues in contemporary ministry settings.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

  • Apply theological concepts within practical church ministry contexts.
  • Understand roles and responsibilities of biblical ministry.
  • Prepare and conduct a funeral, wedding, baptism, and communion service.
  • Create a budget that demonstrates financial stewardship and ambitious ministry.

PCM508 - Evangelism Practicum

3 Units

A guide to Christian evangelism. Students will learn about evangelism in classroom settings, but primary learn by engaging in evangelism conversations with follow-up and feedback.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

  • Understand various methods of evangelism.
  • Evaluate best practices for effective, Bible-based evangelism.
  • Implement effective, Bible-based evangelism practices.
  • Apply principles for continual growth and improvement in relation to effective evangelism.

ELECTIVES (25 Units)

For more information, email tracy@compassbibleinstitute.org.

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Your coursework will transfer to several seminaries with articulation agreements with Compass Bible Institute.

Visit the Transferability page to learn more.

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