Bivocational Ministry Certificate
This certificate is designed for those seeking a planned course of study in general ministry to expand their opportunities for ministry. Potential students may include:
- pastors with or without undergraduate or graduate degrees in ministry, pastoral or other ministries.
- pastors who find themselves working bivocationally.
- yearly meetings and other denominational groups who wish to give bi-vocational ministers access to practical theological education specifically related to bivocationality.
- someone who is specifically choosing to be bivocational, including those for who the word “entrepreneur” might fit.
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ABOUT THE BIVOCATIONAL MINISTRY CERTIFICATE
This certificate program begins in the fall semester.
Required sequence of courses:
- Bivocational Ministry (2-week August Intensive)
- Pastoral Spirituality (online or Zoom in Fall)
- Bivocational Mentoring (weekend intensive [Zoom] in spring)
- Models of Entrepreneurial Ministry (online or Zoom in spring) OR other elective course dedicated to students’ ministry formation (Bible, Theology, Spirituality, other)
- Work of the Pastor (2-week intensive in May)
- Ministry Practicum (8 weeks supervised ministry experience culminating in presentations at the ESR Pastors’ Conference)
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The Bivocational Ministry program is led by Phil Baisley, professor of pastoral studies.
Next steps
Ministry isn’t just a vocation or a calling—it’s a way of being in this world, seeking to make it whole. ESR is ready to support you in answering your own call to ministry, whatever shape it takes.