Pastoral Leadership Certificate

Program Overview
Admissions Requirements
Courses
Tuition & Aid

Gain Desirable Skills through Short-Term Theological Training

Hazelip School of Theology’s certificate in Pastoral Leadership provides an accessible path for ministers to access solid theological training without committing to a longer degree program. Our curriculum equips students with practical skills and leadership discernment for congregational ministry.

The Pastoral Leadership graduate certificate program is designed as a hybrid program, with in-person and online learning components. This allows you to engage in-person while also maintaining flexibility as a working professional. Our ministry courses are offered in the following models:

2-day intensives once a semester with supplementary online work before and after the residency.
2-3 weekend meetings (Friday-Saturday) for more full in-person dialogue.

This certificate is available on its own or can be applied toward our Master of Divinity program. A certificate offers students an economical entry point to their graduate education journey.

Who Should Apply?

The certificate in Pastoral Leadership is for ministry-minded people interested in pastoral skill development. It is especially helpful to those without formal training in Bible and theology who are serving in a congregational setting. Regardless of background, any bachelor’s degree holder is welcome to apply.

Graduate Bible Certificates

Hazelip School of Theology offers graduate certificates in a variety of theological disciplines to further your Christian formation and ministry skills. Each certificate can be applied to certain master’s programs (specified on each certificate’s webpage), giving you a headstart on the program curriculum.

Old Testament Studies New Testament Studies Theological Studies

Admissions Requirements

Application with $50 non refundable application fee
Three letters of recommendation: one from a university administrator or professor (we do accept an additional professional or ministry recommendation in lieu of academic recommendations), one from a professional supervisor/employer and one from a church leader or minister
Official transcripts emailed to gradadmissions [at] lipscomb.edu or mailed to Graduate Admissions (One University Park Dr., Nashville, TN 37204)
Bachelor's degree
Undergraduate or graduate GPA of at least 2.75
750-1,000-word essay discussing the applicant's religious heritage, career goals and how Hazelip School of Theology might contribute to the achievement of those pursuits

Priority deadline for Fall 2025 is July 1, 2025.

Graduate credit hours may be transferred from another ATS-accredited institution. A maximum of 12 hours will be counted toward the M.A.C.M., a maximum of 21 hours towards the M.T.S., and a maximum of 48 hours for the M.Div. degree. The director or appropriate faculty member of the graduate program will evaluate the course(s) being proposed for transfer and make a determination of suitability. No course with a grade below a “B” will be considered for transfer. No more than half of a student’s hours from a completed degree may be transferred. For transfer credit questions from non-ATS accredited institutions, please contact the director of the Hazelip School of Theology for more information.

International Students

International students are required to be proficient in written and oral English before enrolling. A score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of approximately 570 on the paper-based test, or 80 on the iBT, or an IELTS exam with an overall band score of 6.5 is the minimum accepted for admittance. For more information, see International Students admissions policy.

Admissions Policy

Courses

New Testament Studies Certificate – 15 hrs

GB 5603 Introduction to Ministry (3)*
GB 5913 Congregational Change, Conflict, and Community (3)*
GB 5923 Congregational Mission and Ministry (3)*
GB 5553 Spiritual Formation and Guidance (3)*
GB 5653 Pastoral Care and Counseling (3)*

Tuition & Aid

At Lipscomb University, we strive to make education affordable. Tuition is currently $540* per credit hour, however, all students in the Hazelip School of Theology receive a 25% discount, which brings the cost per credit hour to $405 per credit hour. Additional scholarship may be awarded to students who submit applications before each term's priority deadline. Lipscomb also offers interest-free monthly payment plans depending on the length of each semester.

*Note: Graduate tuition rates may increase annually, effective at the start of the summer term.

Assistantships and Scholarships

Hazelip is able to provide scholarship and other financial aid opportunities to newly admitted and continuing students through the following means.

Graduate Assistantships

The Hazelip School of Theology also offers a limited number of graduate assistantships. Students must be enrolled full-time in the M.Div. program for consideration and can expect to work up to 10 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. Students are compensated through additional scholarship aid. Assistantships are awarded each fall and last for one year.

Student Loans

As a graduate student, you are still able to file the FAFSA—and you should! By filing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), you may be eligible for a number of student loans.

Federal Stafford Loan

A borrower must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment for at least six semester hours and must be working toward a degree or certificate. Loans must be actively accepted in myLipscomb in order to be applied as an expected payment to the student bill. Stafford Loans will not pay until the student has completed both Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note at studentloans.gov. Loans will not be credited to accounts until 30 days after classes begin or when a student begins the sixth credit hour, whichever comes last.

Graduate PLUS Loan

The Graduate PLUS Loan is available to independent graduate students. Both loans require credit approval by the Department of Education, as well as a FAFSA submission. Apply.

Private Loans

In addition to the federal loans outlined here, you may consider private loans made by banks and other financial institutions. It is recommended that private loans only be considered in instances where funding is needed in addition to any federal loans, as interest rates may be higher. Eligibility for these loans requires a credit check and students are often required to have a cosigner to qualify.

Veteran Aid/Yellow Ribbon Program

Through an agreement with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Lipscomb University will guarantee some level of graduate tuition funding, applicable to all Lipscomb University graduate programs, for graduate students who qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program. Depending on program tuition rates, the graduate tuition funding may or may not cover the total tuition cost of the program.

The Yellow Ribbon Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows institutions of higher learning in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses. View eligibility requirements.

Any questions concerning eligibility or benefits should be directed to the VA school-certifying official located in the lower level of Bennett Campus Center, Suite 140, or visit their website.

Contact Information

Graduate and Adult Admissions, Admin

Evan Richardson
Director of Graduate Enrollment
(615) 966-5004
Evan.Richardson@lipscomb.edu

Accessible Faculty

Students can easily reach out to their professors and instructors for help and guidance throughout their coursework. Our expert faculty aim to be available to students and foster a positive educational experience by being responsive and engaged.

Hybrid Delivery

Our courses are designed with both in-person and online learning components, so Individuals can maintain an optimal work/life balance as a working professional. This hybrid learning model ensures you receive hands-on training.

Practical Application

Studies at the Hazelip School of Theology are integrative by design. Formal training in these interpretation methods will meaningfully connect with your personal faith journey as well as the Christian ministries you are passionate about.

Our Faculty

Carlus Gupton

Director, Doctor of Ministry Program

Carlus is from Mayfield, Kentucky. He began preaching at age 17 and has continued for over 45 years, broadening this work in 2001 to include training ministers. In addition to...
Meet Carlus Gupton
Kris Miller

Assistant Professor

Kris Miller joined the faculty of the College of Bible and Ministry in 2015, serving as assistant professor of theology and director of Lipscomb's Institute for Christian Spirituality. He has...
Meet Kris Miller