The School of Ministry
The School of Ministry (SOM) is a nontraditional educational initiative, created to serve ministers and laity who have a strong desire to minister within the church and larger community. The mission of the School of Ministry is to provide education and training for enrichment and service in a contemporary society. All course work may be taken for CIMS credit or personal enrichment.
Certificate In Ministerial Studies (CIMS)
CIMS is a curriculum of 20 courses to prepare ministers and laity for relevant ministry, comprised of 490 30-minute video lessons presented by outstanding leaders and teachers in the Church of God. Textbooks and study guides assist the student to learn and apply the video lessons. CIMS courses can be completed through a Distance Learning Center (DLC), individual study, or the Internet. These courses are in three areas of study—Biblical, doctrinal, and pastoral studies. A certificate is awarded at the completion of each section and at the completion of the entire CIMS curriculum.
Calling and Ministry Studies (CAMS)
CAMS helps prospective ministers to assess their personal calling and understand true Biblical ministry, and helps the Church of God assess their suitability for ministerial credentials in the Church of God. CAMS consists of three one-day seminars, three CIMS courses, and additional writing assignments. To apply for CAMS, contact the denominational offices in your state or region. Ministers outside the USA will contact their national offices.
Ministerial Internship Program (MIP)
The MIP prepares Church of God ministers for full-time ministry through a nine-month schedule of structured mentoring by experienced ministers, locally taught seminars, and four CIMS courses. MIP is required for advancement in ministerial rank from Exhorter to Ordained Minister. To apply for MIP, contact the denominational offices in your state or region. Ministers outside the USA will contact their national offices.
Lay Leadership Development (LLD)
LLD is a program that assists the local church pastor to motivate, equip, and train leaders for the local congregation. Level I includes pastor-supervised independent study and readings in leadership, monthly seminars led by the pastor, and ministry assignments within the local congregation. Level II is pastor-supervised independent study and training in one of ten areas of local church ministry: cell groups, children, Christian education, counseling, stewardship, music and worship, teaching, youth, and ministry to women. Materials for Lay Leadership may be ordered from the store.
U.S.A. Hispanic Educational Ministries
El propósito de éste ministerio es promover la educación ministerial y desarrollo Hispano en la Iglesia de Dios, y coordinar los Institutos Bíblicos Hispanos en los Estados Unidos.
El panorama histórico de la educación hispana de la Iglesia de Dios durante los años 1947 al 2006 fue extraordinario por su enfoque fundamentacional, residencial y presencial. Durante los años del 2006-08 el énfasis fue transicional, direccional y conscientizacional. Ahora nos toca a nosotros y a ustedes alinear, integrar y consolidar a nivel nacional el proceso educacional.
Este proceso continúa gracias a la dedicación de todos los colegas, facilitadores/as y estudiantes que nos antecedieron en el Departamento de Educación Ministerial en los Estados Unidos. Por lo tanto, para honrar esa dedicación y ministerio estamos comprometidos a dar continuidad a la visión y misión de la creciente y cambiante población hispana a través del esfuerzo en conjunto de cada iglesia, distrito y región a nivel nacional.
Ministerial Licensure
The credentialing process is directed by the administrative bishop of the state, region, or nation of the minister, so the prospective minister should contact the state/regional/national office of the Church of God in that area. The administrative bishop will approve each candidate and the state/regional/national office will schedule the examinations.
