Certificate Program
People impacted by incarceration deserve trained ministry workers who are thoroughly equipped.
Equipping You for Life-Changing Impact
At the Correctional Ministries Institute our specialized training produces skilled ministry leaders.
Elevate your ministry impact, no matter where you live.
Learners can earn a Certificate in Correctional Chaplaincy or Reentry Leadership in 20 months or less. Our courses are designed to:
- Confirm your calling and deepen your Christian commitment
- Enhance your ministry skills and equip you with correctional ministry knowledge
- Expand your personal reach and grow your ministry network
Bible-Based
Expert Faculty
Flexible
Student Spotlight
Frequently Asked Questions...
Who should pursue a Correctional Ministries Certificate?
The Correctional Ministries Certificate Program is designed for individuals seeking to establish a foundation in correctional ministries and receive specialized training in correctional chaplaincy or reentry.
Why pursue a Correctional Ministries Certificate?
Equipped professionals and volunteers are more effective at fulfilling the Great Commission and the Great Commandment through service in jails, prisons and reentry ministries. Those served through correctional ministry deserve the highest quality ministry possible
How do students earn CEU's (Continuing Education Units)?
The Marsh Insitute for Chaplains in partnership with the B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary, will provide three (3) CEU’s (Continuing Education Units) per course, for those who successfully complete the course with a passing grade of C+.
How many courses are required to earn a Certificate?
The program requires 6 courses to earn either a Certificate of Correctional Chaplaincy or a Certificate of Reentry Leadership.
How it Works
What is the course format?
Online courses follow an 8-week format. Learners enroll in a single course at one time, progressing through course material and learning experiences guided by our faculty and instructors.
Course Features:
Lectures – Videos – Discussion Forums – Quizzes – Written Assignments – Mentor Meetings
How much time will I spend on coursework?
You should expect to spend 5 – 8 hours per week on your coursework.
Do I have to be online at any specific time?
Our courses are set up so that you can begin each week on Monday and complete your coursework by Sunday at midnight.
Tuition
What is the cost of an online course?
Tuition: $249 per course ($199 for CMCA Members). Payment is due prior to the first day of the term.
Can I take the courses out of order?
Our program is set up so that you may complete your coursework sequentially. We understand that ministry and life events change even your best planning, so you do not have to take most courses in order.
Certification Requirements
All core courses and Correctional Chaplaincy or Reentry Leadership courses
100-Level Core Courses
CM 101 Dimensions of Correctional Ministry
CM 102 Dynamics of Working with Justice-Involved Persons
Correctional Chaplaincy Courses
Rentry Leadership Courses
Final Course
Completion of the Correctional Ministries Certificate does NOT automatically permit access to any correctional facilities. Facility administrators determine who is permitted to minister in their facility. The Correctional Certificate is a continuing education program.
A grade of C or above is required to earn a certificate.
Expert Faculty
A. Spiritually maturing in that they…
1. Commit to an ongoing life of personal growth in Christ as the foundation of effective ministry.
2. Apply Scripture to themselves for developing the character of Christ and to serve in a correctional ministry setting with integrity and humility.
3. Develop an awareness of their gifts, passions, and calling in correctional ministry.
4. Commit both personally and collaboratively to work for God’s global Kingdom purposes through the universal and local Church.
5. Honor all persons as created in the image of God by appreciating the diversity of cultures, ethnicities, and religious traditions within the correctional environment.
B. Intellectually grounded in that they…
1. Develop and commit with flexibility to a thoroughly Christian and carefully integrated philosophy of ministry.
2. Articulate a strong biblical/theological basis for correctional ministry.
3. Describe Christian formation, its process and goals.
4. Apprehend the truths within the disciplines related to correctional ministry integrated with Biblical truth.
5. Exhibit academic integrity, and critical and reflective thinking through research and study.
C. Practically skilled in that they…
1. Handle Scripture rightly, wisely and humbly.
2. Communicate effectively orally (teaching and presentation skills) and in writing in multiple environments.
3. Manage programs and people in correctional ministry that promotes transformation of those they serve.
4. Promote strong interpersonal relationships with colleagues, justice-involved persons, corrections staff, volunteers, the Church and the community to support ministry goals and rehabilitation.
5. Create learning experiences that help others encounter the person of God and the truths of His Word.
6. Utilize skills that promote rehabilitation of justice-involved persons.
Core Values
Biblically based
all material is developed on Biblical principles with an emphasis on the integration of faith and learning.
Compelled to evangelize and disciple
sharing the Gospel message and provide spiritual guidance through Christian formation.
Committed to unity of believers in Jesus Christ
as evidenced by the ministry collaboration.