Fuller Theological Seminary

Programme overview

The Certificate in Church Planting equips learners with core theological foundations and hands-on competencies needed to start and sustain new churches. Instruction typically combines biblical and theological reflection with practical frameworks for assessment, team formation, leadership, and community engagement.

What you'll study

• Biblical and theological foundations — study of mission theology and scriptural principles that inform church formation and identity.
• Strategies for church planting — models for contextual assessment, missional strategy, and adaptive planning for diverse cultural settings.
• Leadership and team development — skills for recruiting, training, and sustaining volunteer and staff teams, including conflict management and pastoral care.
• Community engagement and evangelism — practical approaches to outreach, incarnational ministry, and building relationships in local contexts.
• Practical implementation — project-oriented work such as launch plans, budgeting basics, governance structures, and measuring early-stage health.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a secondary education credential or equivalent; many programs welcome current ministry practitioners and require a statement of ministry goals. Selection may consider prior ministry experience, a pastoral endorsement or references, and alignment with the institution's theological commitments. Specific application components and any prerequisite courses vary by campus or delivery mode.

Career prospects

Graduates typically move into roles launching or revitalizing congregations, leading church-planting teams, or serving in mission and outreach leadership. The certificate also serves as professional development for pastors, denominational leaders, church planters, and lay leaders who will assume responsibilities for community engagement, pastoral care, and organizational development within ecclesial contexts.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Prospective students should explore institutional financial aid, denominational or mission society grants, and local church sponsorship to support certificate studies. Additional options include work-study, employer support from denominational bodies, and scholarship funds targeted to ministry training; early inquiry to the seminary's financial aid office will identify applicable resources and eligibility criteria.