Certificate in Ministerial Studies
The Certificate in Ministerial Studies (CMS) program gives you a taste of what ADC is all about. If you are over 55, have no formal education beyond High School, and are looking to be ordained within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada – this non-credit certificate can help you on your way. Applicants normally have been accepted by their church or denomination as a candidate for ordination.
At completion, the Certificate is awarded by Acadia Divinity College at our annual Commissioning Service.
Contact
Dr. Benjamin MacDonald
Number of Courses: 10
Length of Program: 1 year*
Course Load Options: Full-time (3 or more courses per semester**) and part-time (1-2 courses per semester)
*based on a full-time course load of 10 courses per year
**five courses per semester is a normal full-time course load
Those applying to the Certificate in ministerial Studies must be over 55 years of age and have no formal education beyond the High School level.
To earn a completion certificate, students in this program must pass every course and earn an average of at least 55%. Course expectations are adjusted by the professor after determining the student’s capacity.
Full Time 2021-2022
Full Year | One Semester | |
Tuition | $4,370* | $2,185 |
Fees | $334 | $167 |
Total | $4,704 | $2,352 |
*Seniors (60+)/ Qualified Ministry Partners receive a 50% discount on full-time tuition.
Visit our Tuition & Fees page to view part-time amounts.
This non-credit program is offered at a discounted amount, therefore there is no additional financial assistance offered internally.

Program Overview
Course Number | Course Name |
---|---|
IDTH 2010 | Orientation (Pass/Fail) |
Biblical Studies | |
BIBL 2013 | Interpreting the Bible |
BIBL 3013 | Introduction to the Old Testament 1 |
BIBL 3023 | Introduction to the Old Testament 2 |
BIBL 3033 | Introduction to the New Testament 1 |
BIBL 3043 | Introduction to the New Testament 2 |
Christian Thought | |
CHUR 2033 | History of Christianity |
THEO 3013 | Christian Theology 1 |
THEO 3023 | Christian Theology 2 |
THEO 3033 | Christian Ethics |
CHUR 30231 | Baptist History and Polity |
Ministry | |
EVAN 3013 | Evangelism and Mission in Contemporary Society |
EVAN 3023 | Bringing Renewal to Established Congregations |
SPFM 3013 | Christian Spiritual Formation for Ministry Leaders |
PAST 3053 | Preaching as a Practice and the Practice of Preaching |
DISP 3013 | Transformational Discipleship Ministry |
PACC 3013 | Understanding Pastoral Care and Counselling |
PAST 4013 | Mentored Ministry 1 |
PAST 4023 | Mentored Ministry 2 |
NXGN 3013 OR NXGN 3063 | Youth and Family Ministry OR Children’s Ministry |
Ministry Elective |
- Those seeking ordination within a Baptist context take Baptist History and Polity (CHUR 3023). Those seeking ordination within another
denominational family should contact the Academic Dean regarding a Directed Study or alternate option for meeting denominational studies
requirements within their tradition