The Fellowship of Evangelical Churches introduces a unique, theological education plan for pastors, church planters, and ministry leaders.

The FEC Certificate of Theology offers Christian leaders a track of theological education that can be completed while in a ministry position or as part of training for one.  Fully-accredited Master’s level courses are offered at a comfortable pace, 100% online, at a fraction of the normal cost. And, now, there is a provision for those without a Bachelors degree to apply. This is a one of a kind partnership that brings together three leading, Evangelical seminaries into one program:

FEC Certificate of Theology

Details?

The FEC Certificate of Theology consists of twelve foundational, Master’s level accredited courses in theology, church history, hermeneutics and apologetics, so that those serving or training in ministry positions can supplement their practical ministry experience with high-quality, biblically-grounded theological education.  In the FEC Certificate of Theology program, you’ll receive:

  • 12 courses – The best, most essential theology courses these schools have to offer, from the current catalog of each seminary.
  • online access – Courses are 100% online, so you can take them from the comfort of home…or anywhere.
  • 1 or 2 courses per semester – Paced to fit busy ministry lifestyles. 8 to 10 hours per week commitment.
  • 3 semesters per year (Fall, Spring, Summer) – Taken together as a cohort with others from FEC churches, so you’ll enjoy developing friendships and collaboration along the way.
  • 3 years to completion – A manageable pace that can be accomplished without disrupting family or interrupting ministry effectiveness.
  • 33 credit hours applicable to a full Master’s degree – Those desiring to continue study toward a full Master’s degree can choose from nine different degree programs among the three seminaries and apply all if not most of the 33 credit hours to it.
  • Mentoring component – You’ll be paired with a seasoned FEC pastor or leader who will help you make practical application to the academics you’re learning.
  • Provide a step toward credentialing throughout the FEC – When you complete the 3-year program, you’ll receive the FEC Certificate of Theology, a non-degreed certificate, better preparing one for credentialing.
Because of FEC’s unique partnership with the three participating seminaries, an exclusive tuition rate of $1,500 per semester has been established, guaranteed not to increase for the entirety of the program.  This represents a discount of as much as 50% compared to the schools’ regular tuition rates.

…AND AN EVEN FURTHER MATCHING FUNDS OPTION

To make the cost of the program even more affordable, FEC has designed an additional, three-pronged matching funds provision. When the individual and their sponsoring FEC church each contribute 1/3rd to the tuition, FEC will match the final 1/3rd, bringing the cost to the individual down to just $1,500 per year, and $4,500 for the entirety of the 33 credit hour Certificate program!

For further details on the matching fund, see the  FEC Certificate of Theology Financial Plan.

The current cohort of the FEC Certificate of Theology features these courses (future cohort courses are subject to change):

Fall 2024
TEDS: Introduction to the New Testament 1 (NT 5001)
TEDS: Introduction to the New Testament 2 (NT 5002)

Spring 2025
Denver: History of Christian Movement (CH 500)

Summer 2025
Bethel: Biblical Hermeneutics (BT 510)

Fall 2025
TEDS: Theology 1: The God of the Gospel (ST 5211)
TEDS: Theology 2: The Gospel of God (ST 5212)

Spring 2026
Denver: Christian Apologetics (CA 500)

Summer 2026
Bethel: Reading the Old Testament (OT 516)

Fall 2026
TEDS: Theology 3: The People of God (ST 5213)
TEDS: Christian Ethics (ST 7200)

Spring 2027
Denver: Contemporary Theologies (TH 643)

Summer 2027
Bethel: Spiritual & Personal Formation (SP 540)

Classes are offered one or two per semester, three semesters per year: Fall, Spring, and Summer.  Fall and spring semesters are normally 16 weeks while the summer semesters are shorter.

  • Fall: late August through mid-December
  • Spring: early January through mid-May
  • Summer: end of May through mid-August

Once you’ve completed the FEC Certificate of Theology, you’ll have the option to choose one of the three participating seminaries and continue pursuit of a full Master’s degree.  All three participating schools have agreed to recognize and apply all, if not most of the 33 credit hours of the FEC Certificate of Theology to one or more of their Master’s degree programs.  And when you continue into their degree program under the auspices of FEC, a $375 per credit hour tuition rate will be extended through completion of your degree!

You can complete a Master’s degree in as little as nine additional credit hours!  Below are the degree programs at each school eligible for application of all if not most of the 33 credit hours (see each seminary’s website for specific details on programs).*

  • M.A. (Christian Thought) — 33 of 36 total credit hours
  • M.A. in Ministry — 33 of 52 total credit hours
  • M.Div. (Master of Divinity) — 33 of 78 total credit hours

  • M.A. (Christian Studies) — 33 of 51 total credit hours
  • M.Div. (Master of Divinity) — 33 of 79 total credit hours
  • M.A. (Biblical & Theological Studies) — 30 of 40 total credit hours

  • M.A. (Educational Ministries) – 33 of 36 credit hours
  • M.A. (Theological Studies) — 33 of 42 total credit hours
  • M.Div. (Master of Divinity) — 33 of 90 credit hours

*These applicable credits are subject to change as/if degree programs change.

In addition to these, several other degree programs may be pursued where a majority, though not all, of the 33 completed credit hours may be applied.  Contact the FEC Education Coordinator for details.

  1. A Bachelor’s degree is required for acceptance into the program.  However, there is a provision for those without a bachelor’s degree to participate in this program for credit (the Undergraduate Degree Exception (UDE)).
  2. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis:  applications of those with an undergraduate degree must be received no later than 6 weeks prior to the commencement of the fall semester; those who wish to qualify as an UDE candidate must submit their application 12 weeks before the fall semester start date.  Waiting lists may be established if necessary, with the possibility of further cohorts forming to commence in the fall semester of the following year.
  3. Students must post a final grade of “C” or better for courses to be credited to full degree programs. Courses over 10 years of age at the time that a degree is conferred are considered “expired” and are not applicable to the completion of a degree.
  4. Satisfactory involvement in the mentoring aspect of the Certificate program will be a condition of continuance.  Mentors will follow a reporting process for logging interaction time with students. See the “FEC Certificate of Theology Mentoring Relationship & Agreement” for further details.
  5. Tuition fees must be paid for one entire school year (3 courses) at a time, and must be received by the FEC office no later than 4 weeks prior to the commencement of the Fall semester. See the “FEC Certificate of Theology Financial Plan” for further details.
  6. To participate in the matching funds resource, the individual’s full 1/3rd portion as well as the sponsoring church’s 1/3rd portion for the full school year (3 courses) must be received by the FEC office no later than 4 weeks prior to the commencement of the Fall semester. Please see full details and conditions of the matching funds resources at the “FEC Certificate of Theology Financial Plan“.
  7. Tuition payments may not be refundable and may not be transferred to another student.
  8. In accordance with FERPA regulations, students will be encouraged to authorize permission for the exchange of grades, application information, and any disciplinary action among all participating schools and FEC.
  9. Each school employs its own online technology system. Students must have internet access and become proficient in the system of the school producing each course.
  10. Courses must be taken sequentially to qualify for the FEC Certificate of Theology. Only in emergency or extreme situations will exceptions be considered.
  11. The individual is responsible for any textbook costs or additional course fees.
  12. A student who completes the FEC Certificate of Theology and chooses to enroll in a degree seeking program at one of the Seminaries may be eligible to continue receiving a reduced rate of $375 per credit hour, contingent upon: admission to a qualifying program by Spring 2028; satisfactory academic progress; maintaining continuous enrollment; and completion of the degree within the timeframe delineated in the Seminary’s statute of limitations.

Want More Information?

Our application process for the next cohort is currently closed. Applications for the Fall 2024 cohort will launch in late winter/early spring 2024.

While the Certificate of Theology runs in “cohorts” that start at specific dates, we’re happy to start the conversation at any time.  Simply fill out the form below and we’ll get in touch to answer any questions and help you take the next steps.

  • The Certificate of Theology is available only to those connected with an FEC church. Please let us know which FEC church you attend.

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