A program of the Institute for Applied Theology

Roots and Wings for Ministry Certificate Program

The purpose of the Roots and Wings for Ministry Certificate Program is three-fold:

1. Offer lay and clergy persons regular, accessible opportunities to strengthen foundational knowledge and skills for ministry leadership
2. Extend to clergy and lay professionals “Sabbath time,” with regular opportunities for shared spiritual reflection and re-tooling in ministry specialties
3. Host and consult with congregational teams seeking to learn to work in creative, collaborative and mutually supportive ways, on behalf of equipping the ministry of all Christians

The Roots and Wings program community includes:

• Gifted faculty and guest instructors in core and specialty courses
• Caring colleagues and spiritual companions in covenantal groups
• Experienced practitioners in many aspects of ministry
• Worship, meals and fellowship offered in conjunction with courses
• Wellness and arts options including swimming and walking track
• Artists in residence and exhibits
• An array of amazing technologies for ministry in digital culture, including hybrid online/classroom courses, development of media resources
• The excellent resources of United’s Library, Evangelical United Brethren Heritage Center, Institute for Applied Theology, the Harriet Miller Women’s Center, and the Cokesbury bookstore

Program Structure and Fees

Six 30-hour courses are required for Roots and Wings certification.

Tuition is $150-300 per course, with a $25 registration fee due with the initial application to the program.

Persons who participated in the preview courses offered during the Summer Institute 2006 will be offered a discounted registration fee of $250 for their first course within this program.

United’s Roots and Wings Certification Program began in January of 2007. Courses are repeated at intervals, and offered alternatively in intensive weekend format and within the five-day Summer Institute Weeks. Courses are listed on the Roots and Wings Courses web page.

Congregations are urged to provide at least partial scholarships for lay and clergy staff persons and volunteer leaders.

Roots and Wings Certification Requirements

Three “Roots” (core) courses required:

• Biblical Foundations for the Ministry of All Christians
• Theology for the Practice of Ministry
• Spiritual Formation in the Christian Tradition

Three “Wings” (specialty) courses required, to be offered in the following specialty tracks:

• Christian Formation for All Generations
• Equipping Leadership
• Lay Ministry Leadership
• Leadership and Administration
• Pastoral Supervision
• Preaching in Context
• Spiritual Formation
• Urban and Multicultural Ministries
• Wellness, Care Giving and Faith Community Nursing
• Worship Arts, Music and Media Ministries for the Emerging Church