Certificate of Graduate Studies in Pastoral Leadership

The aim of this holistic, nine-month program is to equip a diverse cohort of proven and promising leaders with leadership skills that will ensure long-term effective ministry, spiritual depth and personal integrity.

Beginning with a retreat in September and culminating in May, participants gather for two or three weekdays during one week each month. The program includes classes, small peer group experiences and individual reflection supported by a relationship with a spiritual coach for students, provided by the program. The program draws together leaders from a gamut of faith community, nonprofit, social service and para-church organizational settings.

Admission Requirements

The Pastoral Leadership curriculum reflects a commitment to Sustaining Pastoral Excellence. The curriculum is composed of courses which enhance leadership competencies, ministerial skills, theological reflection, and spiritual growth. Courses specific to this certificate are STML 509 to STML 515. Admission to STML courses requires acceptance into the Pastoral Leadership program. Twenty class days are scheduled over nine months. All classes are fully accredited and culminate in a Certificate of Graduate Studies in Pastoral Leadership.

Qualifications for participation include: a Master of Divinity (preferred); demonstrated ability to do graduate academic work; demonstrated commitment to ministry in a local congregation; five years of substantive pastoral leadership experience; and demonstrated competence in ministry. Under special circumstances, non-degree applicants with outstanding ministry experience and demonstrated ability to do graduate academic work will be admitted.

Application Procedure for the Pastoral Leadership Program

To apply to the program, submit the following items to the Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry Office:

• A completed application form with a non-refundable $55 application fee. Fee waived for Seattle University alumni.
• Official transcripts reflecting a four-year equivalent bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and any post-baccalaureate coursework
• Minimum grade point average of 2.75 calculated from official transcripts from institutions attended in the last 90 quarter/60 semester credits of the bachelor’s degree and any post-baccalaureate courses. Exceptions to the policy are noted with degree requirements. Applicants earning degrees from non-grading institutions must submit official results from the Miller Analogy Test (MAT).
• One letter of recommendation from your endorsing official using the School’s form found in the application packet
• A Ministry Experience statement including the following;
  1. List last three ministry positions you have held; your position and dates
  2. Size of your congregation
  3. Length of time in present ministry
  4. Functions best describing present ministry
  5. Current program or activities, for which you have leadership responsibilities, best reflecting your vision for ministry
• A minimum one-page essay providing the following information about your personal goals in completing the program:
  1. What motivates you to participate in the Certificate of Graduate Studies Pastoral Leadership program at this time?
  2. How you see your experience benefiting other participants, including the following:
     1. What experience do you bring to share with other pastoral leaders?
     2. What are the most challenging short and long-term issues you face?
     3. How do you describe your present leadership style?
     4. What is your vision of ministry for the future?
• If English is not the applicant’s native language, official English proficiency scores meeting the university’s entrance requirements are necessary. See policy 2008-01 in Admissions Policies for exceptions.
• Following review of the application material, qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview with the Director of the Pastoral Leadership Program.

Upon completion of the program, participants earn a Certificate of Graduate Studies in Pastoral Leadership and fifteen hours of graduate credit which may be transferred to partnered Doctor of Ministry programs or other advanced degree programs.