A pre-seminary or foundational program of seven intensive survey courses designed to provide a solid basis for traditional seminary study and ministerial training. The GCS Certificate is specifically crafted with a view to committed, serious students who desire a rigorous survey of Scripture and theology, or students who aspire to ministerial service but lack a traditional academic background for seminary study. Each course requires the complete reading of at least one major text prior to the first class meeting. The remainder of required readings and assignments must be completed before the final exam.

Program Directors: Michael Sacasas and Atria Larson

Foundations and Principles

A brisk and concentrated survey of world history and the history of ideas in relation to Christian thought and practice.

Old Testament Survey

General and special introduction to the Old Testament as Christian Scripture.

New Testament Survey

General and special introduction to the New Testament writings in relation to the Old Testament as canon, the Church, and the Gospel.

Church History Survey

A thorough survey of the history of the Church’s faith and practice with a special focus on the history of doctrine and liturgy.

Theology Survey 1 (Prolegomena, Scripture, God, Man)

A survey of principal topics in systematic theology in relation to Scripture, history, and the Church.

Theology Survey 2 (Christ, Holy Spirit, Salvation, Eschatology, Church)

The continuation of a survey of principal topics in systematic theology in relation to Scripture, history, and the Church.

Ethics & Ministry Survey

A survey of the structure and principles of Christian ethics with a special interest in the relationship of ethics to challenging questions in congregational ministry.