Ongoing Education :: FAQs :: Undergraduate/Diploma Program
DIPLOMA IN THEOLOGY
Undergraduate Ministry Training Classes in SW Virginia
What is the Christian Leaders Link? The Christian Leadership Network was established as a ministry of Virginia Baptists in December 2004. Its mission is to provide practical church training and theological study for lay leaders and ministers in Southwest Virginia in order to further the cause of the Kingdom, enhance the ministry of churches, and grow healthy leaders. The Network accomplishes this mission, primarily, by providing undergraduate and Masters ministry training classes. In 2006, a partnership with The John Leland Center, a Virginia Baptist education partner, allowed us to offer these classes. Other initiatives include peer-learning groups, life coaching, and workshops. The Network is headquartered in Roanoke.
Our educational philosophy? Our classes focus on preparation for ministry and Christian impact, whether in the local church or the community. Teaching from a solidly Biblical perspective, we believe ministry preparation is best achieved through open exchange of ideas and interaction between students, instructor, and curriculum. Our aim is to produce "reflective theological practitioners," able to critically appraise, from a Biblical and theologically-sound perspective, any ideas they encounter while remaining effective in ministry.
What is the Diploma in Theology? This program is a non-degree, college-level program permitting students to take 48 credit hours (sixteen 3- hour courses) in a variety of ministry areas. Students entering the program must have a completed high school diploma or possess a GED.
BIBLICAL STUDIES (15 hours) Three of the following: THEOLOGICAL/PHILOSOPHICAL STUDIES (12 hours) |
HISTORICAL/CULTURAL STUDIES MINISTRY STUDIES (15 hours) Three of the following: |
Who would benefit from the classes?
- Full-time ministers
- Bi-vocational ministers
- Volunteer church leaders (e.g., Bible teachers, deacon leaders)
- Persons interested in personal spiritual growth and/or ministry effectiveness
- Those seeking an introduction to theological and ministry study, possibly leading to a Bachelor's degree
- Those who serve in a ministry capacity requiring a broader background in theology and practical ministry training, but do not wish to pursue a completed degree
- Those who have professional training and experience in other areas, but find themselves with ministry responsibility in a local church, mission, or faith-based non-profit organization
- Those who wish to prepare for a more focused area of ministry
- Those exploring a call to ministry
What is the cost for taking these classes? Tuition for each class is $375 per class, a fee comparable to those of other seminaries. Students can also audit a Diploma course for $188. Tuition scholarships, reducing tuition to $250/class, are available for Baptist General Association of Virginia church members who take classes for-credit.
Additional fees include a one-time admissions fee of $25. Students taking classes for credit are assessed a student activity fee of $35 each semester, covering administrative costs to register a student for classes, maintain grade records, and provide transcripts. Auditing students do not pay the student activity fee.
When are classes offered? Fall semester classes begin in late August and spring semester classes begin in late January. Classes meet once/week for three hours for 15 weeks. One week each semester is set aside for reading days/spring break and classes do not meet that week. "Intensives" are occasionally offered, depending on preferences and needs of students in the program.
Where are these courses offered?
- Martinsville/Stanleytown (Fort Trial Baptist Church)
- Nickelsville (First Baptist Church)
- Roanoke (Bonsack Baptist Church)
- Wise (Baptist Student Center at UVa-Wise)
- Madison Heights (Randolph Memorial Baptist Church)
- Staunton (First Baptist Church) Fall 2011
- Bristol (Location TBA) Fall 2011
- Appomattox Assn. (Location TBA) Fall 2011
How long to complete the Diploma in Theology? A student completing two Diploma classes per semester can obtain a Diploma in Theology in four years.
Who will be class instructors? All instructors for Diploma classes are required to have a Masters degree and at least 18 hours of graduate credit in the discipline in which they teach.
Why these classes are just right for you:
- Classes and instructors are devoted solely to training for more effective ministry in the church or community. The training you receive is thoroughly grounded in Scripture, will enable your own spiritual growth, and equip you for making a Kingdom difference in a constantly changing culture.
- By completing sixteen 3-hour classes, students receive a Diploma in Theology, an accomplishment churches will recognize.
- Leland has educational partnerships with three SACS accredited institutions (Averrett University, Hampton University, Bluefield College) that allow Leland students to transfer their credits to those institutions. Other schools accept Leland undergraduate credits at their own discretion.
- Students may take classes for credit or audit a class.
- Students may pursue a full Diploma in Theology (sixteen 3-hour classes) or take individual classes.
- Students can enter the program during any semester, knowing required classes are offered on a rotating schedule.
- In response to the needs of students, both daytime and evening classes are offered.
- Tuition (Credit: $375/class; Audit: $188/class) and fees are affordable and comparable with other schools.
- Classes are small, allowing interaction with other students and personal relationships with instructors.
- Because classes are offered locally, students connect with other ministers and lay leaders from their area. Students become a "family" and support group for each other as they continue their educational journey.
- Classes are designed for non-traditional students who, because of age, family, or work responsibilities, are unable to pull up roots to continue their education. Students include those just beginning ministry, those entering ministry as a second career, those serving as bivocational leaders, and those who simply want to make a difference in their church or community.
- Family, church, and career responsibilities are considered in planning for class schedules and course requirements.
How do I arrange to take classes? To begin the admissions process, simply contact the Christian Leaders Link at 540.977.2652 or 877.977.2652 (toll-free).
