School of Certification

The Certification Program is for laypersons of demonstrated ability, and endeavors to enhance their effectiveness by means of a curriculum, which integrates their experiences of lay ministry with the academic resources of the Seminary. The Certification Programs then provide professional certification in the areas of Catechists, Deacons, Deaconess, Trustees and Leadership Training.

The Deacons and Deaconess Classes

These two twelve-week power-packed courses will survey the present landscape in
which ministry must be conducted. These courses will surely move deacons and
deaconess from ceremony to service. There will be a focus on the need and
development of ministry to lengthen the tenure of the pastor and to minister to the men,
women, singles, married members, seniors and youth within the body of Christ.

The Church Trustee

This twelve-week course is designed to teach trustees and church administrative
personnel the basics of good stewardship for the 21 st century. The Church Trustee must
have a well-rounded view of the church as well as the world of church finance. Year
after year, churches have been plagued by tax rules and erroneous information. The
Church Trustee is vital to the continued financial survival of the church.

Leadership Education in the Local Church

The Leadership Education course provides insight into leadership from more than one
perspective. Each session will cover leadership in various ministries and demonstrates
how as leaders, you may not hold the title attached to the role, but you are still a leader
using the gifts and talents with which God has blessed you. This course also gives
insight into the workings of various ministries within the church. 

Tuition

The tuition for the Deacons, Deaconess and Trustee Classes is $175.00. The cost for
the Leadership Education in the Local Church Class is $125.00. All students must
register for classes prior to the start of the Session.

Class Location

Classes will be held at the Washington Baptist Theological Seminary Building, 4603
Eastern Avenue, Mt. Rainier, Maryland as well as Divine Faith Baptist Church, 1366
Cokey Road, Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

Message from the Dean of the School of Certification

School of Certification Administrative Staff

Chancellor
Rev. Dr. Randolph Fitzgerald
rfitzgerald@wbswashingtonbaptistseminary.org

Dean
Rev. Kenneth Thomas, Sr..
ktomas@wbswashingtonbaptistseminary.org


Assistant Dean
Mrs. Joan Hill
jhill@wbswashingtonbaptistseminary.org

Administrative Assistant
Ms. Gwendolyn V. Banks
gbanks@wbswashingtonbaptistseminary.org