Designed for those involved in ministry to children and their families.

• Lead the children’s ministry in local congregations
• Are interested in a life-time commitment to ministering to children and their families
• Are not seminary graduates
• Are seminary graduates who now want to specialize in children’s ministry
• Are considering a seminary degree

Certification requirements:
To receive certification, a participant must complete five courses over two weekends at the Virginia Baptist Resource Center in Richmond, VA. One two-part course is offered each semester. Classes begin on a Thursday at 6 p.m. and conclude on Saturday at noon for the two weekends. Participants receive two semester hours of credit that may be applied toward a seminary degree at John Leland Center for Theological Studies. The certification is awarded by the Virginia Baptist Mission Board.

Courses:
To receive Certification in Children's Ministry, a person must complete successfully 5 courses. These courses are offered at the Virginia Baptist Resource Center in Richmond, VA. One course is offered each semester. Courses must be taken consecutively. The class times are from Thursday 6:30 pm until Saturday at noon for two (2) weekends. A person receives two (2) hours of credit that may be applied toward a Seminary degree at John Leland Center for Theological Studies. The Certification in Children's Ministry is awarded by the Virginia Baptist Mission Board.

Fall 2009

October 8-10, 2009 November 5-7, 2009

Connecting Children, Families, and the Church

Spring 2010

March 11-13, 2010 April 15-17, 2010

Exploring the Biblical and Theological Foundations for Children's Ministry

Fall 2010

October 7-9, 2010 November 11-13, 2010

Teaching Preschoolers

Spring 2011

Teaching Children

Fall 2011

Minister of Childhood Education

Course certification is $350 which covers both sessions. Books, lodgings (2 nights) and meals are additional. Discounted lodging is conveniently located near the Virginia Baptist Resource Center.

To register:
Download an application form here. Alternatively, you may receive an application form by contacting Diane Smith, 2828 Emerywood Parkway, Richmond, VA 23226; you may phone for an application 800.ALL.BGAV, x2256, or 804-915-5000; or you may email .

Money for the course is due 30 days prior to beginning of course. Checks are payable to Virginia Baptist Mission Board.

We reserve the right to cancel a course if we don't have enough students to cover expenses of the course.