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

It’s ideal for those who:
• 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.

The courses are:
• Exploring the Biblical and Theological Foundations for Children’s Ministry- Fall 2007 (October 11-13 & November 8-10)
• Teaching Preschoolers-Spring 2008 (March 6-8 and April 3-5, 2008)
• Teaching Children- Fall 2008
(October 9-11 and November 13-15, 2008)
• Minister of Childhood Education-Fall 2006 (October 19-21 & November 16-18)
• Connecting Children, Families and the Church-Spring 2007 (March 22-24 & April 19-21)

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, PO Box 8568, Richmond, VA 23226; you may phone for an application 800.ALL.BGAV, x2256, or 804-915-5000; or you may email .

Monies for the course are due 30 days prior to beginning of course. Check 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.