Eastern's School of Christian Ministry

Diploma Programs

ESCM diplomas provide an excellent educational option for people who are called to bi-vocational pastoral ministry or faith-based organizational development, or are preparing for Theological degree studies. To receive a diploma, students must successfully complete 24 courses, for a minimum of 360 hours of class work. ESCM diplomas require at least two years to complete.
ESCM offers two diplomas: Pastoral Studies, Biblical and Theological Studies.

All ESCM courses--whether taken over the internet, at our Wynnewood campus or at any ESCM extension site--are taught to the same standards and are applicable to any ESCM certificate or diploma. Students make take classes at any location.

DIPLOMA OF PASTORAL STUDIES
Takes 2-3 years to complete
This track provides an opportunity for people who have been called to be pastors to receive an education for ministry without meeting the requirements of a Theological degree. Although the Seminaryï¿½s Master of Divinity degree is the ideal credential for pastoral ministry, this is not always a viable option. The Diploma of Pastoral Studies provides an alternative seminary education for pastors of small churches and bi-vocational pastors who do not need or cannot enter a seminary graduate degree program. Candidates for the Diploma of Pastoral Studies must also complete a ï¿½Fitness for Ministryï¿½ evaluation. Both ESCM diplomas require the successful completion of 24 courses, for a total of 360 hours of class work. Diploma students must pass a writing skill evaluation or complete the ESCM course ï¿½Writing for Success Part 1: Basic Writing Skillsï¿½ (ACD001) in the first year of the program. Requirements: ï¿½ = Done; M# = when offered

Level One Courses
CM006 Core 2: Spiritual Disciplines and Formation (Core)
CM007 Core 3: Christian Leadership (Core)
B001 The Pentateuch
B002 The Hebrew Prophets
B003 Christian Foundations 1: The Life & Ministry of Jesus
B004 Christian Foundations 2: The Witness of the Early Church
CM001 Spiritual Care Giving

Level Two Courses
B005 Biblical Interpretation (Pre-Requisites B001, B002, B003, B004) (Core)
B006 Old Testament Theology (Pre-Requisites B001, B002, B003, B004) (Core)
B007 New Testament Theology (Pre-Requisites B001, B002, B003, B004) (Core)
CM004 Homiletics (Pre-Requisites B001, B002, B003, B004)
CTM001 The Story of the Church (Pre-Requisites B005, B006, B007)
CTM003 Basic Theology Part 1 (Pre-Requisites B005, B006, B007)
CTM004 Basic Theology Part 2 (Pre-Requisites B005, B006, B007)
CM002 Conflict Resolution
CM003 Basic Christian Counseling
CM005 Worship (Pre-Requisites CTM001, CM006, CM007)

Level Three Courses
CTM005 The Nature and Mission of the Church (Pre-Requisites B005, B006, B007)
CM010 Supervised Pastoral Ministry Internship *
CTM002 Community-Focused Ministry
CTM006 Christian Ethics for Christian Leaders

Three additional courses chosen by the student (Two if student took ACD001).

1. *Waived for students who are ordained or licensed by a recognized church body and can produce documentation to confirm such ordination or licensing, and functioning in a pastoral role.

DIPLOMA OF BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
Takes 2-3 years to complete
The Diploma of Biblical and Theological Studies is designed for students who are considering Theological degree studies and seek a thorough preparation, or who wish to lay a strong foundation in the Bible and Theology for their personal growth or ministry. Exceptional students in this track may be considered for admission into Palmer Theological Seminaryï¿½s masterï¿½s programs even if they do not have a completed bachelorï¿½s degree. This is permitted on a case-by-case basis and is subject to numerous limitations and requirements. Successful completion of the diploma does not guarantee acceptance into the graduate degree program. Both ESCM diplomas require the successful completion of 24 courses, for a total of 360 hours of class work. Diploma students must pass a writing skill evaluation or complete the ESCM course ï¿½Writing for Success Part 1: Basic Writing Skillsï¿½ (ACD001) in the first year of the program. Requirements: ï¿½ = Done; M# = when offered

Level One Courses
CM006 Core 2: Spiritual Disciplines and Formation (Core)
CM007 Core 3: Christian Leadership (Core)
B001 The Pentateuch
B002 The Hebrew Prophets
B003 Christian Foundations 1: The Life & Ministry of Jesus
B004 Christian Foundations 2: The Witness of the Early Church
ADC001 Writing for Success 1: Basic Writing Skills

Level Two Courses
B005 Biblical Interpretation (Pre-requisites B001, B002, B003, B004) (Core)
B006 Old Testament Theology (Pre-requisites B001, B002, B003, B004)
B007 New Testament Theology (Pre-requisites B001, B002, B003, B004)
CTM001 The Story of the Church(Pre-Requisites B005, B006, B007)
CTM003 Basic Theology 1 (Pre-Requisites B005, B006, B007)
CTM004 Basic Theology 2 (Pre-Requisites B005, B006, B007)

Level Three Courses
CTM005 The Nature and Mission of the Church (Pre-Requisites B005, B006, B007)
CTM006 Christian Ethics for Christian Leaders
CM011 Senior Seminar in Biblical and Theological Studies

Three electives chosen by the student from
Bible (B) or Christian Thought and Mission (CTM) courses
1

2

3

Five additional courses chosen by the student from the entire curriculum
1

2

3

4

5

6