The Certificate In Ministerial Studies (CIMS) is a curriculum through the School of Ministry of 19 courses, offering 34 CIMS credits, to prepare ministers and laity for relevant ministry. Textbooks and study guides assist the student to learn and apply the video lessons. These courses are in three areas of study—Biblical, doctrinal, and pastoral studies. A certificate is awarded at the completion of each section and at the completion of the entire CIMS curriculum.
Three Areas of Study
Jerome Boone, Mike Chapman, Hannah Harrington, Rickie Moore, David Cooper
This course is a survey of the great themes of the Old Testament, including
the origin of man, the origin and decline of the Jewish nation, the kings, the
prophets, the development of the kingdom of God, and the poetry and wisdom
literature of the Old Testament. 3 CIMS credits.
William Simmons, Donald Bowdle, Chris Thomas, Emerson Powery, David Cooper
This overview of the New Testament gives consideration to the great themes
of the Scripture, including the life and ministry of Christ, grace, the origin of
the church, and the missionary life of the church. 3 CIMS credits.
Homer Rhea, Lee Roy Martin, William Simmons, Robby Waddell
This course is a study of the methodology of Scriptural interpretation with
special emphasis on the role of context in the study and interpretation of
Biblical content. 2 CIMS credits.
Hollis Gause, Steven Land
This course is an introduction to the principal streams of Biblical theology
with an emphasis on the relationship of these major themes as they relate to
ministry in the contemporary church. 2 CIMS credits
Paul Walker, John Sims, Donald Bowdle, Terry Cross
This course is a historical overview of the postmodern world and the undermining
of faith through the loss of absolutes and the relativity of morality.
1 CIMS credit.
Terry Cross, David Cooper, Raymond Culpepper
This course is a study of the person and work of the Holy Spirit, with emphasis on the Pentecostal
experience and spiritual gifts, as well as the activity of the Spirit in the Old Testament. 2 CIMS credits.
Skip Jenkins, Justin Arnwine, Sheaba Cherian, Casey Cole, Joshua Liming, Alonzo Malvarez
This course introduces the great doctrines of Scripture, i.e., the doctrine of the living God, of man, of salvation, of the church, as well as a study of Church of God doctrine. 2 CIMS credits.
Terry Cross, Donald Aultman, Homer Rhea, Horace Ward, Lamar Vest
This course is a study of core Christian values based on the teachings of Christ which should impact social and individual behavior, with consideration of the issues of practical theology and ethics theory. 2 CIMS credits.
Lamar Vest, Bill George, Joe Byrd, David Roebuck
A study of the ministry of the Church of God with emphasis on the growth of the church from a small southeastern group to a global church of over 4 million members. This course will also examine the organizational structure of the Church of God. 1 CIMS credit.
Paul Conn, Robert W. Fisher, Jerome Hammond, Doyle Goff
This course is an introduction to the study of human personality and behavior from a Christian perspective.
1CIMS credit.
Paul Walker, David Cooper, Tony Scott, Mark Walker
This course is a study of Biblical models of worship, observances, and ceremonies,
including marriage, Communion, footwashing, dedications, funerals, and visitation.
2 CIMS credits.
Raymond Culpepper, Bill Sheeks, Bryan Cutshall, Loran Livingston, Jeremy Robinson, Ginger Robinson, Ray Sanders, Fermin Garcia Sr., Fermin Garcia Jr., Fidencio Burgueño, Orville Hagan
This course is a study of practical strategies for church planting such as networking,
small groups, home visitation, cross-cultural, and media usage.
2 CIMS credits.
Donnie Smith, Esdras Betancourt, Dwight Allen, T.L. Lowery, Fred Snowden,
Wayne Solomon, Wallace Sibley
This course is a study of ministry to diverse populations with emphasis on
urban ministry settings, as well as the responsibility of the church to embrace
diversity and reach out to all people. 1 CIMS credit.
F. J. May, Raymond Culpepper, Mark Williams
This course contains an emphasis on the basic principles of preaching and
teaching the Word of God, emphasizing homiletical preaching styles, message
preparation, communication methods, and treatment of contemporary
issues. 2 CIMS credits.
Donald Aultman, Dennis McGuire, Jerald Daffe, Bruce Tucker, Larry Hess,
Mary Ruth Stone, John Maxwell, Stan Toler, Gerald Brooks
This course is a study of contemporary concepts of spiritual leadership with emphases on communication, decision making, conflict management, delegation, financial accountability, stewardship, and operational procedures.
2 CIMS credits.
Grant McClung, Dennis McGuire, Tim Hill, Loran Livingston
This course is a comparison of historical and contemporary models of discipleship,
with emphasis on the pastoral role of mentoring and helping to develop lay people for ministry.
1 CIMS credit.
Delton Alford
This course is a survey of current musical types, forms, and styles utilized in Pentecostal worship, with emphasis on understanding the Scriptural role of music in worship.
1 CIMS credit.
Jeff Terrell, Paul Walker, Mark Walker, Gary Moon, John Vining,
Oliver McMahan, Robert Crick
This course is a study of helping skills for pastors which reviews basic counseling
principles, working with people in crisis situations, in times of grief,and in times of death and dying.
2 CIMS credits.
Paul Walker, Dale Coulter, Terry Cross, Oliver McMahan, John Nichols
This course is a study of the Biblical and theological basis of benevolence, and it also examines the practical aspects of developing a ministry of care.
1 CIMS credit.