Graduate Certificate in Biblical Preaching
Program Overview
Please note: The Graduate Certificate in Biblical Preaching is currently postponed to a future semester.
The Graduate Certificate in Biblical Preaching is designed for pastors and ministry leaders who desire to grow in clarity, faithfulness, and effectiveness in the preaching of God’s Word. Rooted in Scripture and shaped by the life of the Church, this certificate provides focused training that integrates theological depth, practical preaching skills, and ongoing ministry practice.
The program is especially suited for those who are actively preaching and wish to strengthen both content and delivery without stepping away from their local church context. Courses are structured to work alongside regular preaching responsibilities, allowing you to develop as a preacher while continuing to serve faithfully in your current ministry setting.
Instruction is provided by experienced preaching professors who understand the demands of weekly pulpit ministry and are committed to expository preaching that serves the Church.
Program Objectives
Over the course of the Graduate Certificate in Biblical Preaching, you will:
- Strengthen skills in faithful, expository preaching rooted in careful interpretation of Scripture.
- Grow in clarity, structure, and effectiveness in sermon preparation and delivery.
- Integrate classroom learning with ongoing preaching ministry in the local church.
- Develop greater self‑awareness and discernment regarding strengths and areas for growth in preaching.
- Receive constructive feedback that supports sustained growth in both content and communication.
- Cultivate habits of faithful proclamation shaped by theological conviction and pastoral care.
Curriculum Overview
| Course code | Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| GCBP Required Courses (all courses required) | 15 | |
| HOM603 | Christ-Centered Preaching | 3 |
| HOM611 | The Personal Side of Expository Preaching | 3 |
| HOM612 | Apologetics, Evangelism, and Preaching | 3 |
| HOM682 | Preaching Poetry | 3 |
| HOM683 | Preaching Narrative | 3 |
| HOM685 | Preaching That Moves People | 3 |
Program Outcomes
Further education:
- Apply all courses toward the Master of Divinity or Master of Theological Studies at Heritage.
- Use the certificate to complement ongoing graduate degree studies.
- Continue developing preaching competencies alongside advanced theological training.
Career pathways:
- Lead, associate, or youth pastoral ministry
- Itinerant or mission‑related preaching ministries
- Teaching and proclamation roles within church and ministry contexts
Admission Requirements
Please refer to the Seminary Academic Catalogue for specific entrance requirements for all Graduate Certificate programs. Click here to access the Seminary Academic Catalogue.
Mature Students
Mature applicants 28 years of age and over, who do not possess an undergraduate degree, may apply for either the M.Div. or M.T.S. in either one of two ways:
- Apply for admission to the Graduate Certificate of Theological Studies – Track to Degree program. Upon completion of this 30 credit hour program with an AGPA of 2.50 or above, and upon approval of the seminary faculty, the student may enter either the M.Div. or the M.T.S. Courses completed in the GCTS will be used in the new degree program.
- Demonstrate undergraduate degree equivalency. Students who have completed approximately 101 credit hours of studies at the post-secondary level from an accredited institution, or a variety of accredited institutions, may apply directly to the M.Div. or M.T.S. based on degree equivalency. Such applications will be reviewed by the Academic Dean of the seminary. The 101 undergraduate credit hours should consist of a broad variety of interdisciplinary studies as well as courses which required an adequate amount of academic research and writing. The Registrar may require the student to supply course syllabi in order for the Academic Dean to determine undergraduate degree equivalency.
Mature applicants must write a research essay as part of their application to help discern the prospective student’s fit for graduate-level theological education: how well can s/he read, comprehend, analyze, and argue a thesis. The applicant’s essay will be graded by a member of the seminary faculty to make this assessment. This research essay must be submitted as part the application process. An application will not be complete nor processed until this essay has been submitted.
International Students
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR 2026-2027:
Heritage College & Seminary has been informed that due to the cap on international study permits that has been instituted by the Government of Canada, study permits will not be granted to international students applying to Heritage College for the 2026-2027 academic year. Students may study from their home country via distance learning (synchronous or asynchronous online).
This information will be reassessed and updated for the 2027-2028 academic year.
Students from the United States of America
Applicants from the U.S.A. must meet the general admissions standards as explained above. Also, American students must have a valid study permit, which can be obtained at a port of entry or at the nearest Canadian Consulate. A student will need an acceptance letter and evidence of sufficient funds/financial support to obtain a study permit. This permit must be presented prior to enrollment. Proof of English language proficiency is not required for American citizens. Applicants should complete the International Student Application. After acceptance, applicants from the U.S.A. must apply for a study permit. To obtain more information on Canadian Immigration policies and procedures, see the Canadian government website at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html.
Students from All Other Countries
Students are advised to apply at least nine months before their planned enrollment date to allow time for processing, acquiring permits and visas, etc. Students are admitted on the basis of graduation from a recognized college, university, or Bible/theological school. Applicants are responsible to provide documentation that verifies the level of their post-secondary training.
Transcripts: Official transcripts must be sent from all schools previously attended. Transcripts that are not written in English must be translated and notarized by an official translating company and sent directly to Heritage. International applicants must also provide a credential evaluation report from World Educational Services (WES) Canada. Applicants must request a “WES ICAP Course-by-Course Evaluation Report” and choose Heritage College & Seminary as the recipient.
English Language Requirements: Proof of English Language proficiency is normally required from all international students with the exception of citizens from Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and countries of the West Indies (except Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Martinique, Netherlands Antilles, Puerto Rico, and St. Lucia).
Heritage accepts the following language proficiency tests:
1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Students must achieve a minimum score of 80 on the TOEFL iBT, and a minimum score of 20 on each of the four sections. Tests can be booked at https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/. Heritage’s institutional code is: 1498.
2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Students must achieve a minimum overall band score of 6.0 (6.0 in each band) on the IELTS Academic. Tests can be booked at https://www.ielts.org/for-test-takers/book-a-test.
3. The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
- Students must achieve a minimum level of 7 on the CELPIP-General. Tests can be booked at https://www.celpip.ca/.
Study Permit and Visa: International students must obtain a valid study permit, and in some cases a visa, to study in Canada. To obtain a permit and, if necessary, a visa, international students must apply through Canadian Immigration officials in their home country or online at Immigration Canada’s official website. Students cannot begin their studies until the necessary immigration documents have been approved. To obtain more information on Canadian Immigration policies and procedures, see the Canadian government’s official website at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigrationrefugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html.
It is strongly recommended that all applicants have a local support network (welcoming church, local agency, relatives, or other significant persons). This will contribute to the strength of an application.
International students are only accepted for fall term registration. Students will not be enrolled in studies unless the funds required for the first term of studies have been paid (tuition, emergency health insurance for one year, and if applicable, residence costs).
For step-by-step instructions for International Students, see the International Students page.
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