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Certificate Overview

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The key to making a difference.

Learning Objectives

The CenterPeace Certificate in LGBTQ Ministry is a 9-month training program to equip pastors and other Christian leaders (including lay ministers) to fully integrate sexual and gender minorities into the life and leadership of the Church. This program provides you crucial insight and practical tools for nurturing the faith and spiritual gifts of LGBTQ people.

 

More specifically, participants can expect to gain the following knowledge and skills:

 

  • Increased understanding of LGBTQ people as a minoritized population

  • Awareness of social location's impact on perceptions of LGBTQ people

  • Practices of storytelling, listening, and empathy

  • Identification of common needs among LGBTQ people and family members

  • Best practices for trauma-informed care

  • Understanding of resiliency and how to cultivate it

  • Tools for reconstructing faith and growing in Christian spiritual practices

  • Increased understanding of spiritual gifts and their application

  • Empowerment of LGBTQ leadership in the Church

  • Ability to distinguish between constructive vs. dysfunctional advocacy 

  • Healthy practices of evangelism and outreach to the LGBTQ community

  • Effective collaboration with community partners

  • Discernment and implementation of an action plan for your church/Christian organization and local community

 

Each cohort is intentionally limited to twelve participants to enhance the learning experience. Special attention is given to building strong relationships and collegiality among the cohort members.

Program Schedule & Details

Semester Dates:
August 19–December 13, 2024 (Fall term)
January 6–May 24, 2025 (Spring term)

Format:
The program is designed to be substantive while fully accessible to those who are working full-time. Participants can expect to spend approximately 5 hours a week on program activities (class time + homework).
 

  • Four modules (Storytelling, Trauma-Informed Care, Spiritual Formation and Leadership, and Outreach). Each semester covers two modules. 

  • Two in-person retreats (August 22–24, 2024; May 22–24, 2025)

  • Monthly cohort Zoom sessions (1st Monday of each month; 7:30–9pm Central Time / 5:30–7:00pm Pacific / 8:30–10:00pm Eastern)

  • Monthly video training and online discussion forum per month (completed at your pace during 3rd week)

  • Weekly assignments


Requirements:
To receive the certificate, participants must meet the following requirements:

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  • Attend both in-person retreats

  • Attend at least 90% of class sessions (Zoom and forum)

  • Complete at least 90% of weekly assignments

  • Create an Action Plan at the end of the program

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Costs:
Lodging and meals for two in-person retreats are fully covered in the program costs.
 

  • $1,200 (can be divided into two $600 payments at the beginning of each semester)

  • $50-75 on assigned books

  • Travel costs to two in-person retreats (location TBD, but likely first in TN and second in TX). Lodging and meals are covered, you just have to get yourself there.

Curriculum

Fall Semester

 

Module 1: Storytelling

 

Participants will learn the stories of LGBTQ people, including those within their congregation, as well as stories of parents and family members of LGBTQ people. These will be considered within broader historical and demographic movements.

 

  • Your Social Location and Perceptions of LGBTQ People

  • LGBTQ Demographics and Historical Context

  • Listening to the Voices of LGBTQ People

  • Stories of Parents and Family Members with LGBTQ Loved Ones
     

Module 2: Trauma-Informed Care

Participants will learn tools for responding to common trauma and challenges LGBTQ people and their families face, including navigating discrimination, coming out, overcoming shame, practices of lament, self-care, and cultivating resiliency. 

 

  • Challenges and Joys of Coming Out

  • Belovedness and Overcoming Shame

  • Grief and Practices of Lament

  • Cultivating Resilience


Spring Semester

 

Module 3: Spiritual Formation and Leadership

 

Participants will learn how to move from trauma-informed care to spiritual practices for faith development, identifying spiritual gifts, and empowering Christian leadership. The goal is to fully integrate LGBTQ people into congregational life and leadership. These practices are also helpful for parents and family members of LGBTQ loved ones.

 

  • Stages of Faith Development

  • Spiritual Practices and Formation After Trauma

  • Spirituality and Interpersonal Relationships

  • Spiritual Gifts and Leadership


Module 4: Outreach

 

Participants will learn how to reach out to LGBTQ people in the broader local community outside the church. Once a congregation has begun to integrate their own LGBTQ members, it can give attention to constructive advocacy, evangelism, networking, and community partnerships.

 

  • What Is An Ally? Understanding Constructive Advocacy

  • Getting to Know Your Local LGBTQ Community

  • Evangelism: A Place for Everyone at Christ’s Table

  • Collaboration and Community Partnerships

  • What’s Next? Creating Your Action Plan

Young Couples

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