Faculty of Ecumenical and Pastoral Studies

Purpose and Vision

The Seminary offers a formation pathway through the Faculty of Ecumenical and Pastoral Studies, extending theological and ministerial training to our brothers and sisters in Christ who may not share the same liturgical heritage, yet share a sincere call to serve in the vineyard of the Lord.

Rooted in the ancient apostolic tradition and teachings—characterized by openness, dialogue, and charity—this faculty seeks to equip Christian leaders, pastors, and lay workers with the intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral tools needed to serve faithfully in their respective communities. 

This faculty embodies the Seminary’s commitment to “Forming Hearts, Minds, and Spirits in the Light of Christ,” by fostering an environment of spiritual growth, academic excellence, and mutual respect among all who are called to minister in Christ’s name.

Academic Philosophy

Programs offered under this faculty are deeply Christ-centered, theologically balanced, and pastorally focused.
They integrate sound biblical teaching, practical ministry formation, and spiritual development, while maintaining reverence for the ancient faith and the living movement of the Holy Spirit in the Church today.

Students are trained to become thoughtful, compassionate, and Spirit-led leaders — capable of bridging faith and action in their ministries, regardless of their Christian background.

Programs and Pathways

The Faculty of Ecumenical and Pastoral Studies offers a range of Certificate, Diploma, Baccalaureate, and Licentiate programs designed for active ministers, church workers, and aspiring leaders in pastoral service.

Credit Requirements
Certificate: 24 credits
Diploma: 60 credits
Baccalaureate: 120 credits
Licentiate: 60 credits  

Certificate Programs
All programs listed are ecclesiastical in nature and awarded solely for church, ministerial, and theological purposes.

These short-term, intensive programs provide foundational and practical training in ministry.
Ideal for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Christian service, or for church workers without prior theological education.

Offered Certificates:

• Certificate in Pastoral Studies

• Certificate in Pastoral Ministry  

• Certificate in Christian Ministry 

• Certificate in Church Leadership 

• Certificate in Biblical Studies and Interpretation 

• Certificate in Biblical Foundation  

• Certificate in Christian Counseling  

• Certificate in Church Administration  

• Certificate in Ecumenical Studies  

• Certificate in Spiritual Formation

Duration: 3 months
Mode of Study: Online, On-Campus (Formation House), or Hybrid

DIPLOMA PROGRAMS
All programs listed are ecclesiastical in nature and awarded solely for church, ministerial, and theological purposes.  

Diploma programs provide structured, intermediate-level formation for those called to pastoral service, teaching, or church leadership.
These programs balance academic rigor with practical training in ministry.

Offered Diplomas:

• Diploma in Pastoral Ministry

• Diploma in Christian Ministry

• Diploma in Pastoral Studies

• Diploma in Ministerial Leadership

• Diploma in Church Administration

• Diploma in Christian Education

• Diploma in Pastoral Care and Leadership

• Diploma in Ecumenical and Interfaith Dialogue 

• Diploma in Chaplaincy Studies 

Duration: 2 years
Mode of Study: Online, On-Campus, or Hybrid

ECCLESIASTICAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAMS
All programs listed are ecclesiastical in nature and awarded solely for church, ministerial, and theological purposes.

These programs are designed for those pursuing comprehensive theological and pastoral formation.
They lay a strong biblical, doctrinal, and ethical foundation for Christian ministry and service.

Offered Programs:

• Baccalaureate in Theology
  Provides a broad theological and pastoral education, preparing students for ministry, teaching, or continued advanced study.

• Baccalaureate in Christian Ministry
  Focuses on leadership development, church growth, and the practical aspects of ministry within diverse Christian contexts.

• Baccalaureate in Pastoral Studies
  Emphasizes spiritual formation, pastoral counseling, and congregational care.

• Baccalaureate in Pastoral Care & Counseling
  This program provides a comprehensive foundation in theological reflection, psychological principles, and practical skills for providing spiritual and emotional care within a ministry context. It prepares students to offer compassionate support, basic pastoral counseling, and holistic congregational care. 

• Baccalaureate in Christian Education & Discipleship

This program equips students with the knowledge and methodologies for teaching the faith and nurturing spiritual growth. It focuses on curriculum development, pedagogical strategies, and biblical theology to form effective educators, youth ministers, and discipleship directors for the Church. 

Duration: 4 years
Mode of Study: Online, On-Campus, or Hybrid

LICENTIATE PROGRAMS
All programs listed are ecclesiastical in nature and awarded solely for church, ministerial, and theological purposes.

Licentiate programs under this faculty are designed for clergy, pastors, and ministry leaders who wish to deepen their theological insight and enhance their leadership skills.
They integrate research, reflection, and advanced ministerial application.

Offered Programs:

• Licentiate in Divinity
  Comprehensive formation for ordained and pastoral ministry; emphasizes theological depth and practical leadership.

• Licentiate in Pastoral Theology
  Tailored for ministers seeking to integrate theology with pastoral practice, spiritual care, and church leadership.

• Licentiate in Christian Ministry
  Focused on contemporary ministry leadership, missions, and community transformation.

• Licentiate in Theological Studies
  For those interested in academic theology, teaching, or further research.

• Licentiate in Christian Education
  For those preparing to teach theology or lead Christian education ministries.

• Licentiate in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care
  Prepare professional chaplains for multi-faith environments and social service.

• Licentiate in Christian Counseling
  Integrates psychology, spirituality, and pastoral care for effective Christian counseling.

• Licentiate in Ecumenical Theology
  Studies comparative theology across Christian traditions with focus on unity and dialogue. 

• Licentiate in Christian Leadership
  Develops strategic leaders for church, mission, and community development.

Duration: 2 years
Mode of Study: Online, On-Campus, or Hybrid

Spiritual and Pastoral Formation

Students under this faculty participate in guided spiritual formation exercises, pastoral mentorship, and ministry projects.
Each program includes modules in:

• Pastoral ethics and leadership

• Homiletics and Hermeneutics  preparation

• Pastoral counseling and spiritual care

• Missiology and evangelism

• Community development and Christian service

Faculty Distinctives

• Rooted in Old Catholic heritage, yet open to all who serve in Christ’s mission.

• Offers contextual theological education adaptable to diverse ministry environments.

• Encourages spiritual maturity through mentorship and reflection.

• Promotes unity in diversity, reflecting the ecumenical spirit of the Gospel.

Through the Faculty of Ecumenical and Pastoral Studies, the Seminary affirms that true ministry transcends boundaries of tradition, language, and background.
Here, men and women of faith are shaped not by titles, but by transformation — equipped to shepherd God’s people with wisdom, compassion, and humility.

“There are varieties of ministries, but the same Lord.” — 1 Corinthians 12:5

 Accelerated Formation Option

Recognizing that many of our students are already engaged in ministry or hold prior theological qualifications, Good Shepherd Seminary offers an Accelerated Formation Pathway.
Under this model, qualified candidates may complete their chosen program in a shorter period based on prior learning, pastoral experience, or demonstrated competency.

This ensures that formation remains comprehensive yet flexible, respecting the unique journeys of those called to serve the Church while maintaining the high academic and spiritual standards for which the Seminary is known.

A Community of Learning and Faith

Beyond academics, every student at Good Shepherd Ecumenical Seminary is immersed in a life of prayer, community, and service. We believe that intellectual growth and spiritual formation must walk hand in hand. Our faculty and mentors accompany students personally, guiding them in discernment, ministry preparation, and holistic Christian living.

Whether you are taking your first step into ministry or seeking advanced theological refinement, our programs will nurture your calling and strengthen your witness for Christ and His Church.

Want to hear from those who have taken our courses? Visit our Student Testimonies page to read how our programs have transformed lives and deepened faith. 

Note on Ecclesiastical Nature of Programs

All programs offered by the Good Shepherd Ecumenical Seminary are ecclesiastical in nature and are designed primarily for ministry formation, theological education, and service within the Church. The Seminary’s degrees and diplomas are intended to prepare clergy and lay leaders for sacred and pastoral work, rather than for secular or state-regulated professional use. 

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