Those called to the ministry after their formal education has been completed often find that the opportunity to attend a college or seminary requires financial responsibilities that are difficult to meet, especially with a family. With the understanding that ministerial training is needed, the Church has instituted the Certificate In Ministerial Studies (CIMS), a nontraditional training curriculum
, that provides an opportunity for every minister to receive ministerial training in a Distance Learning Center or via personal or Internet study. The Certificate In Ministerial Studies (CIMS) consists of 20 courses, offering 35 credits. Of the 35 credits, 34 are required for the CIMS certificate. While CIMS is open to any qualified applicant, the program was designed for ministers who hold Church of God credentials or who have been set forth for ministry by a local church. The CIMS curriculum was designed as introductory studies for all ministerial functions, including pastors, evangelists, music ministers, youth pastors, directors of Christian education, church planters, and ministerial applicants. While CIMS was developed for ministers, lay persons are invited to enroll in any of the CIMS courses. Admission to CIMS does not require a high school diploma or a GED high school equivalency diploma. For information on the CIMS program, call the toll free number 1-877-344-0488 or send written requests to Church of God School of Ministry, P.O. Box 2430, Cleveland, TN 37320-2430.
