IFCEC
Institute for Faith-based Counselor Education and Certification
Study online without leaving your ministry. Get practical, Bible-centered training built for busy pastors and Christian leaders.
Certificates, Bachelor's, Master's, Classic M. DIV., or Doctorate
Paths to Certification, Licensing, and Ordination.
Be certified, licensed, or accredited as a Biblical Counselor, Chaplain, Christian School Teacher, or Seminary Instructor.
Membership, certification, and accreditation for Private Christian Schools, Bible colleges, and seminaries.
Qualify for Licensing and an ordination letter of recommendation to your Fellowship or Denomination
Certificates, Bachelor's, Master's, Classic M. DIV., or Doctorate
Paths to Certification, Licensing, and Ordination.
Be certified, licensed, or accredited as a Biblical Counselor, Chaplain, Christian School Teacher, or Seminary Instructor.
Membership, certification, and accreditation for Private Christian Schools, Bible colleges, and seminaries.
Qualify for Licensing and an ordination letter of recommendation to your Fellowship or Denomination
Online. Practical. Ministry-focused.
Certificate
A clear starting point for ministry growth. Complete 12 credit hours (about 180 study hours). Learn core biblical foundations and practical ministry skills you can apply in your current role.
Diploma
Build steady, structured training without pausing your calling. Complete 24 credit hours (about 360 study hours). Strengthen preaching, leadership, and pastoral care with guided assignments and feedback.
Degree
Earn a recognized credential while staying in your community. Complete 36 credit hours (about 540 study hours). Go deeper in theology and ministry practice with a focused plan and clear outcomes.
Graduate Degree
For pastors and leaders ready for advanced preparation. Complete 48 credit hours (about 720 study hours). Develop stronger exegesis, teaching, and leadership for long-term service in the local church.
Institutional recognition
Recognition criteria
Our institutional affiliation and non-governmental recognition are based on clear, published criteria. This helps you compare options and document your standing with confidence.
Three key requirements
Verified ministry leadership role and church endorsement
Evidence of ongoing theological learning and character accountability
Agreement with our statement of faith and code of integrity
Download the criteria summary Get the 1-page checklist you can save, share with your board, and use when you apply or renew.
Note: Recognition is non-governmental and does not imply state licensure or accreditation.
Testimonials
Trusted for ministry impact
I finished coursework while serving full-time. The training made my preaching clearer, and our leadership team now uses the same tools for planning and care.
Marcus Hill
I needed credibility without leaving my church. The assignments pushed me to apply Scripture, counsel wisely, and lead with confidence in hard conversations.
Rachel Nguyen
What I learned showed up in our discipleship pipeline within weeks. Our volunteers are better trained, and people are being cared for with more consistency.
Daniel Ortiz
The program respected my schedule and strengthened my theology. I now feel prepared to teach, mentor leaders, and shepherd with steadiness and integrity.
Alyssa Carter
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scope of these credentials and certifications?
They are designed for ministry training and professional development in Christian leadership. They are not a license to practice medicine, counseling, psychology, law, or any regulated profession.
Are these credentials a substitute for state or denominational licensing?
No. Requirements vary by state, employer, and denomination. You are responsible for confirming what is accepted for your role and location before you apply or represent the credential publicly.
Do you provide legal or professional advice about how I can use my credential?
No. We can explain our curriculum and completion requirements, but we cannot give legal, clinical, or regulatory advice. If you need guidance, consult your employer, denomination, or a qualified professional in your area.
What disclaimers should I know before enrolling?
Your results depend on your effort and calling. Completion does not guarantee a job, promotion, ordination, board certification, or acceptance by an outside organization. You agree to represent your training honestly and within your local requirements.
How do renewals work?
Renewal timelines and requirements depend on the credential level you hold. In general, renewal confirms you remain in good standing and have met any continuing education requirements in the renewal period.
Are CEUs required, and how do I document them?
Some credentials require CEUs during each renewal period. If CEUs apply to you, you will submit proof of completed coursework or approved training. Keep certificates, transcripts, and completion emails for your records.
Credential inquiries
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Video Courses Catalog
Degree Programs Overview
$19.00 | Buy
Pastoral Leadership Study Guide
Price: $19.00 What you get:
Guided questions for each module
Reflection prompts for sermons and staff meetings
Printable PDF worksheets Action: Buy now
$29.00 | Buy
Foundations of Biblical Theology Book
Price: $29.00 What you get:
Clear chapter summaries for review
Key terms list per chapter
Discussion questions for small groups Action: Buy now
Free | Download
Greek Basics Quick Reference Sheets
Price: Free What you get:
Common forms and endings at a glance
Study checklist for weekly practice
Printable PDF for your binder Action: Download PDF
$15.00 | Buy
Sermon Planning Workbook
Price: $15.00 What you get:
Step-by-step sermon outline pages
Weekly preaching calendar pages
Space for illustrations and application Action: Buy now
From Our Blog
Affordable degree path for busy ministry leaders
Earn your degree online without leaving your ministry
Download the main document
Download individual forms
Individual forms checklist
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Application for Admission (PDF, 214 KB) | Download
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Pastoral Reference Form (PDF, 168 KB) | Download
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Church Endorsement Form (PDF, 152 KB) | Download
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Transfer Credit Request (PDF, 189 KB) | Download
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Tuition Assistance Request (PDF, 203 KB) | Download
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Payment Plan Agreement (PDF, 141 KB) | Download
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Course Extension Request (PDF, 127 KB) | Download
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Graduation Application (PDF, 176 KB) | Download
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Clients Directory
Find and Connect With Our Clients
Pastor Michael Reynolds
Senior Pastor, Cornerstone Community Church | Email: michael.reynolds@example.org | Phone: (555) 010-1842
Leads a multi-site congregation and mentors ministry staff. Interested in guest lecturers, cohort partnerships, and continuing seminary training for leaders.
Rev. Sarah Kim
Associate Pastor of Discipleship | Email: sarah.kim@example.org | Phone: (555) 010-2290
Builds clear discipleship pathways for busy adults. Looking for practical courses and degree options that fit a full ministry schedule.
Chaplain David Ortiz
Hospital Chaplain | Email: david.ortiz@example.org | Phone: (555) 010-3471
Serves patients and families in crisis. Seeks trauma-informed pastoral care training and short-term certificates that strengthen bedside ministry.
Dr. Emily Harper
Christian Counselor | Email: emily.harper@example.org | Phone: (555) 010-5086
Supports individuals and couples with faith-based counseling. Interested in referrals, workshops, and ministry care resources for church leaders.
Elder James Okafor
Lay Leader, Men’s Ministry | Email: james.okafor@example.org | Phone: (555) 010-6119
Leads Bible studies and men’s groups in an urban context. Wants clear training that strengthens teaching, leadership, and pastoral character.
Missionary Ana Santos
Church Planter | Email: ana.santos@example.org | Phone: (555) 010-7443
Plants and trains leaders across regions. Looking for reliable online coursework and coaching that works with limited bandwidth and travel.
Pastor Luke Bennett
Youth Pastor | Email: luke.bennett@example.org | Phone: (555) 010-8035
Disciplines students and equips volunteers. Interested in biblically grounded training that improves teaching clarity and ministry planning.
Deaconess Ruth Mwangi
Community Outreach Coordinator | Email: ruth.mwangi@example.org | Phone: (555) 010-9650
Coordinates mercy ministry and outreach teams. Seeks tools for volunteer training, biblical leadership, and sustainable local partnerships.
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