Program overview

At this stage, the Institute offers one primary educational program: Introduction to Practical Theology at the certificate level (Certificate in Practical Theology).* The program is built on the conviction that the purpose of Christian doctrine is not only to shape a theological worldview, but also to guide and accompany human life in a meaningful way. Doctrine serves as a compass and point of orientation for a person’s inner life, times of crisis, interpersonal relationships, and the process of spiritual growth. At the center of the program stands practical theology as a discipline that brings together biblical revelation, evangelical theology, and pastoral care.

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Program Focus

The primary focus of the program is the practical application of Christian doctrine in contemporary life within the context of pastoral care and spiritual mentoring. The program seeks to help students understand how the biblical and theological understanding of God, humanity, sin, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and Christian hope influences the inner life of the believer, shapes personal identity, fosters emotional maturity, and strengthens the ability to build healthy interpersonal relationships.

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Perspective and Method

The program is designed from an interdenominational evangelical perspective (and, where appropriate, includes elements of Pentecostal and charismatic theology) and is delivered within an academic framework. It draws upon classical evangelical systematic theology while consistently examining each doctrinal theme from the perspective of pastoral practice and with attention to insights from Christian psychologists and counselors.

The method of the program may be described as reflective and practical, in which doctrine is considered primarily within the context of human experience. In other words, particular attention is given to questions such as:

• What does this theological truth mean for a person’s inner life, identity formation, and self-understanding?
• How does the understanding of this doctrine influence a person’s relationship with themselves, with others, and with God?
• What practical implications arise from this belief within the context of pastoral care and spiritual mentoring?

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Program Structure

The program consists of six academic modules (short courses), each corresponding to a major area of systematic theology and exploring its pastoral and counseling implications.

Program modules:

1. Revelation and Holy Scripture;
2. God, Angels, and Demons;
3. Humanity and Sin;
4. Jesus Christ, Salvation, and Sanctification;
5. The Holy Spirit and the Spiritual Life of the Believer;
6. The Church and Christian Hope.

Each module is a complete learning unit that may be taken either independently or as part of the full program.

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Format of Study

The program is delivered online and structured as a sequential and self-paced learning process. It combines video lectures, reading materials, assignments, and the preparation of a final academic paper at the end of each module.

Each module is hosted on the Google Classroom platform and consists of twelve thematic units that gradually develop the content of the course. Students are required to read selected biblical passages and chapters from assigned literature, complete written assignments, and prepare a final research paper of approximately 1200–1500 words using four to six academic sources.

The online format allows participants to complete lessons independently without a fixed class schedule. This approach makes the program accessible to ministers who combine study with pastoral ministry, professional work, and family responsibilities.

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Duration and Workload

The duration of one module is approximately twelve academic weeks. After the completion of the main topics, an additional week is provided for the preparation and submission of the final research paper. The total academic workload of one module is estimated at 45–55 hours, including engagement with course materials, reading, assignments, and the final paper.

The total workload of the entire program is approximately 280–320 academic hours. Breaks between modules are scheduled before the beginning of the next academic block, allowing participants to reflect on the material completed and prepare for the next stage of study.

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Module Completion and Assessment

To successfully complete a module, the student must complete all twelve lessons, submit the required assignments, and demonstrate a satisfactory level of understanding and application of the material in written work. All assignments are graded on a formal scale from 0 to 100 percent. A minimum score of 70 percent is required for each mandatory component.

The final research paper must also meet the minimum required standard (70%). Assessment is not intended to measure mechanical reproduction of course material or the formal fulfillment of requirements, but rather the student’s ability to demonstrate theological reflection, objective argumentation, and responsible pastoral application of Christian doctrine in ministry.

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* – This description refers to the full program.