(may be conferred as Diploma in Pastoral Development)
Welcome to the Church Encourager Certificate at the Online Bible Institute—a transformative journey designed to equip believers with a deep understanding of the entire biblical narrative and the heart of pastoral encouragement. This ten-course program guides students through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, helping them see God’s redemptive plan unfold and discover where they fit within His story.
As students engage with the Scriptures, they will not only grow in biblical knowledge but also in the compassion, wisdom, and spiritual discernment needed to support and strengthen the Body of Christ. Encouragers are more than cheerleaders—they are rooted in truth, shaped by grace, and equipped to come alongside others in meaningful, Spirit-led ways.
This certificate is ideal for those who feel called to encourage pastors, leaders, and fellow believers, and for anyone who desires to grow in pastoral skills such as listening, praying, mentoring, and applying God’s Word with clarity and hope. Whether you’re serving in your local church or simply want to deepen your impact as a Christlike encourager, this program will provide you with the theological foundation and practical tools to make a difference.
Join us as we journey through the Bible and discover how knowing God’s story empowers us to strengthen His Church.
Prerequisites: Certificate in Bible/Theology or Certificate in Christian Ministry or Associates Degree
Requirements: Successfully complete ten (10) courses listed below.
Course Instructions
Take these courses in the order listed below (i.e., Sword Sharpening, Kingdom Revealed, Kingdom Rebellion, etc.) You must complete each lesson in the course. After you complete the requirements for a lesson/session, go to the Activity Feed and post a comment about something that interested or impacted you as you worked through the lesson. Your comment needs to be well thought out and at least 100 words. These posts will be counted as part of the writing requirement for the course, so please write well-thought-out comments on what you are learning in the lesson. Please start your comment by referring to the course name and the session or lesson number of the course. You also need to post comments on two other students’ recent comments on courses they are currently taking. You must be signed in to the Online Bible Institute and click the Enroll button to access the course lessons.
Course List
These completed courses can also be applied towards our Bachelor of Arts in Ministry Degree.
