Church Encourager Certificate
A biblical and pastoral formation pathway designed to help believers understand God’s story, strengthen His people, and become thoughtful, Christlike encouragers within the life of the church.
Know God’s Story. Encourage God’s People.
Welcome to the Church Encourager Certificate at Online Bible Institute. This ten-course program is designed to help believers understand the sweeping biblical story while developing the wisdom, compassion, and pastoral sensitivity needed to strengthen others in the Body of Christ.
Students journey through Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, learning to recognize God’s redemptive purposes and see how the different parts of the Bible fit together into one unified story. As biblical understanding grows, students are also encouraged to consider their own place within that story and how God may be calling them to serve others.
A Christian encourager is more than someone who offers positive words. Biblical encouragement is rooted in truth, shaped by grace, and expressed through listening, prayer, wisdom, presence, and the faithful application of God’s Word.
This program is especially helpful for those who desire to encourage pastors, ministry leaders, church members, and fellow believers. Whether you serve in an official ministry role or simply want to become more effective at walking alongside others, the Church Encourager Certificate provides biblical foundations and practical tools for Christlike encouragement and pastoral care.
May Be Conferred as a Diploma in Pastoral Development
Students completing this program may receive the credential as a Church Encourager Certificate or as a Diploma in Pastoral Development, according to the applicable OBI program pathway.
One Biblical Story
Journey through Scripture from Genesis to Revelation and discover how the Bible tells one unfolding story of God’s redemptive work.
Pastoral Encouragement
Develop greater sensitivity to the needs of others through listening, prayer, biblical wisdom, encouragement, and compassionate presence.
Strengthening the Church
Learn to come alongside pastors, leaders, and fellow believers in ways that promote faithfulness, maturity, hope, and healthy ministry.
What You Need to Complete
Certificate in Bible / Theology, Certificate in Christian Ministry, or Associate Degree
Successfully complete ten (10) courses listed below.
Unlike some OBI programs, these courses should be completed in the order presented below.
Follow the Courses in Order
The Church Encourager curriculum is designed as a progressive journey. Begin with Sword Sharpening, then continue through Kingdom Revealed, Kingdom Rebellion, and the remaining courses in the sequence shown below. Each course builds upon the biblical framework developed in the courses before it.
Course Instructions
Work through each course in sequence, complete every lesson, and participate in the OBI learning community as you move through the program.
Follow the Sequence
Begin with the first course and continue through the curriculum in the order presented below.
Complete Every Lesson
Enroll while signed in and work through all lessons and requirements included in each course.
Share Your Reflection
After each lesson or session, post a thoughtful reflection of at least 100 words in the Site-Wide Activity Feed.
Encourage Other Students
Respond thoughtfully to two recent course reflections from fellow students and help strengthen the learning community.
Practice Encouragement While You Learn
Begin each Activity Feed reflection with the course name and lesson or session number. Your reflections count toward the writing requirement, and your responses to other students provide an opportunity to begin practicing the encouragement this program is designed to develop.
Church Encourager Courses
Complete all ten courses in the order presented below to satisfy the requirements for the Church Encourager Certificate.
Build Toward Your Bachelor of Arts in Ministry
Courses successfully completed as part of the Church Encourager Certificate can also be applied toward the Bachelor of Arts in Ministry degree. Your work in biblical formation, pastoral encouragement, and ministry development can therefore become part of a larger educational pathway at OBI.