About

Our Program

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.

The Certificate In Ministerial Studies (CIMS) consists of 20 courses, offering 35 credits. 34 credits are required for the CIMS certificate. While CIMS is open to anyone, the program was designed for ministers who hold Church of God credentials or who have been set forth for ministry by a local church.

Please Note: The Church of God School of Ministry is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. In order to view detailed job placement and completion information on the programs offered by the Church of God School of Ministry, please visit http://tn.gov/thec and click on the Authorized Institutions Data button.

CHURCH OF GOD SCHOOL OF MINISTRY DISCLOSURE ABOUT TRANSFERABILITY OF CREDITS

Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Certificate In Ministerial Studies program to offer educational experiences designed to prepare ministers and ministerial candidates for effective service in a contemporary society.

Our Objectives

Effectively delivering the gospel in today’s society is a challenging endeavor. So for those who are called to minister God’s Word, understanding the contemporary human personality is critical to success.

In addition to practical ministerial leadership skills, the Certificate In Ministerial Studies (CIMS) program teaches ministers and ministerial candidates how to exemplify their consuming love for the Word of God by heightening their sensitivity to the needs of people.

Our comprehensive curriculum encompasses the tools needed to reap the endless rewards of helping others trust and believe in God’s plan for their lives.

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Our Team

David E. Ramírez, D.Min.

Third Assistant General Overseer and Divisional Director of Education

Dr. David E. Ramirez serves as Third Assistant General Overseer for the Church of God and as the Division of Education Executive Director. He brings to the position a wealth of experience in ministry, having served as a missionary, local pastor, church planter, and president of the South American Theological Seminary for 20 years. In recognition of his leadership gifts, the church appointed him as World Missions Director for South America and Field Director of World Mission for all of Latin America. He and his wife, Fernanda, are parents to Santiago, Fernando, and Valeria.

Michael Reynolds, D.Min.

Director of Ministerial Development

Dr. Michael D. Reynolds joined the Division of Education at Church of God International Offices as the director of Ministerial Development and the project director of the Lilly Initiative in October 2018. Dr. Reynolds has served as an associate professor of Christian Ministries at Trinity College and affiliate professor of Pastoral Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He also served as the executive director and associate dean of Trinity International University at the South Chicago Regional Campus in Dolton, IL. He served as senior pastor of New Life Celebration Church of God in Dolton, Illinois, from 1992 to 2020. The church has planted eight churches and has an elementary school that serves the community children from pre-school to 8th grade. He serves as the president of the New Life Urban Educational Center, which is a discipleship arm for the church. In addition to his local responsibilities, he serves as chaplain for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Dr. Reynolds, and his wife, Erica, have been married since 1981 and have four lovely children—Michael II, Celenna, Jonathan, Cicely Reynolds, and are grandparents to three children: Michael Reynolds III, Chloe Reynolds, and Eric Loggins.

Administrative Staff

Robin Cole, B.S., Executive Assistant

Diana Cardona, B.S., Executive Secretary to Dr. Reynolds

Ministerial Development / School of Ministry

Blayne Waltrip, Ph.D., Dean of Education

L. Dennis Page, Dean of Ministerial Development

Nellie Keasling, B.A., Editorial Coordinator

Kim Roebuck, B.S., School of Ministry CIMS Registrar

Tammy Estep, B.S., Assistant Bookkeeper

Isaac Gongora, B.S., Secretary

Brett Deaton, B.S., Media Coordinator

Talvin Short, Media Coordinator

Lori Childers, A.A., Background Checks and Mobilize Assistant

Matt Webb, M.Div., Inventory and Shipping Assistant