Our mission is to prepare women for effective ministry to women by providing training, networking, and resources.

Pastoral Care to Women

Non-Credit Program (PCW)
(Pre-requisite: High school diploma)

Advanced Studies Certificate
in Pastoral Care to Women (ASC-PCW)

The Advanced Studies Certificate is a non-credit program which may be taken for audit (pre-requisite: BA/BS) or enrichment (pre-requisite: high school diploma/equivalent). This is a great option for women who either do not desire graduate credit or who do not meet the prerequisites to receive graduate credit.

The ASC-PCW program provides focused training in ministry for women to increase their understanding, sharpen ministry skills, and become stronger leaders and more sensitive shepherds. It offers a balance of pastoral care for women, leadership development, biblical teaching, and program planning. The many changes in society and the church challenge us to reevaluate ministry effectiveness. This program prepares students to serve more effectively in church, parachurch, or community ministries to women.

Learning Units are awarded instead of academic credit. 1 LU is earned per 1 semester hr. The Advanced Studies Certificate in Pastoral Care to Women will be awarded to those students who successfully complete the program, earning 18 Learning Units (18 hrs); 16 LU's will be comprised of courses (and approved seminars), the last 2 LU's will be the final PCW Integrative Project. Suggested reading, reflection, and connection assignments will be included for each course, however there will be no required written assignments until the Final Project. Most assignments may be completed within your local arena of ministry. Participation in approved seminars will also count toward LU’s.

Required Specialized Courses (8 hrs / 8 LU's)
PCW511 Pastoral Understanding of Women (2 hrs, 2 LU's)* required
PCW512X Women in Pain, Part I (2 hrs, 2 LU's)* part I or II required
PCW512Y Women in Pain, Part II (2 hrs, 2 LU's)*
PCW513 Women in Leadership (2 hrs, 2 LU's)* required
PCW514 Building Relational Ministries to Women (2 hrs, 2 LU's)*
PCW515 Develop and Deliver Life-Changing Messages (2 hrs, 2 LU's)
THS 572 Theology of Women in Ministry (2 hrs, 2 LU's)*

Restricted Electives (8 hrs / 8LU's)* (This may include courses listed above that are not required as well as approved seminars; other courses or seminars with Advisor approval only.)
DIS 553 Women in Missions (2 hrs, 2 LU's)
BLS501 Genesis - Song of Solomon (4 hr; 4LU) %
BLS502 Prophets - Gospels (4 hrs, 4 LU's) %
BLS503 Acts- Revelation (4 hrs, 4 LU's) %
SFS501 Dynamics of Spiritual Life (2 hrs, 2 LU's)
DBS506 Learning to Interpret Scripture (4 hrs, 4 LU's) %
DIS553 Women in Mission (2 hrs)
THS501 Theology I (4 hrs, 4 LU's) %
THS502 Theology II (4 hrs, 4 LU's) %
THS503 Theology III (4 hrs, 4 LU's) %
PCW561F Develop Life-Changing Bible Study Curriculum (1 hr, 1 LU)
PCW561G Equipping Women to Identify & Embrace Their Call (2 hrs, 2 LU's)*

Events are limited to 4 LU's maximum:.
Heart Talk (speaking/writing seminars) -Western Seminary
Network for Women in Leadership (NWL) seminars -Western Seminary
AACC Conference - National
Women of Faith - National
Leadership Summit for Women - Elmbrook Church, Brookfield, WI

Required PCW Project (2 hrs/2 LU's)

Integrative Project (2 hrs, 2 LU's) - required

Totals:

8 LU's- Required Specialized Courses
8 LU's - Restricted Electives
2 LU's - Required PCW Integrative Project

18 LU's - TOTAL

* Distance Education is available through the Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL)
% Equivalent courses may also be available through CLL
For more information on Distance Learning, contact Mark Baker in CLL: 503-517-1900, 1-800-893-8567, or mbaker@westernseminary.edu

Note: The ASC-PCW is a non-credit program and does not apply toward seminary degree requirements. Admission to the Advanced Studies Certificate in Pastoral Care to Women program requires a one-time, non-refundable $50.00 application fee payable at the time of registering for the first class.

Apply through the Women’s Center for Ministry:

Link to Non-Credit Application form

503-517-1931 or 877-517-1800 ext 1931 or wcm@westernseminary.edu