Christian Leadership School

To equip and form Christians through teaching, training, and spiritual development

Christian Leadership School

To equip and form Christians through teaching, training, and spiritual development

New Beginnings Christian Leadership School offers structured biblical education for individuals who desire to grow in their knowledge of God’s Word, strengthen their ministry skills, and prepare for Christian service.

The Christian Leadership School (CLS) is a structured program of Christian education established by the Sunday School Publishing Board of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. and administered by the Department of Christian Education Accreditation and Credentials.

Its purpose is to provide a structured, accredited course of study that develops disciples, trains leaders, and edifies the local church.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…” — 2 Timothy 3:16–17

Learn About the Program View Upcoming Courses

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Biblical Education. Ministry Preparation. Christian Leadership.

As an approved Christian Leadership School, New Beginnings offers the Certified Christian Educator Program in an online learning environment, allowing students to complete approved Christian education courses from wherever they are.

Whether you are preparing for ministry, strengthening your teaching, or seeking deeper spiritual formation, this program is designed to help you grow with clarity, structure, and purpose.

24 Total Courses

Six courses in each phase, organized into a complete pathway of study.

4 Phases of Study

A structured progression from biblical foundations to contemporary ministry.

10 Hours Per Course

Each course provides focused biblical instruction and ministry formation.

Flexible Participation

Study toward full certification or take courses for personal and ministry growth.

ABOUT CLS

What Is a Christian Leadership School?

Christian Leadership Schools are established through the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., Congress of Christian Education, and the Sunday School Publishing Board. They provide structured biblical education and ministry preparation through local churches, district associations, state conventions, and at the national level.

New Beginnings is an approved Christian Leadership School that offers this course of study in an online environment, making it accessible to students who are ready to grow in faith, leadership, and Christian service.

CERTIFIED CHRISTIAN EDUCATOR PROGRAM

A structured pathway for Christian educators and ministry leaders

Within Christian Leadership School is the Certified Christian Educator Program, a course of study for those who desire to pursue certification as Christian Educators while also deepening their biblical knowledge and ministry preparation.

The program consists of 24 courses completed in four phases, with six courses in each phase. Each course provides 10 hours of biblical instruction designed to strengthen knowledge of Scripture, develop leadership skills, encourage spiritual growth, and better equip students for ministry and Christian service.

Students may complete the full program as part of the certification pathway or simply enroll in individual Christian Leadership School courses for personal enrichment and ministry development.

Through this program, students are encouraged to:

Strengthen their knowledge of Scripture
Develop Christian leadership skills
Grow spiritually through disciplined study and reflection
Become better equipped for ministry and Christian service
Work toward becoming a Certified Christian Educator

FOUR PHASES OF STUDY

A complete course of study in four phases

The Certified Christian Educator Program is organized into four phases of study, each designed to build biblical knowledge, strengthen ministry preparation, and support Christian leadership development.

Phase One — Biblical Foundation

Courses in this phase:

Introduction to the Bible
Effective Bible Reading
Survey of the Old Testament
Survey of the New Testament
Baptist Doctrine
Spiritual Formation

Focus:
This phase establishes a strong biblical and spiritual foundation for Christian growth, study, and service.

Phase Two — Christian Growth & Leadership

Courses in this phase:

Christian Stewardship
Theology and History of Christianity
Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts
Christian Beliefs
Writing Techniques I
Elective

Focus:
This phase helps students grow in Christian understanding, personal calling, and leadership development.

Phase Three — Discipleship & Ministry

Courses in this phase:

Survey of the Gospel of John
History of Baptists
Christian Evangelism
Introduction to Discipleship
Writing Techniques II
Elective

Focus:
This phase emphasizes discipleship, ministry preparation, evangelism, and faithful Christian service.

Phase Four — Christian Education & Contemporary Ministry

Courses in this phase:

Foundations of Christian Ethics
Organizing the Church for Christian Education
African American Church and Social Justice
Christianity and Contemporary Issues
Technology and the Life of the Church
Elective

Focus:
This phase prepares students to think carefully about Christian education, ethics, contemporary challenges, and ministry in today’s world.

DIPLOMA & CERTIFICATION

Certificates, diploma, and certification

Students are recognized at each stage of progress and, upon completion of the full program, may receive formal recognition for their achievement and preparation in Christian education.

Certificate After Each Phase

Students receive a certificate after successfully completing each phase of the program.

Diploma After All Four Phases

Upon completion of the entire program, students receive a diploma from the National Baptist Sunday School Publishing Board.

Certified Christian Educator Pathway

Graduates are eligible to become Certified Christian Educators and may qualify to teach in Christian Leadership Schools and Christian Education Conferences at the local, district, state, and national levels.

Students may receive their certificates and diploma by mail or choose to celebrate their accomplishment by participating in a National Baptist Convention graduation ceremony.

MINISTRY ROLES & OPPORTUNITIES

Prepared for service, teaching, and Christian leadership

The Christian Leadership School and Certified Christian Educator Program are designed to strengthen believers for meaningful service in the church, the classroom, and the wider work of ministry.

Who This Training Can Serve

Sunday School Teachers
Christian Educators
Ministers
Pastors
Missionaries
Deacons
Church Leaders
Christian Education Leaders
Ministry Volunteers
Believers Seeking Spiritual Growth

Ministry Opportunities This Preparation Supports

Through biblical study, spiritual formation, and leadership development, students are better prepared to serve in teaching ministries, discipleship work, church leadership, and Christian education settings.

Teaching and Christian Education

Serve in Sunday School, Bible study, new member training, discipleship classes, and other teaching ministries within the church.

Leadership and Ministry Support

Strengthen your ability to lead, support church programs, guide ministry initiatives, and serve faithfully in roles that require biblical maturity and spiritual responsibility.

Certification and Broader Service

Graduates may pursue recognition as Certified Christian Educators and may be equipped to teach or serve within Christian Leadership Schools and Christian Education Conferences at multiple levels.

Whether your calling leads you to teach, disciple, lead, or support the work of the church, this program is designed to help you serve with greater understanding, deeper preparation, and stronger spiritual formation.

CURRENT & UPCOMING COURSES

#1004 Effective Bible Reading

This course identifies methods and approaches to Bible study that can lead to spiritual growth and Christian maturity. Areas that will be covered include the structure of the Bible and resources for personal reflection. In addition, how to employ resources and tools of hermeneutics.

Cost: $35

#1007 Survey of the Old Testament

This course provides an overview of the Old Testament, helping students understand its major themes, historical context, and theological significance. It strengthens biblical knowledge and helps students see how the Old Testament shapes Christian faith and understanding.

Cost: $35

#1072 Survey of the New Testament

This course offers a broad introduction to the New Testament, including its books, themes, and message. Students gain a clearer understanding of the life of Christ, the growth of the early church, and the teachings that shape Christian belief and practice.

Cost: $35

#8500 Synoptic Gospels

This course explores Matthew, Mark, and Luke, helping students study the life, teachings, ministry, and mission of Jesus Christ through the Synoptic Gospels. It encourages deeper biblical reflection and a stronger understanding of the gospel message.

Cost: $35

#5021 Spiritual Formation

This course focuses on spiritual growth and the ongoing work of God in shaping the life of the believer. Students reflect on practices, disciplines, and habits that strengthen faith, deepen maturity, and support faithful Christian service.

Cost: $35

#5021 Baptist Doctrine

This course introduces key Baptist beliefs and doctrinal foundations, helping students understand the theological convictions that shape Baptist identity, worship, and Christian practice. It provides a framework for teaching and serving with greater clarity and confidence.

Cost: $35

#2007 Christian Stewardship

This course is designed to cover the basic tenets of Christian stewardship-time, talent, and tithe. Students will begin to understand how to effectively manage their resources through a better understanding of the spiritual principles, practices, and contributions of Christian stewardship.

#3008 Theology and History of Christianity

This course outlines the development of the Christian movement from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry on earth to present times. Focus on history, theology, culture, and times that enable Christianity to develop and grow. Prominent person who influence the Christian movement will be identified.

#7024 Discovering Your Spiritual Gift

This course help students to understand who God has uniquely made them to be. Work through a spiritual gift assessment that will help them to discover their spiritual gift(s). This discovery will prepare students to move into a meaningful area of service where they best fit into the body of Christ.

#4001 Christian Beliefs

This course will focus on questions regarding historical and contemporary Christian faith. Students will explore the beliefs and interpretation of the faith and will be guided to develop a satisfying personal Christian belief system and life-purpose statement.

#9004 Writing Techniques I

This course will focus on the Certified Christian Educator writing requirement for Phase 2. Emphasis will be placed on the development of skills necessary to complete the writing assignments. Skills that will be mastered range from the development of paragraphs/topic sentences to thesis-driven essays.

#1079 Survey of John

This course will focus on the fourth gospel and its uniqueness. Identify the specific features that characterize John’s gospel and distinguish it from the Synoptic Gospels, with emphasis on John’s writings and the ministry of Jesus Christ.

#3007 History of Baptist

This course will examine the roots of the Baptist faith. Students will study the historical development ofthe Baptist denomination.

#7005 Christian Evangelism

This course will teach the basic steps in developing a program of evangelism. Discover the appropriate Scriptures to use, and the methods, techniques, and media best suited for witnessing to nonbelievers.

#7010 Introduction to Discipleship

This course introduces the believer to the biblical principle of discipleship, Examine the character traits of believers, while looking at the overall example of Jesus. Study discipleship methods of Jesus and the difference between discipleship and membership.

#9005 Writing Techniques II

This course focus on the Certified Christian Educator writing requirements for Phase 3. Emphasis will be placed on the writing documented research and the development of other skills necessary to complete the writing assignments in the phase. It will help introduce the students to the library and the use of reference materials.

#2015 Foundation of Christian Ethics

This course will focus on understanding the philosophical and Christological approaches to Christian ethics. Engage in biblical principles for decision-making and conduct for living.

#6013 Organizing the Church for Christian Education

This course will focus on the various administrative and organizational skills needed to organize the Christian education department. Emphasis placed on structure, leadership, and staffing needs for Christian education.

#8035 The African American Church and Social Justice

This course will investigate the lives, theology, and methods of the great servants of God who dedicated their lives in the struggle for the liberation of people. Discuss the role of the African-American church in the struggle for the liberation of people.

#8066 Christianity and Contemporary Issues

This course will challenge the students to identify and confront contemporary issues. Look at issues that affect the church, home, and community. Think through practical solutions and approaches to immediate and emerging social and ecclesiological concerns.

#9024 Technology in the Life of the Church I

This course will provide an introductory training on how to use the latest technology in Christian ministry. Students will be introduced to presentation apps (PowerPoint), database apps (Excel, Access) social media apps (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) and other learning management systems (Google Classroom, Canvas).

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Continue your growth in Christian learning and leadership

Wherever you are in your Christian journey, New Beginnings Christian Leadership School is here to help you grow in biblical understanding, strengthen your ministry, and prepare for faithful Christian service.

Explore current course offerings or contact the school to learn more about the Christian Leadership School and Certified Christian Educator Program.