Methodist Wesleyan Studies Certificate

Program Code: D-WES-C
Degree Designation: Certificate
Department: Divinity School
Website: divinity.duke.edu/academics/certificates/methodist-wesleyan

Program Summary

The Certificate in Methodist/Wesleyan Studies is for pan-Methodist/Wesleyan students who wish to engage in robust and intentional training in Wesleyan theology and spiritual practice in preparation for leadership positions in Methodist and Wesleyan churches.

The certificate can be earned as part of the residential MDiv, hybrid MDiv, MTS, and MA degrees.

Duke Divinity School has rich resources in Methodist/Wesleyan studies, including renowned Methodist/Wesleyan scholars, vast primary sources in Methodism, the Center for Studies in the Wesleyan Tradition, seasoned Methodist pastors in Field Education and Spiritual Formation programs, and close partnership with Methodist churches. The Certificate in Methodist/Wesleyan Studies, administered by the Methodist House of Studies, will guide pan-Methodist/Wesleyan students to identify and engage in these resources and integrate them into their academic study and ministry.

The goal of the certificate is to nurture Christian leaders whose theology and practice are deeply embedded in the Methodist tradition of serving the marginalized and creating innovative practices to foster thriving communities. Through the certificate program, students will better integrate their academic learning with ministerial practices in the Wesleyan tradition, learn and practice spiritual exercises (“the means of grace”) in the Wesleyan tradition, and receive mentoring for vocational discernment and leadership development in the Wesleyan tradition.

As part of an advanced spiritual formation learning community that seeks Wesleyan spiritual disciplines to sustain the life of study and ministry, students will build connections with other Methodist/Wesleyan students, faculty, and ecclesial leaders, crossing conventional cultural, racial, and ethnic boundaries.

Academic Requirements

• Methodist Wesleyan Core Course (1 course)

  • PARISH 777

• Methodist Wesleyan Electives (2 courses)

  • A comprehensive list of elective courses is available to students in the degree audit system.

• Co-Curricular Requirements

  • For MDivR and MDivH students

    • Spiritual Formation: CHURMIN 706, taken twice

    • Field Education in Methodist/Wesleyan Context

  • For MTS students

    • Coursework/Vocation Integration Essay: A 500-word essay explaining how the student's coursework integrates with current vocation/work with specific reference to Certificate in Methodist/Wesleyan Studies.

  • For MACP students

    • Coursework/Vocation Integration Essay: A 500-word essay explaining how the student's coursework integrates with current vocation/work with specific reference to Certificate in Methodist/Wesleyan Studies.

    • Spiritual Formation: CHURMIN 706, taken twice

      • Students who cannot complete Wesleyan Discipleship Group can instead complete a project or experience deepening the student’s Methodist/Wesleyan formation. This formation may be done inside a course or independently with the approval of the Certificate Director.