FAQs

What is a Christian Leadership School?
A Christian Leadership School (CLS) represents a unified effort of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. (NBC) to equip churches for effective Christian ministry. The school is designed to provide structured training opportunities that generally take place in the local church, district, state, and national congresses. The standard curriculum model is provided by the Sunday School Publishing Board’s Division of Christian Education.

How do you set up a Christian Leadership School?
Each school is administered primarily by a selected dean who recommends courses and instructors. The standard procedures and guidelines for the operation of a leadership school are delineated in the Christian Leadership School Manual.

How do I find out where CLS programs are being taught?
All State Directors are aware of schools being conducted in their State. Regional Directors, District Moderators, and Deans are aware of classes that are being planned for their particular areas. Each region, state, or district will have different publicity plans for announcing schools and specific classes.

How do I become a Dean?
To ensure the best quality of leadership for Christian Leadership Schools, the Christian Education Division requires that all deans meet minimum standards.

  • Option One: Complete all four phases of the COPP, plus the required preparatory classes: 2098, 2099A–D, and internship (see the CLS Manual for additional details).
  • Option Two: Applicants who have completed Bible College or Seminary may send a copy of their transcripts for evaluation. The purpose of this evaluation is to ensure that the applicant has the appropriate training that will equal or exceed the requirements of the Certificate of Progress program. Please see the CLS Manual for additional details.
  • Option Three: Applicants who have completed an undergraduate four-year program and have a minimum of twelve semesters of religion classes may send a copy of their transcripts to the Sunday School Publishing Board for evaluation. If the transcript is accepted, then the applicant will need to complete the additional required training, 2097, 2099A–D, and supervised internship. Please see the CLS Manual for other details.

Why should I seek certification as a Dean if I am certifiable or can become certifiable?
In order for churches, districts, regions, and states to have certified schools, it is necessary to have a certified dean, one who has the background, training, and experience to set up and run schools. Many organizations would like to have certified schools, but do not have the certified leadership (deans and instructors) to plan and lead certified Christian Leadership Schools.

How do I become an instructor?
In an effort to assure the best quality of instruction in classes throughout the National Baptist System, instructor applicants must meet requirements that are set by the Christian Education Division of the Sunday School Publishing Board. Those requirements are as follows: Option One: Complete Phase I, plus two additional courses: (1) Creative Ways of Teaching and (2) Public speaking: Option Two: Applicants who have completed Bible College or Seminary may send copies of their transcripts for evaluation. The purpose of the evaluation is to ensure that the applicant has taken courses that will meet or exceed the courses required for the COPP, Phase I; Option Three: Applicants who have undergraduate degrees, plus an additional twelve hours of religion courses, may send a copy of their transcripts to the CED, SSPB, for evaluation and determination.

Is there a special program for certifying pastors to teach in the Christian education program?
Yes. It is the Pastoral Alternative for Teacher Certification (PATC). This program is designed for pastors with five years or more of pastoral experience. The PATC gives credit for past experience as a pastoral leader. It includes a hybrid emphasis on COPP Phase I and Creative Ways of Teaching. Additional alternative training for pastors is available through the COPP. (See the CLS Manual for additional information.)

What Is the Certificate of Progress Program (COPP)?
The COPP is a “practical” program of education that enhances the work of church educators and leaders. It includes four phases of study with eight prescribed courses for each phase.

What is the value of a COPP?
The COPP is designed to assure a basic knowledge of Bible, history, writing, administration, and general church work that will strengthen the knowledge and skill set of the participant. When the student has completed all four phases of the COPP, the Pastor will have a certain assurance of the quality of instruction that his leaders are sharing. Likewise, the church worker, will be able to work with increased levels of confidence as he or she serves in all areas of church work.

How do I enroll in the Certificate of Progress Program (COPP)?
Participants must complete and submit an enrollment application and subscribe to the Christian Education Informer magazine. Local deans, including “deans of record,” can provide guidance for entrance into the program. Specific fees and other requirements for the program are in the CLS Manual.

Are there any academic prerequisites for enrolling in the certificate program?
No. Since there are no college level credits offered through the certificate program, there are no academic requirements for participating in the COPP. In fact, after entering the COPP, the participant may become inspired to seek out colleges or seminaries that offer undergraduate or graduate levels of Bible and Christian education work.

Does the COPP offer CEU credits?
No. The COPP does not, at this time, offer college credits or Continuing Education Units (CEU) credit for participation.

How does my Bible College or Seminary degree relate to the certificate program?
Bible College or Seminary degrees will almost ALWAYS cover the introductory level courses that are offered through the COPP. COPP is not equal to college or seminary. However, when the applicant shows evidence of an equal or higher level of training, that training may be evaluated for use in certifying the student to serve as an instructor or as a dean (at any level of church work).

What is the relationship of the regions to the division of Christian Education at the SSPB?
The Regions are considered to be on the NATIONAL LEVEL for administrative purposes. State Directors will work for the state convention, with coordinating responsibilities with the regional and national offices. The regional offices are in place to ensure optimal access to the national staff and work.

What is available after I finish the four phases of the COPP?
For persons who have completed the COPP, Phases I–IV, the Specialization Program is available. This program allows the Christian education worker to specialize in specific areas of Christian education. This continuing educational process is designed to build on the program of study that Phase IV has provided.

How do I order textbooks for Christian Leadership Schools?
Customers may call directly to the SSPB, Customer Care Department, for ordering books and merchandise. When a book is not available to support a course of instruction, the Christian Education Division will recommend an alternative source for securing the book(s).

Where Do I Find Assistance in Applying to Hold a School?
The Christian Leadership School (CLS) Manual will provide the answers that you need. Additionally, in many of the Informer magazines, helpful information is provided.

When creating an application for a school, do I need to have the forms typed?
For your convenience, all of the forms are available on a computer disk. The disk can be used repeatedly. Participants are able to type their information directly into the form, thus making it much simpler. To avoid the need for keeping forms on hand, the Christian Education Division has available for your use a “CLS Forms Disk.” To purchase the disk, you may call the Christian Education Division.

What are some helpful tips for submitting leadership schools?
The following tips are provided by the SSPB Division of Christian Education School Processor:
All instructor applications (Forms 3 and 25) must be submitted with a Christian Leadership School (Forms 1 and 20), or they will be returned. All dean applications (Forms 2 and 21) must be submitted with their Christian Leadership School (Forms 1 and 20) or they will be returned. Discounted fees are for 2 or more same applications for the same applicant.
There is a section at the end of each application asking for fee information including amount submitted, check number, total, and so forth. It is important to complete that section especially if you are submitting multiple checks and/or money orders. If you send in a Form 1-Application for Christian Leadership School after your school has been held, your application will be returned and your school will not be accredited. Remember it is very important to forward your complete school package to the state director ninety days before the school date.
As it states in your CLS Manual, teaching is the most critical piece of the CLS operation and since the dean is responsible for oversight of the teaching process it is important to read and critique the instructor’s lesson plans. Submit copies of course cards, instructor cards and proof of Informer subscriptions with each application.
When answers are not available through the SSPB Catalogue or through the CLS Manual, the Office of the Christian Education Director stands ready to provide answers and appropriate assistance for Christian education.