Certificate Requirements

One must successfully complete eight courses and attend the Bible Institute (in a two year period) in order to be awarded a certificate. The program year extends from September to June. While most classes will be on Saturdays, one course is occasionally scheduled for Friday evenings. “Core” courses for the program must be taken in order to receive your certificate. These courses include: Survey of the Old Testament (BMP- 260) and Survey of the New Testament (BMP- 270). Students are also required to take Ministries: Theology and the Black Experience (BMP- 190). The Writing Workshop (BMP- 100) is required unless you are granted exempt status. Exempt status from this course is determined by your writing sample (personal statement) submitted with your application.

Opportunities for Baccalaureate Credit

Credit for BMP courses has been awarded by the State of Connecticut. These credits can be used towards an undergraduate degree at Charter Oak State College. Each course is worth one credit hour, with the exception of Introduction to the Old Testament, Introduction to the New Testament, Christian Education, and Religion and American Culture. These courses have been awarded 1½ credit. The Art of Plain Talk and Writing is not eligible for credit at Charter Oak College. In order to receive college credit you must elect to receive a letter grade as opposed to a designation of satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U). If you do choose the satisfactory/unsatisfactory option of grading, continuing education units (ceu’s) may qualify as life experience credit by some institutions.

Assistants to the Black Ministries Program

Questions about the program can be answered during business hours, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., by email at admissions@hartfordinternational.edu.

Althea Walker is the assistant to the Black Ministries Program. She is available on Saturday mornings and can be reached at (860) 509-9500.

Student I.D. Cards

Student ID cards are required to access all university buildings. If you will be attending courses on campus, or plan to use the library, please send a photo (preferably a head shot) to studentids@hartfordinternational.edu. 

The Student Services and Residential Life Coordinator will contact students to pick up their IDs when they are ready to be picked up.

Attendance

It is the student’s responsibility to contact their professor in order to make up missed assignments. Because of the class format, two or more absences in one course is considered to be an “incomplete”. A student who finds him/herself in this situation must contact the registrar or they will be charged for the course.

Student Papers

Coursework must be turned in to the professor or as instructed in your syllabus. Hartford International / Black Ministries Program staff will not accept student papers. Hartford International will not be held accountable for papers left at its facilities. It is always a good idea to keep a copy of your paper for you records.

Withdrawal from a Course or Program

You must notify Althea Walker at awalker@hartfordinternational.edu within the first two sessions of a class if you intend to withdraw; otherwise you will be charged for the course. Do not simply stop attending class and assume you will not be charged.

Auditing Courses

Graduates of the Black Ministries Certificate Program are also eligible to audit BMP courses at the reduced rate of $75 per course.

Cost of the Program

Black Ministries Certificate Program courses are $235 each. A non-refundable application fee of $40 must be submitted with your application. Limited scholarship assistance is available.

Each course must be paid in full prior to the start of the next class. Payment can be made by check or credit card. Cash and money orders are no longer acceptable forms of payment. Please contact the Business Office at 860.509.9524 to arrange payment. 

Students who need tuition assistance should complete the scholarship form provided in the application. Each student is responsible for the purchase of books and materials for their classes.

Convocation and Scholarship Banquet

Upon completing the requirements for your certificate, you will be eligible to participate in Hartford International’s closing exercises, graduation and the Annual Black Ministries Program banquet. Graduation is held in May. The location, day and time may be found on HIU’s academic calendar. The annual BMP scholarship banquet also takes place in May.

*A $65.00 graduation fee is assessed at the end of the program, which is used for kente cloth stoles for you to keep, robe rental and other incidentals related to this event.

Alumni Seminar

Designed in response to the needs of BMP graduates, the Alumni series offers additional advanced coursework that builds upon the foundation of the Black Ministries Certificate Program. Availability of these courses will depend upon enrollment. Students who have successfully completed the Black Ministries Certificate Program are invited to apply to the Alumni Seminars. Alumni Seminar applicants who have not completed the Black Ministries Certificate Program will be admitted at the discretion of the Director.

Hybrid Synchronous

The Black Ministries Certificate Program can be taken on-campus or synchronously online.  Classes meet on campus, typically weekly, where the instructor is on campus, but where some students  attend  in person and some students attend  synchronously online. All students, whether in person or online, are required to access syllabi, reading materials, instructions, assignment, and assignment grades. Online students should be in a secure location that has adequate microphone, camera, and sound capabilities. Students are normally expected to have a live camera feed to ensure active class participation.  Students must designate F2F or online attendance at time of registration.  

BLACK MINISTRIES PROGRAM and PROGRAMA DE MINISTERIOS HISPANOS

FALL 2024

Introduction to the New Testament* (BMP-270)

Instructor: Dr. Cleotha Robertson

ONLINE & In Person Tuesdays beginning Sep. 3, 7 – 8:50 p.m.

This course will concentrate on the major teachings of the New Testament documents.  Historical-critical observations will be discussed in connection with the New Testament texts. Substitutes for Paul and His Letters (PMH-280). 

This course is cross-listed with the graduate course SC-531: New Testament Survey.

The Art of Communication: Writing for Seminary and Beyond* (BMP-101)

Instructor: Melanie Pettigrew-Lee

ONLINE & In Person Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Sep. 7, 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26.

(Fall Retreat: Oct. 18-19)

Emphasizing effective oral and written communication techniques, this course assists students in the preparation of written assignments and oral presentations. Students will review the rules of syntax and grammar and will be exposed to research tools necessary for the art of creative expression.

Faith in Public Ministry (BMP–202)

Instructor: Rev. Dr. Anthony Bennet

ONLINE & In Person Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, Dec. 7, 14.

This course will explore the intersectionality between personal faith formation, organizational leadership, and public witness.  An overview of multiple responses to the question of what role faith institutions, particularly in urban context, play within the broader community.  Emphasis will be placed on the concept and lived practice of broad-based organizing which includes building relational power and engaging in a public witness for impact in the broader community.

SPRING 2025

Introduction to the Old Testament* (BMP-260)

Instructor: Dr. Cleotha Robertson

ONLINE & In Person Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22

This course will study the major books of the Hebrew Scriptures, emphasizing their content and theology. Data from archaeology, the history and culture of the ancient Near East, and critical approaches to Old Testament study will be introduced where appropriate. Substitutes for Proclaiming the Good News of the Hebrew Scriptures (PMH-260)

Education for the Life of the Church (BMP-231)

Instructor:  Dr. Deborah Carter

ONLINE & In Person Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Apr. 5 

(Spring Retreat: Mar. 7-8)

This is a comprehensive introduction to the total educational ministry including worship, study, fellowship, and service. These aspects of the church’s ministry are explored in relationship to curriculum planning, administration, church school organizations, and teaching. Substitutes for Educational Ministry of the Hispanic Church (PMH-140)

Church Administration (BMP-140)

Instructor: Rev. Dr. Charlie L. Stallworth

ONLINE & In Person Fridays, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. & Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Apr. 11, 12, 25, 26. May 2, 3. (No Class Apr. 18 & 19: Good Friday)

This course probes practical ways of operating the church and working with people. Topics covered include techniques for record keeping, budgeting, conducting meetings, conflict management, and general organization skills. Substitutes for Church Administration (PMH-166)

*Connotes a required course.

If you are a newly admitted or returning student:
Click here to complete the online registration form to register for classes.