Ministry Formation Certificate
Tyndale Centre for Pastoral Imagination
The Ministry Formation Certificate is a six-month, cohort-based program designed to equip pastors and ministry leaders for effective service in their local contexts. Through interactive learning, mentorship, and practical training, participants explore three key areas of formation: Personal, Communal, and Missional Ministry.
Led by experienced pastors, practitioners, and Tyndale faculty, the program includes a retreat at Tyndale’s campus and five Friday sessions between November 2025 and April 2026. Open to both current and emerging leaders, the certificate offers practical tools, spiritual renewal, and a supportive community of peers.
Current Tyndale Seminary students may also be eligible to count this certificate toward elective Master’s credit (with approval†).
"Overall, the topics and lessons were very helpful and relevant. I especially appreciated the biblical depth and practical application."
Price: $2,000 (CAD)
We encourage participants to discuss the potential of financial partnership with their churches or ministries. If you need help to begin this conversation, we're here to help.
If financial partnership is not possible, and the cost is a barrier to attendance, please reach out to TCPI Coordinator, Laura Bevan Alexander, lalexander [at] tyndale [dot] ca to discuss potential scholarship options.
Cohort Dates
Note: none of these sessions are stand-alone. All sessions must be attended in-person to earn the certificate. Personal Formation retreat is scheduled for December 5-6, 2025.
Friday, November 14, 2025
Personal Formation for Ministry I - Pastoral Identity
2 Sessions: All day (9:00am- 4:00pm)
Friday, December 5, 2025
Personal Formation for Ministry I - Pastoral Identity
1 Session: Evening (approx. 5:00pm- 9:00pm)
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Personal Formation for Ministry II - Pastoral Formation
2 Sessions: All day (9:00am- 4:00pm)
Friday, January 9, 2026
Ministry Formation I - Team Building and Formation
2 Sessions: All day (9:00am- 4:00pm)
Friday, February 13, 2026
Ministry Formation II - Administration and Leadership
2 Sessions: All day (9:00am- 4:00pm)
Friday, March 13, 2026
Community Engagement I - Thinking Missionally
2 Sessions: All day (9:00am- 4:00pm)
Friday, April 10, 2026
Community Engagement II - Practice
2 Sessions: All day (9:00am- 4:00pm)
Notes
- 6-month cohort-style, in-person program
- Contextual and tailored to each student
- Non-degree†
- Learn from experienced, local pastors and practitioners - “Pastors training pastors"
- Focus on personal, communal and missional ministry application
- Includes overnight Personal Formation retreat on Tyndale campus plus 1 day/month for 5 months.
- Students are paired with an experienced local pastor for monthly mentorship meetings.
- No mandatory coursework required for completion, just attendance and participation in monthly sessions and mentorship meetings. (For non-credit option)
- Open to: local (Greater Golden Horseshoe) pastors, ministry-leaders, church-planters, key-volunteers, lay leaders, seminary students in all capacities (FT, PT, Volunteer etc.) No minimum or maximum experience necessary.
† This certificate course is a non-degree program, with an option to have participants currently enrolled in a Tyndale Seminary program apply to have this certificate transferred as an elective Master course credit — this is dependent on approval by TCPI director and registrar.
"The variety of topics covered throughout the certificate program was a great preview and preparation for today’s ministry context. This program supplements a formal seminary education by aiding in setting expectations of what the calling and work truly is. The addition of experienced pastor-instructors helped solidify a grounded atmosphere, revealing true practical theology."