The Dream

There are literally thousands of children’s workers, leaders, and children’s pastors in churches here in America who have no formal training in children’s ministries principles and practices. Add to these the numbers outside of this country and the potential market for this training is astonishing. These people are involved in ministry in the local church and will most likely never take the time to move to another community, enroll in one of the few Christian Colleges nation-wide that offer a Children’s Ministries program, and earn a degree. The idea of an Internet-based training program for these children’s pastors, leaders, teachers, and helpers in Evangelical Christian circles has been cast about for several years. Imagine if you will, a volunteer or paid children’s pastor being able to benefit from a training program embarked upon in his or her church office, home, or local library. All admissions, class materials, and testing will take place online.

We are Pentecostals and make no apology for believing in the full gospel for today’s church and children. Course materials are designed to reflect evangelical non-Pentecostal doctrine with special sign bars and units specifically for the Pentecostal children’s worker.

Classes are college-level quality, fully accredited, and offered at bargain basement prices. Some churches will host training days or retreats during which they present the CMUO materials on a big screen followed by discussion and personalization of the program.

A children’s leader can progress through each course alone or with fellow workers at his or her own pace. Eventually a leader will be able to earn a one year certificate in children’s ministries.

All courses are user-friendly utilizing the latest in online educational technology. Classes offered present a practical no-nonsense approach to children’s ministry in small and large church settings. Students enjoy lecture material, audio-visual presentations, assignments, and self-assessments insuring that they will receive the greatest benefit from their investment.

The first 14 courses are currently available, including: Advanced Web Communications, A/G Doctrine & History, Biblical Interpretation, Children’s Ministries, Child Evangelism, Children’s Presentations, Early Childhood Ministry, Introduction to Christian Education, Ministry to Children with Disabilities, Music in Ministry, New Testament Survey, Old Testament Survey, Pastoring Children, and Technology in Children’s Ministries. Additional topics to be included in the 30 credit certificate program include several other electives such as Leadership Principles and Pastoral Counseling.

Development of additional elective courses is ongoing. The goal is to provide children’s ministries workers and leaders with the most comprehensive, cutting-edge, and accessible children’s ministries training possible in a format which they can personalize to fit their specific ministry context and educational goals.

Click here to find out more from the founders of CMUO about the vision of CMUO.