About the Missionary Formation Certificate Program
The Missionary Formation Certificate Program (MFCP) is an online formation program offered to missionaries already serving in the field. Students take five eight-week long modules devoted to topics relating to missions. Modules allow for group discussions, facilitated and monitored by an online instructor.
Admission Requirements
Both men and women may register for the Missionary Formation Certificate Program.
Start the MFCP Application
Your Next Step
Take the first step toward your vocation. Submit your application now and join a community committed to rigorous study and faithful service.
- Register by contacting registrar@ctsfw.edu
MODULE 1: PARADIGM SHIFT IN MISSION
In the twenty-first century, missions is not done in one specific way. Creative ways to obey Christ’s Great Commission have replaced the era of pioneer missions. However, there are wrong ways of doing missions. This module looks at both the changes in missions and also asks students to consider a mission focus, to examine the official perspective of LCMS missions, and to find their place in missions.
MODULE 2: WHAT IS MISSION IN A GLOBAL WORLD?
Missionaries are global travelers, sent to many regions of the world and confronted with numerous cultural, social, political, and theological challenges. As the saying goes: “If you want to see the world, join the mission.” This module looks at trends and perceptions that affect missions both in North America and around the world, and how missionaries can respond by going to Scripture.
MODULE 3: BECOMING A MISSIOLOGIST
Just like biology is the study of life or anthropology the study of humans, missiology is the study of missions. This module looks at what a missiologist does, the role of missiology in the theological formation of servants of the Church, and how missiology interacts with the mission of God and the Church in a particular context. Students will gain sensitivity for their special place in the mission of God and understanding of their contribution to this mission.
MODULE 4: GOD’S MISSION—MISSIO DEI
This module is a theological introduction to missions. The concept Missio Dei, which is a popular term in missiology, and its proper usage, is the central focus of the module.
MODULE 5: GOSPEL, CHURCH, AND CULTURE
As we work in foreign places, we face many cultural hurdles. Thus, we need to know the cross-cultural implications of serving overseas, who we are, our own ethnicity, and our social and cultural antecedents. Communicating the Gospel to others is a translation process where we must both learn to speak the language and understand people’s ways, but also to distinguish between the Gospel and the culture—between the universal and the particular—so we do not over- or under-contextualize. Finally, we will discuss what churches should look like in their context and which strategic principles should guide church partnerships to avoid paternalism and one-sided benefactor/receiver relationships.
MFCP Cost of Attendance (COA)
You can see a breakdown of the costs associated with this program by clicking here. Interested in using our cost of attendance (COA) calculator? Click the button below to get started.