Certificate and Diploma Level
Most students start their training at ALS at the certificate level. At the Certificate Level, the student will grow in his or her understanding of the Bible, theology, and practical ministry in a practical, repeatable way. The program is designed for all Christians and will prepare a student for lay leadership in a Christian congregation. Students will gain experience in forming and leading a group. Studying at this level will also help the student and ALS determine if a student has the requisite gifts for service in the church and further theological studies.
Students who complete the certificate level may enroll in our Diploma Level program which will provide additional foundation for service within the local congregation. These classes provide a deeper study of the Scriptures and a basic equipping for leading worship, for preparing and presenting Bible studies, and for group leadership.
Together, the certificate and diploma programs amount to 48 credits which the student can apply toward study at the [Bachelors] and [Masters] Level.
Entrance Requirements
Those desiring enrollment at the Certificate and Diploma levels must meet the following requirements:
- Certificate Level
- Be a baptized believer
- A secondary school diploma
- Ability to follow classes in the selected language
- Diploma Level
- Successful completion of the certificate level, or its equivalent, with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher
- A recommendation from the student’s pastor or a leader in his congregation
- A recommendation from the student’s advisor/counselor
- Participation in a local congregation or group where practical ministry may be observed and practiced
- Demonstrates a character befitting of a person who aspires for ministry as outlined in 2 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
- A willingness to respect ALS’s [statement of faith] and the Lutheran character of ALS
Note: Students who have had formal coursework in theology from a recognized institution of higher learning (Bible institute, Bible college, university, or seminary) may be able to have some credits transferred into the program at the discretion of the Academic Dean.
Program of Study
Because ALS serves a variety of contexts across Asia, our certificate level varies depending on the language in which it is being taught.
English Program Curriculum
Certificate Level
TELL 2 and TELL 3
12 Credits
| TELL 111 | The Bible: The Work of the Savior | (Entry Prerequisite) |
| TELL 112 | The Bible: In the Beginning | (0.5 credits) |
| TELL 113 | The Bible: The Chosen Nation | (0.5 credits) |
| TELL 114 | The Bible: The Fallen Nation | (0.5 credits) |
| TELL 115 | The Bible: The Coming of the Savior | (0.5 credits) |
| TELL 116 | The Bible: The Christian Church | (0.5 credits) |
| TELL 117 | The Epistles | (0.5 credits) |
| TELL 131 | Jesus’ Teachings: The Ten Commandments | (0.5 credits) |
| TELL 132 | Jesus’ Teachings: The True God | (0.5 credits) |
| TELL 133 | Jesus’ Teachings: Sacraments & Prayer | (0.5 credits) |
| TELL 134 | Fellowship: Legalism: Enemy of Grace | (0.5 credits) |
| TELL 135 | Fellowship: Spiritual Identification | (0.5 credits) |
| TELL 141 | The Word Grows: Living As a Disciple | (0.5 credits) |
| TELL 142 | The Word Grows: Disciple Makes Disciples | (0.5 credits) |
| TELL 143 | The Word Grows: Multiplying Disciples | (0.5 credits) |
| TELL 145 | The Word Grows: Multiplying Churches | (0.5 credits) |
| TELL 146 | The Word Grows: Multiplying Ministers | (0.5 credits) |
| TELL 147 | Let Us Worship 1: The Biblical Principles | (0.5 credits) |
| TELL 148 | Let Us Worship 2: Worship in Practice | (0.5 credits) |
| TELL 149 | Devotional Life in the Psalms | (0.5 credits) |
| TELL 191 | Practicum | (2.5 credits) |
Diploma Level
Diploma of Church Ministry (DCM)
36 credits
| DCM 211 | Old Testament Survey 1 | (3 credits) |
| DCM 212 | Old Testament Survey 2 | (3 credits) |
| DCM 213 | Life of Christ | (3 credits) |
| DCM 214 | Bible Background | (3 credits) |
| DCM 215 | Basic Bible Interpretation | (1 credit) |
| DCM 231 | Luther’s Small Catechism 1 | (2 credits) |
| DCM 232 | Luther’s Small Catechism 2 | (2 credits) |
| DCM 233 | Luther’s Small Catechism 3 | (2 credits) |
| DCM 234 | Law and Gospel | (2 credits) |
| DCM 241 | Evangelism | (2 credits) |
Mandarin Program Curriculum
Certificate Level
Christian Studies Certificate (CSC)
| TELL 111 | The Work of the Savior | (Entry Prerequisite) |
| CSC 111 | Old Testament Survey 1 | (3 Credits) |
| CSC112 | Old Testament Survey 2 | (3 credits) |
| CSC 113 | Life of Christ | (3 credits) |
| CSC 114 | New Testament Survey | (3 credits) |
| CSC 115 | Bible Background | (3 credits) |
| CSC 116 | Basic Bible Interpretation | (1 credit) |
| CSC 131 | Luther’s Small Catechism 1 | (2 credits) |
| CSC 132 | Luther’s Small Catechism 2 | (2 credits) |
| CSC 133 | Luther’s Small Catechism 3 | (2 credits) |
| CSC 134 | Law and Gospel | (2 credits) |
| CSC 135 | Unity of Confessional Faith | (1 credit) |
| CSC 141 | Evangelism | (2 credits) |
| CSC 142 | Christian Family | (1 credit) |
Diploma Level
Diploma of Christian Leadership (DCL)
| DCL 241 | Nurture the Believers’ Faith | (2 Credits) |
| DCL 242 | Equip the Believers to Serve | (2 Credits) |
| DCL 243 | Train Church Leaders | (2 Credits) |
| DCL 244 | Facilitate the Worship Gathering | (2 Credits) |
| DCL 245 | Prepare a Bible Study | (2 Credits) |
| DCL 246 | Prepare a Basic Message/Devotion | (2 Credits) |
| DCL 247 | Shepherd the Believers | (2 Credits) |
| DCL 248 | Organize Outreach and Prepare the Church to Multiply | (2 Credits) |
| DCL 291 | Practicum 1 | (2 Credits) |
| DCL 292 | Practicum 2 | (2 Credits) |
Cantonese Program Curriculum
Certificate Level
Christian Studies Certificate (CSC)
| CSC 111 | Old Testament Survey 1 | (3 Credits) |
| CSC112 | Old Testament Survey 2 | (3 credits) |
| CSC 113 | Life of Christ | (3 credits) |
| CSC 114 | New Testament Survey | (3 credits) |
| CSC 115 | Bible Background | (3 credits) |
| CSC 116 | Basic Bible Interpretation | (1 credit) |
| CSC 131 | Luther’s Small Catechism 1 | (2 credits) |
| CSC 132 | Luther’s Small Catechism 2 | (2 credits) |
| CSC 133 | Luther’s Small Catechism 3 | (2 credits) |
| CSC 134 | Law and Gospel | (2 credits) |
| CSC 135 | Unity of Confessional Faith | (1 credit) |
| CSC 141 | Evangelism | (2 credits) |
| CSC 142 | Christian Family | (1 credit) |
Diploma Level
Diploma of Christian Leadership (DCL)
| DCL 241 | Nurture the Believers’ Faith | (2 Credits) |
| DCL 242 | Equip the Believers to Serve | (2 Credits) |
| DCL 243 | Train Church Leaders | (2 Credits) |
| DCL 244 | Facilitate the Worship Gathering | (2 Credits) |
| DCL 245 | Prepare a Bible Study | (2 Credits) |
| DCL 246 | Prepare a Basic Message/Devotion | (2 Credits) |
| DCL 247 | Shepherd the Believers | (2 Credits) |
| DCL 248 | Organize Outreach and Prepare the Church to Multiply | (2 Credits) |
| DCL 291 | Practicum 1 | (2 Credits) |
| DCL 292 | Practicum 2 | (2 Credits) |