The Certificate in Missional Innovation can be earned within the M.Div. (hybrid and residential) and M.A. in Christian Practice degrees and is intended to provide training in contextual evangelism and church planting for students interested in innovative forms of ministry. 

Colin Yuckman poses for headshot in front of Goodson Chapel windows, in dark blue suit jacket and lighter blue shirt

"The Certificate in Missional Innovation helps to focus questions around the emerging realities of organized Christianity and connect students with leading thinkers and practitioners in areas of ecclesial revitalization, missional imagination, and church planting."

Colin Yuckman, Director of Digital Learning Formation

The face of organized Christianity in America is changing, and so are its forms of leadership. Where before it was common to think of limiting the scope of divinity school education to ordained clergy and churches, more Christians than ever are seeking resources for leading communities as professionals in law, education, health care, and non-profit work. In addition, many are wondering less about how to lead an established church than about planting new forms of Christian community. Bi-vocational work, on the model of the Apostle Paul, is quickly moving from abnormal to the norm. The Certificate in Missional Innovation helps to focus questions around these emerging realities and connect students with leading thinkers and practitioners in areas of ecclesial revitalization, missional imagination, and church planting/starting.

Field education placements connect students with missional practitioners who are engaged in new faith community development.

Requirements

Find detailed information about requirements and courses for current students (NetID required) »

For more information, contact the certificate director:
Colin Yuckman
colin.yuckman@duke.edu

  • Completion of two core courses from approved list
  • Completion of a third, elective course from a list of approved course options 
  • Participation in a dedicated year-long advanced spiritual formation group
  • Completion of a field education placement under the close supervision of a recognized church planter or pioneer currently gathering, converting, and discipling
  • Attendance at an annual event where practitioners discuss mission and evangelism, OR attendance at an equivalent intensive and relevant course of instruction as approved by the directors

  • Completion of two courses from approved list
  • Completion of one assignment related to Missional Innovation for a non-MI course, with permission from instructor
  • Completion of 500-word summary of how coursework integrates with current vocation, with specific reference to the Missional Innovation certificate
  • If feasible, attendance at an annual event where practitioners discuss mission and evangelism, OR attendance at an equivalent intensive approved by the directors