Graduate Certificate in Academic Pastoral Leadership
Shepherding the Mind and Heart in Christian Education
Restoring the Shepherd’s Role in Education
The Academic Pastor is more than a teacher — he or she is a shepherd of learning communities, guiding students toward truth, wisdom, and maturity in Christ.
Aletheia’s Graduate Certificate in Academic Pastoral Leadership, offered through the Shepherd’s Gate Campus (Virginia), forms educators to unite theology and pedagogy, intellect and discipleship. This 15-credit program may be completed fully online within Aletheia’s distinctive 10-4-1 rhythm of study, practice, and reflection.
The term Academic Pastor expresses Aletheia’s conviction that education is discipleship. Just as a church pastor shepherds souls, the Academic Pastor shepherds minds and hearts through study, conversation, and community life. This role bridges theology, teaching, and spiritual leadership — uniting what modern education has too often divided.
“To shepherd well, one must first be shaped by the Word.”
The Academic Pastor serves as a model of truth lived out — cultivating wisdom in students, mentoring faculty, and restoring learning to its sacred purpose: the formation of Christ’s likeness.
Program Overview
This post-baccalaureate certificate equips educators, site leaders, and ministry mentors to integrate theology, pedagogy, and leadership.
Graduates will understand education as formation, curriculum as catechesis, and teaching as pastoral care.
- 15-credit post-baccalaureate certificate
- Fully online (with in-person retreat)
- Typically completed in 9–12 months
- Offered through Shepherd’s Gate Campus (VA)
- Aligned with Virtues Campus partnership model
Courses in Theological and Pedagogical Formation
Theology of Education
Biblical Foundations of Learning, Christological Theology, Theology of Calling & Vocation
Pastoral Pedagogy
Spiritual Formation for Educators, Poimenics & Kairotics (The Art of Shepherding the Moment), Christian Leadership in Education
Philosophy & Culture
History of Christian Higher Education, The Classical Mind and the Modern Academy, Cultural Renewal & the Christian Intellectual Tradition
Practicum & Integration
Academic Pastoral Practicum: Guided mentorship experience applying theological and pedagogical principles in one’s own ministry or school
Formation in Rhythm: Study → Serve → Reflect
The Academic Pastor program follows Aletheia’s sacred 10-4-1 rhythm:
10 Weeks — Guided study with Aletheia faculty and Mentor-Teachers
4 Weeks — Practicum in the student’s ministry or classroom context
1 Week — Retreat for reflection, worship, and renewal
This rhythm mirrors the biblical pattern of work and rest, knowledge and worship, forming leaders who teach from a place of spiritual wholeness.
Aligned with Virtues Campus and Christian College Renewal
Aletheia’s Academic Pastor certificate was developed in partnership with Virtues Campus, an initiative that places trained Academic Pastors within Christian colleges and learning communities.
Through this model, graduates extend Aletheia’s mission — restoring education as discipleship — across the nation’s classrooms and campus ministries.
Recognition as a Virtues Campus Academic Pastor
Training adaptable to college, church, or homeschool settings
Integration with Aletheia’s Christian Liberal Arts & Formation degree
Graduate Outcomes
Graduates of the Academic Pastor certificate are equipped to:
Lead Christian schools, college programs, or Virtues Campus sites
Mentor teachers and students in spiritual formation
Integrate theology into academic and institutional leadership
Continue into advanced graduate study in theology or education
Through study, service, and reflection, students emerge as whole persons—intellectual, creative, and pastoral—ready to renew the culture through truth.
Lead Minds. Shepherd Hearts. Restore Learning.
The Academic Pastor stands at the intersection of faith and intellect — restoring education to its sacred purpose. Join Aletheia’s growing community of pastors, teachers, and scholars who see learning as worship and leadership as service.