Program Descriptions

The Children’s Ministries Institute® (CMI®) offers several different diploma and certificate programs. Each has a distinct emphasis and time commitment. Read through the descriptions below to find the one best suited to your needs.

Programs of Study

Children’s Ministries Institute Diploma**
(12 Week Program)
This comprehensive program consists of eight courses including training in direct ministry to children, teacher training and leading a children’s ministry.

The entire diploma program is offered on campus. Certain modules are available online. Information regarding cost

Required courses
CM202 Teaching Children Effectively™ Level 1 
CM204 Understanding Today’s Child 
CM205 Progressive Methods of Child Evangelism 
CM203 Teaching Children Effectively Level 2
TT301 Dynamics of Teacher Training* 
LD401 Distinctives of Child Evangelism Fellowship 
LD402 Ministry Strategy and Development 
LD403 Leadership Essentials 

TT401 Instructor of Teachers Level 1 can be substituted for qualified individuals

**Child Evangelism Fellowship® (CEF®)staff members are required to take the CMI 12 week diploma program. Staff members may choose to take part of that 12 week training online, but certain courses must be taken on campus.

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The Master Teacher Certificate
(5 Week Program)
The program is designed for students who desire to concentrate on training for direct ministries to children.  The Master Teacher certificate will be awarded to the student upon the successful completion of four courses in children’s ministry.

This entire certificate program is offered on campus and will also be completely available online at a later date.  On campus and online courses can be combined to meet the requirements of this program.

Information regarding cost

Required courses
CM202 Teaching Children Effectively Level 1 
CM204 Understanding Today’s Child 
CM205 Progressive Methods of Child Evangelism 
CM203 Teaching Children Effectively Level 2

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The Ministry Leadership Certificate 

(5 Week Program)
This challenging ministry leadership program is designed to equip men and women with the basic leadership principles and skills required to organize and lead a children’s ministry in CEF, the local church or in other parachurch organizations.

This certificate program is offered on campus.  Leadership Essentials is also offered online.  On campus and online courses can be combined to meet the requirements of this program. Information regarding cost

Required courses
LD401 Distinctives of Child Evangelism Fellowship 
LD402 Ministry Strategy and Development 
LD403 Leadership Essentials

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Instructor of Teachers Credentials
Child Evangelism Fellowship desires to train committed Christians who are capable of training other adults through the Teaching Children Effectively program. Attendance to the Instructor of Teachers courses is by invitation only by a Child Evangelism Fellowship worker. Those who satisfactorily complete the two week intensive Instructor of Teachers courses and required post course practicums under supervision receive a credential from the Department of Education authorizing them as instructors of teachers. Information regarding cost

Required courses
CM202 Teaching Children Effectively Level 1 
TT401 Instructors of Teachers Level 1

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Seminars
Seminars that cover various topics related to direct ministry to children are available online. Biblical principles and practical ideas are clearly communicated in each seminar. They can be taken at a self study pace. No credit can be earned towards another program of study.

These seminars will only be offered online. Many seminars are available FREE! Read Seminar Descriptions  Information regarding cost


FREE Demonstrations

Bible lesson, missionary story, memory verse, and song demonstrations are available FREE online. As you watch these demonstrations to help you prepare to teach, you will see the elements that should be included as well as interactive ideas to help keep the children engaged as you teach. They can be viewed at any time. No credit can be earned towards another program of study.

Read Demonstration Descriptions

On Campus and Online Course Transfer

Students are able to combine both on campus and online courses to complete their degree program.
Please note that Child Evangelism Fellowship® (CEF®)staff members are required to complete the Children’s Ministries Institute diploma program.  Staff members may choose to take part of that 12 week training online, but certain courses must be taken on campus.

Courses that may be taken online OR on campus

  • Teaching Children Effectively™ Level 1
  • Understanding Today’s Child
  • Progressive Methods of Child Evangelism
  • Teaching Children Effectively Level 2
  • Leadership Essentials

Courses that must be taken on campus (for CEF staff members)

  • Dynamics of Teacher Training
  • Instructor of Teachers Level 1 (also available at designated locations around the country)
  • Instructor of Teachers Level 2 (also available at designated locations around the country)
  • Distinctives of Child Evangelism Fellowship
  • Ministry Strategy and Development (A similar module is available online, but CEF staff must take the on campus course as it is focused more specifically on CEF ministries.)


Continuing Education

CM201 Teaching Little Kids