First Spiritual Church of Bay City Divine Studies Program Courses of Study

*Note: All certification programs can include External Practicums.

Celebrant Minister 
Upon successful completion of the core classes, the Celebrant Minister program is designed to prepare an officiate to work independently providing ceremonies and rituals.  These services include, but are not limited to, weddings, renewal of vows, commitment ceremonies, funerals, memorials, baby naming ceremonies, etc.  This is approximately a 2 year program.

Minister
Upon successful completion of the core classes, the Minister program is geared toward students who seek to perform the duties of an Ordained Minister as the Pastor of a church. In addition to the classes for the Celebrant Minister, it includes the Liturgical classes necessary for the conduction services within a church and Church Business.  This is approximately a 3 year program. 

Teacher
Upon successful completion of the core classes, the Teacher program covers a variety of subjects for a well-rounded background in Metaphysical philosophy, energy healing arts and business administration.  This is approximately a 3 year program. 

Mediumship 
Upon successful completion of the core classes, the Mediumship program prepares students to work in harmony with their Guides in Spirit, understand the management of energy in a reading room or public gathering, proper presentation of information according to the unfoldment of their spiritual gifts, as well as, care giving for those they serve.  This is approximately a 2 year program.

Energy Worker
Upon successful completion of the core classes, the Energy Worker program focuses on the principles of serving as a channel for using Universal Energy to promote healing and wellbeing. Various types of healing modalities, ethics of energy healing, prayer chaplaincy and good communication skills will be studied in this program.  Energy Workers are taught to work in concert with allopathic medicine. This is approximately a 2 year program.

Electives
The First Spiritual Church of Bay City Divine Studies Program offers a variety of electives in addition to required classes.  Celebrant Minister, Minister, Teacher, and Mediumship programs require elective(s) as part of their curriculum. 

Retreatant
Anyone is welcome to take classes for their own personal enjoyment and learning.  Retreatants are not required to take a final exam in any class. If a retreatant chooses to take the final exam and earns a passing grade, the retreatant can apply credits for a future certification program. 

External Practicums
The location, types of External Practicum, and supervisors for them will be determined by the teacher of the classes involved.  Some classes may be conducted at other churches with a student’s External Mentor as the official witnessing the successful completion.

Text Books
Students are responsible for purchasing any required text book(s) listed in Class Descriptions.  These can be purchased on-line or at books stores. Class teachers may have other suggestions.  Booklets of class handouts are provided by the Teachers when necessary.

Class Fees
The cost for each class is $80.00 and is to be paid in full while registering for the class.  This Program accepts PayPal, checks or cash.  Some service charges may apply for electronic payments.  A $35.00 service fee will be charged for any and all returned check(s).  Registration must be completed no later than 10 days prior to the date the class is to be held. 

Program Class Sessions
The First Spiritual Church of Bay City Divine Studies Program will conduct classes during weekend intensives, video conference and/or evening classes.  The faculty Advisory Committee will attempt to notify students in advance (*30 days or more) that a class they may need for their program is being offered.  The program will strive to hold every class annually or more frequently according to the needs of the student body.

Classes which do not meet the minimum number of students required to hold class, as determined by the teacher, will be cancelled. 

Certifications
Students ready to apply for certification will have to fill out an application and submit an FBI Fingerprint Background Check obtained at their own expense.  After its review by the Registrar,  it will be returned to the student.  Certification will be conferred upon students with the satisfactory completion of all requirements. These include:  Payment in full of all fees for classes and applications.  Completion of required classes. Earning of passing grades in all classes. Practicum completion with Mentor or External Mentor approval.  Positive evaluations or observation by Mentors, External Mentors, Faculty and/or Trustees in regard to attitude, service, participation, performance and suitability to the student’s chosen program.  All requirements and final application will be reviewed by the First Spiritual Church of Bay City Divine Studies Program Advisory Committee for certification approval. Candidates for certification will be notified of missing requirements and given a corrective action plan, if necessary or appropriate, before certification will be granted. 

This program is accredited through the First Spiritual Church of Bay City only.  Upon successful completion of elected course(s) of study as described above and with the approval of the First Spiritual Church of Bay City Faculty Advisory Committee and Board of Trustees, students will receive certification.  Due to the non-traditional aspects of this type of education, students should understand they will not be accredited through the State of Michigan.

It is the responsibility of the individual to educate themselves about any state or local laws governing the practice of their work.