CASA Pathways for Ministry in Houston
In 2024, Perkins started offering – in collaboration with Wesley Theological Seminary and thanks to a $5 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. – a certificate program in Spanish for pastors with no formal training, lay pastors, and others with pastoral experience in the Dallas Metroplex area. In February of 2025, CASA Pathways for Ministry expanded into the Houston area and beginning in 2026, the program will also be serving the Plano, Texas area.
Certificate in Ministry (5 Courses)
This certificate is designed for pastors without formal training, lay pastors, and others with ministry experience. To receive this certificate, students must successfully complete the five following courses: Preaching, Old Testament, New Testament, Pastoral Care, and Approaches to Leadership.
Certificate in Advanced Ministry (10 Courses)
This certificate is designed for pastors without formal training, lay pastors, and others with ministry experience. To receive this certificate, students must successfully complete the seven following courses: Pastoral Counseling with Marriages and Youth, Interpretation of the Bible, The Torah, Church History, Ethics,Worship, and Evangelism. In addition, students must also take three elective courses of their choosing from the list below.
Description
In this course, participants will learn how to interpret Old and New Testament texts for writing sermons. They will also learn the basics of preparing liturgies for various worship experiences. By taking the course, participants will become more confident in proclaiming God's word and developing meaningful liturgies that support the sermon, the church year, and the life of the congregation.
Address: Texas Annual Conference Office (5215 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002).
Classes will be held on Friday, February 6 from 6pm-9pm and Saturday, February 7 from 8:30am-4:30pm.
Description
This course provides an overview of the principles of Christian counseling used with couples and adolescents to facilitate accompaniment through the challenges and difficulties that characterize these stages.
Address: Texas Annual Conference Office (5215 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002).
Classes will be held on Friday, February 6 from 6pm-9pm and Saturday, February 7 from 8:30am-4:30pm.
Description
This course introduces participants to the formation and main events of the Hebrew Bible. Participants will develop skill in biblical interpretation, or exegesis, as a basis for preaching and teaching. By taking the course, students will more fully grasp the breadth of meaning in Old Testament texts and grow more able to exegete, proclaim, and apply scripture in preaching, teaching, and participation in the life of the congregation.
Address: Texas Annual Conference Office (5215 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002).
Classes will be held on Friday, March 20 from 6pm-9pm and Saturday, March 21 from 8:30am-4:30pm.
Description
This course provides an overview of the Holy Scriptures, with special attention to the formation and function of the canon, interpretation, and its history, and modern methods of biblical interpretation to recognize its intent and capture its practical value for life.
Address: Texas Annual Conference Office (5215 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002).
Classes will be held on Friday, March 20 from 6pm-9pm and Saturday, March 21 from 8:30am-4:30pm.
Description
This course introduces participants to the Gospels, the Pauline letters, and other New Testament books. Participants will learn about the formation and central themes of the New Testament and develop skills in biblical interpretation, or exegesis, as a basis for preaching and teaching. By taking the course, participants will more fully grasp the breadth of meaning in the New Testament texts and grow more able to exegete, proclaim, and apply scripture in preaching, teaching, and participation in the life of the congregation.
Address: Texas Annual Conference Office (5215 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002).
Classes will be held on Friday, May 15 from 6pm-9pm and Saturday, May 16 from 8:30am-4:30pm.
Description
This course provides a panoramic view of the Torah, examining its formation, history, traditions, and contemporary interpretations. Students will become familiar with the historical, social, cultural, and literary context of the Old Testament.
Address: Texas Annual Conference Office (5215 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002).
Classes will be held on Friday, May 15 from 6pm-9pm and Saturday, May 16 from 8:30am-4:30pm.
REGISTER HERE
Description
This course introduces participants to the basic functions of congregational care, learning ways to provide spiritual guidance and emotional care as well as when and how to be a knowledgeable resource for referrals to appropriate services. By taking the course, participants will be more able to oversee appropriate congregational care issues.
Address: Texas Annual Conference Office (5215 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002).
Classes will be held on Friday, August 21 from 6pm-9pm and Saturday, August 22 from 8:30am-4:30pm.
Description
This course explores the major events in the history of the Christian Church and its developments from its origin to the present day.
Address: Texas Annual Conference Office (5215 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002).
Classes will be held on Friday, August 21 from 6pm-9pm and Saturday, August 22 from 8:30am-4:30pm.
Description
Participants will learn how to lead a congregation toward its vision and mission. They will learn ways to navigate obstacles while moving towards transformation. By taking the course, participants will be able to discern the context and engage the congregation in moving toward fulfilling their mission.
Address: Texas Annual Conference Office (5215 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002).
Classes will be held on Friday, October 23 from 6pm-9pm and Saturday, October 24 from 8:30am-4:30pm.
Description
This course analyzes the biblical and theological foundations in the Holy Scriptures that guide Christians in living a holy and just life in today’s world. It highlights the key influences that shape our faith and daily actions as followers of Christ and members of God’s people.
Address: Texas Annual Conference Office (5215 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002).
Classes will be held on Friday, October 23 from 6pm-9pm and Saturday, October 24 from 8:30am-4:30pm.
Registration fee: $100
To register for our upcoming courses which starts on February 6, 2026, click the button below.