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. Starting in February of 2025, CASA Pathways for Ministry will be expanding into the Houston area.
Certificate in Ministry
This certificate is designed for pastors without formal training, lay pastors, and others with ministry experience. Available both online and in person. To receive the certificate, students must complete five out of the following courses:
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: Crossroad UMC (10030 Scarsdale Blvd. Houston, Tx 77089). Dates to be determined.
Classes will be held on Friday from 6pm-9pm and Saturday 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: Crossroad UMC (10030 Scarsdale Blvd. Houston, Tx 77089).
Classes will be held on Friday from 6pm-9pm and Saturday from 8:30am -4:30pm.
Dates to be determined.
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: Crossroad UMC (10030 Scarsdale Blvd. Houston, Tx 77089).
Classes will be held on Friday from 6pm-9pm and Saturday from 8:30am -4:30pm.
Dates to be determined.
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: Crossroad UMC (10030 Scarsdale Blvd. Houston, Tx 77089).
Classes will be held on Friday from 6pm-9pm and Saturday from 8:30am -4:30pm.
Dates to be determined.
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: Crossroad UMC (10030 Scarsdale Blvd. Houston, Tx 77089).
Classes will be held on Friday from 6pm-9pm and Saturday from 8:30am -4:30pm.
Dates to be determined.
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: Crossroad UMC (10030 Scarsdale Blvd. Houston, Tx 77089).
Classes will be held on Friday, February 21 from 6pm-9pm and Saturday, February 22 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: Crossroad UMC (10030 Scarsdale Blvd. Houston, Tx 77089). Classes will be held on Friday, March 7 from 6pm-9pm and Saturday, March 8 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: Crossroad UMC (10030 Scarsdale Blvd. Houston, Tx 77089). Classes will be held on Friday, April 11 from 6pm-9pm and Saturday, April 12 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: Crossroad UMC (10030 Scarsdale Blvd. Houston, Tx 77089). Classes will be held on Friday, September 12 from 6pm-9pm and Saturday, September 13 from 8:30am-4:30pm.
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: Crossroad UMC (10030 Scarsdale Blvd. Houston, Tx 77089). Classes will be held on Friday, October 17 from 6pm-9pm and Saturday, October 18 from 8:30am-4:30pm.
Registration fee: $100
To sign up for our next course (Preaching), which starts on October 17, 2025, click the button below.