Ascent College is proud to announce the launch of its new Missions and Intercultural Studies Certificate Program, in partnership with Assemblies of God World Missions, beginning Fall 2026.
Created for students passionate about global ministry, cross-cultural engagement, and the mission of the Church worldwide, this innovative yearlong certificate program equips leaders to serve effectively across cultures while developing a deeper understanding of God’s global Kingdom work.
A defining feature of the program is its integrated global missions trip experience during Spring Break, which gives students the opportunity to go beyond classroom learning and participate directly in real-world intercultural ministry environments overseas.
“As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the Church must be prepared to engage people from every culture with wisdom, humility, and the Gospel,” said Dr. Rob Rhoden, Ascent College President. “This certificate is designed to help students develop both the theological foundation and practical skills necessary for meaningful intercultural ministry.”
The Missions and Intercultural Studies Certificate combines biblical theology, cultural awareness, discipleship training, and practical ministry application to prepare students for both local and global mission opportunities.
Program Focus Areas
Students in the program will study:
- Theology of missions
- Intercultural communication
- Global evangelism and discipleship
- Cultural intelligence and awareness
- Ministry in diverse cultural settings
- Practical missions engagement
The program emphasizes both spiritual formation and practical ministry readiness, helping students learn to communicate the Gospel with cultural sensitivity and effectiveness through four 8-week courses that run cyclically through the Fall and Spring semesters, for a total of only 12 credits.
MIS105 Missions and the Local Church (3 Credits)
This course enables the student to mobilize and train local churches and church networks to participate in God’s global mission and engage unreached persons and people groups with the gospel. Topics addressed include participating in the Harvest, giving through faith promises, networking through partnerships, being goers and/or senders, and facilitating church planting movements.
MIS302 The Missionary Call & Preparation (3 Credits)
This course is a study of the motive, objective, call, qualifications, and opportunities for missionaries today, with particular attention to the practical issues of personal, spiritual, and administrative preparation for missionary service.
MIS306 Historic & Contemporary Issues in Missions (3 Credits)
Beginning with the New Testament Church, this course evaluates movements and leaders throughout missions history, providing a rubric and guide for present and future missionary endeavors. Special consideration is given to the history of the Assemblies of God and Pentecostal missions. A Pentecostal approach to the unique challenges and opportunities facing missionaries today guides the content of this course. Spirit-empowered missiological thinking, grounded in Biblical truth, is applied to diverse contemporary missions issues to assist the church and the missionary to communicate Christ to the world.
MIS350 Disciple-Making in Global Contexts (3 Credits)
This course equips students to become disciple-makers who multiply across cultures, religions, and worldviews, following the model of Jesus, Paul’s adaptive strategies, and lessons from global disciple-making movements. Students will learn and practice simple, reproducible methods that foster multiplying communities of faith, transcending cultural boundaries, and reshaping how the Church is understood and expressed.
*NOTE: All Ascent College students pursuing the Missions and Intercultural Studies Certificate Program for credit must complete GEN102 Orientation and Library Resources (0 credits).
*The Spring Break global missions component requires additional travel, with related airfare, room and board, and any other expenses, to be borne by the student in addition to all related tuition, academic fees, and book expenses.
Equipping Leaders for a Global Church
The Missions and Intercultural Studies Certificate is ideal for:
- Missions-minded students
- Short-term missions leaders
- Ministry interns
- Church missions volunteers
- Future missionaries
- Pastors and leaders serving increasingly diverse communities
Like all Ascent certificate programs, this certificate is structured as a flexible, yearlong program designed for practical ministry impact without the long-term commitment of a traditional degree pathway.
Students receive a 25% scholarship, and courses are offered in rotating Spring and Fall semesters with year-round open enrollment. Auditors are also welcome.
Whether students feel called to international missions, intercultural ministry in their local communities, or a deeper understanding of the global Church, this program offers practical preparation for meaningful Kingdom service.
For more information or to apply, contact Amy Barney, Director of Admissions, at abarney@ascent.edu.