NSDM Theological Seminary & Chaplaincy Institute
Training Kingdom leaders.
Educating, equipping and empowering Kingdom leaders to fulfill their Kingdom mandate. Certificate and degree programs in ministry and chaplaincy, online and in person in Augusta, under the Chancellor, Apostle Dr. Sctonda Kelly Gordon.
Chaplaincy
Become a certified chaplain.
A chaplain carries the ministry out of the sanctuary and into the places people actually are. The Institute trains men and women to do that, whether you are a pastor widening your reach or someone starting a new calling.
Classes are accelerated and affordable, and you can take them online or in person at the Augusta campus. Chaplains are licensed through the United Ecumenical Communion of Christ Chaplains Association.
Classes
Online, or in person in Augusta
Programs
Six-month Certified Chaplain Program
Tuition
Cost per program
Next start
Monday, September 14, 2026 · 7–9 PM
Questions? Call the Chancellor’s office at Call the ministry.
The six-month Certified Chaplain Program meets Monday nights from 7 to 9 PM, with the fall class beginning September 14, 2026.
A chaplain certificate from the Institute, issued together with Higher Ground Ministries, Inc. Recent chaplains have also completed the Chaplain Ministry Program of the Disciples of Christ Bible College & Seminary.
Graduation day · August 2026
Sent out in gold stoles.
The Institute’s most recent graduates, with their diplomas and certificates, in front of the banner: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
The next graduates walk on December 5, 2026 at the Ecumenical Elevation & Graduation Celebration.
NSDM Honorary Doctoral Degree Program
Turn your life’s work into a legacy.
The program recognizes people whose lifetime of leadership and service has made a lasting difference: in ministry, education, community service, the arts, and other areas that advance the Kingdom of God. Honorees are recognized at the Ecumenical Elevation Celebration.
Fields of recognition
- Ministry, theology & Christian leadership
- Education, scholarship & academic leadership
- Chaplaincy, pastoral care & humanitarian service
- Community development & outreach
- Gospel & inspirational music
- Broadcasting, communications & media
- Business, entrepreneurship & innovation
- Fine arts, literature & creative expression
- Civic leadership, philanthropy & public service
What to send
- 1A completed NSDM Honorary Doctoral Degree application
- 2A current professional biography or résumé
- 3A written statement of your life works and accomplishments (500 to 1,000 words)
- 4A portfolio with documentation: certificates, awards, photos
- 5Two letters of recommendation
- 6A statement of your lasting contribution
- 7Consent for NSDM to verify your credentials and publicly recognize your achievements
“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.”
Please note: an honorary doctorate recognizes distinguished accomplishments and service. It is not an earned academic doctorate, and should not be presented as a substitute for professional licensure or academic credentials.
Enroll
Start the conversation.
Tell us what you’re interested in, and the Chancellor’s office will reach out about classes, costs and the next start date.
For pastors
The Nehemiah Project
Pastors, ask us about the Nehemiah Project. Pick it on the form, or call Call the ministry.
Already enrolled?
Pay tuition & fees online
Pay through the ministry’s secure Tithely form, by card or bank. Put your name as it appears on your enrollment so the Chancellor’s office can match the payment.
Pay through Tithely