The Board of Christian Education's purpose is to organize, administer, and supervise the biblical educational needs of the entire church. Therefore, we will train church members by equipping them to apply concepts and principles from the Word of God in a practical manner. This training will prepare the people of God to be productive/effective servants to all age levels across the life span, in the church, in the community, and abroad. The Board of Christian Education sponsors a Certificate of Progress Program (COPP) and a Christian Leadership School (CLS).

The Certificate of Progress Program (COPP)

The Certificate of Progress Program (COPP) was organized at the Sunday School Publishing Board in October 1937 and was designed to produce qualified church leaders. The objectives were challenges COPP participants to meet new objectives and to prepare for Christian service. Those challenges include:

• To increase the biblical knowledge of the student.
• To create an understanding of the Baptist faith.
• To provide an educational structure that will develop candidates qualified for teaching and leadership positions.
• To provide incentives for the candidates to complete the program.
• To produce trained church leaders.

           Christian Leadership Schools (CLS)

Christian Leadership Schools represent a unified effort of the National Baptist Congress (NBC) to equip the membership to more effectively minister to the body of Christ. A CLS can take place in the local churches, in the districts, or at state and national levels. The aim of the CLS Program is to provide structured training and develop activities that will take place at all levels of our Baptist denomination. Its goal is to better prepare individuals to become witnesses in accordance with Acts 1:8—”Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (KJV).

There are standard procedures and required guidelines necessary for the accreditation and operation of all Christian Leadership Schools (CLS) of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. (NBC). These guidelines have been approved by the Division of Christian Education Accreditation and Credentials (DCEAC).