Affordable, accessible nondegree classes
The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM) offers non-degree classes for laity and clergy of all denominations and is recognized as a Regional Theological Education Program by the United Church of Christ.
New for 2024
Theology: Leadership and Community
- Oct 15–Nov 19, 2024
- Tuesdays, 6:30–8pm ET via Zoom
- Instructor: Dr. Eric Seibert
- $325, Earn 2.5 CEUs
- REGISTER HERE
This class examines church, missions, and ministry, exploring how theology impacts the community. Focuses on the human condition, Christian hope, the church, ministry, and mission.
Virtual Open House
Tuesday, January 7, 7–8pm EDT, 2025.
Learn more about us and our many flexible, online learning programs.
We offer ecumenical, non-degree classes in a variety of formats for laity, clergy, and others. The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM) is a Regional Theological Education Program of the United Church of Christ and serves church leaders of many denominations.
Introduction to Worship Leadership and Liturgical Practices
- January 14, 21, 30 (Thur)
February 4, 11, 18, 2025 - Rev. Dr. Marty Kuchma.
- This class will provide participants the opportunity to plan, prepare, and practice mock versions of rites and rituals tailored to their own denominational and cultural contexts. Includes leading Sunday worship, baptisms, weddings, and funerals/memorial/homegoing services.
Navigating Congregational Conflict and Crisis
- Thursdays, 7–8:30pm, March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10.
- Rev. Dr. Brunilda Martínez. The Rev. Brunilda (“Bruny”) Martínez holds a PhD in Administration and Leadership Studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and is a pastor in The United Methodist Church. A native Spanish-speaker and
cross-cultural minister, she has expertise in congregational mergers and emergency response to disruptions in congregational systems. - This class equips leaders to analyze, interpret, and respond to crisis in their respective places of ministry, drawing on relevant literature such as Crisis Theory, Congregational Systems, and Conflict Transformation.
Introduction to Pastoral Care
- Thursdays, June 19, 26, July 3, 10, 17, and 24.
- Rev. Dr. Butch Kuykendall.
- An introduction to pastoral care with attention to basic skills (effective listening, pastoral presence, referrals, and self-awareness) and ethical obligations in a variety of settings. Topics include loss and grief, illness, addictions, and trauma-informed care.
Personal & Spiritual Development
Details TBA.
Ministerial Ethics and Professional Development
Details TBA.
Ministry with Veterans
November 2025. Details TBA.
Our program is ideal for lay ministers, pastoral leaders, individuals in discernment, and laity serving Christian denominations and independent churches.
PAM’s Ministerial Institute curriculum consists of eighteen online classes and is recognized by the UCC as one of multiple pathways for preparation for authorized ministry.
Ministerial Institute Class Offerings Include:
- Christian Theology
- Biblical Interpretation
- Church History
- Pastoral Care
- Preaching & Worship
- Denominational Polity
- Religious Education
- Spiritual & Personal Development
- Church Administration
- Adaptive Leadership
- Innovation & New Models
- Navigating Congregational Conflict & Crisis
- Financial & Strategic Health