Affordable, accessible nondegree classes
Our ecumenical nondegree classes are ideal for lay ministers, pastoral leaders, individuals in discernment, and laity serving Christian denominations and independent churches.
PAM Director, the Rev. Dr. Darryl Stephens, has planned a great new lineup of classes for 2024. Check out the classes listed below and register now to save your seat!
New for 2024
Virtual Open House
- 7:00pm, Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024
- Hosted by the Rev. Dr. Darryl Stephens, PAM director
- Free
- REGISTER HERE
Dr. Stephens invites you to this virtual open house, a gathering of past, present, and future participants. Learn about the Ministerial Institute curriculum, talk with the instructors, and be present for our big reveal: a podcast series!
Introduction to Preaching
- Jan. 30 – March 5, 2024
- Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30pm ET on Zoom
- Instructor: The Rev. Dr. Ronnette Comfort-Butler
- $325; Earn 2.5 CEUs
- REGISTER HERE
So you think you can preach? Whether new to the pulpit or a regular, you will learn skills in this class to become more effective. Connect with your congregation, make Biblical text come alive, and learn breathing techniques for a more compelling delivery. Your congregation will thank you!
Preaching & Worship Through the Year
- April 9 – May 14, 2024
- Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30pm ET on Zoom
- Instructor: Rev. Dr. Ronnette Comfort-Butler
- $325; Earn 2.5 CEUs
- REGISTER HERE
The pulpit is different every Sunday. Learn to tailor your sermons for special Sundays and holy occasions. This class equips ministers with many skills including the use of the lectionary, planning sermon series, selecting music and incorporating the arts, and creating special services and occasions, and more.
Practices of Church Leadership
- May 21–June 25, 2024
- Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm ET on Zoom
- Instructor: The Rev. Sara Hertzog
- $325; Earn 2.5 CEUs
- REGISTER HERE
This nuts-and-bolts class covers the basics of leadership and administration, with practical application for everyone on the ministry leadership team.
Topics include: covenant and authority; conflict; family and congregational systems; vision and mission; handling administrative tasks; spiritual care and boundaries.
Clergy, lay leaders, and MIDs are encouraged to register.
Innovation & New Models of Leadership
- July 9 to August 13, 2024
- Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm ET on Zoom
- Instructor: The Rev. Dale Davis
- $325, Earn 2.5 CEUs
- REGISTER HERE
This challenging class engages an array of exciting leadership models and is supported by a podcast series produced especially for the Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry.
Admission Requirements for the Ministerial Institute
- High school diploma or GED
- Personal statement
Apply to the Ministerial Institute
To apply, complete this form and email it to admissions@lancasterseminary.edu or mail it to:
Lancaster Theological Seminary
Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry
555 West James Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
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