Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry

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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

  • 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!

  • 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!

Watch the video introduction here.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

Questions?

For more information about the classes, email Dr. Darryl Stephens, Director of the Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry at Lancaster Theological Seminary, dstephens@lancasterseminary.edu.

To make arrangements to pay by check or to request alternate payment arrangements, email pam@lancasterseminary.edu.

For information about applying to the program, contact our Admissions Team at (717) 290-8741 or admissions@lancasterseminary.edu.

Apply here and email the completed form to admissions@lancasterseminary.edu or send it by mail to Admissions Office, Lancaster Theological Seminary, 555 West James Street, Lancaster, PA 17603.