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.
While the format and delivery of PAM courses may differ slightly from Crossroads, courses listed for transfer credit have been selected due to significant overlap in content and because learners will achieve similar outcomes through their work in the course.
New for 2025
Anytime PAM Orientation
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.
Church History: Beginnings to Reformation Rumblings
Wednesdays, August 6–Sept 10, 2025.
This class equips laity and clergy to identify historical roots and analogies for contemporary ecclesial issues.
Instructor: The Rev. Matt Deal
Registration coming soon
Church History: Protestant Reformation, Reformed and Reforming
Wednesdays, Sept 17–Oct 22, 2025.
This class equips laity and clergy to identify historical roots and analogies for contemporary ecclesial issues.
Instructor: The Rev. Matt Deal
Registration coming soon
Navigating Congregational Conflict and Crisis
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.
Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET on May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and June 5.
Introduction to Pastoral Care
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.
Thursdays, June 19, 26, July 3, 10, 17, and 24.
Rev. Dr. Butch Kuykendall
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