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.
Ministerial Ethics and Professional Development
Rev. Dr. Linwood Smith is Pastor at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church York, PA, and serves on the Board of the National Institute of Rural and Minority Health.Crossroads: Mapping the Route (Introduction to Theology)
What is theology? What is my personal theology? What do I really believe about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit? Who is God in my life and in the world? In this course, you’ll tackle these questions and embark on the ongoing theological task.
Mondays 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
April 7 – May 12
Instructor: Jeremy Lau
Access: This class will be held on Zoom
Cost: $300
Credits: 3 CEUs
About the instructor: Jeremy Lau, MACC, MATS is a double graduate of Moravian Theological Seminary. Deeply committed to holistic discipleship and church revitalization as two primary missions in his own call, Jeremy’s professional special interests include trauma-informed and spiritually integrated psychotherapy, queer theory, biblical theology, faith deconstruction and pastoral care. He has over 12 years of ministry experience, spanning children’s ministry, curriculum development, small group/bible study facilitation, founding and directing a parachurch 501c3 non-profit ministry and serving as a licensed executive pastor in a non-denominational church setting. Jeremy is currently a full-time pre-licensed outpatient mental health professional with Lehigh Valley Health Network and a Member in Discernment pursuing ordination through the Penn Northeast Conference of the United Church of Christ. Jeremy lives in Bethlehem, PA with his partner, Peter. When he isn’t working, teaching, or volunteering Jeremy enjoys having meaningful conversations over coffee, hiking, and game nights with his family and friends.
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