Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry

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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

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.

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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.

January 14, 21, 30 (Thur)
February 4, 11, 18, 2025

Rev. Dr. Marty Kuchma

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Rev. Dr. Lindwood 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.
This class provides an opportunity for leaders in congregations and Faith Based Organizations to consider how their purpose, personal experiences, perspectives and ethical guidelines provide a framework for ethical decision making. Participants will explore community and church guidelines in their ministerial context, identify ongoing professional supports, and develop self-care plans.

Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm ET; March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1 and 8.

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.

Thursdays, 7–8:30pm ET on May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and June 5.

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

Details TBA.

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

Questions?

For more information about the classes, email Dr. Darryl Stephens, Director of the Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry at Lancaster Theological Seminary, stephensd@moravian.edu. Questions? email pam@moravian.edu

For information about applying to the program, contact our Admissions Team at seminaryadmissions@moravian.edu.