United Church of Christ Theological Education
Theological education is an important component of faith formation in the United Church of Christ. Whether you are a lay person seeking to expand your theological knowledge, pursuing a call to authorized ministry, or an authorized minister seeking continuing education opportunities, the accredited seminaries and Regional Theological Education Programs (RTEPs) on this page provide a wide variety of in-person and on-line offerings to meet a diversity of needs and interests. Are you interested in learning more about ordination in the United Church of Christ? Check out our Ordination Questions and Answers.
For more information about ministerial preparation and oversight in the United Church of Christ, please visit Ministerial Excellence, Support and Authorization (MESA).
These graduate schools and programs in theology play an important role in the preparation of pastoral leaders for the United Church of Christ:
- The six seminaries of the United Church of Christ have been recognized by the General Synod for their special commitment to the UCC.
- The historically related seminaries, some engaging as members of the UCC Council for Higher Education, continue to serve the church in ecumenical settings.
- The Regional Theological Education Consortium, a hub for multiple models of theological education, connects UCC conference and association based programs which have as part of their goals the formation of Members in Discernment toward authorized ministry, as well as a commitment to lay theological education.
Seminaries
Seminaries
Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School
New Haven, CT
Chicago Theological Seminary
Chicago, IL
Eden Theological Seminary
St. Louis, MO
Lancaster Campus of the Moravian School of Theology
Lancaster, PA
Pacific School of Religion
Berkeley, CA
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
New Brighton, MN
Hartford International University for Religion and Peace
Hartford, CT
Harvard University Divinity School
Cambridge, MA
Howard University School of Divinity
Washington, DC
Interdenominational Theological Center
Atlanta, GA
Seminario Evangélico de Puerto Rico
San Juan, PR
Union Theological Seminary
New York, NY
Vanderbilt University Divinity School
Nashville, TN
Yale University Divinity School
New Haven, CT
Regional Theological Education Programs
Independent and Conference Based Programs:
Independent and Conference Based Programs
Convergence, formerly The Center for Progressive Renewal, supports the reshaping of organizations, congregations and leaders engaged in an age of movement from “organized religion” to “organizing religion” driven by the values of an inclusive, progressive theological vision for a more just world for all.
Contact: Rev. Cameron Trimble, Founder and CEO | Email
The Damascus Project exists to nurture vitality within the body of Christ by transforming the people of God through theological study and equipping them for effective leadership within their congregations and communities. We are a community of lifelong learners committed to walking together and participating in transformative conversations in the life of faith and leadership. We learn together so that we are better equipped to love each other, nurture the body of Christ and transform the world.
Contact: Rev. Stephanie Perdew, Ph.D. | Email | 507.222.0194
We work with students discovering a path to pastoral ministry, and those practicing congregational leadership. Our programs combine classroom learning and core ministry competencies, helping you practice theological education for the life of the church. Our work and our vision grew up alongside the 21st century UCC Manual on Ministry. By promoting and cultivating a culture of call, adding academic resources and mentorship, we affirm God’s gifting and guidance in every generation – including toward more remote or rural congregations.
Contact: Malcolm Himschoot, Dean | Email
The NWOA Lay School of Religion is open to all lay members who wish to grow and be enriched, whether in their personal life or for further opportunities to serve God. Individuals may take a single class or more, or complete the course of study to become a graduate of Lay School.
Contact: Staff members listed on website
The New York School of Ministry (NYSOM) is designed to deepen the knowledge, skills, and spiritual life of all who participate. Offers, via Zoom, 20-contact hour ministry courses and continuing education, including Boundary Awareness Training. These opportunities are open to everyone who is interested. Everyone is welcome. You might be active in your congregation or not; you might be UCC or not; you might be seeking continuing education or just looking to grow in a new direction.
Contact: Rev. Marjorie Purnine, Ph.D. | Email | 315.446.3073
PATHWAYS offers you a program for progressive theological engagement that values the past without being limited by it, moving intentionally into the present while looking boldly towards the future. We provide a welcoming asynchronous online space to bring your questions, doubts, and desire to deepen your understanding. PATHWAYS welcomes all people who yearn for a still-speaking God. Whether you are on the path to authorized ministry, want to hone your current skills, or just want to explore your faith more deeply, we have a program for you.
Contacts:
Rev. Dr. Ruth Shaver, Academic Dean | Email | 814.206.8192
Rev. Melissa Ashmore, Registrar | Email | 770.233.7661
If you believe that God may be calling you to Authorized Ministry, or if you would like to deepen your knowledge about the Bible and Christian life, perhaps the Penn West Academy for Ministry is for you!
Contact: Rev. Joseph Hedden, Jr., Dean
SONKA Lay School is an ongoing educational program for lay leadership development, ongoing professional development for pastors and those seeking ordination through multiple paths. Classes will be held via Zoom.
Contact: Board members listed on website
Clinical Pastoral Education for Non-Seminary Students:
Clinical Pastoral Education for Non-Seminary Students
Equipping leaders to Serve God’s People – CPEO – Clinical Pastoral Education Orientation, LLC
Contact: Brenda Wallace | Email | 504.434.CPEO (2736) or 404.784.1077 | 3681 Wellhaun Rd., Decatur, GA 30034
Distance Learning Classes in:
- ACPE Accredited Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
- Spiritual & Pastoral Care Skills
- Chaplaincy Skills
- Spiritual Care Case Study Verbatim Reports
- Theological Reflection Skills
- Pastoral/Spiritual Care Skills for Diverse Populations
- Pastoral/Spiritual/Religious/Theological Care Formation
- Pastoral/Spiritual/Religious/Theological Care Competencies
- Conflict Resolution Working Dynamics with and within Groups
- Mentorship and Supervision of Case Studies
Seminary Based Non-Degree Programs:
Seminary Based Programs
The Certificate in Theological Studies offers religious education to those who want to study in the seminary setting – without admission to a master’s degree program. This program allows you to select six courses of your choosing, with the permission of each professor. You can also choose to complete one of six concentrations in the Certificate: Chaplaincy Studies, Ministry Preparation, LGBTQ Studies, Interreligious Engagement, Study of Black Faith & Life, and Muslim Studies.
Contact: Office of Admissions | Email | 773.896.2410
A lifelong learning program of preparation for ministry and service that combines the strengths of the former Crossroads Lay Leadership Program and the former Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry. Although this program does not offer credit towards a degree, it is offered within the context of the accredited seminaries at Moravian University.
Contact: Rev. Darryl Stephens, Ph.D., Director – contact for class information or other questions | Email | 717.290.8716
Cohorts support lifelong learning and are for anyone- licensed pastors and ordained clergy, chaplains, Christian educators, lay leaders and anyone interested in the topic. UCC members will recognize the Marks of Ministry woven throughout the cohorts, though anyone from any denomination, or no denomination, is welcome to attend.
Contacts:
Office of Admissions | Email | 314.961.3627
Jill Baker | Email | 314.918.2554
Designed for students looking to deepen their academic study of theology with a flexible and tailored approach and those with a previous master’s degree looking to qualify for chaplaincy positions that don’t require a Master of Divinity.
Contact: Office of Admissions | Email | 510.849.8222
TEL programs provide progressive, accessible Christian theological education year-round through special courses and seminars for clergy, laity, and spiritual seekers from diverse racial/ethnic communities. Using PSR’s “flexible learning” approach, TEL fosters a strong and supportive community environment while enabling participation at a distance through online learning.
Contact: Rev. Tana Roseboro, MDiv, TEL Program Coordinator | Email | 510.849.8267
Join the conversations that will expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitments, and give insights on how to minister in a changing world. The Center for Ministry and Lay Training’s online program allows you to explore your call to ministry or even earn a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry.
Contact: Leslie LeSieur | 918.270.6471
The Evans-Smith Leadership Training Institute offers a certificate program of 12 courses in a non-credit, non-degree program with the opportunity to complete five additional courses in one of four specialty areas. Faculty of the Seminary participate in the leadership of these courses.
Housed at the Center for Lifelong Learning and Leadership:
Virginia Union University
Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology
The Center for Lifelong Learning and Leadership
1500 North Lombardy Street, Richmond, VA 23220
Contact: 804.354.5923
United Theological Seminary’s Certificate in Theology and Ministry (CTM) is for clergy and laity seeking a basic theological foundation for ministry as a pastor or church leader.
Contact: Online information request form