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Compass

Compass: Preparing leaders for ministry and service

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 ������������.

Program details

Compass is an educational program of preparation for ministry and service designed for persons preparing for authorized ministry and service in many denominations. This lifelong learning (non-credit) program of ������������ Theological Seminary and Lancaster Theological Seminary, ������������ combines the strengths of the former Crossroads Lay Leadership Program and the former Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry.

Compass is a recognized Regional Theological Education Program within the United Church of Christ and a recognized program of ministerial preparation for the ������������ Church. Each class integrates a ������������ ethos of humble, relational theology into an ecumenical curriculum, welcoming diverse leaders preparing for varied ministry contexts. Every class is also aligned with the UCC Marks of Faithful and Effective Ministry. Select classes are also approved for various lay ministries in presbyteries and synods.

Workload and Format

Classes are six (6) weeks long and require about 5 hours per week of engagement, split between independent work (readings and assignments), asynchronous participation via Canvas (learning management system), and synchronous time via Zoom (1.5 to 2 hours each week).

Each class offers 3 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) for those seeking professional development credit.

Financial aid available

Financial aid is available for Compass participants through church sponsors. 

For example, full tuition grants are available for licensed lay pastors officially placed in congregations by the ������������ Church, Northern Province. Full scholarships are available for Members in Discernment in the United Church of Christ. 

Reimbursement for individual classes is available for members in other provinces, districts, associations, synods, presbyteries, and conferences. Ask your church! 

Please visit the for details.

Questions?

Contact Rev. Dr. Lindsey Scott or Rev. Dr. Darryl Stephens

• What to expect from the program
• Classes and certificates
• Upcoming classes

What to expect from the program

The purpose of Compass is to provide an accessible, community-based, and flexible pathway for individuals to gain the practical skills and formation necessary for effective ministry leadership and service within the church. 

• Audience: This program is an ideal place for anyone exploring a call to ministry, welcoming individuals from diverse educational backgrounds and a variety of denominational contexts. It is particularly suited to those who are in discernment toward ministry in the ������������ Church, those seeking a non-degree path to ordination in the United Church of Christ, or those preparing for leadership in other denominations that have approved a non-degree context for ministry training.
• Workload: Designed with busy schedules in mind, the program features a manageable workload, making it feasible for those currently working or volunteering in other capacities.
• Format: Courses are 6 weeks long and require about 5 hours per week of engagement, split between independent work and synchronous time on Zoom. Most courses offer 3 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) for those seeking professional development credit.
• Application and orientation: An asynchronous class “Compass Orientation” provides detailed information about the program, walks folks through a streamlined application process, and explains the Lebenslauf activity, completed via a Zoom session offered twice a year.
• Curricula: The foundational curriculum consists of 12 six-week classes that can be completed in one or two years (depending on pace of participation). Completion is recognized with a “Certificate in Ministry Formation.” Five additional six-week classes are offered as deeper dives into ministry and leadership. Completion of all 17 six-week classes is recognized with a combined “Certificate in Ministry and Leadership Formation.” Check with your denominational body about which certificate is the best fit for your ministry goals.
• Relation to former programs: The foundational “Certificate in Ministry Formation” is a revision of the former Crossroads curriculum. The “Certificate in Ministry and Leadership Formation” is equivalent to the former PAM “Ministerial Institute” curriculum.
• Ministerial credentialing: Compass neither guarantees nor grants credentialing for ministry. Questions of licensing, commissioning, ordination, and other forms of ministerial credentialing should be directed to the candidate’s judicatory.
• Relation to denominations: The Compass foundational curriculum of 12 classes (as was the Crossroads program) is designed to meet the needs of ministry leaders in the ������������ Church. Compass (as was PAM) is a recognized Regional Theological Education Program for the UCC, providing one of the multiple pathways of educational preparation for authorized ministry in the UCC. Every class in the Compass certificate curriculum (17 classes) is aligned with the UCC Marks of Faithful and Effective Ministry. Classes also integrate a ������������ ethos of humble, relational theology into an ecumenical curriculum, welcoming diverse leaders and preparing them for varied contexts.
• Denominational requirements: For ������������s preparing for ministry, the foundational “Certificate in Ministry Formation” should be augmented with a class in ������������ history and polity as well as monthly spiritual direction. (Compass can provide a vetted list of spiritual directors to contact.) For Members in Discernment (MIDs) in the UCC, the Compass “Certificate in Ministry and Leadership Formation” should be augmented with a class in UCC history and polity as well as participation in a community of practice through the candidate’s conference or association. Specific educational requirements for UCC ordination are ultimately determined by the individual’s Committee on Ministry.
• Community & connection: Expect strong connections with other participants and a focus on experiential, applied learning within a supportive community.

Classes and certificates

The following are descriptions of all 17 Compass courses. All courses are available in real-time distance learning. In other words, you can participate in any class from your home or office — wherever you are— at the time the class is held.

Certificate in Ministry Formation (orientation plus 12 classes) 

Begin with asynchronous “Compass Orientation” class.

• Theology: Faith Seeking Understanding
• Theology: Vocation and Community
• Biblical Interpretation: Hebrew Bible
• Biblical Interpretation: New Testament
• History: Pre-Reformation to Today
• Individual and Congregational Care
• Preaching
• Liturgy and Sacraments
• Faith Formation and Education
• Ministerial Ethics
• Cultivating and Maintaining Spiritual Life
• Community Leadership: Belonging, Communication, and Conflict
   
  • Note: Deeper Dives (offered in addition to the foundational curriculum to meet the UCC Marks of Ministry)

Certificate in Ministry and Leadership Formation (17 classes)

• History: Early Church to Reformation
• Preaching and Worship Through the Year
• Financial & Strategic Health in Congregations
• Adaptive Leadership for Ministry
• Innovation & New Models for Ministry

Additional denominational requirements

• Each denomination establishes its own requirements for ministerial credentialing
• Generally, candidates for authorized ministry should also take a class in denominational history and polity through their denomination.
• ������������ candidates should engage in monthly spiritual formation and attend a Lebenslauf exercise.
• All participants are invited to attend an introductory Faith Sharing (Labenslauf) Zoom session, offered twice yearly.
• UCC candidates should participate in a community of practice through their conference or association.

Upcoming classes
Classes meet on weeknights once a week via Zoom. 
* Indicates Leadership Concentration class