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Curriculum – Deacon Track

For Those Exploring the Diaconal Calling of the Church

Articles

Read this article about the work of the Stevenson School for Ministry in the Association for Episcopal Deacons. Click here.

Check out more about the Association of Episcopal Deacons here.

Curriculum – Deacon Track

To apply for this certification track, please send an email to either Dean Robyn Szoke-Coolidge (rszoke@diocesecpa.org) or Associate Dean Michael Nailor (mnailor@diocesecpa.org) indicating your interest. We will then send you an electronic application via Populi.

Number of Courses Required

(Minimum of 13 Courses for Certificate)

The Holy Scriptures (2 courses)

Required: Introduction to Old Testament, Introduction to New Testament

History of the Christian Church (1 course)

Required: Church History II

Christian Theology (1 course)

Required: Theology I

Christian Ethics and Moral Theology (1 course)

Required: Ethics I

Christian Worship (1 course)

Required: Prayer Book Studies

The Practice of Ministry (6 courses)

Required: Anglican Approaches to Ministry, The Message of Mission, Homiletics, The Deacon’s Path, Deacons in Action, Field Education (involving a ministerial placement of 6-8 months)

Spirituality (1 course)

Required: Spiritual Practices for Today

 

Recommended Course of Study: Deacon Track

Semester Sessions

Weekend Orientation Session: in person, Friday through Saturday

Each Course: 10 weeks online work

Weekend Reorientation Session: in person, Friday through Saturday

Summer Sessions

One day Orientation Session: in person, Saturday 9am-3pm

Each Course: 10-week online work

 

Year One

Summer Session One

  • Anglican Approaches to Ministry
  • Spiritual Practices for Today

Semester I Core Content

  • Introduction to Old Testament
  • The Deacon’s Path

Semester II Core Content

  • Introduction to New Testament
  • Church History II

Year Two

Summer Session Two

  • Begin CPE

Semester I Core Content

  • Theology I
  • Prayer Book Studies
  • Homiletics

Semester II Core Content

  • Ethics I
  • The Message of Mission
  • Deacons in Action
  • Field Education (involving a ministerial placement for 6-8 months anytime after completing Deacons in Action)

 

Orientation and Reorientation Sessions (10 total for 2-year study)

Topics covered:

  • Anglican Spirituality I, II
  • Discernment
  • Introduction to Theology and Theological Reflection
  • Issues in Pastoral Care I, II
  • Spiritual Direction

 

Canonical Areas of Study for Ordination

The canons (III.6.5.f and III.8.5.g) require that preparation for ordination in all orders shall include training regarding:

  • prevention of sexual misconduct.
  • civil requirements for reporting and pastoral opportunities for responding to evidence of abuse.
  • the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, particularly Title IV thereof.
  • the Church’s teaching on racism