FAQs
What is the purpose of the Stevenson School for Ministry (SSFM)?
Our school began as a flexible alternative to seminary education to prepare students for ordination in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. Education for everyone (lay and ordained) was part of our founding vision. We have evolved into a collaborative online school that provides quality education for the present and future needs of our church and the people and parishes within our diocese and well beyond our borders.
Where is SSFM located?
SSFM is an online school available to anyone with an Internet connection. It is a ministry of the Central Pennsylvania Diocese of the Episcopal Church. You do not have to be of the Episcopal faith to participate in our continuing education opportunities. For the diaconate or priesthood training certificates, students need to be a part of the Episcopal denomination.
Who are your partners?
SSFM is always in active conversation with new partner organizations. Currently, we are associated with other dioceses of the Episcopal Church: Bethlehem, Pittsburgh, Maryland, West Virginia, and Delaware. We also share resources with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lower Susquehanna Synod, Lancaster Theological Seminary/Moravian Theological Seminary, and United Lutheran Seminary.
Is SSFM just for people who are seeking ordination as a priest in the Episcopal Church?
No. We provide quality education to both individuals and parishes. We provide quality education to people seeking ordination as both priests and deacons. We provide quality education to people wanting to take leadership roles in their church.
What certificate programs of study are available?
We offer a variety of structured programs of study:
Joint Certificate in Anglican Studies from Lancaster Theological Seminary
Lay Certificates:
- Lay Worship Leader
- Lay Preacher
Ministry of the Deacon
Ministry of the Priest
Does getting a SSFM certificate guarantee ordination or licensure by the Bishop?
No. The Stevenson School certificate courses provide the tools for ministry. The Bishops and the Commissions on Ministry oversee the ordination process and the steps to lay ministry licenses in their respective dioceses.
What if I just want to take a single course or seminar?
You are welcome to take a single course or seminar without formal application to the school. Just follow the registration process as outlined here. If you are interested in applying for an ordination track or a lay ministry certificate track, please contact the Dean or Associate Dean.
How is the SSFM academic year structured?
There are four 10-week terms: Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. There are also breaks incorporated in for major church commitments and other holidays.
What is the Certificate in Anglican Studies in collaboration with Lancaster Theological Seminary/Moravian Theological Seminary?
Lancaster Theological Seminary/Moravian Theological Seminary and the Stevenson School offer this certificate program as a collaborative venture to prepare students for service in the Episcopal Church. It may be taken as a stand-alone certificate or as part of the Lancaster/Moravian M.Div. degree program. This Certificate program supports a variety of Episcopal ministries ranging from priesthood and the diaconate to pastoral care, educational and lay ministries.
How much do SSFM courses cost?
Graded 10-week courses cost $300 at present, with an additional $75 tech fee per term, regardless of how many courses you take. This is the same price for either graded or pass/fail courses.
Community classes vary in cost depending on the length of the program. Some racial justice offerings of the school are provided at no charge.
Is there financial support available to me?
We encourage you to seek the support of your parish and your diocese. If you are in the Diocese of Central PA, partial tuition assistance is available for courses. You must file an annual application for financial aid. Please contact the Dean or Associate Dean to begin the application.
What kind of credits will I receive, and will I be able to access a transcript?
The SSFM credits count towards fulfilling certain vocational, continuing education, and lay ministry requirements. Courses taken at SSFM through the Lancaster Theological Seminary/Moravian Theological Seminary carry full accredited credit. Certificates of completion and transcripts are available from the Stevenson School upon request.
Is SSFM accredited? Can I use these courses for a Bachelors or Masters degree?
Only the courses offered through Lancaster Theological Seminary/Moravian Theological Seminary are accredited. Otherwise, please check with the degree-granting institutions concerning credit for our certificate programs.