Priest Certificate
Interested in Exploring the Ministry of a Priest?
One of the special gifts of the Stevenson School is its ability to support you in the path towards priesthood without assuming that you are going to leave full-time employment or relocate to a traditional seminary. “to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as pastor to the people; to proclaim the gospel; to administer the sacraments; and to bless and declare pardon in the name of God” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 856). Stevenson provides a strong foundation of vocational formation with four years of part-time classes that you can fit into your working schedule. Especially focused on the formation of bivocational priests, Stevenson provides the strong foundation
This certificate coursework prepares those who are in discernment for priestly vocations. Through a 4-year course plan, those who complete the work will have a foundation in theology, ethics, church history, practical ministry, and liturgy. The discernment process for a priest is run through the student’s home diocese and is separate from the formation opportunity found at SSFM.
Fulfilling all the requirements of the Stevenson School for a certificate does not guarantee your ordination. Your Bishop and your Commission on Ministry will make final determinations. However, our curriculum leading to a certificate is an ideal way to prepare you for this ministry.
To apply for this certification track, please email ssfm@diocesecpa.org indicating your interest. We will then send you an electronic application to be completed and returned to us.
What is the ministry of a Priest in the Episcopal Church?
Priesthood Certificate
Scripture:
2 required
4 electives
*Introduction to Old Testament
*Introduction to New Testament
Scripture Elective
Scripture Elective
Scripture Elective
Language of Scripture Elective
Church History:
2 required
*Church History I
*Church History II
Ethics:
1 required
1 elective
*Ethics 1
Ethics Elective
Theology:
2 required
1 elective
*Theology 1
*Theology 2
Theology Elective
Worship:
2 required
1 elective
*Prayer Book Studies
*Liturgical Theology
Worship Elective
Practical Ministry:
6 required
*Anglican Approaches to Ministry
*Homiletics 1
*Deacon’s Path
*Message of Mission
*Teaching Ministry
*Anglican Practice/Pastoral Theology
Spirituality:
1 required
*Spiritual Practices for Today
Optional Training Workshops:
General Ordination Exam Prep
Cannon Law
Other Trainings / Requirements Before 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
Learning Weekends
Five Learning Weekends are required for those in a vocational or lay discernment program. Learning Weekends are guided explorations on topics that are relevant to bringing ministry into context. Over a Friday evening and Saturday morning sessions, the SSFM learning community comes together to reflect on their discernment and call while encountering the intersection of academic and practical formation. Co-planned and co-facilitated by the deans and the director spiritual formation, these weekends are critical to building community and expanding the SSFM learnings to relevant and timely subjects.