Local Formation

Certificate Programs

Our video-based curriculum supports customized local formation certificate programs that prepare people for ministry as priests, deacons, and lay leaders. With an extensive catalog of graduate-level instruction available in our online catalog, we help dioceses design three-, two-, and one-year courses of study that combine sensitivity to context with careful attention to canonical requirements and best practices in theological and adult education. 

Great content deserves great teaching, so we offer asynchronous and synchronous pedagogical training for Iona deans and instructors. We also offer free access to Google classroom, and tech support to help your diocese customize our Google Classroom models. Finally, our clergy certificate programs are supported by skills-based assessment matrices that enable local deans and instructors to plan high-quality class days that translate academic content into practical skills for ministry, with tools for assessing individual student progress and overall program effectiveness.

Certificate Program in Theological Studies

Duration: 3 Years

Suitable for preparing postulants to the priesthood for canonical exams or GOEs, this program is centered on an academic core of theology, ethics, church history, and Bible, with praxis-based coursework in homiletics, liturgy and music, spiritual practices, pastoral ministry, and congregational life and leadership. Our assessment matrix is keyed to TEAC ministry competencies for priests and transitional deacons.

Certificate Program in Diaconal Studies

Duration: 2 Years

Suitable for preparing postulants for the diaconate, this program includes instruction on an academic core of theology, ethics, church history, and Bible, with additional coursework in diakonia, homiletics, liturgy and music, spiritual practices, pastoral ministry and congregational life and leadership. Our assessment matrix is keyed to the competencies endorsed by the Association of Episcopal Deacons and to the TEAC ministry grid for vocational deacons.

Lay Certificate Program

Duration: 1 Years

Our curriculum currently supports a variety of custom lay certificate programs. We work with each diocese to design a course of study that addresses their ministry needs. With the support of a $500,000 grant from Trinity Church Wall Street Philanthropies, we are currently building a lay ministry assessment matrix and expanding our video collection to better support both local and zoom-based lay ministry formation.

Resources

Harrison Library

The Bishop Dena A. Harrison Library at Seminary of the Southwest.

Catalog

COMING SOON!