June 2-6 and 9-13, 2008
Whitworth University

Churches and religious organizations are looking for qualified men and women to serve in non-ordained positions of pastoral leadership. Unfortunately, many otherwise qualified people are reluctant to pursue these positions because they do not feel adequately prepared biblically and theologically, or they find themselves lacking in the practical skills they need to be successful in ministry. Others are already involved in ministry positions but feel limited by their lack of training and ongoing opportunities for development and support.

Whitworth's Diploma in Lay Pastoral Ministry Program is designed to help train, equip, and support lay men and women to serve more effectively as commissioned lay pastors and lay ministers and in other paid and unpaid lay-leadership positions in the Presbyterian Church (USA), as well as in other denominations.

This non-degree program is especially designed for people who live at a distance from Whitworth University and can only study in larger blocks of time. The program can be completed in as little as two years of study (attending two weeks during two successive summers), or it can be lengthened, depending upon the needs of the student. Students may take all of the courses to earn the diploma, or they may enroll in individual courses for their personal growth and enrichment.

The program is open to all interested participants regardless of ministry experience and educational/denominational background.

Program Format

To receive the diploma in lay pastoral ministry, students must complete the following:

• Eight required foundational courses delivered in two week-long (Monday-Friday) modules of study on the Whitworth campus during two successive summers (four weeks total; two weeks per summer);
  
• Two additional educational experiences (such as workshops or seminars) of each student's choosing during the months between the summers of study;
  
• Reading assignments (and/or other assignments) to be completed prior to each module of study;
  
• Post-class papers and/or projects to be completed in each student's local ministry context.

The eight required foundational courses are:

• Survey of the Old Testament
  
• Survey of the New Testament
  
• Introduction to Church History
  
• Christian Theology
  
• Pastoral Care and Counseling
  
• Worship and the Sacraments
  
• Polity and Church Leadership
  
• Preaching: Principles and Practice
  

In addition to the eight foundational courses offered each summer, diploma students are required to participate in two additional educational experiences of their own choosing between summers. These educational experiences can include online courses, weekend workshops and/or seminars, and other endeavors that help the student gain understanding and skills in her or his areas of interest. Examples of topic areas might include evangelism and discipleship, leading and managing small congregations, rural and small-town ministry, youth and family ministry, spiritual formation for ministry, and the church as an organization. In order to receive the diploma, students must demonstrate that they have participated in at least two additional educational experiences.

Program Schedule

Courses meet from 9 a.m.-noon and from 2-5 p.m. Monday-Friday each week. During the months between summer sessions, students will do required reading and work on papers or projects.

Because of the pre-class reading required for each summer session, the deadline to register for the diploma program is May 1.

Program Faculty

The faculty for the Diploma in Lay Pastoral Ministry Program includes Whitworth professors and staff, as well as other qualified instructors from the community.

What Others Have Said About the Program

I have been impressed by the commitment of Whitworth to help lay ministry students prepare for their roles and the quality and sincerity of all of the professors to educate and shape us for service.  I am truly regretful that my time in the program has come to an end.  I look forward to future opportunities to participate in educational experiences at Whitworth. - Ruth Willford, ’08 student

Summer 2008 Course Descriptions

Program Costs

Tuition for each course is $250. Room and board on campus is approximately $300 per week (Sunday-Friday). Books and materials are extra.

For more information please contact Rev. Tim Dolan.

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