PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.
PATHWAYS exists to offer a range of stimulating, accessible, and affordable online progressive Christian resources for church leaders, faith explorers, pastors, and those discerning various vocations and callings within and outside the church community. (pathwaystheological.org/)
Certificates, Continuing Education, Single Courses
PATHWAYS offers certificates and continuing education for those who want a more comprehensive theological education. Participants are also invited to apply and take only the courses they choose, either as singular courses or to combine with courses of another program. Contact the Registrar for more information or apply here.
Courses Aligned with the Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers
PATHWAYS curriculum is competency-based and the courses are each aligned with The UCC Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers.
Cost Effective
PATHWAYS believes that quality theological education should be available to any who want it. That’s why we provide a cost-effective online theological program accessible to all. 4-week Explorer courses are only $99, 6-week courses just $325, and a 12-week UCC History and Polity course is only $625.
Flexible Schedule for Busy Adults
Because classes are not bound by geography and have a flexible weekly schedule, PATHWAYS courses are able to fit into the rest of your busy life. Courses typically involve weekly readings and discussion in a facilitated online forum, offering practical, open-minded education and a learner-centered environment where participants can bring their own questions and insights.
Three 6-week upcoming courses beginning March 1, 2023
These three foundational 6-week courses begin March 1 and end on April 18 and cost $325 each. They are open to everyone. Find out more ››
· Making Sense of Theology (Foundational Level) Find Out More ››
· The Art Of Preaching (Applied Level) Find out more ››
· Professional Boundaries And Ministerial Self-Care (Integrated Level) Find out more ››
Six 6-week upcoming courses beginning May 17, 2023
In May, two foundational courses, two applied level courses and two integrated courses are offered.
· Ethics and a Life of Meaning (Foundational Level)
· Faith Formation (Foundational Level)
· Introduction to Spiritual Health (Applied Level)
· New Testament Hermeneutics (Applied Level)
· Preaching for Special Occasions (Integrated Level)
· Theology of Gender and Sexuality (Integrated Level)
About the 6-week courses beginning May 17
Ethics and a Life of Meaning (Foundational Level)
This course uses two complementary texts to bring participants a strong, practical ethics background. One focuses on ethical theory and goals; the other bridges ethics theories with down-to-each ethical situations. Find out more>>
Faith Formation (Foundational Level)
Participants will consider: “How do we support individuals and families, and grow communities where faith formation and spiritual practices in all their manifestations deepen everyone’s experience of the Holy?” Find out more >>
Introduction to Spiritual Health (Applied Level)
Through personal reflection and exploration of current pastoral care paradigms, the course will assist in developing best practices in spiritual care … Find out more >>
New Testament Hermeneutics (Applied Level)
In this course, participants will explore the New Testament using historical critical methods, sanctified imagination, and applied biblical insight. Find out more >>
Preaching for Special Occasions (Integrated Level)
This course offers participants the opportunity to prepare liturgies and sermons for funerals, weddings, and more using contemporary resources. Find out more >>
Theology of Gender and Sexuality (Integrated Level)
Theologians and ethicists offer liberative, celebratory, and nourishing theologies of sexuality. This course explores a wide range of theological dimensions of and approaches to human sexuality … Find out more >>
ACPE-certified Community-Centered Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
PATHWAYS is now offering a 24-week ACPE-certified CPE course twice a year. The date of the fall/winter course has not been set yet but applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. The course originates with the Sankofa CPE Center but you apply through PATHWAYS. From the website: “Learners can choose diverse learning settings including social justice/activism venues to meet their clinical hours. Digital ministry can also be a focus including tele-chaplaincy and online worship. This 24 week program is one unit of CPE and can be re-taken for additional units and for progression through Levels I, II and Supervision.” For more information and to apply, go to the CPE page.
UCC History and Polity
Three times each year, PATHWAYS offers a 12-week course ($625) in UCC History and Polity. The next course begins May 17, 2023. This course focuses on the United Church of Christ governance and history. It also brings fresh new understandings of how the UCC governance applies to chaplains and other specialized ministers. For UCC church leaders, it is a way to deepen your knowledge of the inner workings of the church on a local and national level Find out more ››
Apply Online
We welcome your inquiries anytime. The application is the beginning of a conversation about PATHWAYS and about how we might help you. Please go here to "apply".
Progressive Christianity
Our courses are open to everyone. We welcome those who are questioning and doubting their faith and also those who live in a certainty of Christian theology. We reflect the reality that in whatever denomination or community you live, people's theology, beliefs, and practices vary widely. It is our vision that in these courses, differences are respected and questions are welcomed. Please read our Progressive Christianity Statement.