2021-2022 PATHWAYS ONLINE COURSES |
Thank you for your interest in the 2021-2022 Pathways Online Courses. At this time, registration has closed for our 2021-2022 online courses.
Typically registration for the next academic year of courses opens sometime in July. Those courses usually run from September thru May.
Please contact Theda Wortman for more information or assistance: twortman@upsem.edu
Online Course Description
Pathways to Learning and Leadership is an online program of education taught by seminary faculty of Union Presbyterian Seminary and experienced practitioners. Courses are open to all, regardless of denomination affiliation or role in the church. These courses are designed to deepen and expand knowledge, as well as support and promote leadership development within the church.
The five foundational courses, Phase 1, are:
Biblical Interpretation
*Church History
*Reformed Theology
The Christian Life
Mission and Evangelism
* Prior to this year, a Phase I course was offered entitled Reformed Theology & Church History. That course has now been divided and being offered as two separate courses with two new instructors. While everyone is certainly welcome to take the two individual courses being offered, for those seeking to become a Commissioned Ruling Elder (CRE) who have already completed Reformed Theology & Church History within the Pathways program, it might be helpful to check with your presbytery to find out whether this course will be required.
Following the foundational courses, five practical ministry courses, Phase 2, are offered:
Polity and Administration I
Teaching the Bible
Preaching
Pastoral Care
Worship and Sacraments
The face-to-face component of the Pathways program will be done using the Zoom video conferencing program. Note: class meetings will not be recorded. You do NOT need to buy a subscription to Zoom to participate in the courses, but you do need access to the following technology:
- Internet Connection | Broadband Wired or Wireless (3G or 4G/LTE)
- Speakers and a Microphone | Built-in, USB Plug-in, or Wireless Bluetooth
- A Webcam | Built-in or USB Plug-in
The schedule is divided by Phase 1 and Phase 2 courses. Each course is six weeks in duration, and the course syllabus will outline the meeting dates. The meeting times are from 7-9 p.m. Eastern Time. If a course reaches maximum registration capacity, a waiting list will be started. The early registration price per course is $135. Please note that early registration per course ends 2 weeks prior to the first class start date--at which point, the cost of a course will then increase by $15. Participants are able to cancel their registration any time prior to the start of the class for a refund, minus a $25 cancellation fee. Participants will also be sent a list of any required text(s) to purchase prior to the beginning of the course.
Registrations for each course will be accepted up until 7 a.m. on the day the course begins. Be sure to register early and save, as the price change will occur, per course, on the following dates:
Biblical Interpretation, increased rate begins August 24, 2021
Polity and Administration I, increased rate begins August 26, 2021
Church History, increased rate begins October 12, 2021
Teaching the Bible, increased rate begins October 14, 2021
Reformed Theology, increased rate begins December 28, 2021
Preaching, increased rate begins December 30, 2021
The Christian Life, increased rate begins February 15, 2022
Pastoral Care, increased rate begins February 17, 2022
Mission and Evangelism, increased rate begins April 5, 2022
Worship and Sacraments, increased rate begins April 7, 2022