2024-2025 PATHWAYS ONLINE COURSES
Please contact Chris Burton for more information or assistance: Chris.Burton@upsem.edu
Online Course Description
The Pathways Online Course Program is taught by 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 for those seeking to become a commissioned lay pastor / commissioned ruling elder within the PC(USA), as well as to anyone seeking edification.
Even though the courses are divided by type (foundational and practical ministry), you are welcome to take the courses in any order. Many try to go through the program in a two-year period by taking 5 courses each year, others stretch it out longer, and some have even been known to go through all ten courses in one academic year.
THE FIVE FOUNDATIONAL COURSES:
Biblical Interpretation
Church History
Reformed Theology
The Christian Life
Mission and Evangelism
THE FIVE PRACTICAL MINISTRY COURSES:
Polity and Administration
Teaching the Bible
Preaching
Introduction to Pastoral Care
Worship and Sacraments
Course Format
The face-to-face component of the Pathways program will be done using the Zoom video conferencing program. Please note that class meetings will not be recorded. You will NOT need to buy a subscription to Zoom to participate in the courses, but you will need access to the following technology:
- Internet Connection | Broadband Wired or Wireless (at least 3G or 4G/LTE)
- Speakers and a Microphone | Built-in, USB Plug-in, or Wireless Bluetooth
- A Webcam | Built-in or USB Plug-in
Courses are usually six weeks in duration (with possible variations noted), and the course syllabus will outline the meeting dates. The meeting times are usually from 7-9 p.m. Eastern Time. If a course reaches maximum registration capacity, a waiting list will be started.
Course Tuition
The early registration price per course is $170. 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 $25. 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 as space allows. Course capacity is limited. Be sure to register early and save, as the price change will occur, per course, on the following dates:
Polity and Administration, increased rate begins August 12, 2024
Teaching the Bible, increased rate begins October 3, 2024
Preaching, increased rate begins October 8, 2024
Introduction to Pastoral Care, increased rate begins December 24, 2024
Reformed Theology, increased rate date begins December 26, 2024
Biblical Interpretation, increased rate date begins February 4, 2025
The Christian Life, increased rate begins February 6, 2025
Church History, increased rate begins April 8, 2025
Mission and Evangelism, increased rate begins April 14, 2025
Worship and Sacraments, increased rate begins April 17, 2025
