Pastoral Studies Distance Education

PSDE is a program of individual, college-level study with minimal time away from current duties. It is for active leaders of congregations, pastors called to the ministry without college or seminary training, and Lay leaders, deacons and elders wanting training to prepare for their ministry. Each of the program's five units has an instructor who interacts with students following each lesson of the unit. Each student also has a mentor in their geographical area that meets with them on a bi-weekly basis. Each student needs to be in a congregation where they can use their gifts and practice what they are learning through the PSDE Program.

The PSDE program:

• focuses on issues vital to ministry in a Mennonite congregation
• uses the Leading God's People curriculum.
• provides distance instruction along with interaction with a local mentor;
• may earn the student 15 undergraduate credit hours.

Read about revisions in the PSDE curriculum, reflecting diversity in the church and among students in the program.

See a brochure about PSDE: Print it out or save the PDF file on your computer so you can send it to someone who may be interested in this program of study.

Program details

Curriculum & under graduate credit
PSDE uses the Leading God's People curriculum. Each the curriculum's five units take approximately 20 weeks to complete. Students are asked to commit to a minimum of 5 hours of study per lesson and course assignments for the duration of the unit. Completion of the entire course (five units) earns the student 15 under-graduate credit hours (three per unit).

Cost
$600 per unit (Canadian or US dollars).
Sources for financial aid (PDF file)

To apply
Click here to APPLY ONLINE
The application process starts by filling out the PSDE inquiry form. Students may enroll any time from September through May.

Additional information

Leadership training for multicultural groups
The Leading God's People curriculum is also used for the Multicultural Leadership Education program.

Journey
See how the Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference, Central District Conference and AMBS are using the Leading God's People curriculum in a conference-based leadership development program called Journey.

Questions?

Contact Lois Hess Nafziger
administrative assistant, PSDE
(574) 296-6245

PSDE packets are available upon request.