FAQs

What is the purpose of the Stevenson School for Ministry (SSFM)?

Our school began as a flexible alternative to seminary education to prepare students for ordination in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. Education for everyone (lay and ordained) was part of our founding vision. We have evolved into a collaborative online school that provides quality education for the present and future needs of our church and the people and parishes within our diocese and well beyond our borders.

Where is SSFM located?

Who are your partners?

SSFM is always in active conversation with new partner organizations. Currently, we are associated with other dioceses of the Episcopal Church: Bethlehem, Pittsburgh, Maryland, West Virginia, and Delaware. We also share resources with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lower Susquehanna Synod, Lancaster Theological Seminary/Moravian Theological Seminary, and United Lutheran Seminary.

Is SSFM just for people who are seeking ordination as a priest in the Episcopal Church?

No. We provide quality education to both individuals and parishes. We provide quality education to people seeking ordination as both priests and deacons. We provide quality education to people wanting to take leadership roles in their church.

What certificate programs of study are available?

We offer a variety of structured programs of study:

Joint Certificate in Anglican Studies from Lancaster Theological Seminary

Lay Certificates:

Lay Worship Leader
Lay Preacher

Ministry of the Deacon

Ministry of the Priest

Does getting a SSFM certificate guarantee ordination or licensure by the Bishop?

What if I just want to take a single course or seminar?

How is the SSFM academic year structured?

What is the Certificate in Anglican Studies in collaboration with Lancaster Theological Seminary/Moravian Theological Seminary?

Lancaster Theological Seminary/Moravian Theological Seminary and the Stevenson School offer this certificate program as a collaborative venture to prepare students for service in the Episcopal Church. It may be taken as a stand-alone certificate or as part of the Lancaster/Moravian M.Div. degree program. This Certificate program supports a variety of Episcopal ministries ranging from priesthood and the diaconate to pastoral care, educational and lay ministries.

How much do SSFM courses cost?

Graded 14-week courses cost $400 at present, with an additional $75 tech fee per term, regardless of how many courses you take. This is the same price for either graded or pass/fail courses. A 7-week course is $200. To audit a 14-week course, which receives no grades and no credit, is $200. Community classes vary in cost depending on the length of the program. Some racial justice offerings of the school are provided at no charge.

Is there financial support available to me?

What kind of credits will I receive, and will I be able to access a transcript?

Is SSFM accredited? Can I use these courses for a Bachelors or Masters degree?

What are the options for taking an SSFM course?

FAQs

Lay Certificates:

Ministry of the Deacon

Ministry of the Priest

Pathways

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