Distance is no longer a barrier for those who enroll in the Education for the Laity program offered over the Internet by the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. While the courses offered are designed for lay pastor candidates, they serve as a rich resource for all laypersons. And beginning in June of 2004 the seminary will also offer two for-credit Master of Divinity courses—Polity and Program of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and Worship in the Reformed Tradition—online at www.udtslearning.net.

Each summer the Lay Institute of Faith and Life at Columbia Theological Seminary offers a one-week Summer Lay Scholars program and both weeklong and weekend classes for Presbyterian Women Bible Moderators as well as a rich array of other courses throughout the year. For those seeking a structured, intensive program of study, the Lay Institute offers a Certificate Program in Practical Christianity or Spiritual Formation.

At San Francisco Theological Seminary the Diploma in Spiritual Formation Studies offers pastors and laypersons concentrated, seminary-level studies of Christian spiritual formation for the benefit of their ministries and their own spiritual lives. The College of Pastoral Leaders at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary offers pastors a chance to practice lifelong learning in the context of supportive long-term relationships with colleagues. The program involves meetings with a cohort group of six to eight people near home, design of personal learning goals and strategies in consultation with the director of professional development, and participation in an annual conference at the seminary.

The array of continuing education opportunities offered by Presbyterian seminaries is mind-boggling. To mention a few more: This year church leaders can take advantage of workshops, conferences, networking, and a one-of-a-kind journal for family ministry provided by the Center for Congregations and Family Ministries at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary; or participate in the Parents and Youth Convocation that annually brings together whole families with church and community leaders at Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary / Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta to explore ways of addressing important youth and family issues.

Several seminaries offer programs designed to engage youth in thinking critically about the ministry. The Summer Youth Institute at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary brings high school students to the campus from all over the country for reflection, fun, and fellowship through daily plenary sessions on Bible topics led by Pittsburgh faculty members and recent seminary graduates; elective classes with seminary professors on topics such as Medical Ethics, Archaeology, and Mission; field trips to local churches to shadow pastors; small-group interaction; and worship. Project Burning Bush is another program for high school youth interested in using their gifts and talents for the church. Participants enjoy one week in a LeaderQuest Group during summer youth conferences at Montreat Conference Center; study on the campus of Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education, and then design and lead their own church in a ministry project.