The Rocky Mountain Conference encourages interested UCC lay leaders to pursue theological education and formal training. Below, we’ve listed a handful of providers and programs that offer these kinds of opportunities, and we encourage lay persons to take advantage of these offerings.

• The Center for Ministry and Lay Training at Phillips Theological Seminary: Phillips offers a variety of affordable courses for lay leaders, ranging from Biblical Studies and pastoral care to spiritual development and stewardship. To learn more, please visit the Phillips website.
• The Damascus Project: Founded by the Minnesota and Wisconsin Conferences of the UCC, the Damascus Project offers a Faith Foundations course for lay leaders, as well as a virtual collective for churches with less than 50 members. To learn more, please visit the Damascus Project website.
• Pathways Theological Education: Pathways offers affordable continuing education and certificate programs that are open to both clergy and lay leaders. Their comprehensive offerings include UCC History & Polity, environmental justice, foundational theological education, and more. To find the courses and curricula that are right for you, please visit the Pathways website.
• The Southern New England Conference: The Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ offers a Faith Formation Leadership Training and Certification program, as well as an Animating Antiracism program designed for lay leaders and clergy. Later in 2025, SNEC will also offer courses on church polity and family systems for lay leaders. Please visit the SNEC website for information and updates. You can also learn more by reading up on the SNEC’s Center for Transformational Leadership, signing up for the CTL newsletter, and checking out the CTL newsletter archives.