Welcome to the

Rocky Mountain Conference

of the United Church of Christ

Trainings for Lay Leaders

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.

Coming Soon

  • Boundary Awareness for Lay Church Staff: Developed by the historic Massachusetts Conference, this introductory course will equip Faith Formation Leaders with the basics of healthy boundaries. This course will explore specifically the joys and challenges of ministering to and with children. Through reading, conversation, and case studies, participants will create their own guiding principles for ethical behavior in ministry. Note this course expects participants to read several articles and watch a brief video prior to class. Click here to learn more and register.
    • Presenter:  Rev. Gregory Morisse
    • Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, 5:30 – 8:30 pm
    • Online via Zoom
    • Registration closes Sept. 24, 2025 or when all spaces are filled.  
    • Please note:  This program is designed for lay church leaders and does not meet the requirements for authorized ministers.
    • The standard cost of this program is $65. Participants from within the Southern New England Conference UCC pay a discounted rate of $50 made possible through Proportional Giving to Our Church’s Wider Mission, individual donors, and other gifts to the Southern New England Conference.

  • Racial Justice for Laity: Intro to Race, Racism and Racial Justice: This workshop is a broad, but not comprehensive, introduction to race as a concept, racism and its various forms, and various forms of working toward racial justice. Particular attention is paid to Christian foundations for racism and the history of slavery and colonization in New England.  This workshop is designed for lay leaders, and clergy are welcome. This workshop is hosted via Zoom on October 14-15, 2025 from 6 – 8 pm EST each day.  Registration deadline is Oct. 9. Click here to learn more and register.