The Rocky Mountain Conference encourages interested lay persons to pursue theological education and formal training for lay leadership. Below, we’ve listed a handful of providers and programs that offer these kinds of learning opportunities:
Church Leadership Training with the Southern New England Conference UCC: March 7th, 2026
Join CTL staff for a morning of practical learning for church officers. Following a collective, opening workshop, we will break into groups to provide framework and best practices for the following leadership roles: Moderators, Treasurers, Pastoral Support Committees, and Nominating Committees, Join if you are new to your role, or a seasoned leader looking to hear about new best practices.
Sat., March 7, 2026, 9 am – 12:30 pm
Online via Zoom
Registration closes February 28, 2026.
Click here to register.
The standard cost of this program is $25. Participants from within the Southern New England Conference UCC pay a discounted rate of $20 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 Authorized Ministers & Lay Leaders — Foundations: May 16th, 2026
This 8-hour workshop is designed for both lay leaders and for Authorized Ministers who have not had racial justice training within the past 3 years and is recommended to Associations that require racial justice training. Click here to learn more and register.
Racial Justice of Authorized Ministers & Lay Leaders — Renewal: June 6th, 2026
In this 8-hour workshop, participants and facilitators will co-create brave space and practice embodying anti-racism within ourselves and in ministry/church settings. Click here to learn more and register.
The Georgetown University 2026 Faith & Justice Summer Academy
Open to pastors, seminarians, and lay leaders! Learn more on the program website.
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.
