Learning Theology and Congregational Leadership in Community
TEL programs provide progressive, accessible Christian theological education year-round through special courses and seminars for clergy, laity, and spiritual seekers from diverse racial/ethnic communities. Using PSR’s “flexible learning” approach, TEL fosters a strong and supportive community environment while enabling participation at a distance through online learning. CEU’s available for individual courses and seminars.
All of TEL’s offerings are multicultural and intersectional in design and focus. They are structured to allow you to be engaged at the level that works for you—for personal spiritual formation, lay leadership training, professional growth, or continuing education. A carefully selected curriculum of online experiences may be engaged individually, or as part of a certificate program. While rich in context and perspective and taught by instructors with years of academic and leadership experience, these offerings do not require graduate-level engagement. Past students have felt challenged yet “met where they are” and more than a few have continued into seminary education and completion of a Master of Divinity degree.
If you would like to be put on our Notification list for upcoming programs and seminars, or for an opportunity to speak with the TEL Program Director, please click the link to provide your information:
Certificate in Theological Education for Leadership (CTEL)

- The 1st Saturday is a 3-hour Zoom session to outline the course, answer questions, and start presentations by the instructor and discussions about the topics presented.
- The next two weeks involve the bulk of course work for the student. Depending on the course topic, assignments may be: reading(s), short videos, short written reflections, online posts, responses to your classmates’ posts, and possibly some research into a topic. Most assignments can be completed in 30-45 minutes.
- The 2nd Saturday date is highlighted to encourage students to meet in small study-groups to support one another in completing the assignments through questions and discussions.
- The 3rd Saturday is another 3-hour Zoom session, continuing with topic presentations, reflections on assignments, and discussions. This is the closing session of the course.
- The 4th Saturday is set as the due date for any final assignment.
- Each Seminar may include pre-assignments, but there is no final assignment.
All sessions are on Saturdays, see times below.
Pacific | Hawaii | Eastern | |
---|---|---|---|
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME | 12PM - 3PM | 9AM -12PM | 3PM - 6PM |
STANDARD TIME | 11AM - 2PM | 9AM - 12PM | 2PM - 5PM |
Please see the schedule below for the upcoming CTEL Program dates and topics.

Questions about Upcoming Classes? Please Contact:

CTEL CLASS SCHEDULE 2022-2023
Course Titles are subject to change to reflect the focus of the course.
DATES | TITLE | INSTRUCTOR |
2022: August 13 | CTEL PROGRAM ORIENTATION (Certificate students only) | |
2022: August 20, 27, September 10, 17 | THE OTHER CHRISTIAN HISTORY | Dr. Bernie Schlager |
2022: October 08, 15, 22 | INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN EDUCATION | Dr. Michael Campos |
2022: November 05, 12, 19 December 02 | INTRODUCTION TO THEOLOGICAL IDEAS FOR SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION | Dr. Jay Johnson |
2022: December 10 | SELF-CARE & MENTAL HEALTH (Seminar) | Dr. Katrina Marsh |
2022: December 17 | CARE & ADMINISTRATION OF CHURCH (Seminar) | Rev. Barbara Essex |
2023: January 07, 14, 21, 28 | OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY | Dr. Dominique Denman |
2023: Thursday, February 09, 16, 23 – Public Lecture
2023: Saturday, February 11, 18, 25 | PROFESSORS OF PRACTICE | Dr. Susan Abraham |
2023: March 04, 11, 18, 25 | BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION | Dr. Sharon Jacob |
2023: April 8, 15, 22, 29 | INTRO TO NEW TESTAMENT | Dr. Sharon Jacob |
2023: May 06, 13, 20, 27 | INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN WORSHIP | Dr. Dominique Denman |
2023: June 03, 10, 17, 24 | INTRODUCTION TO PREACHING | Rev. Cheryl Ward |
2023: July 1, 15, 22, 29 | INTRODUCTION TO PASTORAL CARE | Dr. Kellie Turner |
2023: August 05, 12, 19, 26 | INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN ETHICS | Dr. Kellie Turner |
TUITION
Community-specific students (UCC Hawaii, MCC L.E.A.D., TFAM, and former TEL students returning to complete their certificate) should contact tel@psr.edu for specific tuition rates.
Tuition | Costs | Full Certificate | $2400 (Application fee: $20, non-refundable) |
---|---|
Individual Course | $225 |
Individual Seminar | $75 |
Tuition for PSR Students | |
Individual Course | $210 |
Individual Seminar | $50 |
TEL Learners
TEL learners come from many different faith communities and backgrounds, creating rich opportunities for in-depth dialogue. The minimum age for enrolling in TEL courses is 21.
Spiritual Seekers & Laity
Individual courses and certificate programs are open to all adults who seek to increase their knowledge of theological principles. You are invited to dip your toe into the water of spiritual education and formation, or immerse your whole self. Courses are affordable, compact, and expose you to a range of exciting progressive theological ideas. You may engage in a year of study to complete the CTEL certificate; take seven months to study Gender, Sexuality & the Bible, or simply take a seminar or course that interests you. A bachelor’s degree is not required.
TEL provides high quality adult education programming for individuals and groups from congregations. It also provides focused ministry formation for individuals seeking positions of congregational leadership. Those who earn the CTEL certificate get exposure to a broad range of theology and ministry skills that can deepen biblical understanding, and build new skills.
Lay Ministers & Alternate Paths to Ministry
PSR is working with a number of denominations to provide learning experiences appropriate for ministry preparation. We are in collaboration with UMC’s California Nevada Conference CLayM lay ministry program and the Metropolitan Community Churches’ L.E.A.D. program. Consult with your local denominational representatives to see how TEL can be a part of your formation. See the TEL Certificates page for information about the CTEL and other ministry preparation programs.
Clergy
TEL offers CEUs for clergy and other professionals.The course offerings are fully accessible online, affordable and engaging for clegy looking to deepen their skills in targeted areas. The instructors are PSR and GTU professors and occasional guest instructors providing opportunities to discuss and explore current global topics.
Those Considering Seminary
Faith seekers and prospective ministers who are discerning their call to serve God in their churches or faith communities and want to explore theological studies will find riches in the program. In TEL you get to know and learn with PSR and Graduate Theological Union (GTU) faculty. Completion of the CTEL certificate entitles graduates already possessing an associate’s degree or above to apply three elective credits toward PSR graduate programs.
Congregational/Regional Groups
Learning in community is rich. We encourage groups to gather together to share a meal and engage with TEL courses and seminars. Perhaps part of the TEL program may serve your congregation’s adult education needs. Or perhaps there are a number of people in different churches in your area who want to move more deeply into progressive Christian ministry. The TEL Program Coordinator can help you form a group in your community. Congregations are invited to consider becoming a TEL Host Site.
Host Sites
Becoming a TEL Host Site is more than simply providing space and access to a virtual classroom experience. As a host site, your congregation can become a community center for gathering adult learners who want to deepen their theological and spiritual knowledge, and explore new avenues of learning and sharing a progressive perspective of Christian faith and practice. Our hope is that TEL host sites will build a community of learners within a regional cohort context.
CL: Certificate in Congregational Leadership for Emerging Leaders of Color
Who is this for:
Congregational leaders of color between the ages of 18-40 interested in strengthening their leadership skills in service to their local congregations and communities.
Certificate impact:
- Deepen theological understanding
- Strengthen your leadership
- Expand your Ministry
Certificate goal:
“Deepen understanding of practical theology and how it shapes preaching, worship leadership, pastoral care and community organizing.“
Outcomes:
The CL is a certificate based on graduate level seminary instruction in a cohort of emerging congregational leaders of color. Participants will engage in classroom sessions with graduate degree students and explore, with fellow cohort members, how to apply what they are learning to their present and future congregational leadership.
Certificate structure:
Seminary classes include:
Empathy – Pastoral care
Communication – homiletics/preaching
Ritual Design – worship/liturgy design
ELC Cohort:
Cohort discussions and coursework with Rev. Dr. Mahsea Evans will be geared toward congregational leadership and how the seminary classes apply to local church contexts.
(Class Dates to be determined)
Class Times: (Wednesday evening 5-8pm PST?) on Feb XX, March XX, and April XX
Cohort Times: (Thursday evenings 5-8pm PST?) on Feb XX, March XX, and April XX
Total number of hours to complete certificate: 36 in-class/cohort discussions plus additional assignments. “All classes and cohorts will meet online via Zoom.
Registration information: (Google form link coming soon)
Cost: $500 (Scholarships available)
CTEL: Certificate of Theological Education for Leadership
The Certificate of Theological Education for Leadership (CTEL) provides strong theological leadership training for lay and clergy leaders, equipping you to strengthen congregations and create new ministries.
One of the richest traditions of PSR’s lay certificate programs has been that of cross-cultural, cross-denominational networking and community building.
Students are encouraged to communicate one-on-one with TEL staff and instructors to develop their ministry and vocational goals, particularly if they are considering further studies at PSR.
The CTEL includes, over the course of 12 months:
- June-May: eleven online courses and two seminars. You may enroll and begin the program at any time during the year.
- May: Commencement ceremony (Optional. With other PSR graduates in Berkeley). CTEL students are invited to receive their certificate during PSR’s commencement ceremonies, along with other PSR students.
CGSB: Certificate of Gender, Sexuality & the Bible
Meet Carla: Certificate of Gender, Sexuality, and the Bible Graduate from Pacific School of Religion on Vimeo.
Is the Bible a wellspring or a weapon? The Gender, Sexuality and the Bible course series at PSR invites all readers of the Bible to join a rich, substantive exploration of sexuality and gender from a progressive, theological perspective.
Six highly engaging, sensitive, and community-minded monthly online sessions bring participants into direct conversation with seminary faculty, faith leaders, and each other.
There are no educational or religious pre-requisites, just an open mind and a desire to learn. Individual courses and the full certificate program are open to all, whether you plan to lead your congregation in study or simply ponder these issues at home over a cup of coffee.
For pastors and professionals who wish to engage, 1.6 CEUs are available for each course and 11.5 CEUs are awarded for the full certificate.
The Theological Education for Leadership Certificate in Gender, Sexuality and the Bible helps participants to:
- Think theologically about contemporary sexual practices and identities
- Acquire a respectful common language for discussion of gender, sexuality, and the Bible
- Interpret the Bible through a progressive lens
- Gain confidence in leading and participating in discussions of gender, sexuality, and the Bible
- Uncover relationships between race, class, and sexuality
Credit for TEL Courses
CEUs
TEL courses may be taken for continuing education units (CEUs). One CEU is awarded for each ten hours of contact and study. Foundations courses award 1.6 units and seminars award 0.3 units.
TEL courses do not provide academic (college or graduate school) credit, with one exception, as noted below.
CTEL Students
CTEL graduates who already possess an associates degree or higher may petition to transfer up to 3.0 credits toward a PSR graduate certificate or degree program by the end of their first semester at PSR. CTEL graduates must apply and be accepted to PSR graduate programs separately from the TEL program. Request transcripts here and follow credit transfer procedures to apply CTEL credits to your PSR program. Credits must be transferred in students’ first semester of PSR graduate study. The maximum time allowed to complete the CTEL is seven years from program admission.
Denominational Recognition
Some denominations or conferences may recognize TEL courses or the Certificate of Theological Education for Leadership (CTEL) as fulfilling requirements for certification or other needs. For the Certified Lay Minister (CLayM) program of the California Nevada Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, and the Metropolitan Community Churches’ L.E.A.D. lay leadership program, CTEL is a provider of online coursework. Speak with your conference ministers if you wish to see TEL become a formal part of ministerial or lay leadership formation in your area.
TEL Hawaii Certificates
Certificates offered online through the TEL Hawaii program provide recognition of achievement in general or focused areas of study. If you wish to use a TEL certificate as part of a formal ministerial development plan, check with your denominational office first. Because courses are not taught at graduate-level intensity, TEL courses do not count toward graduate-level academic credit (see Credit for exception/details).
Download the brochure here.
By focusing on five major themes and events that shaped Christianity, the immense landscape of Christian history, we can come to some useful definition and principles for thinking about the history of Christianity as the introductory level. From a standpoint of progressive Christianity, we will engage five important defining issues in the two thousand years of the world’s largest faith tradition:
- The cultural origins of a new religion;
- The fourth-century Council of Nicaea that illustrated
the connections of political power and perceived needs for theological unity; - The medieval translations of Christianity
ironically resulting in more division and ultimately voluntary religion and the possibility of unbelief; - And the explosive 19th and 20th centuries with especial attention to connections of global evangelization goals of much of Christianity with the globalization of western modernity.
Faculty
Instructors include Pacific School of Religion and Graduate Theological Union (GTU) faculty, PSR and GTU doctoral students, and qualified professionals from a range of Christian denominations. These excellent instructors represent a variety of racial/ethnic backgrounds and many come from the same communities as TEL students.
Cost
Tuition costs are set as low as possible in order to encourage broad participation. Although no scholarships are available from PSR for TEL, students may find support from their congregations or denominations.
Students registered for TEL certificates receive a 40% discount on registration costs, as indicated above.
Seminars
- $35 per seminar for certificate students & PSR students
- $50 per seminar for the general public
Courses
- $120 per course for certificate students & PSR students
- $200 per course for the general public
Processing Fees
Non-refundable processing fees of approximately 6% are charged in addition to the base cost.
Certificate Costs
To complete the twelve-month CTEL program, online course registration costs total $1260 plus approximately $75.60 processing fees. The cost of books is not included in the tuition total. Students can anticipate spending $150 – $200 for required reading materials. There is a $30 CTEL application fee.
To complete the Gender, Sexuality & the Bible certificate program, online registration costs total $820 plus approximately $49 processing fees. Students can anticipate spending approximately $140 for required reading materials.
Refund Policy
You may request a refund for the cost of a TEL course or webinar, not including processing fees, one day (24 hours) before the start time of the course or webinar. Processing fees are determined by the vendor engaged to manage online sales and are not set by PSR. No refunds are available within 24 hours of the start of the course or webinar, and no refunds are available after the course or webinar begins. Requests must be made in writing and emailed to tel@psr.edu.
TEL program application fees are non-refundable.

In Memoriam:
Rev. Janice Sommerville
(May 9, 1951 – December 31, 2020)
"Janice impacted each of our lives in the community in deep ways through her commitment to life and ministry, dedication to making theological education accessible, and helping others see, hear ,and live out their callings. She shaped the faith journeys of countless students, including her work to launch our Hawaii Cohort of TEL."