Studying Theology and Leading Congregations in a Community Context
Can I do this? It’s a question we frequently hear from students entering the TEL program. Many have full-time jobs, some are changing careers, while others are facing substantial life transitions. What unites them is a sense that they are all called to deeper service. TEL was created to meet them where they are and equip them with the tools to answer that call. We offer a flexible approach to learning. Students will work with experienced university instructors and encounter a compassionate community that provides a safe space to grow and explore. TEL has been a program of Pacific School of Religion for almost 40 years.
Many TEL students go on to pursue higher theological education, achieving seminary degrees. Others find unexpected avenues to serve their communities.
Who We Are:
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. TEL fosters a strong and supportive community environment while enabling participation at a distance through online learning.
What We Offer:
All of TEL’s offerings are multicultural and intersectional in design and focus, and are structured to allow students to be engaged at the level that works for them. A carefully selected curriculum of online experiences can be engaged individually, or combined 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.
Certificate in Theological Education for Leadership (CTEL)
The Certificate in Theological Education for Leadership (CTEL) is a year-long program bringing thoughtful and powerful examination of the ways that Christian teachings, sacred text, and prophetic witness can be brought to the issues calling for love and justice in our world today.
Completion of the Certificate in Theological Education for Leadership requires participation in: 9 course sessions, and 2 seminar sessions.
Download the application form below:
Once filled out, email to troseboro@psr.edu
CTEL Class Dates: 2024 - 2025
| Dates | Title | Instructor |
|---|---|---|
| January 4, 11, 18, 25 | Intro to Liberation Theology | Dr. Leonard McMahon |
| February 1, 8, 15, 22 | Intro to the New Testament | EunHye Grace So |
| March 8, 15, 22, 29 | Biblical Interpretation | EunHye Grace So |
| April 5, 12, 19, 26 | TBD | Lisa Asedillo, PhD |
Class Times
| Pacific | Hawaii | Eastern | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME | 12PM - 3PM | 9AM -12PM | 3PM - 6PM |
| STANDARD TIME | 11AM - 2PM | 9AM - 12PM | 2PM - 5PM |
Course Schedule FAQ
Each Course is scheduled for four Saturdays:
Some courses may require assignments to be completed before the 1st Saturday. These assignments could be: reading(s), watching short videos, a short written reflection to “prompt” your current thoughts about and experience with the upcoming topics. The intent is always to prepare you for informed and enriching discussions with your instructor and your classmates.
- All Zoom sessions will start at **11 AM PST** except for **March 22nd**, which will begin at **12 PM** due to Daylight Saving Time.
- The 1st Saturday is a 3-hour Zoom session to outline the course, answer questions, and start presentations by the instructor and discuss the topics presented.
- The following 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.
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 |