Deacon Formation

Academic Programs

Formal coursework of interest to deacons and aspirants.

Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (multiple locations & online)

  • Dimensions of the Faith (Certificate): The Dimensions of the Faith program is for any Christian who desires foundational knowledge in the Old and New Testaments, Biblical Interpretation, Church History, Theology, and World Missions. Free, online program.
    Comments by submitter: After completing the certificate, students will have an excellent base for passing most diocesan diaconal examinations (assuming some directed reading in Anglican studies). Plus, graduates get a $1000 scholarship to Gordon Conwell. GC offers a Master of Arts in Religion—Workplace Theology, Ethics and Leadership that focuses on building bridges between religious and secular worlds, churches and corporations, seminaries and business schools … perfect for deacons!

St. Aidan’s Institute (Anglican Diocese in New England)

  • From the website: St. Aidan’s Institute offers a certificate programs for laity in Church Planting, Christian Lay Leadership, Christian Formation, and Anglicanism. We also offer a comprehensive program for the training of people preparing for ordination to the Sacred Order of Priests.
  • Lay Certificate Program
  • Anglican Ordination Program

St. Benedict’s School for Ministry (Peoria, Illinois)

  • From the website: St. Benedict School for Ministry is an independent, church-related entity inaugurated in the Diocese of Quincy in the Anglican Church in North America, in October 2013, to provide training for those pursuing vocations, both lay and ordained, in the Church as well as continuing education for clergy and lay leaders.
  • Certificate in Diaconal Studies/Certificate in Christian Studies
  • Diploma in Anglican Studies
  • Licentiate in Theology

Trinity School for Ministry (Ambridge, Pennsylvania)

  • Certificate of Diaconal Studies
  • Trinity Announces the Certificate of Diaconal Studies

Denominational and Diocesan Diaconate Programs

  • Diocese of Pittsburgh (ACNA)