Do you feel called to ministry? 

PLD was started in the summer of 2004 as a three-year study program for persons seeking ordination in the Southern Conference, UCC. Since then the PLD Program has had 19 graduates, 11 of whom have been ordained in Southern Conference [ENCA (7), EVA (1), and WNCA (3)].

To qualify for the PLD (Pastoral Leadership Development) program you must be:

• at least 35 years old with a high school education or GED
• a member of a local UCC congregation
• recommended by a pastor and/or home church

New in 2011

Beginning in the fall of 2011 PLD will become a 4 year curriculum with the first year of the program being an open invitation to everyone in the SOC who is interested in the possibility of preparing for "authorized ministry" in the UCC as well as laypeople who would like to have more theological education to enhance their calling as lay leaders or “lay ministers.” The first year of courses will consist of 5 classes that comprise "Foundations and Formation for Ministry." As implied, each of these courses will lay a foundation for further course work if the participant continues in the PLD program. This will be a year of focused reflection and discernment, and by the end of it participants will ascertain whether they want to continue in the program toward ordination or licensure. If they choose not to, they will receive a certificate of completion for lay leadership. If they choose to continue in PLD, they will need to make a new application, be recommended by their local church and the PLD director, and meet with their Association’s Church and Ministry Committee to start the Member in Discernment process.The next 3 years of coursework will be similar to the current PLD curriculum with the exception/addition of a 3-6 month time of Supervised Ministry in a setting that will help the participants gain some "hands on" experience in a ministerial context consistent with their calling with the guidance of seasoned authorized ministers. Tuition will continue to be $1500/year, the same amount we have charged since the beginning of the program.

For more information about the Pastoral Leadership program, contact the Director, Rev. Margot Pickett, PLDdirector@frontier.com or 919-493-2722 (land line) or 919-414-6053 (cell phone).