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Events and Opportunities

Introduction to Christ Servant Ministry  (All are welcome)​​​

  • ​​​November 7, 2026 - South District Mini Academy - Introduction to Christ Servant Ministry - an in-person Introduction to Christ Servant Ministry will be held at Hopewell UMC.   The primary instructor for Christ Servant Ministry - The Journey Begins will be Judy Ehninger.  The course needs at least 12 participants and is limited to the first 16 registrations.  For more information contact either Instructor, Judy Ehninger or South District CSM Director, Sheri Kentner.  To register click on this link.  

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Advanced Training  (All are welcome)​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​

  • ​November 7, 2026 - South District Mini Academy -

Finding Your Voice: Essentials of Preaching  - an in-person Advanced CSM course in Speaking taught by Rev. Amy Banka.  A pre-requisite for this course is Speaking 1.  The course is designed to help you discover and develop your unique voice as a preacher.  Everything from self-awareness and understanding your audience to mastering different types of sermons and effective communication techniques will be discussed. The Saturday classroom time and 2 hours of pre-seminar preparation/assignment will be combined to make up the required 10 hours for the advanced course credit.  The pre-class preparation/assignment will be emailed once you have registered.  

 

Leadership Lessons from a Reluctant Prophet - an in-person Advanced CSM course in Leadership taught by Rev. Steve Morton.   This course will be a step-by-step investigation of The Book of Jonah, exploring its significant theological themes and its intentional, homiletical function - yet with a specific eye toward cultivating our own Best Practices in leadership as revealed to us in this Jewish "hero.".  The pre-class preparation/assignment will be emailed once you have registered.  

 

Finishing Strong: Nurturing Our Aging Congregations  - an in-person Advanced CSM course in Caring taught by Margie Krut, CSM and Celeste Schiller, CSM This course will encourage you to appreciate the gifts and contributions of older persons, no matter what stage of life they are in. It will help you to recognize the physical, spiritual, and social needs of these members so that your church can be more effective in older adult ministry and continue to benefit from the faith and wisdom of these individuals. There is also significant attention to the role of Christian faith in helping us to finish strong, no matter what age we are, when God calls us home. The pre-class preparation/assignment will be emailed once you have registered.

   

For more information on the South District Mini Academy contact South District CSM Director, Sheri Kentner. To register click on this link.  

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  • Over the upcoming months, there will be numerous on-line courses that can be taken for CSM credit. (See "Seasonal Opportunities below.) These courses include BeADisiciple.com Some as well as on-line credit courses such as Basic Sexual Ethics; Dismantling Racism, Emotional Intelligence and Diversity.  To receive credit for on-line experiences a CSM request for credit form must be completed and submitted no later than 30 days after completion of the course.   (Download Request for Credit Form in PDF).

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Advanced Training on-line via BeADisciple.com

BeADisciple.com – hosts online advanced courses. The courses on their website identified with the “learning and leading” logo are approved by Discipleship Ministries (formerly the General Board of Discipleship) and meet the continuing education requirements for renewal of Christ Servant Minister (one advanced course every 3 years), Certified Lay Speaker (one advanced course every 3 years), or Certified Lay Minister (one advanced course every 2 years).

CLM Orientation  (More information can be found on the Certified Lay Minister page)

    Contact Judy Ehninger, CLM Program Coordinator,  for information

      Call:  610-442-3140 or Email: judy.ehninger@gmail.com.

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Seasonal Opportunities​​​​​​​

 

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  • Mission U - When you participate in events sponsored by United Women in Faith be sure to complete a "Request for Credit" form. (Download Request for Credit Form in PDF).

 

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  • Tools for Ministry Workshops - If you participated in a Tools for Ministry workshop please be sure you complete a "Request for Credit" form to insure that you receive the appropriate credit. (Download Request for Credit Form in PDF) ​

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  • Sexual Ethics Workshops - These workshops are held at various times throughout the year. To learn of a date of for an upcoming workshop or for more information on Sexual Ethics workshops, contact Rev. Mark Terry    revmarkterry@gmail.com

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  • BeADisciple.com –  hosts online courses approved by Discipleship Ministries for use as an advanced course in Lay Servant Ministries (i.e. Christ Servant Ministries). These approved courses are designated on their website as "Lay Servant Ministries" and include a variety of titles & instructors including…

       Biblical Storytelling  – Beth Galbreath
       Transforming Evangelism – Debra Dickerson

        Rediscovering our Spiritual Gifts – Beth Perry
        Leading Worship 101 for Lay Leaders - Dan Benedict
        Multimedia Technology in Worship –John Zimmerman
        Caring for the Caregiver - Harriet Wilkin

Those interested in registering or learning more about these titles can view and register by clicking on the following link: BeADisciple.com.

Individuals registering for any of the BeADisciple.com courses should communicate the necessary information with the conference director, George Hollich to insure that CSM credit is assigned. (Download Request for Credit Form in PDF)

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Other Events

  • The Wesley Theological Seminary Lay Academy offers 11 online courses covering a variety of topics including Methodist identity, early church history, Christian ethics, interfaith relations, and the intersection of faith and science. Laypeople can earn a certification in Wesleyan Studies by completing six of the courses online, or can choose to take courses individually for personal education and enrichment. All of the Wesley Theological Seminary Lay Academy courses can be viewed at BeADisciple.com.

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  • Evangelical Seminary’s School of Lifelong Learning Institute for Church Leadership offers a series of courses in Bible, theology, spiritual disciplines, evangelism, church history, missions, and counseling. CSM credit can be requested for these opportunities for spiritual enrichment and leadership development.  They are  open to all without any educational prerequisites. They are not seminary level courses and do not earn credit from Evangelical Seminary.  If you wish to inquire about courses please apply online or contact Joel Kime at joel.kime@evangelical.edu.

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For more information on Christ Servant Ministries or CSM sponsored events call:  717-838-2812 or E-mail:  George Hollich

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