Compass: What to expect
The purpose of Compass is to provide an accessible, community-based, and flexible pathway for individuals to gain the practical skills and formation necessary for effective ministry leadership and service within the church.
Audience: This program is an ideal place for anyone exploring a call to ministry, welcoming individuals from diverse educational backgrounds and a variety of denominational contexts. It is particularly suited to those who are in discernment toward ministry in the Moravian Church, those seeking a non-degree path to ordination in the United Church of Christ, or those preparing for leadership in other denominations that have approved a non-degree context for ministry training.
Workload: Designed with busy schedules in mind, the program features a manageable workload, making it feasible for those currently working or volunteering in other capacities.
Format: Courses are 6 weeks long and require about 5 hours per week of engagement, split between independent work and synchronous time on Zoom. Most courses offer 3 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) for those seeking professional development credit.
Application and orientation: An asynchronous class “Compass Orientation” provides detailed information about the program, walks folks through a streamlined application process, and explains the Lebenslauf activity, completed via a Zoom session offered twice a year.
Curricula: The foundational curriculum consists of 12 six-week classes that can be completed in one or two years (depending on pace of participation). Completion is recognized with a “Certificate in Ministry Formation.” Five additional six-week classes are offered as deeper dives into ministry and leadership. Completion of all 17 six-week classes is recognized with a combined “Certificate in Ministry and Leadership Formation.” Check with your denominational body about which certificate is the best fit for your ministry goals.
Relation to former programs: The foundational “Certificate in Ministry Formation” is a revision of the former Crossroads curriculum. The “Certificate in Ministry and Leadership Formation” is equivalent to the former PAM “Ministerial Institute” curriculum.
Ministerial credentialing: Compass neither guarantees nor grants credentialing for ministry. Questions of licensing, commissioning, ordination, and other forms of ministerial credentialing should be directed to the candidate’s judicatory.
Relation to denominations: The Compass foundational curriculum of 12 classes (as was the Crossroads program) is designed to meet the needs of ministry leaders in the Moravian Church. Compass (as was PAM) is a recognized Regional Theological Education Program for the UCC, providing one of the multiple pathways of educational preparation for authorized ministry in the UCC. Every class in the Compass certificate curriculum (17 classes) is aligned with the UCC Marks of Faithful and Effective Ministry. Classes also integrate a Moravian ethos of humble, relational theology into an ecumenical curriculum, welcoming diverse leaders and preparing them for varied contexts.
Denominational requirements: For Moravians preparing for ministry, the foundational “Certificate in Ministry Formation” should be augmented with a class in Moravian history and polity as well as monthly spiritual direction. (Compass can provide a vetted list of spiritual directors to contact.) For Members in Discernment (MIDs) in the UCC, the Compass “Certificate in Ministry and Leadership Formation” should be augmented with a class in UCC history and polity as well as participation in a community of practice through the candidate’s conference or association. Specific educational requirements for UCC ordination are ultimately determined by the individual’s Committee on Ministry.
Community & connection: Expect strong connections with other participants and a focus on experiential, applied learning within a supportive community.
Questions?
Contact Rev. Dr. Lindsey Scott or Rev. Dr. Darryl Stephens