25-26 Christian Educator Certification Course: Presbyterian Polity, Program, and Mission

Name: 25-26 Christian Educator Certification Course: Presbyterian Polity, Program, and Mission
Start: 2025-10-09T12:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-10-09T14:00:00-04:00

October 9 @ 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

$275

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CECE Course instructed by Joyce MacKichan Walker and Jenna Campbell: Presbyterian Polity, Program, and Mission

Course Description:

This course provides knowledge of current resources and mission emphases of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and integrates the study of the Presbyterian Constitution (Book of Confessions and Book of Order) and the Program and Mission of the PCUSA into the context of the educator. Scripture, polity, and the structure, mission, and program of the PCUSA, as it is described and resourced by presbyteries, synods, and the General Assembly, usually provides the content for this certification course. Critical examination, guided exploration, and careful integration of those key resources provide educators an opportunity to draw upon the richness of the Presbyterian tradition as they take leadership roles in their congregations and ministries. The course will provide opportunities for educators to explore how the polity, program, and mission of the PCUSA will impact, guide, and influence their educational programs and events.

Meet the instructors

Joyce MacKichan Walker is a Certified Christian Educator who has served the larger church as a keynote speaker and workshop leader. She was honored as the Educator of the Year by the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators in 2008. She taught Presbyterian Polity at Princeton Theological Seminary for eight years and continues to teach the polity certification course for the PCUSA educator certification process, and “Teaching for Transformation” for POAMN (Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network). Joyce served the Nassau Presbyterian Church in Princeton NJ as Director of Christian Education and then, following ordination to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament in 2007, as Minister of Education and Mission until her retirement in July 2018. A 1979 graduate of the Presbyterian School of Christian Education (now Union Presbyterian Seminary) in Richmond VA, she lives in Princeton, NJ where she continues to write and teach online and travel at every opportunity!

Jenna Campbell is a Certified Christian Educator and serves as the Director of Children and Youth Ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater, OK. She earned her master’s degree in Christian Education from Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond. She is passionate about engaging children, youth, and their families in a faith that actively pursues justice and compassion in the world. Jenna is the 2023 Association of Partners in Christian Education (APCE) ENRICH Educator of the Year. She enjoys life with her husband Casey and their two teenage daughters.

Dates: 9 synchronous online course meetings from 12-2pm EST on Wed. Oct 8, Fri. Oct 10, Mon. Oct 13, Wed. Oct 15, Fri. Oct 17, Wed. Oct 22, Wed. Oct 29, Wed. Nov 5, and Wed. Nov 12.

Offered by the Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary

Registration closes on October 7, 2025, 2 days before the first class meeting.

UPSem faculty, staff, and students can register for this class for free. If you are a UPSem faculty, staff, or student, you can register here using your UPSem email address. If you are in financial need of a discounted registration fee, please contact Deborah Keyes, subject line “CEPPM: Financial Aid.