Union Presbyterian Seminary

25-26 Pathways: The Christian Life
2025-12-15 10:58 (America/New_York) | NC
Course Description: This course is designed to provide knowledge of Protestant perspectives on the Christian life. Participants will explore biblical and theological foundations that shape an understanding of the Christian life. Reflection on focused experiences of spiritual practices will engage students in critical analysis of their own spiritual lives and nurture opportunities for congregational ministry and leadership. Through assignments, online discussion, and class lectures, participants will engage in vital components of the Christian life.
Meet the Instructor: Karen-Marie Yust

Karen-Marie’s work nurtures spirituality and fosters theological reflection across generations. Currently, she researches the impact of digital culture on spirituality among children, youth, and young adults, using insights from media studies, psychology, and education. She examines how online interactions influence identity and community and how the Church can respond to modern realities. She also explores moral development in young children and how adults can nurture their moral sensibilities.
Additionally, she investigates changing dynamics in congregational life, seeking new approaches to faith formation and educational ministries outside traditional settings, including online platforms and non-religious spaces. She is an experienced pastor and Christian educator, ordained in both the United Church of Christ and Disciples traditions.

Dates: Thursdays, 7-9pm EST, May 21 – June 25, 2026
Registration closes 2 days before the first class meeting on May 19, 2026.
Offered by the Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary

If you are in financial need of a discounted registration fee, please contact Deborah Keyes, subject line “PWTCL : Financial Aid”.
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.

25-26 Pathways: Mission & Evangelism
2025-12-15 10:55 | NC
Pathways Online Course instructed by Rev. Dr. Aram Feinberg: Mission & Evangelism

Before joining Bayside, Rev. Dr. Aram Feinberg was the associate pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville. The shape of her call began in ministry with youth & families before shifting towards outreach & adult faith formation.
Aram attended Smith College and taught fifth grade before going to Princeton Seminary (MDiv). She continued her theological education at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond (MACE) and Union Theological Seminary in New York City (PhD) where she served as director of family ministries at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church. She is an instructor for Union Presbyterian Seminary’s continuing education program, teaching mission & evangelism.
Course Description:
The overarching goal of this course is to develop a contextual framework to understand mission and evangelism. Students will re-imagine the contours of mission and the task of evangelism, involving a theologically based approach to mission and evangelism and considering the impact of the growing demographic of the “unaffiliated” (or Spiritual But Not Religious) across the religious landscape of America. Students will examine an approach to mission and evangelism that addresses the needs of society, reflecting ways in which a local church continues its commitment to the gospel message (love God and love neighbor) and to the great commission (go and make disciples).
Dates: Wednesdays, 7-9pm EST, April 22 – May 27, 2026
Offered by the Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary

Registration closes on April 20, 2026, 2 business 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 “PWME: Financial Aid.

25-26 Pathways: Preaching
2025-12-01 19:00, 2025-11-24 19:00, 2025-11-17 19:00, 2025-11-10 19:00, 2025-11-03 19:00, 2025-10-27 19:00 | NC
Course Description:
Participants will consider the theological “why” of preaching and learn the practical “how” of preaching, including the basic elements of sermon preparation. The learning will then be put into practice by students crafting and delivering a sermon. Attention will also be given to the giving and receiving of sermon feedback.
Meet the Instructor

Dr. Donna Giver-Johnston is an ordained minister of word and sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Over her twenty years in ministry, she has served churches in New Jersey and Ohio, and most recently as Pastor of Community Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Currently, she is a member of the faculty and the Director of the Doctor of Ministry degree program at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. She has earned degrees from Vanderbilt University (PhD and MA), Princeton Seminary (MDiv), and Westminster College (BA). Her published books include Claiming the Call to Preach: Four Female Pioneers of Preaching in Nineteenth-Century America (Oxford, 2021); Writing for the Ear, Preaching from the Heart (Fortress, 2021); For Every Matter Under Heaven: Preaching for Special Occasions (Fortress Press, 2022).
Dates: Mondays, 7-9pm EST, October 27 – December 1, 2025
Registration closes on October 17, 2025.
Offered by the Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary

If you are in financial need of a discounted registration fee, please contact Deborah Keyes, subject line “PWP : Financial Aid”.
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.

25-26 WLI Course: Womanist Pedagogy
2025-11-25 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-18 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-11 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-04 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-28 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-21 19:00 - 21:00 | NC
Course Description:
Focusing on Rev. Dr. Katie G. Cannon’s idea of “unshouted courage,” this course considers the question: What does it mean to teach for courage in various contexts of leadership and ministry? The course will consider three key theoretical and practical components of womanist pedagogy that yields courageous students who work for the humanity of all people, particularly Black humanity.
Meet the Instructor

Dr. Evelyn Parker is a distinguished visiting professor and accomplished scholar in practical theology, with degrees from Lambuth College, Prairie View A&M University, Southern Methodist University, and Northwestern University. She has authored and edited several influential works on adolescent spirituality, race, and gender, including Between Sisters and Trouble Don’t Last Always. A leader in theological education and advocacy, Parker has served as academic dean at Perkins School of Theology and held prominent roles in organizations such as the Association of Practical Theology and the Society for the Study of Black Religion. Deeply rooted in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, she has represented the denomination globally through the World Council of Churches, contributing to policy, education, and humanitarian efforts. Dr. Parker most recently published Tangible Grace, Ministry Interventions for Teen Dating Violence, Fortress Press 2025. The Amazon.com link is here.

Dates: Tuesdays, 7-9pm EST, October 21 – November 25, 2025
Registration closes 2 business days before the first class meeting on Friday, October 17, 2025.
Offered by the Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary

If you are in financial need of a discounted registration fee, please contact Deborah Keyes, subject line “WLIWP: Financial Aid”.
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.

25-26 Pathways: Teaching the Bible
2025-11-20 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-13 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-06 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-30 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-23 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-16 19:00 - 21:00 | NC
Course Description:
This interdisciplinary course examines selected approaches to Bible teaching from the perspectives of biblical scholarship and Christian education. The purpose of this course is to equip participants to develop planning, implementation, and evaluation skills for teaching the Bible.
Meet the Instructor

Dr. Rebecca L. Davis is the Sarah Belk Gambrell Professor of Christian Education, Director of the MACE program and the Center for Excellence in Christian Education at Union Presbyterian Seminary. She is a Teaching Elder and a Certified Educator in the PCUSA. For over thirty years, her teaching ministry was embodied in congregations and beyond. She now teaches those preparing for leadership and advocacy in the church and world. Her passion for child advocacy led her to serve on staff of the Children’s Defense Fund and the National Council of Churches’ working for justice for children and their families. She was the founding chair of the Presbyterian Child Advocacy Network and served on the National Committee for the Self-Development of People foe the denomination. She was named APCE’s 2018 Educator of the Year.

Dates: Thursdays, 7-9pm EST, October 16 – November 20, 2025
Registration closes 2 days before the first class meeting on October 14, 2025
Offered by the Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary

If you are in financial need of a discounted registration fee, please contact Deborah Keyes, subject line “PWTTB : Financial Aid”.
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.

The Generosity Journey Workshop
2025-11-17 18:30 - 20:30 | NC
Workshop Description:
This interactive workshop invites participants to reframe generosity as a pathway to Christlike formation. Rooted in Scripture and shaped by a theology of abundance, The Generosity Journey offers practical tools to nurture a culture of generosity in both your heart and your church.
Drawing on their experience and insight, Erica and Steve guide participants through the three pillars of a generous church—vision, formation, and systems—using group discussion, storytelling, and a generosity culture assessment. You’ll leave with a clear roadmap to move from financial fatigue to spiritual momentum—and a renewed vision for becoming and forming generous disciples.
Watch our webinar with Erica and Steve, The Spiritual Impact of Generosity, for an intro to the workshop!

Register at the bottom of this page!
Register by October 1, 2025 for an early bird discounted registration fee

Details
Steve and Erica will co-facilitate this workshop simultaneously at both Union Presbyterian Seminary campuses—Richmond and Charlotte—on November 17, 2025, from 6:30-8:30 PM. Attendance is free, and the session will be held exclusively in-person with no livestream or recording available.
Upon registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email with workshop details, followed by a reminder email two weeks before the event that includes navigation directions and parking information.
Materials required:
Please purchase and read “A Spirituality of Fundraising” by Henri Nouwen in advance, as we’ll dive into part of it our program

Amazon Link / Thriftbooks Link

Please also bring any printed items from your church’s context on giving/stewardship/pledging, or print off the giving page from your church’s website to bring to the workshop. We will take a look at these together as part of the program

Meet the Workshop Leaders:

Learn more about Steve here

Learn more about Erica here

Register below!

Offered by the Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary in partnership with Horizons Stewardship
If the cost of registration presents a financial barrier, please contact Deborah Keyes, subject line “GJ: Financial Aid,” for a discounted registration fee.

Virtual Open House: Doctor of Ministry
2025-11-12 18:30 - 19:30 | online/virtual
Join us for a Virtual Open House exploring our Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Program. Hosted by Ashlee Anderson, Director of Admissions, and Prof. Elizabeth Hinson Hasty, Director of the DMin Program.
Wednesday November 12th at 6:30 pm EST
You’ll hear from current D.Min. student Marina Luckhoo, who’s in the final stages of her program and will share about her experience and the project she’s developing in her ministry context. You’ll also hear from Prof. Hinson-Hasty who will offer insight into the D.Min. final project — what it is, how it unfolds, and the creative ways students have brought their work to life.
We’ll wrap up with a few updates from Admissions and plenty of time for your questions.
Whether you’re seriously considering doctoral study or simply curious, this is a welcoming space to explore how Union can help you grow in your leadership and strengthen your practice of ministry.
👉 Register today: DMin Virtual Open House Registration

Senderos: Motivos Pastorales en el Antiguo Testamento
2025-10-28 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-21 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-14 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-07 19:00 - 21:00 | NC
Descripción del Curso
Curso introductorio del Antiguo Testamento desde una perspectiva pastoral. El curso busca proporcionar herramientas exegéticas y pastorales a ministros y personas laicas, dentro de los parámetros estipulados en el programa de educación continua.
Fechas: Martes, 7-9pm (tiempo de Nueva York, en línea) 23 de septiembre – 28 de octubre, 2025
Conoce al Instructor

Edesio Sánchez Cetina, mexicano
Reside en Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, México

Maestría y Doctorado (PhD) en el Union Presbyterian Seminary de Richmond, Virginia, Estados Unidos
Grado Honorífico de Doctor en Letras Bíblicas (DLB) del Instituto Internacional de Estudios Superiores, Ciudad de México.
Es consultor emérito de traducciones bíblicas con las SBU (Sociedades Bíblicas Unidas) en las Américas. He participado en las siguientes traducciones de la Bíblica como Consultor: Maya de Yucatán, México; ´Tzotzil de Chiapas, México; Guaraní de Paraguay; Miskitu y Sumo de Nicaragua; Poqomchí de Guatemala; Kuna de Panamá; Biblia de Estudio de la Dios Habla Hoy; Coordinación general de la Traducción en Lenguaje Actual. Responsable del Departamento de Traducciones para todas las publicaciones para niños, Editor con Esteban Voth de los Comentarios para la Exégesis y la Traducción. Ha editado y publicado los siguientes libros y comentarios: Descubre la Biblia, Enseñaba por Parábolas, Sabiduría para Vivir (estudios en el libro de Proverbios), Qué es la Biblia, Antiguo Testamento y América Latina; Comentarios a: Deuteronomio, Josué, Jueces y Malaquías, 1y 2 Reyes, Proverbios. Autor de muchos artículos sobre exégesis y teología bíblica, formación y desarrollo de la Biblia y traducción de la Biblia.
Miembro de la Society of Biblical Literature (USA e internacional)
Miembro de la Fraternidad Teológica Latinoamericana.

Regístrese abajo

Las inscripciones cerrarán el 19 de septiembre, 2 días laborables antes de la primera clase.
Ofrecido por el Leadership Institute de Union Presbyterian Seminary
Si necesita ayuda financiera adicional, por favor contacte a Deborah Keyes e indique “Senderos: Ayuda Financiera” en el título del correo.
Miembros de la facultad, empleados y estudiantes de UPSem pueden inscribirse para esta clase de forma gratuita. Si usted es maestro empleado o estudiante de UPSem, puede inscribirse aquí con su email de UPSem.

Workshop: Navigating Turbulent Times
2025-10-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Charlotte Campus, 5141 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC, 28210, United States
The Leadership Institute invites you to an in-person workshop on the Charlotte campus of Union Presbyterian Seminary.
A workshop for non-profit and corporate leaders for overcoming challenges through purpose, partnership, and perseverance
What you’ll gain:

Clarity: Tools to stay grounded in your values when the world feels off-center
Connection: Strategies to build meaningful bridges across differences
Courage: Practices to sustain emotional and spiritual strength in the face of injustice

Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Meet the Workshop Leader

Nisheena Clemons is the CEO of The Called Life Collective: an international coaching and consulting firm aimed at amplifying self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and fulfillment through goal-setting strategies.

Register early for a discounted fee of $15! Early registration ends September 23, 2025. Standard registration closes October 16, 2025.
Register below!

Offered by the Leadership Institute and the Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation at Union Presbyterian Seminary.
We believe everyone should have access to this learning opportunity. If cost is a concern, please reach out to Deborah Keyes at deborah.keyes@upsem.edu, subject line “Workshop: NTT” to discuss options.

25-26 WLI Course: Womanist Leadership & Innovation
2025-10-13 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-06 19:00 - 21:00 | NC
Course Description:
Join a transformative learning experience that blends womanist ethics, Afro-futurist imagination, and strategic innovation. This course centers Black women’s wisdom as a force for visionary leadership and sustainable change.
Featuring core texts by Alice Walker, Katie Cannon, and Renita Weems, participants will explore how to lead with purpose, resilience, and radical imagination in a rapidly changing world.

Ideal for professionals in ministry, nonprofits, education, entrepreneurship, and the arts.
Grounded in justice, creativity, and collective care.
Innovation redefined—not just tech, but systems of care and cultural visioning.

#WomanistLeadership #Innovation2025 #BlackWomenLead #ContinuingEducation #LeadershipDevelopment
Meet the Instructor

Rev. Dr. Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes is a pastor, public theologian, innovation strategist and author. She is the founding-co lead pastor of The Double Love Experience Church in Brooklyn, New York and The Inaugural Director of The Technology, Innovation & Digital Engagement Lab Fellowship at Union Theological Seminary. Dr. Gabby has a heart for God’s people and prioritizes creating experiences of connection and love through the physical church, the digital space and local community engagement.
Her work has been featured in Essence, Forbes & The New York Times. She is the co-author of the best-selling book, Psalms for Black Lives: Reflections for the Work of Liberation. The book has sold over 10,000 books and counting. She is the recipient of numerous awards and citations including the 2024 National Action Network Woman of Excellence Award from Rev. Al Sharpton, the Guy R Brewer Religious Leadership Award from their Queens Democratic Club, The Yale University Charles S Mersick Preaching Prize as well as the Outstanding Graduate Student Award from The Yale Af-Am House.
Dr. Gabby’s voice echoes in the public square. In 2023 she was a featured guest in the HBO Max/Own Docu-Series, A Time of Essence. She and her church were featured in the 2024 GOSPEL documentary by Skip Gates on PBS & she was a guest speaker in the first documentary film of The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, GODTalk. She’s also a frequent guest on the nationally syndicated radio show: Get Up Mornings With Erica Campbell.
Dr. Gabby holds a doctorate from Duke University, a Masters of Divinity from Yale University, a Masters of Arts from NYU and a Bachelors from Hampton University. She is the current President of the Yale Divinity School Alumni Board and a member of the prestigious Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers.
Dr. Gabby is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and is committed to the work of love and justice. She resides in Brooklyn, New York with her husband, Rev. Dr. Andrew Wilkes.
Dates: Mondays, 7-9pm EST, September 8 – October 13, 2025
Registration closes 2 business days before the first class meeting on September 4, 2025
Offered by the Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary

If you are in financial need of a discounted registration fee, please contact Deborah Keyes, subject line “WLIWLI: Financial Aid”.
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.

25-26 Christian Educator Certification Course: Presbyterian Polity, Program, and Mission
2025-10-08 12:00 - 14:00 | NC
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 5, 2025, 2 business 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.
