Laity Training - S.T.E.M

STEM (Systematic Training for Effective Ministries) is a joint ministry of lay education for service in the church, offered by the Michigan Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ. The Core Program develops lay leaders for service in their home churches and other community settings. The Licensed Ministry Program is training in addition to the Core Program specifically preparing laity for leadership in our congregations as pastors.

The STEM mission statement:

STEM's mission is "to equip lay leaders, Christian educators, and licensed ministers to carry out their varied ministries through Biblical study, spiritual formation and by developing leadership Skills."

Those interested in expanding their spiritual lives may enroll in STEM classes as a full time student, joining the Core or Licensed Ministry Certification Programs, or they may enroll in those classes they are interested in, on a class by class basis, without application to the certification programs.

Core Program:

All participants must take 13 Core classes which are offered over a two-year period.
Each participant meets regularly with an assigned advisor. Sixty additional elective hours are required. Students work with the Dean and their advisor to choose appropriate electives.

Certification: A certificate of recognition and a stole are awarded upon completion of the STEM Core Program.

Licensed Ministry Program:

An additional three-year program for training and nurturing designed for Lay Leaders who feel Gods call to specialized ministry.  The LMP will help students discern their own gifts for ministry, develop and deepen their own theology, and gain practical skills for pastoral ministry.  Students must attend 18 classes, complete a number of written and preaching assignments, and attend a History and Polity class for their denomination.

A call to ministry requires discernment both by the individual, the local church, and the wider church.  Those interested in Licensed Ministry should meet with their pastor and with the appropriate authorizing body before applying to the LMP.
Authorization for ministry comes from either the United Church of Christ Association Committees on Church and Ministry or the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Commission on Ministry.

The STEM Licensed Ministry Program operates in communication with these authorizing bodies.

The STEM Licensed Ministry Program is a training program. It does not authorize you to be a licensed minister.

Applications and questions should be directed to the STEM Dean.

STEM Dean:
584 Sedgefield Dr.
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
248-821-4669
annemccauslin1@yahoo.com