The Kansas School of Ministry—
for those who seek...
KSM Information Brochure in PDF
The Kansas School of Ministry is a two-year program of study for those seeking a higher understand of what it means to be a minister in the church. For those who seek to discern ministries that will allow them to exercise their unique gifts. For those who seek a deeper knowledge of the church—its scripture, its mission, its history, its theology. For those who seek a closer spiritual relationship with God. For those seeking Christian community among fellow seekers, and for those who seek to serve others in the name of Christ.
The Kansas School of Ministry is the ideal "next step" for those who have participated in a program of study such as Education for Ministry (EFM) or Living Into Our Baptism, by allowing students to continue to delve deeply and to explore more fully scripture, theology, spirituality, church history, and ministry. Or, the School is an ideal next-step for those committed and involved lay people who thirst for a deeper understanding of their place in the church and the place of the church in the world.
The primary
focus of the School is, of course, on ministry—what ministry is,
ministry discernment, who ministers in the church, why we minister, and
the practice of ministry in the church and the world. The School accomplishes
its mission of training within an environment of scholarship and study,
reflection and discernment, application and practice of ministry, and
fellowship and community. Above all, KSM is dedicated to fulfilling the
threefold mission of the Diocese of Kansas of equipping, nurturing and
sending disciples for Christ.
When
and where?
The
KSM meets one weekend per month, from Fall through Spring, usually September
through May, at Bethany Place—835 SW Polk, Topeka, Kansas. Sessions
begin at 6PM on Friday evening and conclude at noon on Sunday. Meals are
catered. Tuition includes room and board, with the expectation that students
will remain on site for the duration of each weekend.
Although the program is a two-year program, it is structured so that one may enter the program at the beginning of either year one or year two.
Each weekend
includes a total of eight contact hours of academic content and five contact
hours of formation or PTE (Pastoral Theological Education). PTE is a unique
opportunity to reflect and grow spiritually in the practice of our faith
and ministry.
Faculty
and costs...
Our
faculty are drawn from a diverse pool of talented lay and ordained persons,
including Bishop William Smalley, who have agreed to share their expertise
to make the Kansas School of Ministry a success. Diverse points of view
are presented, challenging the students to think and pray about our faith
and their own positions.
A portion of the cost for the KSM is provided through an endowment, which is supplemented by the diocese. This leaves a modest annual tuition of $600 per year per participant.
It is an expectation of the diocese that tuition for candidates for ordination will be paid by the person's sponsoring parish. When possible, it is recommended that parishes will assist those not seeking ordination with the costs of the School.
All students should budget at least $200 per year for the cost of textbooks. Where possible parishes are encouraged to assist with these costs as well.
Kansas
School of Ministry
Mission:
The mission of the Kansas School of Ministry
is to provide a nurturing learning community which equips disciples of
Christ who seek to serve the church and the world.