The Alternative Clergy Training at Sewanee (ACTS) program offers theological training for bivocational deacons and priests who will minister in small congregations. ACTS was developed in response to the growing need for trained clergy in these under-served communities. ACTS partners with dioceses to provide comprehensive training, with an emphasis on leadership and evangelism in the context of the six canonical areas (Bible, Theology, History, Ethics, Christian Worship, and Ministry in Contemporary Society). 

ACTS is intended for those preparing for ordination as bivocational, non-stipendiary ministers, for whom, in the judgment of their bishop, full-time residential seminary is not feasible. It is not designed to be a substitute for the Master of Divinity degree, nor is it designed to provide formation in the Anglican tradition for students who have completed theological training elsewhere.

 
The Components
  • ACADEMIC, represented by the modules below and provided by the School of Theology;
  • PRACTICE OF MINISTRY, designed and provided by the diocese;
  • a MENTOR, appointed by the bishop, who will meet regularly with the student for supervision, reflection, and coaching. 
 
The Modules

Modules are taught by seminary faculty and other similarly qualified instructors. The modules maintain a rigorous academic standard while also allowing students needed flexibility.

Each module has a residential portion in Sewanee and a non-residential, online portion. Modules begin with a one-week intensive residency. The residency is followed by online work and regular contact with instructors. Modules conclude with another intensive residency week.

Spring modules begin in January and conclude in June; fall modules begin in June and conclude in January. Students begin the program in June, with fall modules.

While in Sewanee, students participate in community life and worship with faculty and students in the seminary’s degree programs.

At the end of each module, students receive a written evaluation of their academic work and a copy of the evaluation is sent to their bishop.

 
SCHEDULE
YEAR 1
Fall:
  • Module 1: Christian Ethics and Moral Theology 
  • Module 2: The Practice of Ministry in Contemporary Society
Spring:
  • Module 1: Old Testament
  • Module 2: New Testament

+ Preaching Intensive

 
YEAR 2
Fall:
  • Module 1: Pastoral Theology (priestly track) / Diakonia (diaconal track)
  • Module 2: Prayer Book and Liturgy
Spring:
  • Module 1: History of the Christian Church
  • Module 2: Christian Theology
 
ACTS APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants should have a mature Christian faith, a history of active participation in a church community, and have begun a disciplined spiritual life. They must have an ecclesiastical endorsement (normally, postulancy for Holy Orders in the Episcopal Church as vocational deacons or non-stipendiary priests, or permission of one’s bishop) and must submit that endorsement.

Applications must be accompanied by copies of official transcripts of degree granting undergraduate and post-secondary academic work from each institution attended, in order that the School of Theology’s faculty have an accurate understanding of the applicant’s educational history and abilities. Applicants should have the intellectual ability and academic background to engage the curriculum in a satisfactory way.

In addition to the diocesan bishop’s endorsement, two further letters of recommendation, are required, one from a person who can attest to the applicant’s academic or professional acumen, and one from a church official or member of the clergy.

 

TUITION & FEES

Because of the wide variety of backgrounds anticipated in those who will participate in the program, the decision to participate in the programs rests solely with the bishop of the diocese from which the student comes. Tuition is $2,600 for each session ($1,300 per module). This is exclusive of food, lodging, and transportation. Costs of the program will be borne by the diocese from which the student originates.