Pfeiffer University and Wesley Theological Seminary establish the first Center for Deacon Education

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – To provide deacon education and ordination for people of the United Methodist faith in the Carolinas, Pfeiffer University in conjunction with Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., have established a Center for Deacon Education – the first of its kind that completely focuses on deacon ordination. The center is housed on Pfeiffer’s Charlotte campus at 4701 Park Road.

“We believe the ministry of deacon is a growing vocational calling in the life of our churches,” said Dr. Bruce C. Birch, dean at Wesley Theological Seminary. “We are committed to high quality preparation for those ordained to minister as deacons.”

After a pilot program proved to be successful, the two institutions decided to move forward with the center. All of the Basic Graduate Theological Studies courses will be offered in a two-year cycle. Courses will normally be taught in either an intensive format in January, during the summer or once a week during fall and spring semesters. Additionally, Wesley and Pfeiffer will explore ways to “form” and “educate” the Order of Deacon outside the classroom experience.

Courses offered through the Center for Deacon Education are specifically designed to prepare persons for ministry as deacons. In the United Methodist Church, the Order of Deacon leads the congregation in its servant ministry and equips and supports all baptized Christians in their ministry alongside the Order of Elder, which focuses on word, sacrament and order.

Organizers say although the program is United Methodist specific, participants of any faith can earn up to 25 graduate credits that can be transferred to any graduate seminary or program. The major appeal of this program is that participants can fulfill educational requirements for ordination while working in ministry.

“Anyone committed to earning this program can complete it without completely altering their jobs or their schedules,” said Dr. Ed Trimmer, head of the School of Religion at Pfeiffer. “A student could commute one day a week and complete these courses fairly quickly.”

For additional information or to register for classes, contact Kathleen Kilbourne at kbourne@pfeiffer.edu or by phone at (704) 945-7315. Those with questions about the partnership, academics or theoretical issues should contact Ed Trimmer at etrimmer@pfeiffer.edu.

Pfeiffer University is a United Methodist related university providing undergraduate and graduate degrees in church vocational ministry including a Masters of Arts in Christian Education. Wesley Seminary, located in Washington D.C. (www.WesleySem.Edu) is one largest of the thirteen United Methodist seminaries and dedicated to preparing preachers, leaders, and teachers for church and for the work of Christ in the world.