Ignite at PTS: Microcredentials for Ministry

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Developed in close partnership with regional and ecumenical judicatories, the Ignite at PTS program offers accessible, affordable, competency-based theological education to address the growing need for non-ordained pastoral and lay leadership in congregations. With fully online learning modules, mentoring, and cohort-based reflection, Ignite students can pursue learning that meets their vocational goals, go at their own pace, and earn badges and microcredentials that demonstrate competency for ministry leadership. 

 

Ignite at PTS: Microcredentials for Ministry

Flexible, non-degree training for lay pastors and ministry leaders

What is Ignite?

The Ignite Program is a new non-degree training initiative at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary designed to equip lay pastors and ministry leaders with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to serve 21st-century churches and communities. Built for those already engaged in or preparing to answer a call to bivocational ministry, this program offers short-term learning modules—stackable units of instruction designed to teach practical competencies in preaching and teaching, pastoral care, contextual analysis, leadership, and more.

Program Highlights

  • Fully Online Ministry Training
    • Learning modules are delivered through asynchronous online instruction with synchronous personalized mentoring and coaching.
  • Designed for Flexibility
    • Each module can be completed within 8 weeks. Work at your own pace alongside a supportive cohort of learners and mentors, then take assessments to demonstrate your competency and earn a badge.
    • Earn multiple badges in pursuit of a microcredential, which signifies ability to begin practicing defined aspects of ministry leadership.
  • Affordable and Accessible
    • Estimated cost: $250-$550 per learning module / $1,200-$2,250 per microcredential. Financial support and group enrollment options available.
  • Practical Outcomes
  • Participants will be prepared to:
    • Lead small groups and teach Sunday School
    • Offer pastoral care and trauma-informed ministry
    • Preach, witness, and lead justice-focused ministries
    • Serve as lay pastors in local churches

Who Is This Program For?

Ignite is ideal for:

  • Laypersons discerning a call to bivocational, non-ordained pastoral ministry
  • Current lay pastors in small, rural, or otherwise underserved churches
  • Church elders, Sunday School teachers, and ministry volunteers
  • Anyone seeking non-degree theological education

No seminary degree required—just a heart for ministry and a desire to grow.

Launching Soon

Enrollment for the first Ignite at PTS cohorts will open in fall 2026, and learning modules will begin in January 2027. If you're interested in learning more or being notified when the application opens, fill out our interest form below.

Program Areas

Examples of topics include:

  • Bible and Theology
  • Trauma-Informed Pastoral Care
  • Grief and Loss
  • Preaching and Communication
  • Witness and Justice
  • Christian Leadership and Contextual Ministry

A Grant-Funded Initiative

Ignite is made possible through generous funding from the Lilly Endowment’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative. This support allows us to provide relevant, accessible theological training to help churches thrive in today’s complex ministry landscape.

Partner with us to identify, empower, and equip the next generation of lay leaders. Who is God calling in your community? Help them say yes!

Ignite: Microcredentials for Ministry

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