Academic Programs > Lifelong Learning > Continuing & Lay Education Programs

Conferences and Seminars

Conferences and seminars are the core continuing formation offerings at Louisville Seminary for pastors and lay church leaders. They are usually scheduled in the spring and in the fall and are often offered in collaboration with program areas of LPTS, Presbyterian Church (USA) and other organizations supporting the overall mission of Louisville Seminary. Continuing education units (CEU's) are awarded on the basis of one CEU for 10 contact hours. Recent conferences and seminars have included the following topics: Family Systems and the Church, Reformed Spirituality, and biblical study.

The Office of Lifelong Learning will co-sponsor and coordinate continuing formation events with groups who agree to recruit a core of participants from their own members and constituents. Please call or write to the Director for information or to request help in planning an event.

Sabbatical Leave Study

In recent years, pastors have opted for sabbatical leave time at Louisville Seminary in several ways, including a summer in residence and participation in a Doctor of Ministry Seminar. The Director of LIfelong Learning & Advanced Degrees is available to help students design a sabbatical leave plan.

Independent Study Programs

Independent Study may be arranged for study leaves or shorter periods. This informal program offers several advantages, if arrangements can be made adequately in advance. A room on campus, breakfast and lunch in the cafeteria (Monday through Friday) during the school year, a study carrel in the library, conferences with members of the faculty for bibliographic advice in the area of study, and participation in the general lectures and services of worship are provided. The only cost to ministers is room and board. To arrange for Independent Study or for further information, write to the Director of Graduate Studies.

Lifelong Learning for Lay Leadership

Lifelong Learning , using Seminary faculty and other church leaders, offers conferences, courses, and other educational events for lay church leaders. These include Bible study in the fall and spring, officer training, and theological discussion. Louisville Seminary invites lay groups to co-sponsor events. Please call the Director of Lifelong Learning or write for information to request help with a Lay Leadership event.

Additional Resources
Academic programs developed for degree candidates are usually open to ministers and other qualified adults. In order to make these resources more readily available, certain courses have been scheduled for the evenings.

Concentrated studies are offered in a variety of fields as part of the Seminary's January term. They call for campus residence or daily commuting. Most courses are three weeks in length, but occasionally two-week intensive courses are offered. The Registrar will provide a schedule for such study upon request.