The Academy

The Academy is a series of classes designed for those who want to grow in their faith and knowledge; grow as a leader; serve God in new ways and opportunities; engage in meaningful continuing education; and learn from the best of teachers. The Academy develops well equipped, thoughtful individuals to better serve the congregations and councils in a variety of ways. Many use this training on their journey toward becoming Commissioned Pastors, others for their own enrichment. Completion of the 11 courses fulfills the educational requirements to become a CP/CRE in the participating presbyteries. Participants can join at any point in the schedule.

A flyer describing the program can be downloaded by clicking Academy Brochure.

The Academy developed out of conversations between the presbyteries of Minnesota Valleys, North Central Iowa and Prospect Hill and the Synod of Lakes and Prairies. The group determined that if they worked together, they could not only address the growing needs for Commissioned Pastors but also recruit nationally known instructors to enhance the program. A task force of the visioning group developed a curriculum of 11 classes that would meet the educational expectations of each participating presbytery.

Sponsoring presbyteries: East Iowa, Minnesota Valleys, Missouri River Valley, North Central Iowa, Northern Waters, Prospect Hill and Twin Cities Area.  Sponsoring presbyteries contribute $2,500 annually to help cover the costs of travel and honoraria for the instructors and facilitators of the Academy.  They are also given two seats on the Academy Board, which makes decisions about the program and needs.

For more information, contact Deb DeMeester, Director of Leadership Development.

Get Started Today!

Summer classes are offered at the Synod School of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA. Commissioned Pastors are encouraged to take these as ongoing Continuing Education and for building relationships with other Commissioned Pastors.

Each fall and spring, classes are held at a retreat center centrally located among participants.

Winter practicums are offered online to eliminate the need for mid-winter travel. Lecture content will be met with hands on experiences and insightful conversations with pastors.

Tuition

Member of Participating Presbytery:

  • $125.00/class
  • $1,375/full program

Register for full program at:  https://lakesandprairies.regfox.com/the-academy-full-registration

Non-member:

  • $175/class
  • $1,925/full program

Register for individual classes by following the link provided.  This is also how you sign up for and pay for room and board.

Additional Expenses:

Participants are responsible for purchasing the required texts, room and board at Synod School as well as travel/accommodations for Fall and Spring classes.

Upcoming Classes & Class Registration

October 28-29, 2023 at Lakeshore Center

  • Spiritual Development with Gary Neal Hansen

Winter 2024 Practicum

  • Worship and Sacraments with Burns Stanfield

March 2024 in person

  • Leadership 101 with Deb DeMeester

July 21 – 26, 2024 at Synod School

  • New Testament
  • Reformed Theology

October 2024 at Lakeshore Center

  • Polity with Pam Prouty

Winter 2025 Practicum

  • Pastoral Care with Lisa Watson

April 2025 Online

  • Formation for Mission

July 20 – 25, 2025 at Synod School

  • Old Testament
  • Leadership and Church Administration

What Leaders are Saying

The Academy has opened my eyes to a clearer understanding of church leadership. We have had excellent teachers/leaders and I am learning so much. I look forward to each new class! I am confident that these classes will educate and mature us to move forward in leadership.

I am loving the Academy course! It is so great to get to know other people with the same interests as I have, and I have already put into practice so much of what I have learned!

The Academy has been an experience in learning more about what God is calling me to do! The people in the program bring such a diverse background of knowledge that it makes for great discussion and – learning.

The Academy is such a wonderful opportunity and so enriching. I think about the quality of training. education, and wisdom that I am receiving. Although it’s just a slice of a seminary class, I believe it is world class and I should be paying college credits for each class. I’m blessed!

Priority A

Partner with our presbyteries to be the hands and feet of Presbyterian Church (USA) mission strategy. See Our Mission Priorities for current initiatives.