Apply by July 1st, 2026

New Certificate of Formation Track

In partnership with FORMA and VTS, the NEW Certificate in Lifelong Christian Formation at the Iona School for Ministry equips participants to understand and support Christian formation across the entire lifespan, attending to the spiritual, educational, and developmental needs of children, youth, adults, and elders. The program designers consider formation as the holistic shaping of Christian identity, practice, and vocation—how people are nurtured through Scripture, worship, community, learning, and service.

General Information

The certificate program material is academically rigorous and immediately applicable, with the flexibility to tailor learning to your own goals, gifts, and areas for growth. Your specific ministry context—whether a parish, school, camp, diocesan office, or community-based setting—becomes the grounding place for your learning as you explore the unique culture, needs, resources, and opportunities of your environment.  Every program module, therefore, supports you in developing practical, relevant strategies for the community you serve. 
 
The certificate is earned over the course of 10 months, with modules taught by both Virginia Theological Seminary faculty and seasoned practitioners from the field. Because learning is best done in community, the program combines online synchronous gatherings, self-paced asynchronous coursework, and a meaningful onsite residency at Camp Allen. This blend of formats supports a sustainable rhythm of study while honoring the realities of ministry life.

This hybrid program consists of weekly online classes with an instructor and 5 in-person weekend classes at Camp Allen. Each student will also be placed in a mentor group for the school year. Successful completion of the program qualifies participants, on the recommendation of their rectors and approval of the bishop, to be catechist licensed minister.
Important Dates for Applying
  • Enrollment is open. Appy by July 1st, 2026. Download Application.
  • Tuition is $3,000 ($1,500 per semester)
    • Tuition covers the cost of curriculum materials, paying instructors and mentors, and student room and board during weekends at Camp Allen. 
    • The cost of tuition does not include the cost of books, gas or mileage reimbursements, technology needed to attend classes.
  • Financial Aid is available upon request. Please email Iona Admin for the application. Iona Admin
  • Tuition is due September 1st for the Fall semester and due February 1st for the Spring semester. Payment plans can be set up upon request of student.

Curriculum Overview

Student Orientation is September 11th, 2026 at Camp Allen in Navasota, TX. 
The curriculum is divided into modules:
Foundations of Ministry
Presented by Dr. Lisa Kimball - Vice President for Lifelong Learning, James Maxwell Professor of Lifelong Christian Formation, and Faculty Advisor, Mutual Ministry Initiative, Faith-filled Families, and Preaching Congregations at Virginia Theological Seminary.
Foundations of Formation 
Presented by Dr. Liz DeGaynor - Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Christian Formation at Virginia Theological Seminary
Foundations of Scripture
Presented by Dr. Judy Fentress-Williams - Dodge Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Virginia Theological Seminary
Foundations of Theology
Presented by Dr. Ian Markham - Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary.
Foundations of Pastoral Care
In this module, presented by the Rev. Dr. Rode Molla - Assistant Professor, Berryman Family Chair for Children’s Spirituality and Nurture at Virginia Theological Seminary, and an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)- we explore the foundations of pastoral care.
Foundations of Liturgy 
In this module, presented by the Rev. Dr. James W. Farwell - Professor of Theology and Liturgy at VTS - we explore the foundations of liturgy.
Intercultural Competency, Ministry with LGBTQ+ Folks
Disability 101: Foundations for Inclusive Ministry
In this section we will explore intersectionality in ministry through a discussion of: Intercultural Competency with the Rev. Dr. Altagracia Perez-Bullard, Associate Dean of Multicultural Ministries and Assistant Professor of Practical Theology at VTS, Ministry with LGBTQ+ Folks with Jay LaNunziata, Campus Minister at The Well Campus Ministries, and the Rev. Rowan Larson, rector of St. James, Bozeman, MT, Disability 101 for Ministry with Bird Treacy, Church Programming Consultant at A Bird In Church Consulting. Then we will integrate these three lenses on how we can work towards building welcoming and affirming communities in our ministry contexts.
Introduction to Spiritual Direction
In this module, presented by Francie Thayer - Director of the Retreat House at Hillsboro - we explore the foundations of spiritual direction.
Introduction to Mentoring
In this module, presented by Jenni Ovenstone - Program Coordinator of Launching into Ministry with Lifelong Learning at VTS - we explore the foundations of mentoring.
Introduction to Mission in Ministry
In this module we will explore how mission informs our ministry practices and the ways in which mission has formed the church and continues to form the church’s people. Kate Bond, Director of Faith Formation and Discipleship in the Diocese of Oklahoma, invites us to engage in mission work intentionally, including:
  • Introduction to Theology and History of Mission
  • How Mission Manifests in Our Congregations Today
  • Mission: Getting to Know Our Communities
  • The Work of Mission
This module is a good starting place for considering how our mission practices are grounded in where we’ve been, who we are, and how we hope to serve.
Developing a Ministry Vision
In this module we will explore how to develop a ministry vision so that others can get on board with contributing to the development of our ministry. Katie Nakamura Rengers, the Presiding Bishop’s staff officer for Church Planting, introduces us to wisdom from the world of new start ministry development, including:
  • Naming our deepest “Why” for ministry
  • Creating momentum by building stakeholder buy in
  • Forming a ministry plan to guide our work
Measuring success through setting benchmarks for ministry
This module is a good starting place for thinking about how our mission and vision directly impact how we go about our ministry development.
Engage, Inspire, Grow: A Guide to Ministry Communication
In this module we will explore strategies for designing communication strategy for your ministry. Lorenzo Lebrija, Chief Innovation Officer at Virginia Theological Seminary and Executive Director TryTank Research Institute, offers practical methods to make a plan for communication in your context, including:
  • An introduction to communications strategy
  • Engaging multiple stakeholders
  • Understanding audience personas
  • Creating an identity (brand) for your ministry
This module is a good starting place for developing a more intentional communication practice with all who need to stay informed about what your ministry is up to.
Formation and Finance
In this module we will explore how to approach finances for formation ministry. Pattie Ames, Canon for Christian Formation in the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia, brings her years of experience in parish ministry and degree in economics to provide guidance on:
  • How to create and read a budget
  • Stewardship practices across the lifespan
  • Fundraising best practices
  • Spending your ministry funds wisely
This module is a good starting place for considering how to navigate all things where money and church meet.
Immersive Experiences
In this module we will explore how immersive experiences in a church setting can offer intensive formation experiences. Marvin McLennon, Director of Children and Youth Ministry at Christ Church in Little Rock, offers us a reflective look at how involvement in immersive experiences has shaped his ministry and might shape yours as well, including:
  • How does church camp form disciples and deepen ministry?
  • How can retreats act as a catalyst for formation?
  • How do trips help form those who we are in ministry with?
  • How can participation in church-wide programs and events form us?
This module is a good starting place for thinking about creative ways to engage immersive formation experiences to boost your ministry.
Life-Long Formation Panel
In this module we explore the concept of lifelong formation in a panel discussion with Ethan Lowery, Lisa Kimball, Samantha Clare, Sarah Bentley Allred, and Wallace Benton. Through discussion, we attempt to answer four questions:
  • What do we mean when we say that formation is a lifelong process?
  • What is the value of doing ministry in generational cohorts versus across generational cohorts?
  • What is important to keep in mind when considering approaches to formation across ages and stages?
  • How do we help those who we are in ministry with embrace intergenerational ministry?
This module is a good starting place for investigating how formation programs are designed in your particular context to address the needs of people of all ages.
Liturgy & Music as an Opportunity for Formation
In this module we will explore the questions: how does liturgy form us and how can we design formative liturgies. Shawn Strout, Associate Professor of Worship and Associate Dean of Chapel at VTS, gives an overview of how liturgy is shaped and shapes us, including:
  • Liturgy as a theological event and the rhythm of the liturgy
  • Formation through through liturgical texts and contexts
  • The centrality of scripture
  • Selecting and writing prayers
  • Selecting contextual elements
  • Crafting a Homily
This module provides further exploration of this subject matter for those who are particularly interested in developing worship.
Recruiting a Ministry Team
Are you passionate about growing your church’s ministry with children, youth, and families but struggling to recruit and retain the right volunteers? "Calling All Parishioners to Serve in Children, Youth, & Family Ministry" is designed to equip church leaders with the tools and strategies to build a thriving, sustainable volunteer base. Through a series of engaging modules, you’ll learn how to intentionally recruit, train, and maintain volunteers who are eager to support this essential ministry. The course blends rich theoretical insights with practical, actionable steps, giving you a holistic understanding of what it takes to nurture a vibrant community of volunteers.
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From exploring key topics like defining roles in "Who's Responsible?" to rethinking your approach in "Reframing 'Volunteer Management,'" each module offers valuable content through video lessons and reflection exercises. Whether your church operates in a small or large context, this course provides tailored advice to meet your unique needs, guiding you from recruitment through developing a comprehensive volunteer plan. By the end, you’ll have a clear strategy to build a committed team ready to serve your children, youth, and family ministries.
Responding to...
In this module we will explore best practices for ministry when the need to respond to a crisis arises. Missiouri McPhee, Project Coordinator for Faith-Filled Families at VTS, offers insight on how to care for the self and others during challenging times, including:
  • An introduction to trauma
  • Mental health for ministry
  • Disaster response
  • Understanding grief and loss
This module is a good starting place for putting a plan in place to equip you to be present when things get tough in your community.
Safe Church Best Practices
In this module we will explore how to create communities of care with safe church best practices. Bronwyn Clark Skov, Manager for Safe Church for The Episcopal Church, offers guidance for implementing safe church measures in our ministry settings, including:
  • Why is Safe Church policy and protocol important?
  • Who needs to be knowledgeable and trained?
  • How can we manage conflict, resistance, and disregard?
  • When and where are policies and protocols appropriate?
This module is essential learning for anyone involved in ministry with young people or vulnerable adults in supporting how we engage our whole context in creating communities of care.
Strategic Planning, Structures, and Strategy
In this module we will explore how to develop sustainable ministries through strategic planning, structures, and strategies. Sally Ulrey, Canon for Congregational Vitality and Ministry Development in the Diocese of Atlanta, presents practical tools for:
  • Creating culture in ministry settings
  • Designing programming that is suited to the particular expression of your ministry
  • Approaching long-term and short-term planning
  • Considerations when selecting curriculum for your ministry
This module is a good starting place for determining how to design ministry programs that are intentional and purposefully scaffolded.

Join us this fall and submit your application today!

Quick Facts about In-Person at Camp Allen
Please mark on your calendar the dates we're together at Camp Allen. In-person attendance during Camp Allen weekends is mandatory for graduation.

Camp Allen Dates
  • September 11-13, 2026
  • December 4-6, 2026
  • February 12-14, 2027
  • April 16-18, 2027
  • June 4-6, 2027

You will arrive on Friday after 3 p.m. to check into your hotel room and will check out of your room on Sunday at 11 a.m. Sunday lunch is optional.
  • Camp Allen's address is: 18800 FM 362, Navasota, TX 77868
  • Hotel accommodations and meals are arranged through the Iona administrator. You do not need to call Camp Allen to reserve a hotel room. If you have questions, please contact [email protected] for more information.
  • If you would like to have your own hotel room, there is an additional cost separate from the registration fee. Please contact the Iona administrator for more information: [email protected]
  • If you would like to have your own hotel room, there is an additional cost separate from the registration fee. Please contact the Iona administrator for more information: [email protected]

FAQs

  • Do I need a college degree to apply for this program?
    • No, you do not need a college degree to apply
  • Are there technology requirements to access the weekly online classes?
    • We will use Zoom for weekly meetings with your instructors and mentors. Please have a laptop, tablet, or phone capable of logging into the Zoom app to connect to your classes.
    • You will need a basic knowledge of computer software to format classwork.
    • You will need access to internet to access course work and Zoom meetings.
  •  How long do the weekly classes and mentorship sessions last, and when will we meet?
    • Weekly classes will be held once a week and will last for two hours. Meeting times will be determined by the instructors and their cohort.
    • The mentor group meetings will be held every two weeks and will last 1.5 hours. The meeting times will be determined by your mentor and your cohort.
  • What is the difference between the weekly instructor-led classes and the weekly mentor group meetings?
    • The instructor-led classes will be the time during the week when your instructor reviews coursework, reading assignments, and the specific thematic curriculum
    • The mentor group meetings will provide an opportunity to work with your peers on practical skills, discussing fieldwork experiences, and analyzing other practical needs that will support your work in lay preaching
  • Are there things I need to practice on Sundays at my local church?
    • Yes, you are expected to utilize the practical skills you are learning to practice in your home church. The dates will be determined during your courses.
  • Do I receive grades for my work?
    • Yes, you will receive grades for your work

Do you have additional questions? Contact us.

Apply to Iona's new Formation Program today