“Starting two cohorts of STEP students in one year signals another adventure for us,” remarked Mark R. Wenger (pictured), STEP program director. STEP will form two new cohorts of students simultaneously in Philadelphia, Pa. and Lancaster, Pa. for the fall semester.

STEP Looks to Expand

by Mark Wenger

The Study and Training for Effective Pastoral Ministry (STEP) program looks to grow in 2012 with the formation of two new cohorts of students simultaneously in Philadelphia, Pa. and Lancaster, Pa. for the fall semester.

“Starting two cohorts of STEP students in one year signals another adventure for us,” remarked Mark R. Wenger, STEP program director. “We are very pleased to see how STEP is addressing the urgent need for basic high-quality pastoral training of those in congregational leadership.”

Designed for adult learners in part-time study, the STEP program focuses on ministry practice, coupled with assignments and teaching by experienced pastors, to form the basis for a lively learning community.

Each of the three years of STEP yields 10 undergraduate credits at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU). Classes meet on Saturdays, once a month, with students coming from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and Ohio.

STEP will hold its sixth annual graduation on May 12 for a cohort of students completing the three-year, part-time program.

The STEP pastoral training program emerged in 2004 in response to the need to provide more flexible, non-traditional Anabaptist ministry preparation. The program first expanded from its Lancaster, Pa. base in 2010 by working together with Anabaptist congregations in Philadelphia.

STEP is jointly owned by EMU and Lancaster Mennonite Conference.

Discussion on “STEP Looks to Expand”

  1. Mark,
    This is exciting news to hear of the two new cohorts simultaneously, truly the leading of the Spirit!!! Know that I hold you and all the instructors in my prayers.I know how deeply I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to be part of the STEP program and pray for others as they enter into these studies. Congratulations as you celebrate another graduating class this May!!!
    Blessings,
    Dale Detweiler

    1. Hi Dale,

      Thanks for this note, Dale. Your journey with STEP and now the EMS Certificate Program is a superb example the purpose that drives these education efforts. May God continue to grant you joy and settings for Kingdom ministry! Grace and peace, Mark

Comments are closed.