Schools of Ministry
Three schools of ministry throughout the conference offer a wide array of courses to deepen adult faith formation and provide for leadership development in the life of the church. Courses in each school are open to anyone throughout the Heartland Conference who might be interested. Links to the course information and relevant contact information are offered below:
Lay School of Religion – Northwest Ohio Association
The NWOA Lay School of Religion is open to all lay members who wish to grow and be enriched, whether in their personal life or for further opportunities to serve God. Individuals may take a single class or more, or complete the course of study to become a graduate of Lay School. For further information and class listings, please click here. For further questions, contact Rev. Dan Busch at dlbusch@nwoa.org.
SONKA Lay School
The SONKA Lay School Board has been busy refreshing the Lay School Program. We are currently recruiting students. The 2025 Fall Semester will begin in August.
The classes offered will be:
The fee for each course is $175.00
New Lay School students must complete a Student Admission form and be accepted into the program – click here. There is a $25 fee.
Lay School Registration forms – click here
Student Admission and Registration forms deadline is March 1, 2025
If you have any questions about the SONKA Lay School, feel free to contact our Board members: Mark Anthony, Scott Casebeer, Dean Griffith, Karen Griswold, Ruth Hopkins, Ed Pettit.
Curious about God, faith and the church?
SONKA Lay School is an ongoing educational program for lay leadership development, ongoing professional development for pastors and those seeking ordination through multiple paths.
Classes will be held via Zoom.
PATHWAYS Theological Education
An additional path comes from PATHWAYS, offering asynchronous coursework. Their courses are designed through online questions and discussion to build community. Learners are required to interact with one another each week. The facilitator checks in each week with each learner. Learn more at the PATHWAYS website https://www.pathwaystheological.org.
