Church Commons Training

Formation for faithful leadership

Practical formation for the whole church. CREs, pastors, elders, deacons, chaplains, church staff, and other leaders are welcome. Some courses belong to formal CRE pathways; others may be taken simply because the formation is useful.

How the curriculum works

Course numbers locate courses within the curriculum; they do not measure the learner’s experience.

The 100 Series establishes shared foundations. The 200 Series focuses on congregational practice. Both can provide valuable continuing education for seasoned pastors and other experienced leaders.

Prerequisites apply only when explicitly listed.

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Church Commons is an independent educational and consulting practice owned and operated by Matthew J. Skolnik. It is not a nonprofit organization.

100

Shared Foundations for Ministry

Common theological, spiritual, and practical foundations for CRE formation—and valuable renewal for seasoned pastors and other experienced leaders.

Explore the 100 Series

200

Congregational Leadership and Practice

Focused formation for the realities of congregational ministry. These courses can strengthen both emerging leaders and experienced pastors seeking deeper practice or continuing education.

Explore the 200 Series

Current formation partner

Muskingum Valley Presbytery

Explore MVP’s three-stage Commissioned Ruling Elder pathway, participation guidance, and the distinction between completing formation and receiving a commission.

View the MVP partner page

Curriculum

Course Catalog

Explore the curriculum whether or not a particular course is currently scheduled.

Course cards are brief overviews. Open a course for its complete description, objectives, audience, and any actual prerequisite.

FORM 101 · 100 Series

Ministry Profile

Personal Formation

This course is an immersive retreat designed to help participants clarify their ministry identity and name their primary ministry function for the current season of life and leadership.…

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FORM 102 · 100 Series

Spiritual Formation as a Practice

Personal Formation

This course invites students into spiritual formation as a lifelong practice shaped by rhythm, attention, and discernment rather than technique or performance. Drawing from the Reformed tradition and…

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FORM 103 · 100 Series

Self-Knowledge

Personal Formation

This course focuses on developing self-knowledge as a core component of faithful and sustainable ministry. Through guided reflection and the use of selected personality and leadership assessments, students…

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FORM 104 · 100 Series

Healthy Boundaries

Ecclesial Structure and Accountability

This course provides required training in healthy boundaries and ministerial conduct for those serving in commissioned ministry. Grounded in the theological commitments of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and…

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FORM 105 · 100 Series

Psychological Evaluation and Debrief

Ecclesial Structure and Accountability

This course centers on psychological self-assessment and reflective integration as a component of preparation for commissioned ministry. The evaluation process is typically conducted through LeaderWise and includes a…

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POL 101 · 100 Series

Introduction to Polity

Ecclesial Structure and Accountability

This course introduces students to the polity of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as a living system that shapes the life, governance, and ministry of the church. Grounded in…

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