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 SeriesChurch 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.
Church Commons is an independent educational and consulting practice owned and operated by Matthew J. Skolnik. It is not a nonprofit organization.
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 SeriesMuskingum 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 pageCurriculum
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 201 · 200 Series
Spiritual Formation II: Sustainable Ministry and Self-Care
Leading Self and Congregational Systems
This course deepens the practice of spiritual formation within the specific demands of congregational pastoral leadership. Building upon foundational work in spiritual disciplines and self-knowledge, students examine the…
- Recommended preparation
- FORM 102 — Spiritual Formation as a Practice
FORM 202 · 200 Series
Family Systems Theory and Congregational Care
Leading Self and Congregational Systems
This course introduces students to family systems theory as a framework for understanding congregational life, leadership dynamics, and emotional processes within the church. Drawing from the work of…
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FORM 203 · 200 Series
Healthy Conflict and Communication in Congregational Systems
Leading Self and Congregational Systems
FORM 203 equips students to lead through congregational tension with steady presence, clear communication, and spiritually grounded resilience. The course explores how conflict functions in anxious systems, how…
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POL 201 · 200 Series
Church Finance and Stewardship Systems
Leading Structures and Stewardship
POL 201 provides a practical foundation for financial governance in congregational and presbytery contexts. Students learn how money functions as a theological and organizational reality—shaping trust, mission capacity,…
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POL 202 · 200 Series
Stewardship and Generosity Leadership
Leading Structures and Stewardship
This course explores stewardship and generosity as theological practices that shape congregational identity, mission, and discipleship. Rooted in Scripture and the Reformed tradition, the course examines how financial…
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POL 204 · 200 Series
Building Management and Property Stewardship
Leading Structures and Stewardship
Church buildings are more than assets to maintain; they are tools entrusted to the church for ministry and mission. This course introduces students to the practical and strategic…
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PRAC 202 · 200 Series
Practicing Congregation Leadership: Designing Healthy Boards and Ministry Systems
Leading Structures and Stewardship
This practicum develops advanced competencies in congregational leadership through the intentional design of healthy boards, ministry structures, and decision-making systems. Building upon foundational work in polity, moderating, and…
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PRAC 203 · 200 Series
Leading Transformative Bible Study
Leading Outward in Mission and Care
This practicum develops the skills and theological grounding necessary to lead Bible study as a formative, communal practice within the life of the congregation. Building upon foundational biblical…
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PRAC 204 · 200 Series
Community Engagement Practicum: Mission, Evangelism, and Relational Presence
Leading Outward in Mission and Care
This practicum equips congregational pastors to lead communities into faithful, relational engagement with their local contexts. Building upon foundational work in community-based mission, the course moves from participation…
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PRAC 205 · 200 Series
Christian Presence: Prayer, Visitation, and Spiritual Care
Leading Outward in Mission and Care
This practicum develops the capacity for sustained Christian presence in moments of vulnerability, transition, illness, grief, and spiritual questioning. Grounded in the hope of the gospel and the…
View courseNext dates
Upcoming MVP Training
A preview of the published 2026–2027 schedule. Times are Eastern.
Muskingum Valley Presbytery CRE Formation · 2026–2027
Times are Eastern. Locations marked “To be confirmed” will be updated before the offering.
| Date | Time | Course | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Sep 25, 2026 | 6:00 PM–9:00 PM | 200 SeriesFORM 201 · Spiritual Formation II | To be confirmed |
| Sat, Sep 26, 2026 | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM | 200 SeriesFORM 201 · Spiritual Formation II | To be confirmed |
| Sat, Oct 24, 2026 | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM | 200 SeriesFORM 202 · Family Systems Theory and Congregational Care | To be confirmed |
| Sat, Nov 14, 2026 | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM | 200 SeriesPRAC 203 · Leading Transformative Bible Study | Cambridge Presbyterian Church |
| Sat, Jan 9, 2027 | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM | 200 SeriesPOL 201 · Church Finance and Stewardship Systems | To be confirmed |
| Fri, Jan 15, 2027 | 6:00 PM–9:00 PM | 200 SeriesPRAC 202 · Designing Healthy Boards and Ministry Systems | Cambridge area |
Offering-specific registration links will appear as each roster opens.
Bring a Church Commons course to your setting
Churches, presbyteries, synods, and other ministry organizations may host an exclusive course or invite external participants into an offering. One host remains responsible for registration, participant payments, refunds, and the teaching agreement, so learners always know who is providing the offering.
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