**Those who have already paid for the previous session but couldn’t come don’t have to pay again and those who have completed this training do not have to do it again.
There are no minimum requirements to register. All are welcome.
In the Ministerial Skills course, participants will go more deeply into the facets of ministry introduced in the 30-lesson course and will have opportunities for role plays and practice in various skills important to one’s ability to support others through pastoral care. There will be individual and group work with practice on the different aspects of religious services and healing services. There will also be significant opportunities for discussion and addressing questions that have come up for participants during their own spiritual journeys and as members of a spiritual organization. This class is open to anyone seeking support and learning for the development of ministerial skills within a Spiritualist context; you do not have to be a member of NSAC to participate. Helpful for those within a spiritual leadership role or seeking personal growth, this course is required for anyone seeking credentialing as an NSAC minister.
There will be 2 parts to this program, the first part virtual and the second in person. Note that this event is subject to change or cancellation.
DATES/TIMES:
In an effort to make the classes more accessible, we are now splitting the virtual part into two different weekends with a break in between. Meetings will be virtual via Zoom.
All times below are Eastern (EST):
1st Weekend: Dec. 8th, 7pm-9:30pm; Dec. 9th, 11am-6pm; and Dec. 10th 5pm-9pm
2nd Weekend: Jan. 5, 4pm – 8pm; Jan. 6, 11am-6pm, Jan 7th. 5pm-7:30pm
2nd Weekend: Jan. 5, 4pm – 8pm; Jan. 6, 11am-6pm, Jan 7th. 5pm-7:30pm
REQUIRED BOOKS:
- The Lost Art of Listening by Michael Nichols & Martha Straus has a March 2021 updated edition now available:
- Crisis Counseling (part of a series on pastoral care) by Howard Stone
(While this second book is written from a Christian pastor’s perspective so some language might not precisely fit your experience or what is taught in MPI, please note that the pastoral counseling issues addressed are core ones in any denomination.)
We will be discussing areas of both books during class sessions. Please make sure you have read these prior to the start of class as we will be focusing key aspects of discussion around topics from these books.
UPDATES/FAQ:
Can I be credentialed through the NSAC or through my church?
The Credentialing process for NSAC members is only through the NSAC national office. The MPI coursework is a prerequisite, depending on which credential is being sought, in order to start the process through the NSAC office.
– Do I need to be a member of a church to be a minister?
In order to be credentialed or ordained through the NSAC you must be a member of an NSAC church. Anyone can take Ministerial Skills for educational purposes.
– Do I need to be a credentialed healer/medium in order to be an ordained minister?
You do not need to take the credentialing in any specific order with the exception that you must become a Licentiate Minister prior to becoming an Ordained Minister.
– Are there any special requirements that I need before I get credentialed?
Yes, there are many requirements. Refer to the Q&A online for each credential.