Bishop Kemper School for Ministry
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Programs of Study

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Currently, BKSM offers three programs of study to prepare students for ordination: 
  • Certificate in Presbyteral Studies - for those preparing to be ordained priests,
  • Certificate in Diaconal Studies - for those intending to serve as vocational deacons, and 
  • Certificate in Anglican Studies - for persons who have previous ministerial education in other Christian denominations.
BKSM also offers three lay certificate programs that provide the course work to meet the educational requirements for licensure as a:
  • Lay Catechist:  six classes
  • Lay Evangelist: eight classes
  • Lay Preacher: six classes
  • Pastoral Leader: ten classes

Finally, BKSM is pleased to partner with the ELCA Central States Synod to offer seven approved courses that contribute to the educational requirements for the Parish Ministry Associate program.

General Information
Students enrolled in a certificate program leading to ordained ministry typically take 10 courses a year, from August to May. Students on the priest track (presbyteral studies) take 30 classes over three years, while students on the deacon track (diaconal studies) take 20 classes over two years.   Students seeking a
Lay Catechist or Lay Preacher certificate will typically take six courses over one academic year, while the Pastoral Leader certificate requires 10 courses.

While most students complete their studies in the proscribed window, it may be necessary for some students to extend this time frame due to career and family conflicts. We encourage all students to work closely with the BKSM dean and their bishop to discuss their education plan.

Lay persons are encouraged to enroll in any of our classes for personal enrichment or continuing education.  We gladly welcome people from other Christian denominations.

Learn more about the:
  • required courses for the Certificate in Presbyteral Studies
  • required courses for the Certificate in Diaconal Studies
  • required courses for the Lay Catechist Certificate
  • required courses for the Lay Preacher Certificate
  • required courses for the Pastoral Leader Certificate
  • 2017-18 course schedule 
 
Each of the four dioceses has its own policies regarding students enrolling at the  Bishop Kemper School, so you should contact your diocese's office for further details. The contact information for each of the for partner dioceses is found on the Sponsoring Dioceses page

However, if you have general questions, feel free to contact us at BKSM. We would love to hear from you.


The Bishop Kemper School for Ministry is a collaborative venture of the Episcopal Dioceses of Kansas, West Missouri, Nebraska and Western Kansas.
It offers classes and programs to educate people for church leadership in both lay and ordained vocations.

Mailing Address:
Bishop Kemper School for Ministry
701 SW 8th Avenue
Topeka, KS 66603

The Very Rev. Dr. Don Compier, Dean: bksmdean2@gmail.com
Phone: (816) 217-4053

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