Church Building Initiatives at Palmer Seminary

Palmer Seminary “Speaker’s Bureau”
Does your church need a guest preacher, Sunday School teacher, workshop leader?
Let us know.

Palmer Seminary professors as well as others from our community are available on occasion
to preach, teach on various topics, or lead workshops and seminars. In that our faculty are in frequent demand (and some already serve on pastoral staffs) we are unable to fulfill all the requests we receive, but will do our best to meet as many as we can.

To make a request, please send a brief e-mail describing what you are looking for to rframe@eastern.edu.

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Resources for Developing Holistic Ministries
The Sider Center, named for one of Palmer Seminary’s best-known professors, Ron Sider, operates out of Palmer Seminary. The Sider Center houses the organization Evangelicals for Social Action (founded by Dr. Sider), as well as Network 9:35, which, based on Matthew
chapter 9, verse 35, is dedicated to helping churches develop holistic ministries.

If your church desires to reach out to your community in ways that address needs holistically, as Jesus did, the Sider Center and Network 9:35 want to help in one or more of the following ways: (1) Providing resources (books, videos and more) that address your situation and goals (2) Consultation services (3) Supplying a preacher, teacher, or seminar leader (4) Putting you in touch with other churches or parachurch ministries who can help you.

For more information, contact the Director of Network 9:35, Palmer Seminary professor
Al Tizon: atizon@eastern.edu or 800-220-3287, ext. 399

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TEMA Program (Theological Education Made Accessible)
Beginning with the Spring 2007 semester, those who are active in local church ministry,
either as volunteers or as paid staff, can audit a Master’s-level course at Palmer Seminary for half-price.

Program Overview:
According to Daniel Aleshire, executive director of the Association of Theological Schools,
today only about half of those who earn Master of Divinity degrees go on to become pastors. This means that a much higher percentage of people are recognizing that THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION CAN ENHANCE MINISTRY AND PERSONAL CHRISTIAN WITNESS REGARDLESS OF
THE CHOSEN CAREER PATH.

The goal of Palmer Seminary’s TEMA program is to make theological education accessible to
as many as possible, including those who have considered seminary but perhaps felt it was too daunting. The TEMA initiative enables participants to “test the waters” of theological education by auditing a course at half the regular price. In addition, those who, after auditing a course, want to enroll in a degree-granting program, will be able to take the first course in the program at a 30 percent discount. This discount is on top off the approximately 30 percent tuition discount for students who are part of the Seminary's Accelerated Scholarship Program.

By auditing a course, students need not take tests or write papers. But they will benefit from the information offered in class and will also have the opportunity to decide if they want to go further.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is eligible to participate in the program?
TEMA is open to all those who (a) are active in local church ministry at any level either as paid staff or volunteers, and (b) do not already have a seminary degree, and (c) have not previously taken a course at Palmer Seminary. An undergraduate degree is preferred, but it
is not required.

What is the cost?
The cost to audit a semester-long, two-unit course is $200. For a one-unit course (typically offered in the Seminary’s January and June terms), the cost is $100. This is half the regular price. Auditors will incur minor additional expenses for student ID tags, parking permits, and,
if they desire, books for the class they are auditing.

After I start auditing a class, is it possible to get credit for the class in the event I decide to enter a degree program?
No. The main purpose of the TEMA program is to build area churches by providing easier access to theological education. The program also allows men and women to “sample” theological education to determine if it is for them. Those who want academic credit from the beginning must first apply to and be accepted by the Seminary Under TEMA, you may take your first class at a 30 percent discount.

Are all classes offered at the Seminary open to me?
Some classes, for various reasons, may be closed to auditors, however most classes are available. Note that classes designated "limited enrollment" in the course schedule are in most cases open to auditors. Check with the Registrar's office to determine the availability of classes in which you are interested.

Will I be able to find a class to my liking at a time that is convenient for me?
This is a question that those participating in the program should investigate prior to signing up. Course listings are available on the Seminary’s website at least three months in advance. Palmer offers a high percentage of its classes on weekday evenings and on weekends, making it very likely for even full-time parents or those who work daytime hours outside the home to find a class to their liking.

Will I be able to audit additional classes at Palmer?
You may audit as many additional courses at Palmer as you like for the regular auditing price of $400 per two-unit course. Only the initial class will be considered as part of the TEMA program, thus qualifying for the 50 percent discount.

How much will I be able to participate in class discussions?
The degree of class participation is at the discretion of the professor and may depend on the specific nature of the class. However, generally speaking Palmer professors invite questions and observations from all students.

If I am interested in following through, whom should I contact?
To enroll in the TEMA program or to get your questions answered, please contact the Registrar’s Office at 610.645.9330 or twerron@eastern.edu. Auditors are accepted up till the start of Fall or Spring semesters or of Palmer Seminary’s January and June terms.

If you are interested in applying for admission to Palmer Seminary, please contact the Admissions Office at 610.645.9321 or semadmis@eastern.edu. Deadlines for submitting application materials are August 15 for the Fall semester and January 15 for the Spring semester.