How do you qualify for this program?  You must be at least 35 years old with a high school education or a GED.  You must also have membership in a local UCC church in the Southern Conference and a sense of calling to authorized ministry( commissioned, ordained, or licensed).  You must be able to demonstrate why you cannot pursue a college or seminary education at this time, have the recommendation and support of a local congregation, and be “In Care” of your association.

Can people from all three associations participate in this program?  Yes, all three associations’ Commissions on Church and Ministry have approved the PLD as the only acceptable alternative to seminary  to fulfill the educational requirements for ordination.

What happened to SCOPE?  The Association’s Commissions on Church and Ministry realized that very few people have been able to complete the SCOPE program in the past several years.  The number of courses required is quite unwieldy and it was difficult to provide the necessary individual help for SCOPE candidates.  The commissions decided that a whole new program, with UCC students taking classes designed and offered  by our Conference, would be a preferable means of preparation.  We have also included a mentoring aspect to the program that will enrich the learning process and provide even more support.

What is the difference between the SCOPE program and PLD program?  The main difference is that people will move through this program as a group—taking the same classes with other for 3 years.  This is a prescribed curriculum, designed and organized through our Southern Conference, no some other institution of learning.

How can I move from the SCOPE program to the new PLD program?  Unfortunately the only way to be part of the PLD program is to start from scratch.  The other option, for those who have already begun the SCOPE program, is to complete the requirements.  You should be in touch with your Associate Conference Minister to discuss your status in SCOPE.  In the Eastern North Carolina Association contact Rev. Vertie Powers (vertiepowersenca@soc-ucc.org or (336) 343-4066; in the Western North Carolina Association contact Rev. Larry Walser (wnca@salisbury.net or (704) 633-3191; and in the Eastern Virginia Association contact Rev. Drew Morris (EVA.SOC.UCC@charterinternet.com or (757) 934-3146.

Will my current coursework under the SCOPE program be transferred?  No.  PLD was designed as a self-contained three-year curriculum.  Those who have taken other course work will find it helpful preparation, but no previous course work from any institution or conference will be applied to the PLD requirements.

Do I still have to do 3 years in the PLD program if I have been taking courses through SCOPE?  Yes

Are all the classes mandatory?  Yes.

How long do I have to finish the program?  Our preference is that everyone completes the program in 3 years, but you have up to 7 years after you start.

What is the cost of the program?  $1500/year for 3 years or $4500.

How was that amount determined?  We are trying to keep this program very affordable, but we feel that participants will get more out of it if they invest some of their own money.  Even at $1500, we do come close to covering our true costs and we have received grant money to help underwrite the program.

Will the Conference help with funding the tuition?  We are striving to raise “scholarship” money for those who need help.  These monies will be given as a loan to students.  If a PLD graduate serves a UCC church for a minimum of 3 years after finishing the program the loan will not have to be repaid.  It is expected that the loan will be repaid if the student does not serve a UCC church either as a pastor of associate minister.

When can I apply and begin course work?  We began our second year of classes in September 2005.  Our intention is to start the cycle every fall into the foreseeable future.  You should being the process NOW by contacting your Associate Conference Minister to begin the In-Care process, and by contacting Rev. Margot Pickett at (919) 493-2722 (home), (919) 414-6053 (mobile) and (919) 403-7068 (FAX) or 3615 Cottonwood Drive, Durham, NC 27707 or email PLDdirector@verizon.net to request an application form.  The deadline for applying is July 31, 2006 and we will accept the first 15 qualified applicants.

What is the total number of classes offered each year?  Three, which means a total of 15 weekends in the academic year (i.e. September through  May), plus a week at Lancaster Theological Seminary during the summer.

Will have an advisor/mentor? Yes.

Can laypersons take this course?  The curriculum is designed for persons seeking ordination in the United Church of Christ.

What time are the classes?  Classes begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday evening and end at 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Where will the classes take place?  At the Southern Conference office in Elon, NC.

Where will I be staying?  At a local motel in Burlington, the participants’ fees cover cost of rooms.

Is the location of the program permanent, or will another site be available?  We selected the Elon location because it is the most central part of the Conference and convenient to the current participants, and by using the Conference facilities we are able to keep costs down.  We will reconsider the location as need be.

What happens if I miss a weekend?  Attendance at all the classes is mandatory.  However, if there is an emergency that could prevent your attendance you should call the director, Rev. Margot Pickett, (919) 414-6053 (mobile).  You will be expected to make up the materials we cover in class.

If I drop out of the program, will my funds be refundable?  Can I restart the program?  We will not be able to refund your money.  We will review with you the possibility of applying the money you’ve already paid to your tutu ion if you restart the program.

Will the credits earned in the PLD program transferable to a 4-year institution if I want to advance my education?  No.

If I have questions, about the PLD program, who do I contact?  Rev. Margot Trusty Pickett, the Director of the PLD program.  You can reach her by calling (919) 493-2722 (home) or (919) 414-6053 (mobile) or (919) 403-7068 (FAX) or by emailing PLDdirector@verizon.net.