The skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead the Black Church and serve African American communities often call for clergy and lay leaders to pursue continuing education options to enhance their ability as religious professionals and empower their ministries. Payne Theological Seminary offers the following continuing education opportunity for men and women involved in Christian ministry:

Alternative Theological Education Program (ATEP) Alternative Theological Education Program (ATEP) is a continuing education certificate program especially designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of clergy and lay leaders in the areas of Christian Theology and Christian Ministry. ATEP is comprised of two certification programs. The Ministers’ Theological Institute is for clergy who are actively engaged in ministry and who want to increase both their understanding of the Christian faith and their practice of ministry. The Lay School of Theology is designed for lay leaders who are interested in a specialized program of study to enhance their leadership skills in a variety of ministries.

For additional information on ATEP, admissions and registration, and opportunities to establish ATEP Extension Sites, contact us at (937) 376-2946 Ext. 222 or (888) 816-8933 Ext. 222 or via e-mail.