Center for Continuing Education

Center for Continuing Education

Theological resources of YDS for churches, clergy, and laity

The Center for Continuing Education at Yale Divinity School provides opportunities and resources for churches, clergy, and laity to foster the knowledge and love of God in their communities.

Through events, lectures, programs, instructional resources, and publications, our goal is to enable and enrich ministry and lay learning. These resources are intended to support faith formation, religious education, and personal and professional enrichment.

Center for Continuing Education

On a Mission to Educate

Looking for continuing education opportunities? The Reverend Erica Avena discusses Summer Study at Yale Divinity School and why she participates every year.

The Summer Study program provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in week-long courses on topics essential to practical church ministry, as well as personal and professional enrichment. Summer Study courses are offered virtually and are open to the public.

On a Mission to Empower

Hear from Amorya Orr on why she chose to earn her certificate in Youth Ministry Leadership at Yale Divinity School.

Last year, we launched the YDS Certificate in Youth Ministry Leadership program. This is a nine-month, digital, cohort-based program where participants learn from select faculty and staff from Yale Divinity School and other leading institutions. The Yale Youth Ministry Institute also offers free webinars, resources, and training.

On a Mission to Elevate

Hear from David and Sean Scheller-Schuller on why they take our Yale Bible Study courses.

The Yale Bible Study engages individuals, clergy and small groups in Bible Study through an accessible, free, and deeply thoughtful program created by YDS faculty. More than 30 Bible Study courses feature videos, study guides, questions for discussion and reflection, and additional resources to enhance your study. We also offer live, online studies with current and former YDS faculty. 

Continuing Education Programs

This YDS Summer Study program is open to anyone interested in theological education. There are no prior educational requirements necessary to participate. Courses can count towards continuing education requirements for some clergy. Participants receive a Yale Certificate of Completion at the end of the course week. For more information on Summer Study at YDS go to the Summer Study website.

The mission of the Yale Bible Study is to engage clergy and lay audiences in small group Bible study by providing studies of biblical books, deepened by insights from Yale Divinity School professors. These materials form an accessible, free, and deeply thoughtful and informed group Bible study program.

Learn more at the Yale Bible Study homepage.

The mission of the Yale Youth Ministry Institute is to promote adolescent faith and flourishing in a diverse and changing world by conducting scholarship, equipping leaders, and resourcing youth ministries in and beyond Christian churches.

Learn more at the Yale Youth Ministry Institute homepage.

The Yale Youth Ministry Institute is pleased to offer the Yale Divinity School Certificate in Youth Ministry Leadership

We know that ministry today is challenging, and the Center for Continuing Education offers a variety of resources on our website to support this important work. We are excited to announce a new opportunity for congregations to both contribute to and benefit from the work of the Center for Continuing Education.

We invite you to become a YDS CCE Congregational Partner. For just $500 a year, your congregation will receive the following special benefits:

  1. Early registration for all events (online and in-person)
  2. Bonus session for live, online Bible studies exclusively for congregational partners
  3. Exclusive “How to Use CCE Resources” Zoom conversation
  4. Consultation with Yale Youth Ministry Institute staff on your program
  5. Congregational Partners will be listed on our website

But that’s not all! In addition, you’ll receive:

50% discount on all non-certificate paid programs
25% discount on certificate programs

Our Congregational Partners will also ensure that our free website and webinar resources remain available to those congregations most in need. We would be thrilled to discuss the details of sponsorship further and to explore the ways in which YDS can support your ministry. Please click here to sign up or contact Kelly Morrissey at kelly.morrissey@yale.edu for additional information. 

Our Congregational Partners

  • Immanuel Lutheran Church, Macomb, MI
  • St. Matthews Episcopal Church, Wilton, CT
  • Wilton Congregational Church, Wilton, CT

Stay in touch with news about Continuing Education events at Yale Divinity School and in your area!

See the current monthly newsletter online.(Link is external)

If you would like to sign up for the newsletter, go here(Link is external).


If you have questions or want to update your contact information, email kelly.morrissey@yale.edu with the following information:

  • Your full name
  • Your preferred email address
  • Your mailing address
  • Your continuing education interests

Please note that all information provided will update your contact record at Yale. All information shall only be used for the purposes of Yale and shall not be used by any outside party.

Upcoming Events

The Anticipation and Arrival of Jesus in Luke 1 and 2 with the Rev. Dr. Allen Hilton
Zoom | December 4, 11, and 18 | 7:30 pm | 3 Sessions

The Gospel of Luke offers our most extensive biblical look at the anticipation of Jesus’s advent, which we will explore in 3 sessions. 

Register at The Anticipation and Arrival of Jesus in Luke 1 and 2

Conflict Management for Innovators with Ryan Dunlap
Zoom | December 9 | 12 - 2pm Eastern
In partnership with Berkeley Divinity School

This workshop will equip church leaders with the skills to transform conflict into collaboration, helping individuals and teams move from actively resistant to active participants in innovation. 

Register at Conflict Management for Innovators

A Scholarly Stroll Through the Sermon on the Mount with the Rev. Dr. Allen Hilton
Zoom | January 5 - February 23 | 7:30 pm Eastern | 8 Sessions

This course will see it through ancient eyes first, then move it toward our 21st century, lives, churches, and world.

Register at A Scholarly Stroll Through the Sermon on the Mount

How Young Minds Navigate Social Interaction: From Infancy to Childhood with Dr. Youjung Choi
Zoom | February 4 | 12 - 1:30 pm Eastern

We will explore how infants and young children make sense of the multifaceted nature of social interaction.

Register at How Young Minds Navigate Social Interaction: From Infancy to Childhood

Not Too Little to Lead: The Value of Children as Leaders in our Worship with Brandy McDonald
Zoom | March 4 | 12 - 1:30 pm Eastern

We will share the successes and challenges my church has faced in our intentional approach to ensuring children feel empowered to be active participants in the leadership of our worship services.

Register at Not Too Little to Lead: The Value of Children as Leaders in our Worship