About the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC)
Our Mission:
“To equip leaders for ministry in a Christ centered, culturally relevant context in ways that bear witness to the beliefs, heritage, and practices of the Church of the Brethren."
Developed in 1993, the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC) provides training for
people exploring the call to ministry. Working from a solid commitment to core Anabaptist and
Pietist understandings within the Church of the Brethren heritage, SVMC provides training in
biblical studies, ministry skills, theology, church vitality, and other subjects that help students
prepare for ministry. SVMC also provides continuing education for pastors, support for
congregations, and leadership training for laity.
SVMC organizes Academy Certified Training System (ACTS) classes in its five partner districts
(Atlantic Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Middle Pennsylvania, Southern Pennsylvania, and Western
Pennsylvania). Curriculum and courses are certified by Brethren Academy for Ministerial
Leadership. ACTS is open to students without college degrees. Courses are offered in a hybrid
format.