ACTS Program

Overview

One way SVMC lives into its mission is by administering the Academy Certified Training System (ACTS) program in partnership with several districts. The program is open to:

Licensed ministers seeking to fulfill ordination requirements in the Church of the Brethren
Laypersons seeking leadership training
Credentialed ministers pursuing continuing education (1.5 CEUs available per course)

Below you will find links to the ACTS application, requirements summary, full handbook, course cycle, and current course schedule.

Program Requirements

ACTS requirements include the completion of 12 courses across biblical, historical/theological, and ministry areas, along with the following experiences:

Ministry Formation
Supervised Ministry
Annual Conference
District Conference
An ecumenical, interfaith, or intercultural experience

Course Format

All ACTS courses are hybrid:

Districts with 3–4 or more students meet in person at a designated location (hub).
Districts with fewer than 3–4 students participate via Zoom.

Students may request an exception from these expectations using the Hub Presence Exception Form .

Enrolling in ACTS

Licensed ministry candidates and laypersons should first discuss their calling with their district. After that conversation, they may contact the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC) to begin enrollment.

To start taking classes, applicants must submit:

The ACTS Program Application (linked below)
A 2–3 page essay describing their call to ministry

Registration

Once SVMC has received and approved the application and essay, students may register for courses online. SVMC will email all current ACTS students with the registration link.

Students needing assistance may contact: Phone: 717‑361‑1450 Email: KarenHodges@SVMCcob.org

ACTS Tuition

Tuition: $285.00 per course
Audit Fee: $100.00 per course (+$10 for CEUs)

Each district offers its own financial assistance plans which are described below. Students seeking additional support should contact their home congregation or district office.

DISTRICT TUITION ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS

- Atlantic Northeast District: SVMC invoices students for two‑thirds of tuition. The district pays one‑third for licensed ministers in good standing. SVMC invoices the district directly.
- Mid‑Atlantic District: SVMC invoices students for the full tuition amount. Students are encouraged to contact the district office and/or their congregation for assistance.
- Middle Pennsylvania District: SVMC invoices students for two‑thirds of tuition. The district pays one‑third for licensed ministers in good standing. SVMC invoices the district directly.
- Southern Pennsylvania District: The district provides $200.00 per course for licensed ministers and discerned individuals who successfully complete the course. SVMC invoices students for tuition minus $200.00. After successful completion, SVMC invoices the district for the $200.00. If the course is not successfully completed, the student is responsible for the full tuition amount.
- Western Pennsylvania District: SVMC invoices students for the full tuition amount. Students are encouraged to contact the district office and/or their congregation for assistance.

Important Links

ACTS Program Application – Apply to the ACTS program
Abbreviated ACTS Requirements – Concise overview of program expectations
ACTS Handbook – Complete policies, procedures, and program details for students and instructors
ACTS Course Cycle – Full course rotation schedule
2026–2027 ACTS Courses – Upcoming course offerings