The Core Program is designed for lay members and leaders who are interested in exploring their faith and gaining new skills for leadership within the church. The Core Program is taught over a 2-year period:

YEAR ONE (2008-2009):
         Oct:        Disciples of Christ Polity (Friday evening)
                       Spirituality (Saturday)
         Nov:        Leadership and Conflict Management
         Jan/Feb:  Faith Development(C.E. and Personal)
         Feb/Mar: Old Testament
         Apr:        New Testament

YEAR TWO (2007-2008):
         Sep 30/Oct 1  UCC Polity (Friday evening)
                              Theology I (Saturday)
         Nov 18-19       Boundary Training (Friday evening)
                              Theology II (Saturday)
         Jan 20-21:      Contemporary Theology
         Mar 17-18:      Missions
         Feb/Apr:         Worship

An additional sixty hours of elective study or activities, developed in consultation with each student's assigned advisor and the S.T.E.M. Dean is required for graduation.  Electives can include seminars, new leadership activities in your church, preaching, or reports on books, tapes, or videos.

S.T.E.M. Core classes usually meet at the Michigan Conference Center in East Lansing, or at First Christian Church in Lansing. Students may stay overnight at the Parish House, near the Michigan Conference Center, for an additional fee.  Instructors include conference and regional staff and pastors, many of whom hold doctorates in their fields.

Graduates of the Core Program receive a certificate of recognition and a special S.T.E.M. stole.