What is the PennDel School Of Ministry?
The PennDel School of Ministry is a convenient, fast-track, less expensive way that a person can satisfy the academic requirements for credentials with the Assemblies of God. You may enroll online, using your credit card for payment. Then, you will order your textbook from the source of your choice. You will have approximately one month to read the text and complete the Study Guide. You will then attend a one-day class, pass your exam, and you will have completed that course toward the requirements for your credentials. We have eight (8) convenient campus locations with four being Satellite campuses. Each campus offers 27 classes totaling 108 across the PennDel Ministry Network.
What is the Bible Institute Track?

The Bible Institute track is a one-year program for students who want to deepen their understanding of the Word. It's designed for laypeople or anyone that wants to educate themselves more on the Bible. It does not go towards getting your Credentials. If you're interested in pursuing those, the PennDel School of Ministry track is the desired track to sign-up for.

I Have Already Completed Some Courses From Another Bible Training Program; Can They Be Applied Toward These Courses?

You can submit a transcript from the other Bible school and your case will be studied on its own individual merit. Berean College courses will always be accepted, provided your grade was passing.

Do I Have To Take The Courses In The Order In Which They Are Offered?

No, courses can be taken at any time they are offered. You can even jump into the cycle in mid-stream if you miss the first enrollment. However, the courses have been arranged logically in the best order to be taken. Example: The very first course is AG History, Missions, and Governance to give a background of the Assemblies of God.

When Will The Courses Be Offered?

The Allentown campus classes meet on the FIRST Saturday of each month (Sept-June).

The Pittsburgh and Philadelphia campus classes meet on the SECOND Saturday of each month (Sept- June).

The Harrisburg campus classes meet on the THIRD Saturday of each month (Sept- June).

The Bedford campus (Satellite Campus) meets on the FOURTH Saturday of each month.
The Dover, DE campus (Satellite Campus) meets the FOURTH Saturday of each month.
The Erie campus (Satellite Campus) meets on the FOURTH Saturday of each month.
The Berwick campus (Satellite Campus) meets on the FOURTH Saturday of each month.

Every effort will be made to adhere to this schedule. However, serious calendar conflicts may occasionally require adjusting this schedule. Advance notice will be given whenever this is necessary.

What Courses Will Be Offered and when?

A complete list of courses and the dates they are being offered is available under the courses tab on the PDSOM website.

How Much Will Each Course Cost?

One time enrollment fee is $75. Registration for each course is $100. Internship course cost is $100.00 each level for Certified, Licensed, and Ordained. (Note: Internships for credentialing track only.) The student is also responsible for the purchase of his/her own textbook, travel, and meals. The student may order books from any online source (amazon.com, christianbook.com, gospelpublishing.com) or from a local bookstore. PennDel SOM will not provide books.

Is the Cost of My Course Tax Deductible?

Not as a contribution. However, you may be eligible for a deduction, consult with your tax adviser for more information.

What About the Quality of the Instructors?

We have attempted to screen our instructors very carefully. Most (but not all) of them have academic degrees that uniquely qualify them to teach the subjects they have been assigned. In some cases, their practical experience or significant success in a given field has given them the authority to speak to their assigned subject. Students will be given an evaluation form for every faculty member in every class. This will help us to make changes if, and when they are necessary.

Who Is My Contact Person?

In the application stage, your primary contact will be Abby Redding. To view contact information, please visit the contact page.

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What About Laymen? Can they take PDSOM courses?

Yes! In fact, the One Year Bible Institute program is designed for teachers and leaders in the local church. Please note that this track does not equate to ministerial credentialing.

Does this meet with General Council's approval?

Yes! Thirty-seven districts make up the National D-SOM Organization. They act as an accrediting association in accordance with General Council policies. National DSOM has the explicit approval of the Executive Presbytery in Springfield.

I already have credentials. Will courses be available so I can work toward advancement?

Yes, the courses under the Licensed and Ordained sections fulfill the educational requirements for those credential levels.

Where will the classes be offered?

The PDSOM campuses are currently at:

  • Central Assemblies of God in Bethlehem (Allentown)
  • Calvary Church in Irwin (Pittsburgh)
  • Christian Life Church in Bensalem (Philadelphia)
  • Celebration Community Church in Dillsburg (Harrisburg)

Additionally, there are four Satellite campuses in Bedford, PA, Berwick, PA, Dover, DE and Erie, PA.

When will the classes start?

A school year will follow a traditional school system. We will start in September, and go through June of each year. Classes will not be held during December, July, and August.

What will be the schedule for the day of class?

We will begin at 8:30 for check-in and a devotional. By 9AM you will be in class. You will turn in your completed study guides. The first order of business will be the grading of the study guides, a brief discussion of your answers, and a review of the material you have studied. After a short break, you will take your final exam for the course and a break for lunch. Then, the rest of the day (until 5:00) will be spent on practical applications of the material you have learned. This will be a unique learning experience from the typical classroom. The emphasis will not be on content delivery from teacher to student, but on the practical application of the material you have learned.

Will I automatically receive my credentials at the conclusion of the series of courses?

No, PennDel SOM is not a credential-granting organization. You will still need to go through the credential application/approval process through the District. PennDel SOM only provides the academic requirements for your credentials. However, our schedule is such that if you stay with our schedule you will be ready for the credential application deadline.

How is PDSOM better than a self study approach?

For many, the self-study route may still be the best way to go. However, that route has several shortcomings that PDSOM does not.

  • We will promote positive motivation to accelerate your learning experience more rapidly than a self-study approach.
  • We will provide the accountability that keeps you on task, moving toward your goal of obtaining credentials
  • We will provide a classroom environment that promotes exchange of ideas, beneficial dialogue, and exposure to differing perspectives on the subject matter
  • You will be building relationships with your fellow students that you could not get with self-study programs,
  • You will sit under the teaching of experienced ministers who have been “in the trenches.”
Do I need a computer, email, and internet access?
Yes. Class registration is done online via the PDSOM website. We try to keep our costs minimal and avoid postage and handling by not having to mail anything. During registration, students are asked to create a login to access their student portal.  A temporary password is provided by PDSOM via email from our Registrar. Any updates will be communicated via email.