The Modern Interfaith Minister Program for Professionals

Overview
Program Description
Abstract of Curriculum
Admission Requirements
Completion Requirements
Tuition and Fees
Auditing Our Classes

This one-year accelerated program focuses upon the skills and knowledge needed to be a Modern Interfaith Minister. By eliminating semester breaks and vacations, the course concentrates in one full year what other schools take two or more years to impart to students.

Enrollment in this program is limited to physicians, psychologists, attorneys, social service providers, teachers, and other professionals wishing to expand their own professions spiritually. With this stated limitation, admission is open to all male and female adults regardless of age, race, religion, ethnic background, or sexual orientation.

Upon successful completion of the program, students are ordained as Modern Interfaith Ministers and are eligible to register legally as clergy persons. Thus, graduates are eligible to add the honorific "Reverend" to any existing titles and honors they have achieved in their professions.

The program is provided as a series of classroom sessions each month at the All Faiths Seminary in New York City. Study materials, work assignments, and exercises throughout the month are geared for the busy person, and are applied to the student's own life and work. Thus, the program lets the student incorporate his or her own profession as an integral part of the program.

The classroom sessions and study materials focus on comparative religion and spiritual philosophies. Also examined are various approaches to using a spiritual approach to healing and counseling in the community. Training is also provided on developing background and experience in the practical aspects of ministry, such as performing marriage ceremonies, funeral and memorial services, naming ceremonies, and other kinds of ritual services.

Classes take place on the first Saturday of each month, and are taught by Rabbi Gelberman with the assistance of speakers representing various religious traditions and disciplines. Exercises, written assignments, study materials, and guided readings are provided for the remainder of each month. From the first day of class, the program is intended to be implemented directly and immediately in the lives and workplace of the working professional.

	Admission to this program is open to all male and female adults regardless of age, race, religion, ethnic background, sexual orientation, or occupation.
	Applicants must be currently working in a profession requiring at least a Bachelor's Degree.
	In addition to a completed application form, a photo and two letters of recommendation are also recommended.
	Before the first class session, each student is required to produce a short essay stating one's reasons for wanting to become an Interfaith Minister.
	The Application Form, photo and letters of recommendation, with a $100 non-refundable application fee, should be sent to: All-Faiths Seminary International Administrative Office 7 West 96th Street, Suite 19B New York, NY 10025

	Classwork (class attendance or make-up through cassettes)
	Three-Day Intensive Retreat (required of all students, including correspondence students.)
	Submission of year-end paper
	Final written and oral examination before the Seminary's Board of Accreditation
	Satisfaction of all required dues and tuitions.

Upon successful completion of the full year, students are recognized in an initiation ceremony culminating in ordination into the Interfaith ministry. The ceremony is held at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City.

* Tuition fees can be paid in five installments by arrangement.

Persons wishing to audit our classes may do so for free. In New York City, simply come to our class. Outside of New York City, you may order audio cassettes of each class for $20 per session. For more information on auditing our classes, call 212-866-3795.