CASA Pathways for Ministry in Plano
In 2024, Perkins started offering – in collaboration with Wesley Theological Seminary and thanks to a $5 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. – a certificate program in Spanish for pastors with no formal training, lay pastors, and others with pastoral experience in the Dallas Metroplex area. In February of 2025, CASA Pathways for Ministry expanded into the Houston area and beginning in 2026, the program will also be serving the Plano, Texas area.
Certificate in Ministry
This certificate is designed for pastors without formal training, lay pastors, and others with ministry experience. To receive this certificate, students must successfully complete the five following courses: Preaching, Old Testament, New Testament, Pastoral Care, and Approaches to Leadership.
Description
This course introduces participants to the formation and main events of the Hebrew Bible. Participants will develop skill in biblical interpretation, or exegesis, as a basis for preaching and teaching. By taking the course, students will more fully grasp the breadth of meaning in Old Testament texts and grow more able to exegete, proclaim, and apply scripture in preaching, teaching, and participation in the life of the congregation.
Address: Custer Road UMC (6601 Custer Rd, Plano, TX 75023).
Classes will be held on Sunday, February 22 from 2pm-6pm and Saturday, February 28 from 12pm-6pm.
Description
This course introduces participants to the Gospels, the Pauline letters, and other New Testament books. Participants will learn about the formation and central themes of the New Testament and develop skills in biblical interpretation, or exegesis, as a basis for preaching and teaching. By taking the course, participants will more fully grasp the breadth of meaning in the New Testament texts and grow more able to exegete, proclaim, and apply scripture in preaching, teaching, and participation in the life of the congregation.
Address: Custer Road UMC (6601 Custer Rd, Plano, TX 75023).
Classes will be held on Saturday, March 14 from 12pm-6pm and Sunday, March 22 from 2pm-6pm.
Description
In this course, participants will learn how to interpret Old and New Testament texts for writing sermons. They will also learn the basics of preparing liturgies for various worship experiences. By taking the course, participants will become more confident in proclaiming God's word and developing meaningful liturgies that support the sermon, the church year, and the life of the congregation.
Address: Custer Road UMC (6601 Custer Rd, Plano, TX 75023).
Classes will be held on Saturday, April 18 from 12pm-6pm and Sunday, April 26 from 2pm-6pm.
Description
This course introduces participants to the basic functions of congregational care, learning ways to provide spiritual guidance and emotional care as well as when and how to be a knowledgeable resource for referrals to appropriate services. By taking the course, participants will be more able to oversee appropriate congregational care issues.
Address: Custer Road UMC (6601 Custer Rd, Plano, TX 75023).
Classes will be held on Saturday, July 18 from 12pm-6pm and Sunday, July 26 from 2pm-6pm.
Description
Participants will learn how to lead a congregation toward its vision and mission. They will learn ways to navigate obstacles while moving towards transformation. By taking the course, participants will be able to discern the context and engage the congregation in moving toward fulfilling their mission.
Address: Custer Road UMC (6601 Custer Rd, Plano, TX 75023).
Classes will be held on Saturday, August 15 from 12pm-6pm and Sunday, August 23 from 2pm-6pm.
Registration fee: $100
To sign up for our next course (Old Testament), which starts on February 22, 2026, click the button below.