Berkeley Divinity School at Yale
Divinity Virtual Curacy Program Hero

Virtual Curacy

Published: Summer 2026

Education Religion & Divinity

Description

The Virtual Curacy Program, offered through Berkeley Divinity School at Yale’s Transforming Leaders initiative, is an innovative two-year program designed to address the critical shortage of mentorship and curacy opportunities for newly ordained and soon-to-be-ordained Episcopal clergy.

Open to participants from any seminary or local formation program, the Virtual Curacy Program combines practical ministry formation, adaptive leadership development, and sustained mentorship. Participants begin with an opening retreat, join twenty monthly two-hour Zoom gatherings featuring insights from Yale faculty and experienced ministry leaders, and receive weekly one-on-one guidance from a seasoned clergy mentor.

More than an academic course of study, the program offers an embodied approach to ministry rooted in the Gospel and servant leadership. Participants develop the practical skills, spiritual practices, and leadership capacity needed to navigate the realities of parish life and build vibrant, sustainable communities. The two-year journey culminates in a graduation retreat at Yale, where participants celebrate their formation and receive a Certificate in Pastoral Leadership from Yale University.

Program Takeaways

  • Build a strong foundation for parish ministry by deepening your understanding of liturgical rhythms, the Church Year, and Pastoral Offices, including funerals, weddings, baptisms, and Eucharistic prayers.
  • Strengthen essential practical ministry skills in sermon preparation, worship planning, church finances, fundraising, and congregational leadership, supported by weekly one-on-one mentorship.
  • Develop sustainable spiritual and leadership practices by examining your leadership identity, ministry context, and personal story while cultivating intentional rhythms of prayer, wellness, and resilience.
  • Navigate complex ministry challenges with discernment through approaches to conflict transformation, pastoral leadership and politics, trauma-informed preaching, and leading change with grace.
  • Create a compelling vision for your community by integrating adaptive leadership, entrepreneurship, evangelism, and future readiness to empower laity and build vibrant, sustainable Christian communities.
Apply Now
Applications are open through July 24, 2026. The next cohort begins in August 2026.
Delivery

This hybrid program combines opening and closing in-person retreats with monthly live Zoom gatherings and weekly one-on-one mentoring sessions with an experienced clergy mentor.

Duration
2 Years
Fees
Program fees are arranged in partnership with each participant’s diocese. Need-based scholarships are available.
Language
English
Credentials
Yale Non-Degree Certificate

Meet the Instructors

faculty profile image YDS has over 40 full-time faculty members, including some of the most prominent figures in American religion, education, and public life.