The Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC), with offices on the campus of Elizabethtown College, is a center for theological, ministerial and leadership education related to the Church of the Brethren. It is a partnership between Bethany Seminary and five Church of the Brethren districts: Atlantic Northeast, Mid Atlantic, Middle Pennsylvania, Southern Pennsylvania and Western Pennsylvania. The Center offers a Brethren setting for studying the Scriptures, faith reflection, theological education and ministry studies. Classes are taught on the campuses of Elizabethtown and Juniata Colleges as well as in area congregations and church centers.

Graduate-level seminary courses give opportunity for students to obtain a degree from Bethany Seminary or other accredited seminaries in the area, [e.g., Lancaster Theological Seminary, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, or Evangelical School of Theology at Myerstown] such as the M.Div., M.A. and M.A.R. degrees, provided that all residency and course requirements are met. The Center also has cross-registration with Eastern Mennonite Seminary-Lancaster campus. Accreditation of all graduate courses taken at the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center is provided by Bethany Theological Seminary.

The Center also offers Certificate Training programs for laity and licensed ministers of the Church of the Brethren seeking to meet minimal standards for ordination. This is done through the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. Church of the Brethren students in the TRIM program may also enroll for certificate or Academy courses. A new Continuing Education program has been started for pastors of the five districts and is providing training opportunities in leadership, ethics and decision making.

To enroll in the graduate, certificate, or continuing education program, contact the SVMC office. For further information contact Donna M. Rhodes, Executive Director, or Amy Milligan, Program Coordinator/Registrar, at

Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center
Elizabethtown College
One Alpha Drive
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
ph: (717) 361-1450