ICS provides in-person and online courses developed for individuals discerning their call to ministry and those seeking Christian education for personal or group formation.
Featured Courses
Embracing and Evangelizing – The Great Commission
Christian Ed.
June 10, 2025
Luke 14:23 – "And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and the hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.’"
As we survey the wondrous cross in our commission to share the good news with others, let's also survey the location, facilities, and opportunities God has entrusted to us as we serve him. From the highways to the hedges, we will explore various outreach possibilities to fulfill the church's mission to evangelize and declare the faith.
Church History Part II
Diaconate
June 14, 2025
Students will continue to understand the origins and organization of The Episcopal Church, and trace the history of the Church from Apostolic times to the present, including the Judaic roots of the church. Students will learn to describe the beliefs, worship, and structure of the Episcopal Church.
The Deacon and Lay Leader in Authorized Worship
Diaconate
June 14, 2025
This course provides comprehensive training on the Book of Occasional Services, equipping future deacons and licensed lay ministers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively utilize this resource in their ministry. The course will cover the services included in the Book of Occasional Services and their theological significance, practical application, and the role of the deacon or licensed lay minister leading and supporting these services.
ICS courses are approved by the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida for the continuing education of deacons and priests.
Those discerning a call to the diaconate in the Diocese of Central Florida receive high-quality biblical and theological training through a combination of in-person classes with faculty from the diocese and online certificate program courses through our Thirdmill partnership. In addition, online Thirdmill courses are available for those seeking general Christian education, licensed lay ministry, and for clergy seeking continuing education.
Foundations Certificate
The Foundations Certificate provides foundational courses in theology, as well as Old and New Testament.
Certificate in Biblical Studies
Our Certificate in Biblical Studies covers additional courses in the Old Testament and New Testament.
Certificate in Theological Studies
The Certificate in Theological Studies covers additional courses ranging from systematic theology to Christian ethics.
Deacons serve as a vital bridge between the Church and the world. They are ordained members of the clergy who embody Christ’s servant ministry within and beyond the Church. While priests are charged with shepherding God’s people, deacons are called to be agents of God’s compassion and reconciling grace in the world, while bringing the needs, hopes, and concerns of the world to the Church. Their role is unique, symbolizing Christ’s servanthood in the liturgy, the community, and in their advocacy for a just and caring society.
Learn more at our 2024 Conference on Ministry, Saturday, August 24, 10 a.m. at Church of the Messiah in Winter Garden. Hear presentations from the Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb, diocesan staff, priests, deacons, and Commission on Ministry members. Contact Archdeacon Julie Altenbach to learn more.
Contact Us to Learn MoreHear From Past Students
We are so blessed in the Diocese of Central Florida. So many of the clergy in our diocese are extremely knowledgeable and amazing teachers. I am growing so much, not just in knowledge, but in faith!
Laura
The priests who facilitate the courses bring a deep understanding of the content and also a love of Christ and the Church. A nurturing spirit towards all the students is on full display.
Angela
ICS has not only given me the core knowledge I need in ministry training, but it has also been a great source of inspiration for my own personal growth. Every class I take has something big that I take away and apply.
Dan