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First Call, First Steps

First Call, First Steps provides seminary students and candidates who have completed seminary with resources to prepare for covenanting terms of call with a congregation or negotiating with an employer. It introduces the concept of effective salary, housing allowance, SECA, just compensation, and other important information for candidates as they talk with future congregations/employers.

This seminar helps attendees build their lives and ministries on a firm foundation so they may devote their best gifts and energies to the work of God's kingdom. First Call, First Steps is offered by the Board of Pensions at no cost to participants.

"I feel far more confident when it comes to covenanting a call."

— Seminar participant

Who's eligible

The First Call, First Steps seminar is open to seminary students and graduates who are enrolled as inquirers or candidates for ordination in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This seminar is offered at PC(USA) institutions and may also be offered by mid councils and at seminaries with strong PC(USA) representation.

Learning formats

First Call, First Steps is available in two learning formats: virtually and in person. Both include 90 minutes of content and space of conversation.

Seminarians interested in attending a webinar are encouraged to attend the event scheduled for the seminary in which they are enrolled.

Additionally, all seminary students and graduates enrolled in the call process may create an account for the Lifelong Learning e-learning site. The Terms of Call, Faithful Decision-Making, and Personal Financial Planning e-learning series cover similar content to the First Call, First Steps seminar and, after completing these series, individuals can download certificates of completion to share with Committees on Preparation for Ministry.

Please email the Education team with any questions regarding these learning opportunities or accessing the Board of Pensions’ e-learning site.

What you'll learn

In the First Call, First Steps seminar, you will:

  • build the relationship with the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), including Church Consultants and the Education team
  • learn about A Theology of Benefits and basic financial realities of ministry
  • discover terms of call, effective salary, and other key concepts as you get ready to covenant terms of call
  • be equipped for your first conversation about terms of call and/or compensation as you take your first steps into your first call

How to schedule

Seminaries, as well as mid councils with a larger number of seminarians and graduates under their care, work directly with their Board of Pensions Church Consultant and Board Education team staff to schedule seminars and register participants.

To schedule a First Call, First Steps seminar, contact your Board of Pensions Church Consultant or email the Education team.

Upcoming seminars

June 2, 2026 (VIRTUAL)
6-8 p.m. PT on Zoom
Registration is open through June 1, 2026.
Public program: Contact the Reverend Christine Long, Church Consultant, for more information.

Register 

Nov. 4, 2026 (IN-PERSON)
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Austin, Texas
Registration launches Sept. 7, 2026.
Private event: Contact the Reverend Kevin Keaton, Church Consultant, for more information.

Questions?

Email the Education team if you have questions about the First Call, First Steps seminar. You will typically receive a response within 48 hours.

Resources