Being a full-time OB/GYN certainly made the prospect of being educated by the customary seminary route impossible for me! I could not take 3 years leave of absence from my practice to pursue that goal. Dedicated weekend training was one route I pursued to completion. However, it was the distance learning offered by ASM that made the impossible possible.... I was able to take the coursework for diaconal training offered on-line and via conference calling and Skype/WebEx classes. The ASM requirement for one-on-one mentoring really made a huge difference in the educational experience. Practical answers to common ministry questions and concern for my spiritual growth were welded into a unique, satisfying educational experience that was challenging and well-rounded. The content was rigorously first class and the lively classroom experience with fellow students from all over the USA and international students made learning thoroughly enjoyable. The opportunity to participate in intensive one-on-one training offered at the Pre-Winter Conference classes was invaluable and provided marvelous occasions to spend time with classmates, professors and instructors in person. Earning the Certificate in Diaconal Studies from ASM was the way for me to be able to become fully equipped as a bi-vocational minister: first as Deacon and now as Presbyter. When God calls He provides a means to answer the call. ASM was His means to educate my Head, Heart and Hands for Kingdom work while fulfilling my responsibilities as a physician.

"Having studied at Westminster Theological Seminary and Dallas Theological I have found the Anglican School of Ministry to be on par with these schools. In addition ASM has the advantage of a rich history of faculty scholarship. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to learn in a school that not only teaches but lives the gospel."

Mike Forrest, Th.M. (Dallas), is a former Bible church pastor and church planter. He is currently completing studies in Anglicanism as well as teaching bible courses at ASM. He and his family attend St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Little Rock. Pictured are Mike, his wife Marian, and daughter Catherine.

"I was in the process of investigating seminaries when I became aware of the beginning of an online school established by the Little Rock Network of the AMiA. I enrolled at the Anglican School of Ministry and have been studying with them for almost a year. I am in the third semester of study and have benefited tremendously from the curriculum presented by the Rev. Dr. Mark Quay and Bill Elkins. They are both extremely knowledgeable in their fields and very compassionate in their communication and leadership."

The Rev. Deacon Allan Cunningham, CDS, is an ASM graduate and a retired engineer. He currently serves as a deacon at Church of the Good Shepherd (ACNA) in San Angelo, Texas.

"What a blessing it is been for me to attend ASM! Do not let the low cost tuition fool you into thinking this is a subpar education. Having obtained a masters degree from another institution I can tell you that ASM is a quality program. The coursework has been both challenging and rewarding. I am looking forward to continuing my education with ASM."

Terry Shott, MA (Counseling), is a former ASM student. Terry is a licensed counselor in Rogers, Arkansas and attends St. Nicholas Eastern Orthodox Church in Springdale, Arkansas.

"The Anglican School of Ministry has been and continues to be a blessing to me. As I am already involved in local parish ministry, ASM affords me the opportunity to pursue my Certificate in Diaconal Studies while continuing to serve in my home church. The classes are beneficial and challenging, and the instructors are passionately dedicated to top-notch instruction in their various fields. This school truly is one of the amazing gems of Anglican Mission!"

The Rev. Deacon Lisa Schwandt, CDS is an ASM graduate. Lisa directs the Worship Arts Ministry and serves as a deacon at HopePointe Church in The Woodlands, Texas.