SAMUEL PROCTOR SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
In 1998 a partnership in ministry began between the Samuel Proctor School of Theology and the Center for Career Development and Ministry. The Rev. Dr. Stephen Ott was invited by The Rev. Dean John Kinney to conduct small group, intensive workshops for Proctor students in the areas of personal and professional development, readiness for ministry, self-care practices for ministers, and others topics related to delivering and maintaining excellence in ministry. More recently, through collaboration with The Rev. Barry Young, this partnership was expanded in order that all Master of Divinity students might be included in these valuable programs on such topics as the process of formation for ministers, the importance of self-awareness and self-knowledge for clergy, the authority of the pastor, personal self-care practices in ministry, and the necessity of modeling healthy boundaries.
The Center for Career Development and Ministry is pleased and privileged to continue this work with Proctor students. We are excited to offer, through new modules that are being prepared for all Masters of Divinity students at the Samuel Proctor School of Theology, continuing presentations in clergy development and wellness.
Philosophy of the Formation for Ministry Group Program:
For more information about the group program on ministry formation, please click here.
STAFF AND CONSULTANTS:
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Rev. Nathaniel D. West, Ph.D. (cand.), Director of Operations for CCDM's Formation for Ministry Program at Proctor
Rev. Nathaniel D. West is completing his Ph.D degree at Virginia Commonwealth University. He received the Master of Art degree in Christian Education from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education, a Master of Divinity degree from the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology, and his B.S. in Accounting from Christopher Newport University. Rev. West has served local church ministries in the positions of Executive Minister and Minister of Christian Education. Rev. West is a faculty member at Proctor in Christian Education. He has experience in the areas of team development, organizational structure training, teacher training and development, individual and group counseling, and church accountant. | |
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Rev. Micah L. McCreary, M.Div., Ph.D., LCP, Proctor Consultant
The Rev. Dr. Micah L. McCreary is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from the University of Michigan, a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Union University School of Theology, and a Master of Science degree and Ph.D. degree in Counseling Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. At Virginia Commonwealth University he has served in numerous roles including Assistant Vice Provost for Diversity, Quality Enhancement Plan Coordinator, University Hearing Board Chair, and as a member of the faculty senate. Dr. McCreary is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the State of Virginia and practices as a psychologist with families in the Richmond area. He has developed a family, parenting and community interventions program which promotes effective problem solving and conflict management. This program, entitled IMPPACT (I Must Pause Pray Analyze Chill and Take Action), is the focus of most of his current research. He was awarded a $1.2M grant from SAMSHA (Center for Substance Abuse Prevention; CSAP) to pursue research in that area. Dr. Micah L. McCreary has been the recipient of the APA Minority Fellowship, State Council of Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV) fellowship, internship at the Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic, Gimbel Child and Family Fellowship, the Elske v.P. Smith Distinguish Teaching Award and The American Council on Education Fellowship
Selected Publications by Dr. McCreary |
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Rev. Vickie McCreary, Ph.D., Proctor Consultant
The Rev. Vickie P. McCreary, Ph.D. is a licensed Psychologist NC #3216, OH #3009, who received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Knoxville College, Knoxville, TN. She taught job readiness skills in an anti-poverty program sponsored by the state of North Carolina before attending the Ohio State University where she received both her Master's and Doctorate degrees in Counseling Psychology. Dr. McCreary is a member of the American Psychological Association, American Counseling Association and National Career Development Association. She is recognized as an Occupational Chaplain by the American Baptist Churches – USA. Dr. McCreary has published articles on measuring the vocational interests of women and the value of career assessment for African American clergy. She has also taught classes on professional boundaries for clergy. Dr. McCreary is also active in an international, interdenominational association of ministers' wives and widows. After working for 22 years as psychological consultant and career counselor with the Midwest Ministry Development Service in Columbus, OH, she served as Executive Director of the Career and Personal Counseling Service in Charlotte, NC. Recently, Dr. McCreary returned to the Midwest Ministry Development Service to take the position of Associate Executive Director. She enjoys leading training events and workshops for judicatory and church staff when requested. |
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Rev. Stephen Ott, Ph.D, CCDM Executive Director
Rev. Dr. Stephen Ott was ordained in 1973 by the Northwest Region of the American Baptist Churches, USA. His BA degree (double major) is in Philosophy and Religion. Dr. Ott holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology from California State University at Hayward. His M.Div degree is from Berkeley Baptist Divinity School (highest honors), now ABSW. Dr. Ott earned a Ph.D. in Religion and the Personality Sciences from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. He has taught M.Div students at Catholic and Protestant seminaries, graduate students in Marriage and Family Therapy at a Jesuit University; worked at a multi-state Family Health Clinic as senior staff therapist and Program Director; administered a large mental health center in Northern California, and for 17 years has been the Executive Director of the Center for Career Development and Ministry in Dedham, MA, a multi-state interfaith agency working with seminarians, rabbinical students, clergy and missionaries. Dr. Ott is a state licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Clinical Member and Approved Supervisor in AAMFT, and a Fellow in AAPC. He is endorsed as a Pastoral Counselor by the ABCUSA, and recognized as a “home missionary.” Dr. Ott is also a spiritual director and a graduate of the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. He has taught at the Samuel Proctor School of Theology since 1998. | |
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