At Virginia Seminary, theological education for both clergy and laity is considered a lifelong project. VTS was one of the first Episcopal seminaries to offer continuing education for clergy, and its Evening School of Theology enrolls more than one hundred people each year. In service to the church and to the world, these varied, innovative programs of continuing education are planned and organized through the Center for Lifetime Theological Education (LTE), part of the Institute for Christian Formation and Leadership at Virginia Seminary.

The offerings of Lifetime Theological Education take the form of short-term courses, weeklong events, or night courses over a ten-week period. Certain courses are taught within the Seminary curriculum so that MDiv, MTS, MACE students and continuing education students are together. Courses designed for clergy are aimed at various developmental stages in their ministry, from the first three years to retirement. Courses for laity range from the comprehensive Evening School of Theology to short courses on lay leadership and parish management.

The LTE staff offers consultation to clergy planning sabbaticals and to dioceses for the planning of clergy continuing education events within the diocese. The Center also administers programs of continuing support for VTS graduates in their first three years of ministry, and for for clergy in mid-career serving small parishes.

Course leaders are drawn from the Seminary faculty, from other educational institutions, and from training organizations throughout the country. Continuing education credits are offered for all courses. There is also the Doctor of Ministry Program, which is described separately on this Website.