The roots of clergy education at West Virginia University (WVU) came from the American Country Life Movement in the early 1900's. Under the joint sponsorship of an ecumenical commission and WVU, a state ministers' conference was launched in 1927 at Jackson's Mill which over the years became a conference center for all types of church groups. With experience gained from holding regional schools in 1966 and 1967, plus Title I funding from the Church Leadership Development project, WVU in 1968 established the Appalachian Regional School for Church Leaders which has continued through 1982. Although WVU has no theological faculty, the school provides: graduate, professional-level training for pastors, their spouses, and lay church leaders; an educational program to augment and supplement the seminary training of church leaders; and involvement of professional clergy in design, operation, and evaluation of the school, as well as recruitment of participants. The school seeks to: develop community understanding leading to community improvement; provide greater knowledge of social trends and resources for social action; increase effectiveness of the church as a community institution; develop and practice skills in leadership and human relations; and stimulate sharing of experiences. Off-campus programs have included state-wide conferences and several telelecture series. (BRR)