Understanding how – and why – the church organizes itself is not only a matter of interest for Christians and their grasp of church history and governance, but it is crucial for members of a specific denomination to participate fully in their church – whether in lay or ordained ministry. It is also important in order for members to maintain the missionality of the particular institution to which they belong.
A thorough knowledge of how we do things around here reminds us of who we are as children of God and members of a historic church. Knowing how we do things around here at all levels of the church as Anglicans helps us to continue to be a reforming church; it helps us to preserve those things particular to our identity and most importantly, it helps support God’s mission. In short, this is crucial knowledge for every Anglican.
The course will be taught and hosted by Bishop Susan Bell and by invited guests with subject specialty.
What You’ll Learn
This course will help you understand how things work in the Anglican Church, particularly:
- Understanding the role of the Spirit in the life of the Church
- Exploring the nature, motivations, and practices of ministry and mission in the Anglican Church
- Highlighting relationships between vocation, mission, ecclesiology, and the Holy Spirit
- Understanding the nature and practice of Christian worship, liturgy, and sacraments in the Anglican Church
- Exploring the history, theology, and practice of baptism, the Eucharist, and other services in Anglican parishes
How It Works
Join our instructor, Bishop Susan Bell, and an engaged learning community of fellow leaders and missional practitioners live online and in online forums.
- Participate in six two-hour sessions with Bishop Susan and the learning community.
The learning community will meet weekly on Tuesday afternoons, 2:00p – 4:00p, September 12 – October 17. - Practice in your context.
During the course you will be encouraged to apply your learning in your context in order to deepen your understanding. - Reflect within the learning community.
Your new knowledge and experience will become even more meaningful when shared with other learning practitioners like yourself. You will use the online forums between sessions and break-out sessions within learning community gatherings to further integrate your learning.