Exploring the Thought of a French Mystic In this seminar we will explore the thought of the French philosopher, activist, and mystic Simone Weil (1909-1943). Born to secular Jewish parents, Weil led a life of spiritual questing that resulted in a profound theological engagement with Christianity. A brilliant student educated in France’s elite institutions, she …
View course details “Simone Weil: A Mystic in Dark Times”

This is a course in “visual theology,” exploring the history of Christian art as a domain of Christian theological thinking through the centuries. Our approach will be to study works of visual art not as illustrating or translating theological texts into visual form but as theological “texts” in their own right—as theology conducted specifically in …
View course details “Visual Art as Theology”

Master Iconographer will guide students through creating one complete icon (to be determined). Any level of experience is accepted. Each step is demonstrated to students, followed by time to copy what has been taught. Students will learn: filling in, rendering clothes and flesh, 23 karat gold leafing, and varnishing. In addition, students will gain familiarity …
View course details “Icon writing Workshops”

The goal of this class is to explore the theme of “Lost at Sea” through the lens of a sacramental theology of Baptism and Creation. Just as the Spirit hovered over the waters of Creation to bring forth life from the chaos, so does Christ enter the waters of the Jordan River to initiate the …
View course details “Lost at Sea: Searching for a Sacramental Theology”

PURPOSE: The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the history of Chinese Christian Art from the Tang Dynasty to the contemporary era, while also exploring the development of Chinese Church architecture. Additionally, I will share my personal journey as a Christian artist.   Having served as a former board member of ACAA …
View course details “Chinese Art & the Gospel: From the Tang Dynasty to Today”

In this workshop we will read and write all the brilliance and beauty of what we have survived and what we are building. Using prompts, free-writes, the magnificent muck of our lives, and the full wing-span of our imaginations, we will create new writing across genres. Be prepared to dig deep. In our writing, we …
View course details “Gay Magic: Writing Down Our Queer and Trans Lives”

Why Not Sing? A Weekend Immersion in Community Singing When you get up in the morning, why not sing? When you’re sitting down for dinner, why not sing? When your heart is full of grief, you could find some relief If you sing, why not sing?                                                             – Barbara McAfee Singing is an ancient and …
View course details “Singing Creation: Exploring your Full Voice through Song”

Fast-Track Development With Andy Piercy (UK), Rachel Wilhelm (United Adoration), & Mike O’Brien (Vineyard) In this three-day seminar, Andy Piercy and friends will offer workshops and teaching for any active volunteer and staff worship leaders looking for practical and easily accessible advice to improve, deepen, and refresh their ministries. Join others involved in music ministry …
View course details “Worship Leader Training”

Vancouver School of Theology Attend in person or via Zoom Access recordings through June 30 The creative visual, musical, literary, and performing arts help shape ideas and beliefs. Sometimes, art can communicate more quickly, powerfully, and universally than words can. Within spiritual traditions, arts express stories, attitudes, and emotions. Teachers use arts to introduce their …
View course details “Sacred Arts in a Pluralistic Society: An Inter-Religious Conference”

The poet Dana Gioia once asked in a book of this title, “Can Poetry Matter?” That question of course begs another question: matter in what ways? We may read poetry for any number of reasons, but this class considers how poetry nurtures, and enriches, our spiritual lives. By our close reading of poems together from …
View course details “Reading Poetry Devotionally: How Poems Nurture Our Spiritual Lives”