An opportunity to read and discuss influential ministry texts in community online. About this event This event is brought to you by the department of Lifelong Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary There are many texts related to ministry that can challenge and make us better. It can be difficult to prioritize reading these books with …
View course details “Formation Fundamentals Book Group (Four series)”

Facilitator: Marg Van Herk-Paradis There is no greater satisfaction than to see another person flourish and to know that one’s presence has helped a person come to this place. While conflict can cause people to struggle, a conflict coach partners with those in a conflict, empowering them to be at their best, to engage their …
View course details “Conflict Coaching Skills–ONLINE”

Facilitator: Betty Pries There is no greater satisfaction than to see another person flourish and to know that one’s presence has helped a person come to this place. While conflict can cause people to struggle, a conflict coach partners with those in a conflict, empowering them to be at their best, to engage their conflict well, …
View course details “Conflict Coaching Skills”

Instructor: Marg Van Herk-Paradis Conflict within churches can involve complex dynamics and highly-charged emotions, leaving those involved with deep hurt and pain. Often people from all “sides” of the conflict look to their pastors and lay leaders for assistance in helping to resolve these tensions. Being an “insider third party” – that is knowing the …
View course details “Informal Coaching and Mediation Skills for Church Leaders”

OVERVIEW The Part 2 class is for pastors and religious leaders serving in a ministerial context characterized by transition in leadership, culture, context, and ministry who wish to broaden their understanding and skills for leading in the midst of change. Participants will use their current ministry settings for reflection as they hone skills to read, analyze, …
View course details “THE ART OF TRANSITIONAL MINISTRY – PART 2”

This introductory course focuses upon biblical and theological understandings of Christian education and community formation for discipleship and mission. It explores techniques, tools and technology for improving the effectiveness of those who teach and those who learn in a congregational setting. Teaching in your local parish is an energizing way to spread the Gospel. Sharpen …
View course details “Teaching Ministry”

“The success of an intervention depends on the interior condition of the intervener.” (William O’Brien) Is this true? If it is, it could be read to say, “The success of a church depends on the interior condition of its leadership.” How are we as leaders (whether paid or lay) – attending to our interior journeys …
View course details “Ministry from the Inside Out”

Revitalize and Re-Energize Your Congregation’s Ministry The last two years have been one change after another. As a leader in your congregation, you may have felt overwhelmed and even burned out.  These changes have not been your fault, but what if God wants to use them to revitalize your congregation? Church isn’t the same as …
View course details “Faithful Innovation Online Community”

Are you ready to take your coaching to the next level? Coaching begins with training, but it doesn’t stop there. Gathering information is good and gaining skills is necessary. Ultimately, that work creates the foundation for what comes next: empowering actual clients to embrace growth and overcome obstacles. The difference between good coaches and great …
View course details “Frame Your Coaching”

Learn new methods and gain the skills needed to empower the people around you. What You Will Learn It might not have been included in your job description, and no one may think to acknowledge it during staff meetings, but when there’s a problem, you are probably who people – from your staff to the …
View course details “Level 1 Basic Skills Coach Training”