Do you want to understand how to interpret scripture better? Do you want to learn to interpret scripture to preach in your community? Then join the Rev. Oz Lorentzen this Fall for the Calgary School of Discipleship course: “The Interpretation of Scriptures: An Introductory Course for Lay Ministry and Licensing”. This course will provide an …
View course details “Interpreting Scripture”

The last three books of the Pentateuch – Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy – are among the most challenging in the Bible. From obscure rituals to the narratives of Israel in the wilderness, from the law against homosexuality to the golden rule, from Mount Sinai to the border of Canaan, these books span a wide range …
View course details “Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy: An Online Bible Study”

The financial integrity of many churches has been challenged in recent years by changes in the environment. Declining membership, declining participation, and the global pandemic have created unprecedented financial pressures. Yet very few churches have adjusted their budgeting and financial planning for this new reality. This three-part series will review church budgets and budgeting in …
View course details “Church Budgets in the Xennial World: Pursuing Sustainability in 2023 with Jim Elrod”

Hospitality is about offering our hearts. It is being present to another. It does not need a table, food, or particular place. It is taking time and giving intention. Hospitality can be spontaneous and anywhere, on the street, in a store, and on Zoom. We Brothers are delighted to be able to offer, once again, …
View course details “Retreat Listing”

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)”

This course provides an orientation to the Old Testament Scriptures for those with limited exposure to and knowledge of its content. Orientation to the whole Old Testament in the space of seven weeks is made  possible by seeing it from many different perspectives.  Sometimes we look at the whole, as scripture and canon–especially at the …
View course details “Orientation to the Old Testament”

This class  will provide students with an introduction to intersectionality as a tool for social analysis and critical theological reflection, as a way to inform liberative praxis in various ministry and community contexts. We will engage questions and discussions of race, class, gender, and sexuality as they are treated theologically, emphasizing works from U.S. scholars …
View course details “Theology, Justice & Intersectionality”

The course explores the parables of Jesus in their historical, cultural, and literary contexts. A close study of specific parables will determine the embedded theological themes, ethical lessons, codifications for social reconstruction, and the significance of the parabolic discourse for the Church and society today. I am thrilled to be the instructor for the course …
View course details “The Parables”

Reconciliation is the mission of the Church; and reconciliation is not the absence of conflict but rather the navigation of it. When approached with skill and grounded in Christ’s love, conflict is a healthy process through which we fully encounter our neighbor, we learn about ourselves, and ultimately leads to unity amidst difference. In this …
View course details “Navigating Conflict: Speaking the Truth in Love”

Ethics in the Anglican tradition draws on a rich history of discourse as we strive to engage with our faith, living it out in an imperfect world and Church. Whether we are struggling to justify sacramental liturgy and church hierarchy in the face of Puritan attack, or determining church policy on inclusion of women and LGBTQIA+ people, Anglicans …
View course details “Facing Choices: Ethics in the Anglican Tradition”