The Convocation on the Rural Church is an annual opportunity for pastors from the North Carolina and Western North Carolina Conferences of the United Methodist Church to join with Duke Divinity School and The Duke Endowment to discuss issues that are important in transforming rural churches and communities and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. …
View course details “Gathering with Hope, 2023 Convocation on the Rural Church”

An initiation to Evangelical Studies by way of an incursion into Scripture, theology, missiology and pastoral practices. The student acquires conceptual tools as well as basic skills necessary to interact with and serve both Church and society. The Minor in Pastoral Studies leads to a Université Laval diploma or can be the first year of …
View course details “Minor in Pastoral Studies (30 Credits)”

Can you honestly say you are meeting all the needs of your congregation? Is that even possible? The truth is that it doesn’t matter how motivated, dedicated, or organized you are, it’s still impossible to do everything yourself. And it’s critical to have others you can depend on. You need a team of motivated laypersons …
View course details “The Art of Coaching Teams”

What is the future of small congregations (the fastest growing segment of North American Christianity)? Join us for two days of lectures, workshops, worship, and conversations that will inspire your leadership; and receive practical, usable wisdom for giving your congregation a future. This year’s keynoter Will Willimon has been listening to pastors and congregations in hundreds of American churches and has a …
View course details “Conference: Looking Forward: Church, Hope, and the Future of Congregations”

In a post-lockdown church, online community has become a common reality. Most churches are offering ministry online, whether it be a weekly email, a Facebook group, online studies, or live-streaming worship. In this course, students will consider how to widen ministry beyond the walls and into their online community. Readings will include case studies as …
View course details “Genuine Online Relationships”

8:15 a.m. Registration open (Location: lower atrium) 9 :00 a.m. Opening worship 9:15 a.m. Keynote: Dr. Lisa Sung – God’s Intentions for Humanity in Biblical-Theological Perspective: Why Cultivating Multiethnic Ministry Matters. 10:30 a.m. Coffee 10:45 a.m. Keynote: Rev. Daniel Im – Reaching Your Multi-Ethnic Community. 12:00 p.m. Lunch 12:45 p.m. Workshops: Workshop 1: Dr. Lisa …
View course details “Intersection: The Mission of God in an Intercultural World; Ambrose University Pastors Conference 2023”

Location: This event will take place online-only, via Zoom. Please register on this page, and the Zoom link will be sent to you. Description: Two evening sessions with Russ Daye and Rob Fennell, co-authors of Turning Ourselves Inside Out: Thriving Christian Communities. Join these two pastor-scholars to learn about their research on thriving churches, and …
View course details “Turning Ourselves Inside Out: Late COVID Reflections on Thriving Churches”

Christianity was a demonstrably global faith (with its center of gravity in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East) before it became a predominantly Western religion (c.1500). Now, after roughly five centuries, it has once again reemerged as a hugely non-Western phenomenon. A full historical account reveals a faith that is inherently global because it is …
View course details “Beyond Empire: Rethinking the History of Global Christianity”

This study of principles and practice for effective leadership will focus on ways to lead congregations in rural, small-town, and urban settings. Students will learn about a variety of local church models and congregational dynamics. Effective local church pastors and leaders will provide input and answer questions about their ministries. Students will be taught how …
View course details “Leading Healthy and Effective Churches”