This workshop, uses the two lenses of conflict drivers and conflict paradoxes, and considers seemingly intractable conflicts and their transformation. Questions for consideration include the nature of intractability, de-escalation strategies, transforming intractable conflicts and engaging emotions. This workshop builds on Understanding Conflict: Foundations. It is highly interactive, insightful, engaging and critical for all those who wish …
View course details “Understanding Conflict (Advanced)”
Leading the Church Through Transformation, Change and Renewal ONLINE
This four-morning workshop is suitable for anyone involved in a leadership role in a congregation, and is not limited to pastoral staff, in fact bringing some key lay leaders may be beneficial to some congregations. Frequently we hear that people resist change. Does this have to be true? Could we find ways of engaging change, …
View course details “Leading the Church Through Transformation, Change and Renewal ONLINE”
Pastoral Response to Mental Health Practicing for Heaven: 1-Day Seminar
Mental Health Professionals are trained to treat issues hindering mental wellness from a starting point of diagnosing what is wrong to make interventions, a noble and helpful calling. Christian faith adds much by casting a vision for human flourishing grounded in God’s intent for those created in His Image. Christ who is the image of …
View course details “Pastoral Response to Mental Health Practicing for Heaven: 1-Day Seminar”
Keeping an Open Heart in Troubled Times
Keeping an Open Heart in Troubled Times Date: Wednesday, May 12th, 10am – 12pm (PT) Venue: Online via Zoom | Registration below A workshop with The Rev. Deborah van Deusen Hunsinger. This workshop will address the challenge of keeping your heart open with compassion while witnessing so much suffering in and around us. How do …
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Conversations that Inspire Change
Faculty: The Rev. Canons Chris Streeter and Dan Morrow Description: As we approach a full year living through the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are keenly aware of the heightened anxiety present in our lives and the lives of those we have been called to serve. Pastoral conversations increasingly include expressions of worry, anger, and …
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Hybrid Ministry in a Post-Pandemic Church
Whether you’re high-tech, low-tech, or no-tech whatsoever, it’s nearly impossible to miss the shift that’s taking place in our culture. Curiosity is on the rise. Participation is sparking creativity and connection. For the first time ever, digital technology is shaping our values. Our churches need the capacity and will to engage with a changing culture—one …
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Current ContEd Course List: Virginia Theological Seminary
This page should show all currently available courses
Small Group Ministry: Leadership Development for Facilitators. How to create and maintain small groups
Now more than ever, small groups are a cornerstone of the church. In the first few hundred years of the church, small groups were the way in which the church gathered and disciples were formed. People would meet in homes for fellowship, share how they connected scripture to their lives, and grow spiritually with one …
View course details “Small Group Ministry: Leadership Development for Facilitators. How to create and maintain small groups”
Flourishing as the Canadian Church
What does it look like for congregations here in Canada to flourish? How do you identify transformation, define what it means for a community of faith and look for continued indicators of health and effectiveness? Using Canadian-based social science research from over 250 Canadian Catholic, mainline, and conservative Protestant congregations (including over 9100 congregants), the …
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Changing Church: Mission, Leadership, & Beloved Community
What does it mean to lead during a time of religious, sociocultural, and environmental upheaval? What can churches do differently to better reflect and nurture gospel values and God’s dream of a just, reconciled, Spirit-filled world? This course in missional leadership will ask these and related questions. We will explore concepts and experience practices of …
View course details “Changing Church: Mission, Leadership, & Beloved Community”