This course focuses on practical and theological foundations for engaging authentically and meaningfully with communities where life experiences, identities, and/or demographic characteristics reveal a social divide that can preclude others (and ourselves) from recognizing their full humanity. Readings and other course content integrate literature from social science, practical theology, and personal narratives of experience. The …
View course details “Pastoral Care with Marginalized Communities”
Asset-Based and Citizen-Led Development
This program is online. You will need reliable internet access (high speed is recommended), speakers and microphone. Click here to apply This course is a global space for sharing and learning about practices that put communities and their strengths at the centre of any project or initiative. These initiatives could be big or small in …
View course details “Asset-Based and Citizen-Led Development”
Introduction to Preaching and Worship
Preaching Preaching has, all too often, been taught either as a detached expository process with little critical reflection on culture and mission, or else as an attractional approach that spares little time for scripture. Both paradigms tend to produce preaching that is individualistic and rationalistic. This course explores another way: a missional approach to preaching …
View course details “Introduction to Preaching and Worship”
The Uses of Scripture in Theology: Examining Slavery, Sexuality, and Male-Female Relations in Light of Divine Love
Why do Christians professing a high view of biblical authority appeal to the same biblical texts and arrive at conclusions widely at variance with one another on theological and ethical issues? What accounts for such disagreements? This course offers a theological framework through which we will look at various interpretations of the Bible, evaluating claims and …
View course details “The Uses of Scripture in Theology: Examining Slavery, Sexuality, and Male-Female Relations in Light of Divine Love”
Sharing, Solidarity and Action: Racial Justice and the Canadian Churches
The Canadian Ecumenical Anti-Racism Network (CEARN) of the Canadian Council of Churches invites you to two days of ecumenical support and engagement in anti-racism in and through the churches. The immensity of the racism across the country that has risen up and become bolder has affected Canadian churches and its members. How are churches responding and how can we do more to actively respond in faithful ways? CEARN …
View course details “Sharing, Solidarity and Action: Racial Justice and the Canadian Churches”
Leading the Church Through Times of Conflict and Polarities, Reflecting our Changing Times
Facilitator: Dr. Betty PriesConflict in congregational life is unique – it mixes organizational dynamics with personality, family history, conflict, theology, and of course, faith. This combination creates both challenges and possibilities. This workshop provides church leaders with an opportunity to consider their role as leaders in this dynamic environment. It provides practical tools and processes …
View course details “Leading the Church Through Times of Conflict and Polarities, Reflecting our Changing Times”
List of Learning Circles on specific themes, 2022-2023
We are looking forward to a return to in-person learning circles in 2022-2023, starting with the Learning on Purpose course in London, Ontario in June. October learning circles and April learning circles will be in Winnipeg, Manitoba. For those who really enjoy online learning, we will also have online circles in January/February and May/June. (Online …
View course details “List of Learning Circles on specific themes, 2022-2023”
Diploma in Development Leadership
Our Diploma in Development Leadership is designed for those who are passionate about creating positive change in their communities. The program is designed for a diverse cohort of practitioners from around the world who represent a wide cross-section of civil society, public, and private groups, and organizations. Together, they will learn innovative skills and approaches …
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Forgiveness –What is It and Why Is It So Hard
Have you experienced deep disappointment, hurt or betrayal in an important relationship? Do you continue to suffer from a conflict or trauma that occurred long ago?Are unresolved issues affecting your health, finances or relationships?This interactive Workshop identifies the stumbling blocks to forgiveness, and then provides positive, practical methods to work through the anger, blame and …
View course details “Forgiveness –What is It and Why Is It So Hard”
Intercultural Competence
This course is designed to equip individuals to become more intentional about engaging in intercultural interactions. In the ongoing quest to value “others” and their “otherness,” worldview differences are explored and habits for assessing and reengineering long held values are examined. Approaches for adjusting to and working with individuals with different cultural perspectives are investigated. …
View course details “Intercultural Competence”