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”

This course explores the question “Where is God in Climate Change?” from a biblical perspective. In virtually every form of media Climate Change is seen as an ever-present explanation for many natural disasters and crises, as well as an illustration of human failure, the result of our abuse of the earth’s environment. At the same …
View course details “God and Climate Change: A Biblical Perspective”

The prophets of the Old Testament offer some of the most compelling passages in all the Hebrew Scriptures. They promise a hopeful future, condemn an unjust status quo, and offer the reassurance of God’s present, and judgment to God’s people in uncertain times. This course is an orientation to and overview of the diverse body …
View course details “God’s Spokespeople: Introducing the Prophets of the Old Testament”

This 6-week online certificate introduces you to fundamental Asset-Based and Community-Led Development (ABCD) theories and principles. You will learn tools to support communities to organize themselves to discover, connect and mobilize their strengths for change. In addition, you will be able to reflect on the outside institutions’ role in supporting community development projects to avoid …
View course details “Asset-Based and Community-Led Development Principles”

An application-based seminar on faithful ministry to, with, and by people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Churches are incomplete without the presence, gifts, and friendship of people with disabilities. Yet many congregations still struggle to gather and worship in ways that welcome these indispensable members. How can our churches become communities of belonging for children and adults …
View course details “Flourishing Together: Becoming an Accessible and Welcoming Church”

Facilitator: Wellington Sousa This 6-week online certificate introduces you to fundamental Asset-Based and Community-Led Development (ABCD) theories and principles. You will learn tools to support communities to organize themselves to discover, connect and mobilize their strengths for change. In addition, you will be able to reflect on the outside institutions’ role in supporting community development …
View course details “Asset-Based and Community-Led Development Principles–Online”

This 7-week online certificate is an introduction to peace and conflict while examining the nature, effectiveness, and challenges of grassroots peacebuilding. Grassroots Peacebuilding focuses on the theory, models, and frameworks relevant to peacebuilding and conflict resolution which may be applied in post-conflict situations, humanitarian emergencies, and long- term peacebuilding and reconciliation initiatives. The course uses …
View course details “Grassroots Peacebuilding-ONLINE”

This 5-session online course explores some ways we can expand creation care beyond committee actions, material stewardship, and personal life adjustments, onto a more integrated expression of whole church life. How might faith communities more fully embody an inclusion of all creation in their lives of faith, worship, and witness? Students will be expected to …
View course details “Deep Green Faith: Aligning Belief and Practice”

xplore Howard Thurman’s life and contemplative witness and what it might mean for us in today’s challenging world. In the contemplation of the earth, I know I am surrounded by the love of God. — Howard Thurman Centered on Thurman’s writing in Jesus and the Disinherited, this is a special opportunity to experience Thurman’s enduring …
View course details “HOWARD THURMAN: The Writing of Jesus and the Disinherited; a Retreat Day led by Lerita Coleman Brown”

or decades, mission workers, pastors, and theologians have talked about the holistic dimensions of the gospel. We largely assume that the Good News has economic, social, and political dimensions. In practical terms, this means that our witness to the gospel must address racial and economic inequalities, racial ideologies, and economic exploitation. But how? Drawing upon …
View course details “The Spirit of Capitalism and the Witness of the Church”