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 congregational development, evangelism and outreach, and equity and racial reconciliation. The course is structured, in part, according to the broad themes of the Episcopal Church’s curriculum Becoming Beloved Community… Where You Are. It will require instructor and participants alike to bring open minds and brave hearts as we attempt to tell the truth about the history and present of Christ’s church as we each claim our roles in shaping its future.
Instructor: The Rev. Kyle Matthew Oliver (@kmoliver) is an Episcopal priest, media producer, and doctoral student in the Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. Before he began his dissertation research on learner-centered media making in faith and faith-adjacent settings, he served as Digital Missioner in the Center for the Ministry of Teaching (now Lifelong Learning) at Virginia Theological Seminary. While at VTS, he developed the e-Formation Learning Community and conducted a nationwide study of digital literacy instruction in theological education. He has contributed to the journal Teaching Theology and Religion; the websites Faith & Leadership, Building Faith, ECF Vital Practices, and Faith Formation Learning Exchange; the books The Study of Ministry, Teaching Religion Using Technology in Higher Education, and The Seasons of Adult Faith Formation; and the podcasts Media and Social Change, Easter People, and The Specialist. He lives in San Francisco and blogs at kyleoliver.net and prayr.cc