It is key to understand that Indigenous families are communal based. This is an entirely different perspective than the nuclear-based family. Relationships are essential, as are roles. Without understanding relationships as the focus, it can be perplexing and difficult when applying the individualistic approaches of the mainstream when working with Aboriginal families. This training will …
View course details “Indigenous Family Wellness Learning Circle Part 1, with Jann Derrick”
The psalms are some of the most loved scriptures and yet they come laden with violent words and images. The Revised Common Lectionary often edits out the most disturbing verses. Psalm 137 is cut off at v 6 thereby avoiding the psalmist plea for vengeance and its cry to dash babies against stones in v …
View course details “Reading the Psalms as Trauma Literature”
This course is designed to acquaint students with evolving theological expression of the Reformed Tradition in its 19th and 20th Century embodiments as it responds and interacts with the rise of modernity and late/post-modernity. (Think of the course as the good ship “Reformed” sailing from Schleiermacher to Barth and beyond.) Through the examination of theological …
View course details “Reformed Theology”
Faith formation research is pointing us to focus on inter-generational ministry being the heart of the faith community. This short intensive will focus on specific spiritual practices and other rituals that sustain a worshipping community and nurture the faith formation of all ages. Students will spend time engaging in and leading spiritual practices. We will …
View course details “Inter-Generational Worship”
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”
Since its legalization in Canada in 2015, Medical Assistance in Dying has become a significant part of end-of-life care. Since 2015, legislation has expanded eligibility for MAID and there are proposals for further expansion. MAID is now part of the social landscape of Canadian society, posing new questions and challenges for Christians. This non-credit online …
View course details “Perspectives on Medical Assistance in Dying: Ethical, Pastoral, Theological, and Cultural”
This 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, transformation and …
View course details “Leading The Church Through Transformation, Change and Renewal”
“The success of an intervention depends on the interior condition of the intervener.” (William O’Brien) Is this true? If it is, it could be read to say, “The success of a church depends on the interior condition of its leadership.” How are we as leaders (whether paid or lay) – attending to our interior journeys of faith, …
View course details “Ministry from the Inside Out”
Support for the spiritual heart of clergy of all denominations Clergy everywhere are finding congregational expectations to be overwhelming. Balance is elusive, beauty goes unnoticed, and burnout is common as clergy often find themselves isolated and pulled in many directions. A life meant to be centered in God and absorbed in wonder becomes fragmented by …
View course details “Going Deeper: Clergy Spiritual Life and Leadership”
This year, Forma is taking inspiration from Isaiah 43:19: “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (ESV). Forma leaders are working with Learning Forte to design and pilot an entirely new model of …
View course details “Hybrid Forma Conference, 2024: A Way in the Wilderness”
