This course will help leaders learn from the past, be aware of the present and plan for the future. The course will explore ancient truths that have helped guide Christians for the past two thousand years and introduce new concepts from leadership science. Most importantly, all of the learning will be practical and will enhance …
View course details “Rhythms of Missional Spirituality”

The course is for anyone eager and willing to explore Christian faith in a fresh way that is at the same time ancient and yet relevant to today’s world. Are you frustrated by the decline in church attendance and ministry participation at your parish? Perhaps you’re hearing the buzz around terms like “missional church,” “discipleship,” …
View course details “Reimagining Church”

For decades we’ve been wondering and worrying about our young people leaving our beloved church. For 4 Wednesday mornings this Lent, join Bishop Anna and Christine Conkin to explore the social, spiritual, religious and theological movements of the late 20th century. What happened in the wake of the great optimism of the 1960’s? Why haven’t …
View course details ““Where did all the young people go?””

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: Missional Practices and/for Beloved Community”

Whenever the church has aligned itself with worldly, coercive power, it ends up on the wrong side of important justice issues. But when the church cooperates with God’s power through his presence among the least powerful, its witness for Jesus transforms the world and the church into a better place. Join us for a 4-week …
View course details “Reckoning with Power: Why the Church Fails When It’s on the Wrong Side of Power; Book Club with David Fitch”

“Striving for transformation in a personal sense requires unflinching honesty about our own thinking, and a willingness to change our mind.” (Tara Swart) Human transformation and growth are common themes in the Gospels. New Testament conversion narratives tell of people who changed their lives as a result of encountering Jesus or the message of the …
View course details “A Journey of Transformation”

In these challenging times, leaders like you are facing far more than just the day-to-day responsibilities of ministry. As our communities and congregations grapple with disease, division, and disaster, it’s no surprise that you might feel yourself at the epicenter of a storm, with your personal well-being on the back burner. The numbers speak for …
View course details “Burned Out and Overwhelmed: Experiencing God’s Healing Presence on the Ancient Paths”

Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you. (Psalm 33:22) Be released from your schedule, nourished by beautiful food, and encouraged in your ministry.  At this retreat you will be surrounded by those who deeply understand the realities of pastoral ministry and are ready to look into the …
View course details “Seeking Resurrection: A Lenten Retreat for Weary Pastors”

2024 VITAL CHURCH MARITIMES CONFERENCE is set for May 9 to May 11, in Truro, NS. A Zoom option will also be available. Watch for more information about our keynote speaker and special Early Bird rates. Registration opens in mid-January.

Our current culture is fraught with conflict and tension. People often describe “walking on eggshells” or the inability to hold a respectful conversation with others. Disputes arise within communities, the workplace, families and far too often within our church congregations. Situations seem insurmountable and people become intractable. The focus of this class is to prepare …
View course details “Conflict Resolution Jesus Style”