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”
“We have been through it, preachers. We have adapted and pivoted and survived. We have proclaimed the Gospel faithfully and preached God’s hope passionately. But now is the time for some serious self-care. We have heard from you and from preachers around the world that what preachers need now is help in sustaining and nurturing …
View course details “Festival of Homiletics 2024: Sustaining and Nurturing the Preaching Life”
When bad things happen, what is our reaction? Do we trust God even when we don’t understand? When difficult things happen, we begin to doubt God’s concern for us or His control over our lives. But when times are hard, when the world feels like it’s caving in on us — it’s even more important …
View course details “TRUSTING GOD EVEN WHEN LIFE HURTS”
Throughout the Old and New Testaments, people have turned to God for hope when they were anxious or disquieted (Psalm 42:11). Today, we live in disquieting times. As pastors, church leaders, and congregations, we may feel a vague sense of guilt over our inability to right wrongs of the past. We may also be disquieted …
View course details “Leading with Hope in Anxious Times: Renew, Resourcing Pastors and Church Leaders for Ministry”
