Source: ChurchNext
Whether or not we believe the old adage, ‘if we fail to pay attention to history we are doomed to repeat it,’ few people would argue with the importance of striving to improve our understanding of the things that have gone before us as a way to better shape the lives that are ahead of us. This is especially true with our Christian faith.
For 2,000 years Christians of all walks have been approaching life’s most important questions within their specific contexts and have come up with fascinating responses.
Our study of Church History will tap into the highs and lows, and important milestones from Jesus’ day to this day, as a way to help us deepen our understanding of God’s work through Christ and in our lives.
Our instructor is Eric Williams, a former teacher and pastor, who has a deep love for Christian history. In this class Eric will unpack this topic by giving an overview of these four time periods:
- Early Christianity until Constantine
- The Middle Ages
- The Reformation
- Modern Christianity
This entry-level course is perfect for every member of your congregation who is looking to deepen their faith in Christ.
Learn more about this course and register at ChurchNext
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Violence, Myth, and Scripture with Suzanne Ross (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
Blaming God for our own violence and failings is as old as humanity. But how authentic is this? And so how helpful is this?
Suzanne Ross has dedicated her career to helping people understand that human violence is not divine. She runs The Raven Foundation, which is dedicated to helping people understand the root causes of our violence, shaming, and blaming. It is based in Mimetic Theory, which can help us understand things as basic as why our best friends can turn into our worst enemies. In this introductory course Suzanne helps us understand how this theory holds true in history, our lives, and the Bible. Her lectures include:
- Defining Myth and Scripture
- Mimetic Theory
- Myth: Romulus and Remus
- Scripture: Cain and Abel
This is a fascinating class that can help us understand the root causes of violence and, hence, new strategies and insights into how we might curb it.
Ross is the author of The Wicked Truth: When Good People Do Bad Things and The Wicked Truth About Love (see below for more)
Learn more about this course and register at ChurchNext
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Spirituality and Gardening with Christine Sine (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
Sun. Soil. Water. Perhaps it’s close communion with the elements of our earthly lives that gives many gardeners a deeper sense of God.
In this course, author of To Garden with God (see below), retreat leader, and gardener Christine Sine offers us dynamic insight into what the simple labor of a gardener has to do with the God who fashioned the first humans from the soil and made a home for them in a garden. Christine offers presentations on the following topics:
- God as a Gardener
- Digging and Watering
- Planting and Pruning
- The Rhythm of the Seasons
This course is perfect for those who are seeking deeper understanding and meaning to their work in the garden.
Learn more about this course and register at ChurchNext
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Creating Common Good 4: A Christian Response with Justin Welby (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
How do Christians respond to the pervasive, overwhelming issue of economic inequality? Where do we begin the discussion of such a complex and influential subject?
In 2015 the Trinity Institute offered a conference called ‘Creating Common Good,’ in which thinkers from a wide range of perspectives and real-world experience offered practical tools to help individuals and congregations address this pressing subject. We offer these four courses to lay the groundwork for our discussions.
In this fourth class Archbishop of Canterbury The Most Rev. Justin Welby, who guides a faith tradition of 80 million believers, outlines a Christian response to economic inequality. He has made headlines by speaking out against payday lenders, who charge high rates for short term loans. And he has made the bold move of establishing credit unions in local churches (there are 16,000 churches in the UK) to make low interest loans available to all. Archbishop Justin’s lectures are entitled:
- What is Economic Inequality?
- Structures of Sin
- The Church’s Response
This course is ideal for those seeking to develop a Christian response to increasing economic inequalities and can serve as a starting point for further reflection and discussion on this topic.
Learn more about this course and register at ChurchNext
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Creating Common Good 3: Educational Inequality with Nicole Baker Fulgham (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
As people of faith, how do we take on the pervasive, overwhelming issue of economic inequality? Where do we begin the discussion of such a complex and influential subject?
In 2015 the Trinity Institute offered a conference called ‘Creating Common Good,’ in which thinkers from a wide range of perspectives and real-world experience offered practical tools to help individuals and congregations address this pressing subject. We offer these four courses to lay the groundwork for our discussions.
In this third class, Nicole Baker Fulgham, activist and founder of The Expectations Project, introduces us to the pervasive problem of educational inequality. She says faith communities are doing – and can do – a lot to combat this problem. Here are the titles of her four lectures:
- Two Systems
- Faith Connections
- Bringing Churches Onboard
- Bright Lights
Learn more about this course and register at ChurchNext
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Creating Common Good 2: Christian Responsibility with Rachel Held Evans (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
As people of faith, how do we take on the pervasive, overwhelming issue of economic inequality? Where do we begin the discussion of such a complex and influential subject?
In 2015 the Trinity Institute offered a conference called ‘Creating Common Good,’ in which thinkers from a wide range of perspectives and real-world experience offered practical tools to help individuals and congregations address this pressing subject. We offer these four courses to lay the groundwork for our discussions.
In this second class, evangelical writer Rachel Held Evans, who writes and speaks often on issues of economic injustice, tells us how the Bible and everyday life have awakened her and other young evangelicals to a greater sense of community responsibility. Here are the titles of her three lectures:
- Sin, Inequality and the Bible
- Re-thinking Evangelicalism and Community
- Stepping Up
This course is ideal for those seeking to develop a Christian response to increasing economic inequalities.
Learn more about this course and register at ChurchNext
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Creating Common Good 1: Economic Inequality with Bp. Julio Murray (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
As people of faith, how do we take on the pervasive, overwhelming issue of economic inequality? Where do we begin the discussion of such a complex and influential subject?
In January, 2015 Trinity Institute hosted a conference called ‘Creating Common Good,’ in which thinkers from a wide range of perspectives and real-world experience offered practical tools to help individuals and congregations address this pressing subject. This is one of four courses to hep lay the groundwork for our discussions.
In this first class, Bishop Julio Murray of Panama, who oversees a diocese with immense income inequality, says progress begins by taking our common humanity seriously. Here are the titles of his four lectures:
- Inequality and Injustice
- Class
- Mission
- Enough
This course is ideal for those seeking to develop a Christian response to increasing economic inequalities.
Learn more about this course and register at ChurchNext
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
How to Deal with Difficult People with Peter Steinke (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
Dealing with difficult people, whether in at home or in a congregation, is something we all must do.
Understanding the issues at play are integral to properly handling the difficulties that routinely crop up in our home and work lives. In this class Peter introduces us to Bowen Family Systems Theory and the ways it is used to help us better get along with people.
Segments include:
- What Is Systems Theory?
- Maturity
- Defining Yourself
- Getting along with Difficult People
- Creating Healthy Congregations
Dr. Peter L. Steinke is an internationally respected congregational systems consultant who has also served as a parish pastor, an educator, and a therapist for clergy. He is the author of several best-selling books including How Your Church Family Works and Healthy Congregations (see below)
Learn more about this course and register at ChurchNext
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Finding God in Divorce with Carolyne Call (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
While God intends marriage to last, those who get married know that this is not always the case.
Going through divorce brings up significant issues of faith and trust not only in one’s spouse, but in God. Devastating emotions like anger, grief, and loss of self esteem can take quite a toll.
In this class author, teacher, and writer Carolyne Call takes offers sound counsel to those who are looking to regain their health following a split. Here are the titles of her lectures:
- Can Christians Get Divorced?
- Emotional Impacts of Divorce
- Self Esteem and Identity
- Finding God in Divorce
This course is ideal for those who are working through divorce and who are looking for healthy ways to journey through this transition.
Carolyne is author of the book, Spiritually Healthy Divorce (see below)
Learn more about this course and register at ChurchNext
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Developing Christian Patience with Jeff Bullock (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
The idea of patience, as we know it today, has been heavily influenced by Christianity, says Jeff Bullock, an experienced teacher and author of an upcoming book on Christian patience.
In this class, Jeff makes it clear that there is a difference between Christian patience and secular patience. The latter is self-interested, the former is other-focused.
This is a fascinating and thought-provoking course for those who are interested in learning more about patience as well as developing it in their own lives.
Jeff is the author of Practicing Christian Patience.
Learn more about this course and register at ChurchNext
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
