Source: ChurchNext
We live in a broken world. Things are not perfect, there is deep pain and suffering. Despite our best intentions, we are unfair to each other and deeply hurt one another.
It’s been said that God’s invention to help humans come to terms with our imperfection is forgiveness. God’s most profound work, through Jesus, is about forgiveness. And Jesus asks us to not only learn more about it, but to likewise practice forgiveness.
The purpose of this course is to help us better understand what forgiveness is, why we should practice it, and how to go about this admittedly difficult task.
Dr. Virginia Holeman is a trustworthy guide along this journey. She is an author of Reconcilable Differences (see more below), professor, and licensed psychologist and Marriage and Family therapist who specializes in forgiveness.
In this class Dr. Holeman will teach us:
- What forgiveness is and isn’t
- Why forgive?
- How can I forgive or understand the process of forgiving?
- Does forgiveness also mean reconciliation with the person who wounded me?
This course, which was produced by Chris Yaw, is a helpful way to inform, inspire, and empower all of us who are given the ministry of forgiveness and reconciliation.
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.
Radical Welcoming with Stephanie Spellers (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
Ironically many growing areas are home to shrinking mainline churches.
Congregations often adopt systems which, often unintentionally, alienate those around them. In this course author and seminary instructor Stephanie Spellers, who wrote the book “Radical Welcome (see above)” outlines the key concepts and important understandings of what congregations can do to radically open their doors to their neighbors. She teaches us about the transforming power behind welcoming other voices and ideas from unexpected places. Her lectures include:
What Is Radical Welcome?
Radical Welcome and The Other
Radical Welcome as Spiritual Practice
Embracing Radical Welcome
This course is ideal for congregations looking to open their doors to the blessings of inclusion and the transformation that can come from radically welcoming others.
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.
Introducing Stewardship with Kristine Miller (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
God doesn’t want our money, God just wants us to want it less.
So says seasoned stewardship consultant Kristine Miller. She’s coached hundreds of congregations on best practices regarding stewardship and written extensively on the subject. In this course she helps connect our faith with our wallets by offering compelling and practical strategies to start – and re-start – our stewardship efforts.
Here’s what Kristine will teach us:
What is Stewardship?
Building a Stewardship Team
Stewardship Essentials
Preparing for the next Stewardship Campaign
This course will take an average learner about 50 minutes to complete. It is ideal for people who are new to the subject as well as a refresher for those who’ve worked on stewardship for years. It can be used as part of a committee retreat or meeting, as well as a way to help recruit new stewardship committee members.
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.
Introducing Church Marketing with Jake Dell (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
St. Paul, a salesman?
You bet, says marketer and minister Jake Dell. In fact, you can count St. Luke, St. John, and every other evangelist as intentionally persuasive and desirous of convincing others to try something new. Sure, the Church has a chequered past when it comes to examining the place of marketing and sales in the message and ministry of Jesus, but Jake says most congregations can gain invaluable insight into how their ministries can be improved.
This course is designed for Christian leaders who want to help their churches become better known in their communities and reach out more effectively to others. Be prepared to learn some business jargon, like ‘a consideration set’ and ‘the conversion funnel,’ but Jake’s enthusiastic and optimistic delivery help make this a practical and effective course.
You may want to take this course together as a Newcomer Committee, Outreach Commission, Vestry, or Church Board, or take it separately and come together to discuss it. This course is meant to ignite deeper conversations around a congregation’s hospitality, outreach, and community involvement. You will get practical guidance as to how to put together a marketing list, and design a marketing plan, for your congregation.
Before ordination into the Episcopal priesthood, Jake Dell worked for years in content marketing and sales. Jake now serves as the manager of digital advertising and sales for the Episcopal Church.
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.
Crisis Communications with Meredith Gould (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
Fires. Floods, Scandals. They hit us, and our churches, on a regular basis. But while we can’t avoid the tragedies we can prepare for them.
In this insightful and practical class, crisis communications veteran Meredith Gould tells us why all churches need these plans and how we can create one in less than a day. Her lectures include:
- Why Every Church Needs a Crisis Communications Plan
- Creating a Plan
- Scenario Planning
- Media Channels
- Ending and Beginning
This 50-minute course is suitable for anyone looking to better understand the link between faith and wellness, clergy and lay people alike.
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.
Let the Women Speak! with Lindsay Hardin Freeman (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
Lindsay Hardin Freeman looked at every instance of a woman speaking in the Bible, and what she found is powerful, life-giving, and transformational.
Based on her award-winning book published by Forward Movement, Bible Women: All Their Words and Why They Matter (see Amazon link above), Freeman invites us into a sacred circle of inspiring voices. While we all may be familiar with Mary, Martha, Sarah, and Elizabeth, we may be surprised to discover that not only do none of these women hold the record for speaking the most in the Bible, but those that do offer equal inspiration in their words and deeds.
Here are are her presentations:
- Women in the Bible
- Women in the Hebrew Scriptures
- Women in the Apocrypha
- Women in the New Testament
This course is perfect for those who are interested in Bible study, especially those looking to hear women’s voices in scriptures.
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.
Introduction to St. Paul with George Guthrie (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
It’s been said that the person who had the most influence on Christianity wasn’t Jesus – but Paul.
Paul, a devout Jew turned Jesus follower, wrote most of the books in the New Testament of the Bible. While Paul never met Jesus personally, he had a notable conversion experience that filled him with a zeal and drive that inspired him to travel extensively founding churches, ministering to new congregations, and writing letters that have turned into some of the most popular writings in the history of the English language.
That’s why understanding who Paul was and what he wrote is so important to us as we seek to build our personal faith. George Guthrie knows all about this. He is a scholar, author, New Testament professor, and student of Paul. In this course, George will help us learn:
- Who was Paul?
- What was Paul trying to get across?
- A Survey of Pauline literature
- Criticisms and controversies surrounding Paul
This course is perfect for every member of your congregation, especially those who are interested in deepening their understanding of the Bible. This is a great way to inform and begin discussion around this important Bible figure.
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.
Introduction to Revelation with Wayne Whitney (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
Given its vibrant and imaginative imagery and constant reference to an age and time so far removed from our own, many people set aside the Book of Revelation as too complicated and confusing to read. And those who have read it seem to have wide and varied interpretations that can be dark, judgmental, and downright scary.
However, the Rev. Dr. Wayne Whitney believes Revelation held a simple and profound message to its earliest readers, and continues to do so today, for you and me. In this class, Wayne tells us:
- Who Wrote Revelation and Why
- Themes in Revelation
- Interpreting Revelation
- Reading Revelation
This course is perfect for people who have never read Revelation and are curious about it, as well as those who are familiar with its main themes and are looking or a refresher.
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.
Introducing the Psalms with Isaac Everett (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
The book of Psalms may be the most widely read book in the world. And for good reason.
Musician and composer Isaac Everett argues that there is no more human book in the Bible than the Psalms, which means they have a way of touching us like no other. Everett has been immersed in the psalms for years, and has even written a psalter of his own.
In this class, Isaac gives us an overview of the Psalms by touching on these areas:
- Origins of the Psalms
- Themes of the Psalms
- Favorite Psalms
- How to Read the Psalms
This class is an insightful overview suitable for newcomers to the Psalms as well as for veterans who are looking for a solid refresher course.
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.
Introducing the Gospels with Michael Card (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
They’re four of the most beautiful books in the world, the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. However, they’re nearly 2,000 years old, and reading them can raise as many questions as they answer.
A love for the meaning and message of the Gospels is what has fueled author, musician, and theologian Michael Card to write several books on the Gospels. Michael has authored or co-authored nearly 20 books, and has a passion for teaching these incredible four books.
In this course, Michael outlines each Gospel, teaching us:
- The history and historical settings of the Gospels
- The original audiences and evolution of the Gospels
- The similarities and differences of the Gospels
- How to apply the Gospels to our lives
This course is perfect for every member of your congregation. This is a great way to inform and begin discussion around this important 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.</h6><br /> <p>testament/” target=”_blank”>Learn more about this course and register at ChurchNext
