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.
How to Forgive with Virginia Holeman (ChurchNext)
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.
