Category Archives: Continuing Education

Journey to the Holy Land

An Ignatian Journey to the Holy Land

January 18-February 1, 2016

In this unique pilgrimage, you will experience the Holy Land through the powerful lens of Jesuit contemplation.

Your journey will be enriched throughout by the expertise of three professors whose specialties richly complement the goals and format of this trip: Patricia Tull, a professor of Hebrew Bible with 20 years of experience leading Middle East travel seminars; Anna Miller, a professor of New Testament and Early Christianity; and Gillian Ahlgren, a professor of Christian History and Spirituality.

Visiting locations throughout Galilee, Jerusalem, and the Judean desert, we will engage the Ignatian spiritual exercises to deepen our understanding of place, suffering, and the reality of new life. This contemplation will allow us to enter into productive dialogue with the scriptural tradition and the complex socio-historical relationship of the three Abrahamic faith traditions rooted in the Holy Land. Our visits to sites of biblical and historical interest will be complemented by experiences with living faith communities in the Jewish, Christian, and
Muslim traditions.

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Columbia Accepting Applications for 2016 Thompson Scholars

Thompson Scholars 2016, Can They See Your Church? Evangelism in the Digital Age, will take place April 26–29, 2016 at the Center for Lifelong Learning on the Columbia Theological Seminary campus.

This is the visual age. The number one activity on the web is the posting of pictures and video. This workshop will empower leaders to rethink how we do evangelism in the visual age. The conversation and strategies will be deeply rooted theologically and sociologically as to why and how we might best engage the visual generation. Dr. Ralph Basui Watkins, the Peachtree Associate professor of evangelism and church growth at Columbia Theological Seminary, socio-theologian, photographer and visual storyteller, will lead this event along with the Rev. Dr. Keith Anderson, pastor of Dublin Lutheran Church near Philadelphia and the author of The Digital Cathedral:Networked Ministry in a Wireless World (required reading for the seminar).

To complete an application, click here. The application deadline is January 4, 2016. Applicants will be notified of their status by the end of January. Preference will be given to applicants who have not participated in previous Thompson Scholar seminars. For additional information, including a link to the application, click here.

A program fee of $150 covers all course-related fees, on-campus meals and refreshments, and access to the online course site. Pre-course preparation will include required reading and participation in online discussions. Participants are responsible for their housing and transportation; on campus housing is available.

The Thompson Scholars program is generously supported by an endowment in honor of Cecil Thompson, former professor of evangelism at Columbia Seminary, making it possible to offer the seminar at a lower cost to participants than comparable programs at the Center for Lifelong Learning.

For more information, please contact Sarah Erickson, director of Lifelong Learning, at EricksonS@CTSnet.edu or 404-687-4526.

Columbia Theological Seminary is committed to “educating imaginative, resilient leaders for God’s changing world.” As an educational institution of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Columbia Seminary is a community of theological inquiry and formation for ministry in the service of the Church of Jesus Christ. Columbia Seminary offers seven accredited graduate degree programs and dozens of lifelong learning courses and events as a resource for church professionals and lay people.

Transitional Ministry Education (Interim Pastor Training)

The Synods of Lincoln Trails and Mid-America (MALT) have joined together to provide interim training every spring and fall to pastors nationwide. Transitional Ministry Education is intended for those presently engaged in interim ministry and those inquiring about this ministry. Committee on Ministry members and presbytery staff persons with responsibility for congregations in transition will also find the training helpful. The next interim pastor training will be April 20-24, 2015.

Find out more on the Synod of Lincoln Trails website.

Columbia Seminary Offers New Certificate in Spiritual Direction

Decatur, GA—The Spirituality Program at the Center for Lifelong Learning is pleased to announce the new Certificate in Spiritual Direction program. The first residential session will begin in the fall of 2015. Applications for the first cohort will be accepted through April 30, 2015. The application may be accessed here.

This program of study is designed for individuals who discern a call to the practice of Spiritual Direction. Grounded in the tradition of Christian Spirituality, the curriculum includes four one week-long residencies on the Columbia Theological Seminary campus, individual reading and reflection, and supervised practice in the art of spiritual direction. Organized on the cohort model, the certificate is intended to be completed in two and a half years.

Spiritual Direction, often called spiritual companioning or spiritual friendship, is an intentional relationship between a person seeking spiritual guidance (the directee) and a trained individual (the spiritual director). Together with the Holy Spirit, they listen for and explore the workings of God in the directee’s life.

During the residencies students will receive practical training in the art of spiritual direction through supervised practice in facilitated small groups. At home students will meet monthly for one hour with a supervisor in their area to further their learning in the practice of spiritual direction.

Upon completion of the requirements of this program, a certificate of completion will be awarded. The certificate will attest to completion of this formation and training program to develop the gifts and sensibilities of spiritual directors and support their callings to this ministry.

Associate Director of Spirituality Debra Weir says of this new venture, “I sense this program will fully open the contemplative dimension of the Spirituality Program and support growing depth in the Columbia Seminary community at large.” She expressed eagerness to meet and start working with program participants and course leaders during the first program cycle.

Columbia Theological Seminary is committed to “educating imaginative, resilient leaders for God’s changing world.” The Spirituality Program at the Center for Lifelong Learning offers courses and events as a resource for church professionals and lay people. For a complete list of classes offered by the Center for Lifelong Learning, visit www.ctsnet.edu/lifelong-courses-and-events.

For more information on the Certificate in Spiritual Direction program, please contact:
Debra Weir
Associate Director, Spirituality and Lifelong Learning
404-687-4557
weir.debra@ctsnet.edu

CBA Certification course at Union Presbyterian Seminary

The Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond VA is again offering the core courses necessary for certification as a Church Business Administrator through The Church Network (NACBA).  This program will take place July 21-24 and/or July 27-30, 2015.

Cost for the program, which will fulfill all of the core course requirements, is $550 for both weeks (8 days), $275 for one week or the other (4 days), or $85 per day for individual classes (a two-day class would be $170; both days of a two-day class are required).

Topics are:

JULY 21-24, 2015

  • Managing Strategic Planning Issues (1 day)
  • Managing Human Resources (2 days)
  • Managing Communication Issues (1 day)

JULY 27-30, 2015

  • Managing Financial Issues (2 days)
  • Managing Legal and Tax Issues (1 day)
  • Managing Facilities and Property Issues (1 day)

Meals and on-campus housing are available.  Visit the website for more information, http://www.upsem.edu/leadership_institute/certificate_programs/church_business_administrators/

Or go directly to https://www.regonline.com/cba2015 to register.  You do not need to be seeking certification to attend these very helpful seminars.

Stay tuned:  On October 1, 2015, Union Presbyterian Seminary will offer a seminar on Church Technology Basics and Church Technology Trends, led by Bryan Compton of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church, for which you can earn 0.8 CEUs toward certification, or to keep your credentials current.  Registration information will be forthcoming at the website.

Union Presbyterian Seminary Spring Events

The Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary offers workshops, seminars, and free public events for those interested in learning from nationally-known experts in a variety of topics that will enhance your personal faith life and your leadership in the church.

Check out these events coming up in the winter/spring of 2015 (all events are on the Richmond campus):

  • The Mid-Atlantic Korean-American Pastors Continuing Education features Dr. Chun-Hoi Heo speaking on the topic, “Theological Method for Korean Preachers and Scholars in the 21st”  This workshop, which takes place February 23-25, will help you discover a multi-cultural understanding of the historical Jesus, in an effort to raise spiritual leaders for the next generation.  This event is part of the Asian American Ministry Center.  Cost:  $100 for pastors, $150 for couples.
  • The Dawe Lecture on Thursday, February 26, features Dr. John Thatamanil, associate professor of theology and world religions at Union Theological Seminary in New York.  The lecture, which is FREE, is called “Caged Chickens or Free-Range Chickens?  Can Christian Theologians Fly the Coop to Learn from Other Religious Traditions?” An intriguing title and topic for those interested in the relationships between people of various world religions as we struggle to live together in peace.  Registration is not necessary for this event, which begins at 7:30 p.m.  For those who can’t attend in person, the Dawe Lecture will be streamed live on http://union.live.org
  • The Carl Howie Center for Science, Art, and Theology event takes place on Monday, March 2.  Dr. Steffan Lösel, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at the Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia, will present his work on Mozart and Theology.   This event will take place in two parts, a free lunch followed by a seminar and conversation entitled, “May Such Great Effort Not Be in Vain:  Mozart on Divine Love, Judgment, and Retribution” from noon to 4:30 p.m. (the seminar begins at 1:30), followed by an evening lecture at 7:30 p.m. entitled, “Mozart: Catholic Enlightenment in a Musical Key.”  Both events are FREE, and will be streamed live on  http://union.live.org.  Registration is required for the afternoon part of this event.
  • John Roberto, nationally known speaker, writer, and consultant, leads a workshop March 9-11 on “Vision and Practice of 21st Century Faith Formation.”  The workshop is designed to help develop a connected, networked model of lifelong faith formation.  Those interested in Christian education and formation in the church and in other settings will be inspired and energized by Dr. Roberto and this workshop.  Cost:  $195 ($150 if you register by February 6)
  • Board of Pensions Workshops:  Leaders from the PCUSA Board of Pensions will lead two workshops:  Post-Retirement Workshop on March 18, and Growing Into Tomorrow . . . Today, a workshop to help to plan for mid- to late-career plan members to prepare for retirement March 19-20.  These workshops are FREE (except for a $12 charge for lunches each day). Register for one or both!
  • “Staying Fresh in a Long Small Church Pastorate,” is geared for pastors of smaller congregations who are in, or envision being in, a long-term pastorate.  Chris Stewart, who served the same two churches in Ohio since 1978, will share his experience and will offer suggestions for creating healthy boundaries and for keeping your message and ministry relevant and interesting.  This workshop, March 24-26, is offered at a special low cost due to the generous grant from the Presbyterian Church (USA).  Cost:  $130 ($95 if you register by February 16)
  • Everyone called to be a leader in the church is a model for others, personally and corporately, in the area of financial discipleship.  “Called to be Stewards:  Embracing our Leadership Roles” uses the theological concepts of abundance, generosity, and hospitality to help leaders in living and sharing the message of responsible stewardship.  Meets April 13-16 with leaders Diana Barber, Associate Synod Executive for Leadership Development, and David Crittenden, PCUSA teaching elder and director of stewardship for the Presbyterian Mission Program.  Cost:  $250 ($195 if you register by March 2)
  • Reformed Theology:  For Christian educators seeking PC(USA) certification, for those working in the educational ministries of the church, and for those in any denomination wishing to learn more about reformed theology, this hybrid course begins with online and at-home work on March 23.  Students completing the at-home portion then come to campus April 21-23 for additional face-to-face work with Dr. James Brashler, professor emeritus of Bible at Union Presbyterian Seminary.  This course fulfills the requirements for educator certification in the PC(USA), but is open to all.  Cost:  $295.

Check out the website at www.upsem.edu/leadership_institute for more information and to register for any of these events.

Synod CRE Continuing Ed Class

Synod of Lincoln Trails

CRE Continuing Education

November 8, 2014 

All Beautiful the March of Days

We need respite, renewal and refreshment. This workshop is designed to nurture and nourish all ruling elders who have completed training to be commissioned within the contexts of their present service.

Framed in the exploration of scriptures and resources provided for the upcoming season in the church year, participants also engage in wide ranging discussions covering ministry challenges, new resources for strengthening leadership skills in themselves and others, as well as current denominational events.

Participants may use the workshop to meet their COM continuing education requirements.

Leadership is provided by the Rev. Dr. Laura Reason in Philo, IL, located just east of Champaign-Urbana at the heart of the Synod. To accommodate time zone differences, the final course in this series will begin at 9:00 Central, and conclude at 1:30 on Saturday, November 8, 2014. The course title is “Preparing for Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Year B”

Click here to register. Forms can be sent either by email, mail or fax to Kristi Miller (kristi@lincolntrails.org).