Learning Platforms for Ministry
When I came to this position, I was well aware that there is a wealth of resources, learning material, and courses to support ministry leaders today. Since going on a deep dive in this area - I can tell you that there is MORE THAN I IMAGINED. So, the work really becomes discerning for yourself what interests or works for you. Our role is to bring your attention to the heaping smorgasbord and inviting you to ‘take and eat!’
With that in mind, I’d invite you to check out some recommendations passed along to me by our Ministry Forum community. Find something that works for you… we hope that’s Ministry Forum, of course, but recognize that there are lots of others to choose from to enhance your ministry!
Seminary Now
Our friends from Hamilton who went to school with Dr. David Fitch recommended, Seminary Now to us. This platform features content both free and paid from scholars like David Fitch, Tod Bolsinger, Rich Villodas, Ruth Haley Barton, Daniel Yang, etc.
If you were to subscribe for FREE for 7 days, you might want to check out Tod Bolsinger’s Canoeing the Mountains Course.
About Canoeing the Mountains
Explorers Lewis and Clark had to adapt. While they had prepared to find a waterway to the Pacific Ocean, instead they found themselves in the Rocky Mountains. You too may feel that you are leading in a cultural context you were not expecting. You may even feel that your training holds you back more often than it carries you along.
Drawing from his extensive experience as a pastor and consultant, Tod Bolsinger brings decades of expertise in guiding churches and organizations through uncharted territory. He offers a combination of illuminating insights and practical tools to help you reimagine what effective leadership looks like in our rapidly changing world.
If you're going to scale the mountains of ministry, you need to leave behind canoes and find new navigational tools. Now expanded with a study guide, this book will set you on the right course to lead with confidence and courage.
About Seminary Now
Seminary Now is a subscription-based, streaming video platform that delivers exclusive biblical, theological, and practical ministry training from a diverse group of leading educators and thought leaders.
Seminary Now believes a diversity of voices is required to help church leaders meet the demands of ministry today. In addition to providing access to the teaching of leading seminary professors, we believe important and relevant content comes from thought leaders outside the seminary walls, including the sometimes neglected contributions of women and persons of color. We fill this gap using technology to make training accessible to those who desire to lead the church in a changing environment.
Admirato, Engaging Theology
A fan of N.T. Wright let us know about Admirato. This is another platform with both free and paid content featuring a number of courses with N.T. Wright.
About Admirato
“We want you to explore, discover, and ignite your love of learning. Our educational offerings provide a place to nurture and encourage the possibilities of engaging theology”
Admirato offers free and paid membership options depending on your needs. Their courses cover topics like personal devotions, studies through various books of the Bible, justice, and how to read scripture.
unSeminary
One our community members pointed us to the work of Rich Birch and unSeminary. You will find lots of resources, videos, podcasts, etc for the things that they didn’t teach you in seminary.
About unSeminary
94% of all churches are losing ground against the growth of the communities they serve. unSeminary provides resources to help churches not just survive but thrive. Your church reaching more people in a more effective manner. You know, stuff they didn't teach in seminary.
Faith+Lead
And finally, the folx out of Luther Seminary in Minneapolis are doing amazing things to support ministry leaders today through Faith&Lead. They also host the Festival of Homiletics. Check out their platform and their Academy. Again, volumes of free and paid content for lay leaders and clergy.
About Faith+Lead
Our ecosystem of resources, brought to you by Luther Seminary, meets people where they are with courses, coaching, learning communities, digital resources, and consulting to help them:
Know Jesus better;
Be guided by the Spirit to find their purpose; and
Join with God in healing the world.
Rooted in God’s unconditional love in Jesus, we embrace the voices of many Christian traditions.
Together, everyday disciples, spiritual seekers, ministry entrepreneurs, and church leaders experience the difference Jesus makes and become equipped for God’s calling in their lives and communities.