Let Us Know
Every week we’ll ask a question to the community. We hope you’ll provide your thoughts and insights and engage with other lifelong learners on this journey of growth and development.
Is the Future of the Church Lay-Led?
In a recent episode of the Pivot podcast, the conversation dives deep into the vital yet often overlooked role of laypeople in the church. The conversation sheds light on how small congregations, often seen as burdens, might actually hold the key to the future of our denominations. The episode challenges us to rethink our traditional models, which have long centered on ordained clergy - now stretched thin and dwindling in numbers.
OurBible App
The OurBible App is a progressive, inclusive Bible study and devotional app designed to support LGBTQ+ Christians, women, and other marginalized groups. It offers a range of devotionals, Bible translations, podcasts, and other resources to help users grow in their faith.
Bible in a Minute - Riverside Church NYC
1,189 daily videos, all 1 minute in length detailing each chapter of the Bible… one day at a time!
Daily Ripple - Small Acts of Discipleship Everyday
Daily Ripple is an idea we had to build a community of readers and authors. For authors, it’s a chance to share their experiences and their ideas about discipleship. For readers, it’s a chance to disciple in a different way.
Repost: 17 Podcasts for Church, Care, Leadership & Learning
Reposting the top articles from Ministry Forum over our first 365 days.
Our First Year In Review
This week, I’m celebrating my 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY as the Director of the Centre for Lifelong Learning at Knox College. And what a year it has been! Can’t wait to share with you all of what’s next for us as we grow our community and remind one another that we are not alone as we seek to share the Good News of Jesus with the world.
RePost: The Pastor-Less Church
Reposting the top articles from Ministry Forum over our first 365 days.
Creative Ways to Welcome New Members
Welcoming new members or attendees to your church is an important act of hospitality. Here are several creative ways you can consider welcoming new people into your church.
16 Things to Consider When Creating a New Members Class
Creating a new members class or program is essential for helping newcomers feel welcome, understand the church's mission and values, and become active participants in the community. Here are key considerations based on insights from the provided resources
PCC Membership Documents and Resources
Seven resources from the PCC and PCUSA that can help you create an effective and informative new members class at your church.
Marking Transitions with Meaning: Worship Resources from the United Church of Canada
In my journey of ministry, transitions have always been significant moments, both personally and for the congregations I’ve served. To navigate these changes with grace and intentionality, I’ve often turned to the rich worship resources offered by the United Church of Canada. Their comprehensive materials for milestones and transitions, particularly the Covenanting Service and DeCovenanting Service, have been invaluable tools in creating meaningful experiences for beginnings and endings in ministry.
3 Books For Navigating Transitions
Leaving well and starting well are vitally important for both parties - the ministering person and the ministries to which they are beginning or concluding.
Rethinking Pastoral Transitions: What If They were Like A Relay Race?
I’ve wondered from time to time if the PCC would benefit from considering - What if we imagined pastoral transitions as a relay race
Let Us Know - July 16/24
Every week we’ll ask a question to the community. We hope you’ll provide your thoughts and insights and engage with other lifelong learners on this journey of growth and development.
10 Books for Taking the Gospel Beyond the Church Walls to the Streets.
A round-up of thought-provoking books that encourage us to step outside the traditional church building and engage more deeply with our communities.
Featured Resource: STUCK
Could it be that the congregational model as it has evolved over the decades is contributing to ordained ministers (and I’d also wonder about paid staff, volunteers, and lay leaders too) feeling constrained or hindered, even fed up with the structure of Church while at the same time not losing their love for the Gospel?
Well, you’ll need to read the book to draw your own conclusions.
Addressing Pulpit Supply Problems
A common challenge that ministry leaders in congregations that find themselves without a minister - either temporarily or those who may never call another minister (full or part-time) - bring to our attention often is - Sunday Pulpit Supply.
Master of Pastoral Studies (MPS) at Knox College
Thinking about going back to school? Feeling called to Ministry? Here’s a run down on the MPS program at Knox.
The Master of Pastoral Studies program equips persons for leadership in helping professions. At Knox College, MPS students choose one of two foci:
Spiritual Care – Provide spiritual care and therapy in faith communities, private practice offices, social service agencies, or public institutions such as healthcare institutions, long-term care facilities, hospices, prisons, and educational institutions.
Social Services – Provide leadership in faith-based organizations, non-profits, or secular social agencies.
71 Ways Ministry Leadership is Expressed in Today’s Church.
We see ministry leaders using their gifts and fulfilling God’s calling in their lives through chaplaincy, psychotherapy, camping ministries, and in local congregations through ministries of music and educational ministries with children, youth, and adults.
Some use their gifts by offering their time and talents to pastorally care for members of their congregation and others through amazing prayer ministries.
Still others devote themselves in service to those experiencing poverty who appreciate a meal, some basic necessities, and a compassionate listening ear.
Many do the long and hard work of refugee sponsorship and coming alongside newcomers as they begin a new life in Canada.
And so very many people pursue ministry as they seek to follow Jesus in their daily living - at home and in the workplace.
The list goes on and on.
And we are here for all of it.