About the Course

Our churches could play a revolutionary role in addressing our world’s most pressing problems. We can lead the way in caring for the planet. We can address the needs of the poor. We can become agents of peace. And we can stand for the dignity of all people, beginning with the most vulnerable. In this eight-week intensive, we will help your congregation develop a vision and a plan for organizing your congregation to be a community of spiritual activists (aka disciples), engaging in good work for the common good, inspired by faith, hope, and love.

Register for the Course Here

About Brian McLaren

Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good.

Course Outline

1: From Organized Religion to Organizing Religion

It Changed My Life (7:09)

Everything Must Change (part 1) (19:03)

Everything Must Change (part 2)

Organized or Organizing? (3:06)

One more thing

2. Church for the Planet (part 1)

Natural Favorites

Wild Geese & The Peace of Wild Things 

Our Current Environmental Crisis

Three Steps Every Congregation can Take to Love the Planet

One More Thing

3. Church for the Planet (part 2)

Holding and Teaching a Planet-Friendly Ecology

What Your Church Can Do (19:55)

A Love the Planet Plan (30:11)

4. Church for the Poor (part 1)

A Story About a Half Truth (3:10)

The Poor Will Always Be With You (3:09)

Four Key Dimensions of Poverty

Christian Economic Engagement in American History

Poverty, Money, and Love

Poverty Isn't a Lack of Character

The Pitchforks are Coming

The Good and Bad News

The New Jim Crow

A Call to Action

Some Final Biblical Reflections

A Very Practical Question

5. Church for the Poor (part 2)

A Lesson from New Belgium Brewery

Two Goliaths of Poverty

Other Dimensions of Poverty Reduction

Church for the Poor Checklist (28:11)

The Checklist and Your Challenge

Laudato Si

God Bless the Poor

Think About It

6. Church for Peace & All People (part 1)

The Word Peace

What Makes for Peace?

Understanding Conflict and Peace

Unmasking the Myth of Redemptive Violence

Understanding the Roots of Racial, Religious, National Supremacy

The Need for a New Framing Story (25:18)

Gareth Higgins and the Seventh Story Framework (12:47)

A Biblical Reflection

Think About It

7. Church for Peace & All People (part 2)

Greetings, Convergence Leaders!

Churches for Peace (26:10)

What Church Can Do (11:42)

Checklist of Actions for Church for Peace & For All People (No Exceptions)

1. Preach, sing, and pray peace constantly

2. Teach what makes for peace, and train your people to bring these teachings to others

3. Build peace by building relationships

4. Study and Prepare to Engage in Nonviolent Resistance. (4:59)

5. Make your property a peace asset.

6. Focus on children and youth.

7. Vote and Participate in the Political Process for Peace.

8. Use the arts for peace. (16:42)

Think About It

8. A Multi-Faith Movement for Justice, Joy, and Peace

A Brief Conversation (10:41)

If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed (12:22)

Two Songs

Imagine a Better Day

Great Progress Is Being Made

1. Hope in a Changing Climate

2. The Greening of Eritrea

3. Agriculture is a Big Deal

4. Progress

5. A Multi-faith Movement for Peace and Justice (13:50)

An Assessment of Progressive Faith Movement in America

9. Praxis Completion Project

Explanation & Instructions (5:39)