EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

The Minister as Theologian

The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership will offer this online course, The Minister as Theologian, from Sept. 7 to Nov. 1. Joelle Hathaway, assistant professor of theological studies at Bethany Theological Seminary, will be the instructor and TRIM students will receive one credit in Bible/Theology upon completion and the BTS experience. EFSM students may create a Learning Unit for the course. Others can take it for continuing education or personal enrichment.

As an introduction to theological thinking, this course will cover some of the “big topics” that Christians talk about, including: God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, humanity as the image of God, and Christian hope. We will read multiple genres, including sermons and poetry, to help us explore the deep, imaginative interconnections between various aspects of the Christian faith.

The deadline to register for this course is Aug. 3. Register and pay online at www.bethanyseminary.edu There is a 3 percent service charge when registering online.

Strength for the Journey

A program from the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, named “Strength for the Journey,” invites pastors and others serving in ministry to take part in cohort groups for support, encouragement, and accountability.

 

Three types of cohorts are available: a “deep dive cohort” that will explore a topic of mutual interest in depth; a “specialized ministry cohort” that will provide networking and mutual support with others in fields such as chaplains, spiritual directors, outdoor ministries staff, etc.; and a “case study cohort” that will look at specific case studies from their ministry settings. Cohorts will have five to eight people and meet for 10 to 12 90-minute sessions via Zoom during the year. CEU credits will be available.

 Up to five groups will be approved each year. Ministers may apply as individuals or as a group. Applications will be accepted between Sept. 1 and Oct. 30, with groups to be formed by mid-December. Each group will be assigned a convener and will begin meeting after Jan. 1. Funding for registration, resources, and some travel assistance (if an in-person gathering is desired) is being provided by the David J. and Mary Elizabeth Wieand Trust.

 For more details and applications, visit www.bethanyseminary.edu/brethren-academy.

NCP Learning Tours

New Community Project is offering a Learning Tour to Arctic Village, Alaska, in mid-August. January 2023 will offer a trip to Nepal, and in June 2023 a tour will go to the Amazon region of Ecuador. These trips are open to all ages and explore the beauty of and challenges facing God’s creation and God’s children. Learn more at www.newcommunityproject.info/learning-tours.