EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

• The National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) planning team is launching a NOAC book study, with the aim of establishing study groups on Zoom in the winter months. The group plans to begin with a book from one of the 2025 NOAC speakers; once they see if there is interest, they will choose a book, line up leaders, and set a schedule. “We want these groups to continue the conversation of what it means to be followers of Jesus Christ in our world today, build fellowship, and provide an opportunity for us to learn and challenge one another,” the team said. If you are interested, send a message to NOAC@Brethren.org. 

• Upcoming courses from the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership include “Cultivating an Everyday Faith,” online Jan. 21-March17, led by Joan Daggett (registration deadline Dec. 10); and “Introduction to Preaching,” online hybrid with onsite class in Richmond, Ind., Feb. 17-20, and Zoom two weeks before and after, led by Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm (registration deadline Jan. 6). Register and pay online at Brethren Academy Course Registration/Biannual TRIM Payment | Bethany Theological Seminary (bethanyseminary.edu). Other courses on the schedule for 2026 include “Church of the Brethren Beliefs and Practices,” “Church History 1,” “Introduction to Biblical Studies,” “Multivocational Ministry,” and “Introduction to the New Testament.”

• McPherson College’s “Ventures in Christian Discipleship” series will offer “Building Bridges Between Brethren through Compassionate Listening: Let Thy Kingdom Come!” Jan. 20 & 27, led by Joe Vecchio, Barbara Date’ (Madtown), and Harriet Koscho; “The Ecology of Vitality: Mutuality in Pastoral and Congregational Well-Being,” led by John Fillmore, Feb. 21; and “God’s Earth, Our Home: Engaging Creation Care through Faith,” led by David Radcliff, March 28. All sessions are via Zoom. Suggested donation is $25 per course. Learn more and register at https://www.mcpherson.edu/ventures/.

• Lombard Mennonite Peace Center offers a variety of training sessions. Upcoming options include “Restorative Conversations,” Dec. 10 via Zoom and “Conflict Transformation Skills,” Jan. 22 via Zoom. For details and registration information, go to https://www.lmpeacecenter.org/trainings. LMPC has also begun offering free quarterly clergy roundtable events. The first one was held Nov. 6 and focused on generational differences, facilitated by executive director Jay Wittmeyer. Watch their website for details on future roundtable opportunities.

• The L.E.A.D. (Listen – Equip – Adapt – Disciple) Conference Planning Team is now offering “Third Thursday” quarterly webinars with the goal of providing congregational leaders with tools to grow in their leadership abilities. Continuing education credit is available. The next such webinar is Jan. 15, “Adaptability in Leadership,” led by Jeremy Ashworth at 6 p.m. Central. Learn more at www.brethren.org/thirdthursday.

• Church of the Brethren Intercultural Ministries will offer webinars on “Cultural Responsiveness,” Nov. 13 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Central and “Privilege and Being an Ally,” Nov. 20 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Central, led by Founa A. Badet, director of Intercultural Ministries, and Dr. Meridith Gould.

• Designed particularly for ministers new to the Church of the Brethren denomination, Bethany Theological Seminary’s new certificate of achievement in ministry studies (CAMS) includes six courses that focus on Brethren history and theology, practical experience with the ordinances and preaching of the church, biblical interpretation, and peace studies. The certificate can be completed in two years or even one year, depending on course offerings. Five of the six courses can be completed at a distance. For more information go to https://bethanyseminary.edu.