“The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” — Ephesians 4:11-12 (NRSVUE)
The Apostle Paul reminds us that God calls individuals into ministry not only to shepherd and teach but also to grow in their own faith and understanding. This growth is vital to equipping the church to navigate a changing world. As the Body of Christ, congregations have a sacred role in nurturing the continuing education of their pastors, ensuring they remain spiritually enriched, theologically informed, and practically equipped to lead with wisdom and compassion.
Clergy continuing education is not merely professional development—it is a spiritual investment in the life of the whole church. A pastor’s learning fosters vibrant preaching, deeper pastoral care, and innovative ministries that address the needs of the community. Whether through supporting sabbaticals, encouraging participation in workshops and conferences, or celebrating milestones in learning, churches have an opportunity to be active partners in their pastor’s growth.
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PATHWAYS’ next 12-week UCC Polity and History course begins on August 28, 2024.
The purpose of this course is to explore the history, polity, theologies, and practices of the United Church of Christ and its predecessor denominations. The course will include an exploration of denominational identity, hidden histories within the denomination, case studies around current issues of polity and structure, current ecumenical conversations, emerging trends within the United Church of Christ, and more.
To register or for more information go to UCC History and Polity on the website.
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Alongside Christian churches and Jewish synagogues, people from different parts of the world bring religions that are new to many Americans: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and many others.
Rev. Dr. Kathy Harvey Nelson invites you to this amazing level 1 course of Pluralism & Religion in North America beginning July 10 - register now!
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The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center just added nine additional ONLINE one-day trainings, as well as one Mediation Skills Training Institute.
Upcoming Trainings:
Healthy Congregations, Jun. 19
Conflict Transformation Skills, Jul. 17
Mediation Skills Training Institute, Jul. 22-24
Restorative Conversations, Aug. 13
Conflict Transformation Skills, Sep. 12
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