The next Ventures course at McPherson (Kan.) College titled “Congregational Ethics: Patterns of Healthy Communities” will be led by Joshua Brockway, director of Spiritual Life and Discipleship for the Church of the Brethren and a member of the staff of Congregational Life Ministries. Brockway has provided leadership for a new emphasis on congregational ethics in the Church of the Brethren. This online webinar is offered on Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon (central time).
The course is open to all who are interested, and organizers are recommending it for the leadership teams of congregations. However, congregational leaders should note that this course will not fulfill any training requirements of the new congregational ethics polity.
The course will examine how vital congregations are communities where expectations are known and valued. “With the revisions to Congregational Ethics polity, the Church of the Brethren named the key areas of appropriate conduct for our congregations so as to support vibrant and healthy communities of faith,” said an announcement. “Participants in this webinar will explore the key aspects of our polity through case studies and discussion.”
Ventures courses, while not for college credit, offer high-quality instruction at a reasonable cost. The goal of the program is to empower lay people, especially in smaller congregations, to more effectively carry out the work of discipleship, following in Jesus’ footsteps to transform self and the world. To participate in the online course, a computer with high-speed Internet connection and external powered speakers is recommended.
A registration fee of $15 per course, or $75 for a group, will be charged to participants. Several districts in the plains states and midwest are in the process of arranging to provide financial support for those participating in Ventures courses. Registrants from supporting districts will not pay a fee, so those interested in attending are encouraged to contact the district office.
For an additional fee of $10 this course offers .3 continuing education credit for ministers, through the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership.
For more information or to register to attend, go to www.mcpherson.edu/ventures .