Page 11 - Presbyterian Connection

Connection
The Certificate in Missional Leadership
Pictured (left to right) are the Rev. Albert Chu, CML Director; Andrea Perrett, Associate in New Witnessing Com- munities; and the Rev. Dr. Tim Dickau, Associate for the Missional Leadership Certificate Program.
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By Tim Dickau, Associate, Centre for Missional Leadership, St. Andrew’s Hall
How do we help congregations make the sort of shifts that will both help them navigate our secular culture and equip them for meaningful mission? That is the question that we have been exploring in our Certificate in Missional Leadership program at St. Andrew’s Hall in Vancouver. We have now run two iterations of the course with participation from over 20 congregations and 150 people across the country. What has been so encouraging is how the participating congrega- tions have begun to engage their neighbourhoods and cities in sig- nificant ways, including:
• starting a thriving “chair yoga” group in a city with many seniors
• developing deep dialogue and a relationship with local Indigenous communities
• inviting neighbours to re- design the outdoor space around their building—fol- lowed by involving them in re- designing their indoor space
• developing a Glee Club and music festival that has linked a congregation with their small town in a delightful way
Starting in September, the Centre for Missional Leadership (CML) is making some adjust- ments to the course.
• The certificate is now a one-year program. It takes place on five Saturday morn- ings over nine months, with coaching sessions between gatherings. Previously, we offered the course over two years, but the length proved to be a barrier for some groups.
• A skills development element has been added to equip congregational leaders with tools that will help them lead their church through transi- tional times. These skills in- clude training in facilitation, asset mapping, interviewing and creating a community meal.
• There is a concer ted effor t to include smaller churches, es- pecially those without a full- time pastor. There are a grow- ing number of churches with multi-vocational clergy or no clergy; we want to especially suppor t these congregations in exploring new ways of be- ing a church.
The CML team is excited about the changes we have made and about this next offering of the cer-
tificate program. While there are other courses out there aimed at helping churches make transi- tions, we believe we have much to offer at St. Andrew’s Hall and the Centre for Missional Leader- ship. First, we have strong Pres- byterian input combined with an ecumenical teaching team. For Presbyterian churches, this brings the best of both worlds.
Second, we have learned from what has been most impactful for congregational cohorts and we continue to refine and improve the program.
Third, we have learned how to offer this course in a hybrid model, devoting personnel and resources specifically for online groups.
Finally, our team is composed of leaders who have demon- strated outstanding pastoral leadership and robust theological reflection. Most team members are also accomplished authors whose writing also sheds light on this integral mission.
For more information on the course, we invite you to check out the information at equipping formission.ca to view the bro- chure and register a group (3–10 individuals) from your church. You don’t need to navigate the upcom- ing transitions alone! Join us.
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