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Certificate in Mission Practice

Missional Skills Development for Lay and Ordained People and Recognized Missioners

This is a two-year certificate course.

  • Year one classes start on Wednesday, October 7th.
  • Year two classes start on Wednesday, October 21st.

*For new students who are not part of the Diocese of Niagara Commissioned Lay Missioners track, a one-hour orientation workshop will be held on Zoom on September 30th at 5:30.

Year One – A: Foundations for Mission Practice

Year Two – B: Developing Proficiency for Mission Practice

This unique hands-on training course is designed for both lay and ordained people who feel called to be involved and lead Mission Initiatives and for those who want to develop specific skills to be recognised Missioners.

The Certificate in Mission Practice is a two-year, praxis-oriented formation journey designed to equip both lay and ordained individuals with the theological, pastoral, and practical tools needed to lead contextual mission initiatives within Anglican and ecumenical settings.

Rooted in deep theological reflection and real-world application, this course integrates monthly online learning with in-person mentoring to cultivate the competencies required for pioneering new ecclesial communities, leading fresh expressions of church, and accompanying others in mission. Participants engage with a broad spectrum of missional contexts—particularly among the de-churched, unchurched, and spiritual-but-not-religious—while developing a mission theology grounded in Anglican tradition and shaped by contemporary realities.

What sets this course apart is its immersive model of learning through doing. Each student identifies and leads an actual mission initiative throughout the program, supported by a locally based mentor and structured assignments that draw on contextual theology, the Fresh Expressions process, and spiritual formation. The course emphasizes not only intellectual growth but also emotional and spiritual maturity, inviting students to explore how their prayer life and engagement with Scripture are transformed through mission practice. Culminating in a portfolio that documents the student’s journey and theological reflections, this program offers a holistic and rigorous pathway for those discerning a call to serve God’s mission with creativity, courage, and faithfulness.

Instructor

Diocesan Community Missioner

The Reverend Canon Dr. Ian Mobsby

How it Works

1

Attend Monthly Online Learning

Students will participate in online classroom sessions via Zoom with the teacher-practitioner.
2

Participate Monthly in Local Contextual Mission Activity

Under the supervision and one-on-one guidance from a local mentor such as a parish rector, curate, deacon, etc.
3

Bi-Monthly Meetings with Diocesan Missioner

On a bi-monthly basis you will meet with the Diocesan Missioner, the Reverend Canon Ian Mobsby for a period of one-on-one mentorship.

Course Outline

Year One

1 and 2. What is Mission?
3. What is Contextual Mission and Being a Missioner?
4. Models of Contextual Theology (IN-PERSON)
5. Contextual Mission Model Stage 1: Listening
6. Contextual Mission Model Stage 2: Loving Service
7. Contextual Mission Model Stage 3: Building Community
8. Contextual Mission Model Stage 4: Becoming Christian and Formation
9. Contextual Mission Model Stage 5: Developing Contextual Worship
10. Contextual Mission Model Stage 6: Being Church

Course Dates for Year One 2026 - 2027

The course begins on September 30th at 5:30, with an orientation for those who are not already a part of the Commissioned Lay Missioner track with the Diocese of Niagara.

Regular Zoom sessions are on one Wednesday a month from 5:30-7:30 pm beginning Wednesday, October 8th, 2025.

  • Wednesday, October 7th, 2026
  • Wednesday, November 4th, 2026
  • Wednesday, December 2nd, 2026
  • Wednesday, January 13th, 2027 (In-Person)*
  • Wednesday, January 27th, 2027

  • Wednesday, February 10th, 2027
  • Wednesday, March 3rd, 2027
  • Wednesday, April 7th, 2027
  • Wednesday, May 5th, 2027
  • Wednesday, June 6th, 2027
  • *Wednesday, June 16th, 2027 – online alternative to session 4 for those outside the diocese.

*Wednesday, June 16th, 2027 – online alternative to session 4 for those outside the diocese.

Ready to Start?

Year Two

1 and 2. Mixed Ecology and Contextual Mission
3. Becoming Christian and Set Theory
4. Discipleship Resources
5. Sacraments & The Mission of God 1
6. Sacraments and the Mission of God 2
7. Outreach and Contextual Mission Distinctions
8 and 9. Online Presentations
10. In Person Presentations

Course Dates for Year Two 2026 - 2027

Regular Zoom sessions are on one Wednesday a month from 5:30-7:30 pm beginning Wednesday, October 8th, 2025.

  • Wednesday, October 21st, 2026
  • Wednesday, November 11th, 2026
  • Wednesday, December 9th, 2026
  • Wednesday, January 20th, 2027
  • Wednesday, February 17th, 2027

  • Wednesday, March 10th, 2027
  • Wednesday, April 14th, 2027
  • Wednesday, May 12th, 2027
  • Wednesday, June 9th, 2027
  • Wednesday, June 23rd, 2027 (In-Person)