In “The Way” of Christ, the ends are the means. In other words, how we go about fostering relationships, examining our intentions and seeking God’s wisdom should resemble the goal that we strive towards. There are no short cuts, silver bullets, or pre-packaged programs to save the day. Real community is formed by real relationships. Faith communities are just the same, but they are additionally flavoured by the expectation that God is actually a member of the community! Such a living faith seeks the promises of God in the everyday affairs and looks for their fruit. How do we lead others into this ancient way?
This course is intended as a gathering point for leaders serving in small, rural or remote settings. Each context is unique, but small places have some attributes that merit celebration. Often small communities are more obviously interwoven. Relationships that span across economic, recreational, and neighbourhood lines can be easily identified. These interconnections give us reason to pause and ask, “Is God doing something here?”
The work that we will undertake in this course will not require a fancy budget, staffing, or even a building. We will rely on the classic ingredients of people, resurrection power, and God’s mission. Guidance will come from the deep well of Scripture, the sacraments, and the oversight of the church. What will unfold from this core is totally up for grabs. It could be infinitely more than you can ask or imagine. God willing, we’ll all be changed!
What You’ll Learn
This course will help you to:
- Practice the basics of Christian discernment among other willing believers
- Name and honour the power of small, rural, and remote faith communities
- Map the rich interconnections that comprise our public roles
- Test the Spirit’s movement beyond the walls of the building
- Reflect on your own calling in the moment and place that you find yourself
- Invite others to join you in the missional journey
How It Works
Join our instructor, Tim Wray, and an engaged learning community of fellow leaders and missional practitioners live online and in online forums.
- Participate in six, two-hour sessions with Tim and the learning community.
The learning community will meet weekly on Wednesday evenings, 7:00p – 9:00p, October 5 – November 9. - Practice in your context.
During the course you will be encouraged to apply your learning in your context in order to deepen your understanding. - Reflect within the learning community.
Your reflections on your experiences will become even more meaningful when shared with other learning practitioners like yourself. You will use the online forums between sessions and break-out sessions within learning community gatherings to further integrate your learning
