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CROSSROADS is a lay training program with sixteen courses and a Community Missional Experience offered in three semesters (Fall, Winter & Spring). Most courses are offered every year, some every other year. This program can be competed in two years. A Certificate of Completion is awarded to those who complete all sixteen courses and the Community Missional Experience.
Community Missional Experience*
In addition to the sixteen CROSSROADS’ courses, a Community Missional Experience is required for completing the program and attaining the certificate. At this meeting, participants will learn about agencies and select their placement. Scheduling is at the participants choosing.
Placements are from a list of approved local, faith-based social agencies such as shelters and soup kitchens. The Community Missional Experience consists of two parts of at least twenty hours each. The first part is as a Direct Service Provider working with clients such as serving meals or working in the shelter. The second is as an Organizational Observer attending a board meeting and understanding finances including fundraising and grant writing.
COMPASS*
When possible, this is the best place to start in CROSSROADS. Compass is a discernment journey to help you find and articulate your sense of call. It is also a practical course including library skills, writing, presenting and Biblical interpretation. This popular class will be limited to 20 participants, register early.
Mapping the Route*
An introduction to Christian theology including the Trinity, creation, sin, redemption and eternal hope. Explore how our stories have been shaped by these doctrines and what response God asks of us.
Road Hazards
Road Hazards are those bumps in our travel that can create real havoc and pain. This course is a practical introduction to congregational ethics focusing on some of those hazards. Through the use of case studies, financial indiscretions, interpersonal relationships, child sexual abuse, power struggles and other issues will be explored. Scenario planning will be introduced and the importance of character formation is presented. Guest instructors will present actual case studies fro m congregational life for the class to study.
Faith Journeys of the Old Testament
In this introduction to the Old Testament, we will be tracing the stories and the faith development of the Biblical characters. As we look at their journeys, both actual and spiritual, we can apply their stories to our lives.
Traditions
American religion is diversifying, and our new members come from a variety of backgrounds. We will look at a broad spectrum of Christian and other faith traditions, as well as explore the role of tradition in our own religious practice.
Missional Leadership*
An exploration of leadership issues including Integrity, Team Building, Visioning, Strategic Planning, and Resource Stewardship.
Unpacking Scripture I – Discipleship
Presented by ministry leaders specializing in Small Groups, New Members’ Class, Youth Ministry, Stewardship, and other discipleship areas.
Unpacking Scripture II – Teaching
Teaching, learning styles, curriculum selection, age levels of learning.
Unpacking Scripture III – Preaching
Not sure how to put together a talk or sermon? Want to improve your skills in getting a message across? This course will go through the fundamentals of preparing, building and presenting a sermon. Participants will be able to deliver a message and will be taped and critiqued in an affirming atmosphere. Different preaching styles and traditions will be explored.
Creative Worship*
Arts, music, emergent worship, liturgy, creating worship settings.
Culture, Change, Conflict & Communication*
What is church culture and do you know how to read it? How do we as leaders approach change? Are we really effectively communicating? What is the positive role of conflict in the church and how do we use it for positive effects? This course explores four key organizational issues and their ministry impact while building practical skills.
Traveling Mercies
Pastoral Care & Counseling, Community Resources, Building Teams of Caring within the Congregation.
Extraordinary Outreach: Contextual Evangelism*
This course will look at understanding the cultural context in your community to develop a ministry plan. Four Day Intensive
My Journey/Our Journey
Course participants will experience and explore individual spiritual formation and understand some of the basics of leading group spiritual formation.
Ministry Journeys of the New Testament
Follow the lives and travels of Jesus, Paul and the Apostles.
The Story of Christianity
Introduction to Christian history from the New Testament to today.
* Courses offered every year |
