Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission

Making Ministry & Mission Tangible

Learning & Development Outcomes

Introductory level of critical scriptural understanding. This includes basic exegesis and responsible interpretation of scripture.
Introductory level understanding of theological competence. Participants will be able to create basic theological positions using responsible theological resources and study.
Introductory level of understanding of Community of Christ tradition. This includes competency in Community of Christ IMMB (Identity, Mission, Message, & Beliefs)
Participants will be able to identify appropriate theological resources for use in ministry.
Participants will have exposure to basic aspects of general Christian tenants. i.e. Identifying ecumenical understanding of theological positions, Christian history, and context of denominationalism.
Participants will integrate experience in the program into their ministry context. Participants will have a clear articulation of their contextual missiological perspective.
Introductory level of exposure to spiritual formation, spiritual practices, and discipleship formation and ministry

How most classes work:

Ministry and Priesthood: Classes last between 6-8 weeks* in online learning only. All students progress together one week at a time. The class opens on Monday each week and all readings, discussions, and assignments are due on Sunday by 2 p.m. (CST). You can choose your own schedule to complete your work each week. A class facilitator will grade your work each Sunday. Certification is awarded for completion of three classes; Introduction to Priesthood Ministry, Introduction to Scripture, and one priesthood office-specific class.

Cost per class: $25.

*Exception: Children and Youth Worker Core Training: This class takes about 2 hours total to complete. Students can start anytime during the session, but you have 2 weeks from your start date to complete the class.

Christian Ministries Certificate: Classes are an 8-week blend of online learning with one live session each week. Students progress together one week at a time. One or two books are required before starting each class. Sessions open each Monday and end on Sunday afternoon. A live session lasting 1-1.5 hours is required each week. These classes are online versions of former MEADS classes.

Cost per class: $100 plus books.

Discernment Facilitation Certificate: This certificate includes six 8-week online courses with one scheduled live session per course during the first year. Live online sessions are offered every two months. During each course, there will be required readings, group discussions, and one praxis assignment. Year two includes peer-supported practicum groups that meet every two months for one year. Both the six courses and the practicum year are required for required for certification.

Cost per class: $100 (Community of Christ members receive a 50% discount)

(Plans underway now for January 2023 start)

Spiritual Formation and Companion Program Certificate: These courses will have limited enrollment through an application process. This two-year certificate includes six online courses and two in-person gatherings. Four of the courses are a 16-week blend of online learning at your own pace with one live online weekend retreat-style session per course. The other two courses are a 16-week blend of online learning at your own pace with a one-week formational gathering in person. To receive a certificate, participants are required to attend the two in-person gathering and six online courses, participate in a covenant community, receive regular Spiritual Direction, and complete a self-directed contemplative retreat.

(Plans underway now for August 2023 start)

Offerings

Ministry & Priesthood Ordination Certificate

The Ministry and Priesthood certificate and courses are designed for pre-ordination training or those interested in better understanding priesthood ministry.

Students will receive a certificate for taking three classes (Introduction to Priesthood, Introduction to Scripture, and one priesthood office specific class) through this CIMM online program. Individual classes will receive Temple School credit and CEU non-degree credit through Graceland University.

Each online class is divided into “Weeks” with one or two chapters covered each week. Students can work on their class any time from Monday-Sunday, complete their readings and assignments, and finish at their own pace as long as it is completed by Sunday at 2 p.m. (CST). All students complete the week together and engage in discussions to foster a community experience.

It takes about 1-1.5 hours a week to complete readings and assignments. The programs are designed to be flexible so there is no specific time students need to be in class – though it is expected that students will devote time each week to complete their coursework.

Cost is $25 per course.

Core Curriculum:

CIMM0300 – Introduction to Priesthood Ministries
CIMM0400 – Introduction to Scripture
**CIMM0450 – Child and Youth Worker Core Training

Priesthood Office Curriculum:

CIMM0301 – Ministry of the Disciple
CIMM0302 – Ministry of the Deacon
CIMM0303 – Ministry of the Teacher
CIMM0304 – Ministry of the Priest
CIMM0305 – Ministry of the Elder
CIMM0306 – Ministry of the Seventy
CIMM0307 – Ministry of the High Priest
CIMM0308 – Ministry of the Evangelist

Courses Offered

CIMM0300Introduction to Priesthood Ministries
CIMM0300 Introduction to Priesthood Ministries
An introduction to priesthood faithfulness and an exploration of the Community of Christ priesthood covenant which is at the heart of priesthood ministry. These covenant principles form the foundation for priesthood ministry and from which responsibilities of specific priesthood offices are built.
CIMM0301Ministry of the Disciple
CIMM0301 Ministry of the Disciple
An exploration in the ministry of disciples expressed through the nature and love of God through Christlike character, love, concern, and generosity.
CIMM0302Ministry of the Deacon
CIMM0302 Ministry of the Deacon
As ministers who model Jesus as Comforter, this course is an exploration of the role of Deacons and understanding how they connect ministries of hospitality, preparation, and addressing the physical needs of people, especially the poor. *Pre-Requisite – CIMM0300
CIMM0303Ministry of the Teacher
CIMM0303 Ministry of the Teacher
As ministers who model Jesus as Peacemaker, this course explores the role of Teachers and how their ministry connects with individuals to encourage peace and healing of relationships. *Pre-Requisite – CIMM0300
CIMM0304Ministry of the Priest
CIMM0304 Ministry of the Priest
As ministers who model Jesus as Friend, this course explores the role of Priests and how their ministry connects with households, families, congregations, and the community. Ordinands create a plan for ministry. *Pre-Requisite – CIMM0300.
CIMM0305Ministry of the Elder
CIMM0305 Ministry of the Elder
As ministers who model Jesus as Community Builders, this course explores the role of Elders and how they lead Christ-centered congregational community by witness, invitation, and mentoring others in Christs mission. Ordinands explore providing sacramental ministry and create a plan for ministry. *Pre-Requisite – CIMM0300.
CIMM0306Ministry of the Seventy
CIMM0306 Ministry of the Seventy
An exploration of the role of Seventy as ministry expressed through evangelism, witness, invitation, and discipleship. Students will engage in discussion and reflection activities and develop a plan for ministry. *Pre-Requisite – CIMM0300.
CIMM0307Ministry of the High Priest
CIMM0307 Ministry of the High Priest
An insight and exploration into the ministry of High Priests in congregations, mission centers, and communities. The course gives attention to collaborative leadership; expectations and role of World Church ministers; and building bridges between people, congregations, and communities. *Pre-Requisite – CIMM0300.
CIMM0308Ministry of the Evangelist
CIMM0308 Ministry of the Evangelist
As ministers who model Jesus as Blessing, this course explores the role of Evangelists expressed in spiritual practices and formation, as well as, providing spiritual guidance to people and congregations. Evangelist ministry of blessing is modelled through spiritual companionship, sanctuary, pastoral presence, apostolic witness, and being teaching learners. *Pre-Requisite – CIMM0300.
CIMM0400Introduction to Scripture
CIMM0400 Introduction to Scripture
And introduction and exploration of the nature of scripture in the life of Community of Christ; helps students understand genre, literary context, and historical and cultural context; guides in the responsible use of the Old Testament and dealing with difficult texts; provides a sample small-group Bible study; and explores the function of the lectionary in sacraments, preaching, and teaching.
CIMM0450Child and Youth Worker Core Training
CIMM0450 Child and Youth Worker Core Training
This course is designed for anyone wishing to work with children and young people within Community of Christ and is the first step in becoming a registered children and youth worker. The class is designed to shield the youth, youth workers, and the church from potentially abusive situations.

CIMM0300Introduction to Priesthood Ministries CIMM0301Ministry of the Disciple CIMM0302Ministry of the Deacon CIMM0303Ministry of the Teacher CIMM0304Ministry of the Priest CIMM0305Ministry of the Elder CIMM0306Ministry of the Seventy CIMM0307Ministry of the High Priest CIMM0308Ministry of the Evangelist CIMM0400Introduction to Scripture CIMM0450Child and Youth Worker Core Training

Course Descriptions

CIMM0300 Introduction to Priesthood Ministries

An introduction to priesthood faithfulness and an exploration of the Community of Christ priesthood covenant which is at the heart of priesthood ministry. These covenant principles form the foundation for priesthood ministry and from which responsibilities of specific priesthood offices are built.

CIMM0301 Ministry of the Disciple

An exploration in the ministry of disciples expressed through the nature and love of God through Christlike character, love, concern, and generosity.

CIMM0302 Ministry of the Deacon

As ministers who model Jesus as Comforter, this course is an exploration of the role of Deacons and understanding how they connect ministries of hospitality, preparation, and addressing the physical needs of people, especially the poor. *Pre-Requisite – CIMM0300

CIMM0303 Ministry of the Teacher

As ministers who model Jesus as Peacemaker, this course explores the role of Teachers and how their ministry connects with individuals to encourage peace and healing of relationships. *Pre-Requisite – CIMM0300

CIMM0304 Ministry of the Priest

As ministers who model Jesus as Friend, this course explores the role of Priests and how their ministry connects with households, families, congregations, and the community. Ordinands create a plan for ministry. *Pre-Requisite – CIMM0300.

CIMM0305 Ministry of the Elder

As ministers who model Jesus as Community Builders, this course explores the role of Elders and how they lead Christ-centered congregational community by witness, invitation, and mentoring others in Christs mission. Ordinands explore providing sacramental ministry and create a plan for ministry. *Pre-Requisite – CIMM0300.

CIMM0306 Ministry of the Seventy

An exploration of the role of Seventy as ministry expressed through evangelism, witness, invitation, and discipleship. Students will engage in discussion and reflection activities and develop a plan for ministry. *Pre-Requisite – CIMM0300.

CIMM0307 Ministry of the High Priest

An insight and exploration into the ministry of High Priests in congregations, mission centers, and communities. The course gives attention to collaborative leadership; expectations and role of World Church ministers; and building bridges between people, congregations, and communities. *Pre-Requisite – CIMM0300.

CIMM0308 Ministry of the Evangelist

As ministers who model Jesus as Blessing, this course explores the role of Evangelists expressed in spiritual practices and formation, as well as, providing spiritual guidance to people and congregations. Evangelist ministry of blessing is modelled through spiritual companionship, sanctuary, pastoral presence, apostolic witness, and being teaching learners. *Pre-Requisite – CIMM0300.

CIMM0400 Introduction to Scripture

And introduction and exploration of the nature of scripture in the life of Community of Christ; helps students understand genre, literary context, and historical and cultural context; guides in the responsible use of the Old Testament and dealing with difficult texts; provides a sample small-group Bible study; and explores the function of the lectionary in sacraments, preaching, and teaching.

CIMM0450 Child and Youth Worker Core Training

This course is designed for anyone wishing to work with children and young people within Community of Christ and is the first step in becoming a registered children and youth worker. The class is designed to shield the youth, youth workers, and the church from potentially abusive situations.

Christian Ministries Certificate

The Christian Ministries Certificate is focused on development of innovative practitioners of theology in a ministry field/context.

Cert Requirements: Completion of all 10 courses. (Students can take individual courses without completing certificate requirements)

Cost is $100 per course.

CIMM1100 – Introduction to Christian Theology
CIMM1150 – Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures
CIMM1200 – Introduction to the New Testament
CIMM1250 – Ministries of the Church
CIMM1300 – Spiritual Formation & Discernment
CIMM1350 – Missional Leadership
CIMM1400 – Peace & Justice
CIMM1450 – Contextual Theology & Contemporary Theology
CIMM1500 – Community of Christ Theology , Scripture, and History
CIMM1550 – Practical Ministry

Courses Offered

CIMM1100Introduction to Christian Theology
CIMM1100 Introduction to Christian Theology
An introductory exploration of the discipline and methods of theology. The foundational topics of Christian theology are covered including the nature and necessity of the theological task in the world.
CIMM1150Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures
CIMM1150 Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures
An introductory review of the Old Testament and the Apocrypha, with emphasis on how the canon was developed, the different modes of interpreting the writings, and the exegetical skills needed for teaching and preaching out of the Hebrew Scriptures.
CIMM1200Introduction to New Testament
CIMM1200 Introduction to New Testament
An introduction to the basics of New Testament literature. An exploration of learning how to read the New Testament writings in light of (a) their literary form, (b) their historical setting, and (c) their distinctive witness to Jesus Christ. Attention will be given to techniques of exegesis based on various methods of biblical criticism.
CIMM1250Ministries of the Church
CIMM1250 Ministries of the Church
An exploration of the relevance the church and its value proposition to community. A study of the various elements of Christian life and models of Christian community and congregational life. Emphasis will be placed on practical ministries of the church – worship, sacrament, preaching, community development, etc.
CIMM1300Spiritual Formation and Discernment
CIMM1300 Spiritual Formation and Discernment
An introductory study of the rich tradition of Christian spiritual formation and spiritual practices and discern its application for our own lives and contexts. Students will also explore various models of discernment and its application for ministry and leadership.
CIMM1350Missional Leadership
CIMM1350 Missional Leadership
An exploration of Christian mission and its implications on ministers and leaders within the context of faith. Students will get an integrated approach and contextual models of leadership rooted in the ministry of Jesus Christ.
CIMM1400Peace and Justice
CIMM1400 Peace and Justice
A basic introduction of the role of peace and justice in Christian theology and the Christian tradition. Focus will be given on resources and application of peace and justice through a theological lens.
CIMM1450Contextual Theology and Contemporary Culture
CIMM1450 Contextual Theology and Contemporary Culture
A basic introduction to the field and study of contextual theology and its place in contemporary culture. Emphasis will be given on theological anthropology and the nature of theology.
CIMM1500Community of Christ Theology, Scripture, and History
CIMM1500 Community of Christ Theology, Scripture, and History
An exploration of key themes, important developments, and significant issues in Community of Christ theology. Students will examine the prophetic nature of Community of Christ identity, message, mission, and beliefs.
CIMM1550Practical Ministry
CIMM1550 Practical Ministry
An integrative approach to guide students in applying their theological, ministerial, and leadership learning into practical ministry application. This course will be a topics course that draws together the various themes, topics, and studies, of the Christian Ministries Certificate.

CIMM1100Introduction to Christian Theology CIMM1150Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures CIMM1200Introduction to New Testament CIMM1250Ministries of the Church CIMM1300Spiritual Formation and Discernment CIMM1350Missional Leadership CIMM1400Peace and Justice CIMM1450Contextual Theology and Contemporary Culture CIMM1500Community of Christ Theology, Scripture, and History CIMM1550Practical Ministry

Course Descriptions

CIMM1100 Introduction to Christian Theology

An introductory exploration of the discipline and methods of theology. The foundational topics of Christian theology are covered including the nature and necessity of the theological task in the world.

CIMM1150 Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures

An introductory review of the Old Testament and the Apocrypha, with emphasis on how the canon was developed, the different modes of interpreting the writings, and the exegetical skills needed for teaching and preaching out of the Hebrew Scriptures.

CIMM1200 Introduction to New Testament

An introduction to the basics of New Testament literature. An exploration of learning how to read the New Testament writings in light of (a) their literary form, (b) their historical setting, and (c) their distinctive witness to Jesus Christ. Attention will be given to techniques of exegesis based on various methods of biblical criticism.

CIMM1250 Ministries of the Church

An exploration of the relevance the church and its value proposition to community. A study of the various elements of Christian life and models of Christian community and congregational life. Emphasis will be placed on practical ministries of the church – worship, sacrament, preaching, community development, etc.

CIMM1300 Spiritual Formation and Discernment

An introductory study of the rich tradition of Christian spiritual formation and spiritual practices and discern its application for our own lives and contexts. Students will also explore various models of discernment and its application for ministry and leadership.

CIMM1350 Missional Leadership

An exploration of Christian mission and its implications on ministers and leaders within the context of faith. Students will get an integrated approach and contextual models of leadership rooted in the ministry of Jesus Christ.

CIMM1400 Peace and Justice

A basic introduction of the role of peace and justice in Christian theology and the Christian tradition. Focus will be given on resources and application of peace and justice through a theological lens.

CIMM1450 Contextual Theology and Contemporary Culture

A basic introduction to the field and study of contextual theology and its place in contemporary culture. Emphasis will be given on theological anthropology and the nature of theology.

CIMM1500 Community of Christ Theology, Scripture, and History

An exploration of key themes, important developments, and significant issues in Community of Christ theology. Students will examine the prophetic nature of Community of Christ identity, message, mission, and beliefs.

CIMM1550 Practical Ministry

An integrative approach to guide students in applying their theological, ministerial, and leadership learning into practical ministry application. This course will be a topics course that draws together the various themes, topics, and studies, of the Christian Ministries Certificate.

Discernment Facilitator Training Certificate

This two-year training prepares and equips experienced ministers with models and processes for group discernment facilitation. Facilitators will be prepared to accompany congregations, leadership groups, and communities who are seeking direction, asking important questions about their future, and desiring to deepen in a habit of discernment as a leadership and ministry posture.

Program Structure: In Year 1, Participants attend a 4-hour zoom session every 2 months and complete online components in-between meetings including group discussion, assigned readings, and additional assignments. In Year 2, participants will be assigned a peer-supervised practicum group as they engage a community in discernment to apply what they have learned. Mentor support will be available as needed. This training is entirely online. Participants will receive 7 CEUs total for the whole program.

Price: $100 per class or total of $700
Community of Christ Members Price: Save 50% = $50 per class or total of $350

Live ZOOM class meeting dates for year 1:

Course 1: Discerning Leadership and Facilitation – January 14, 2023 12 p.m.-4 p.m. (1 CEU-10 learning hours)
Course 2: Discernment as Process: Preparing the Community and Entering the Process – March 11, 2023 12 p.m.-4 p.m. (1 CEU- 10 learning hours)
Course 3: Discernment as Process: Staying with What is Unfolding – May 13, 2023 12 p.m.-4 p.m. (1 CEU- 10 learning hours)
Course 4: Discernment as Process: Identifying and Living the Next Faithful Steps – July 8, 2023 12 p.m.-4 p.m. (1 CEU- 10 learning hours)
Course 5: Facilitating Communal Discernment: An Adaptive Leadership Practice – September 9, 2023 12 p.m.-4 p.m. (1 CEU- 10 learning hours)
Course 6: Practices and Resources for Discernment Facilitators – November 11, 2023 12 p.m.-4 p.m. (1 CEU- 10 learning hours)

CIMM0110 – Discerning Leadership and Facilitation
CIMM0120 – Discernment as Process: Preparing the Community and Entering the Process
CIMM0130 – Discernment as Process: Staying with What is Unfolding
CIMM0140 – Discernment as Process: Identifying and Living the Next Faithful Steps
CIMM0150 – Facilitating Communal Discernment: An Adaptive Leadership Practice
CIMM0160 – Practices and Resources for Discernment Facilitators
CIMM0170 – Practicum Groups

Courses Offered

CIMM0110Discerning Leadership and Facilitation
CIMM0110 Discerning Leadership and Facilitation
Participants will develop a posture of deep listening in communities and systems as a core gift and skill of discernment facilitation. This session will explore foundations of discernment in the Christian tradition, theological and scriptural grounding in discernment, and will introduce qualities and competencies of discerning leadership.
CIMM0120Discernment as Process: Preparing the Community and Entering the Process
CIMM0120 Discernment as Process: Preparing the Community and Entering the Process
This session will cover the initial steps of preparing a community for discernment, introduction of discernment in a community with varying levels of understanding, setting appropriate expectations and timelines, creating a community covenant, the prayer for spiritual freedom, and articulating an accurate question that represents the heart of the matter for the discerning community.
CIMM0130Discernment as Process: Staying with What is Unfolding
CIMM0130 Discernment as Process: Staying with What is Unfolding
Moving deeper into the discernment process, session three will address issues and practices related to the middle sections of journeying with a community in discernment. These include the substantive, holistic invitations of “gathering data” to address the question at hand, listening carefully to movements of consolation and desolation in the group, and staying with what is unfolding when the temptation to rush ahead arises! Because this is often the place where communities feel the most stuck, we will address strategies for working through possible frustration or lack of clarity. Participants will receive a variety of practices and tools including guidance for how to structure sessions to be responsive to what is emerging in the group.
CIMM0140Discernment as Process: Identifying and Living the Next Faithful Steps
CIMM0140 Discernment as Process: Identifying and Living the Next Faithful Steps
This session addresses the final movements in the discernment journey including identifying emerging direction, seeking group consensus, praying for confirmation, and taking action. Participants will explore faithful facilitation as possibilities begin to emerge and how to support the group in the movements from process to praxis including invitations for a habit of discernment to guide and inform the community as it moves into the future. Focus will be given to implementation and common questions and issues in bringing a process to closure.
CIMM0150Facilitating Communal Discernment: An Adaptive Leadership Practice
CIMM0150 Facilitating Communal Discernment: An Adaptive Leadership Practice
Having explored the discernment process in detail, participants will explore the art and skill of spiritual facilitation as it applies to discernment leadership. Discernment leadership requires structure and planning blended with flexibility and adaptability. Session 5 will discuss the prayer of spiritual freedom for discernment facilitators, navigating the various spiritual and communal movements throughout an entire process, and practical tools for organizing and guiding a group in the fluidity of a dynamic process.
CIMM0160Practices and Resources for Discernment Facilitators
CIMM0160 Practices and Resources for Discernment Facilitators
Experienced discernment facilitators draw from a deep reservoir of practices and tools as preparation for responsive leadership within the movements of the discerning community. This session will orient discernment facilitators to resources, practices, and possibilities for a variety of circumstances that might arise throughout a discernment process.
CIMM0170Practicum Groups
CIMM0170 Practicum Groups
The best way to learn discernment facilitation is to engage leadership of the process with a discerning community. Year 2 will offer ongoing encouragement and support for participants through peer-supervised practicum groups that will meet bi-monthly for 1 year with short, supplemental readings as needed. Mentor support will be available as needed. During this time, each participant will find a community or group to engage in a process of discernment and will come to the practicum group prepared to share what they are learning and to receive peer support, reflection, and encouragement. Each discernment process may look different, so it is not expected that participants are leading discernment for the entire year. The groups will meet to provide mutual support as facilitators find themselves in different stages and situations along the communal discernment journey.

CIMM0110Discerning Leadership and Facilitation CIMM0120Discernment as Process: Preparing the Community and Entering the Process CIMM0130Discernment as Process: Staying with What is Unfolding CIMM0140Discernment as Process: Identifying and Living the Next Faithful Steps CIMM0150Facilitating Communal Discernment: An Adaptive Leadership Practice CIMM0160Practices and Resources for Discernment Facilitators CIMM0170Practicum Groups

Course Descriptions

CIMM0110 Discerning Leadership and Facilitation

Participants will develop a posture of deep listening in communities and systems as a core gift and skill of discernment facilitation. This session will explore foundations of discernment in the Christian tradition, theological and scriptural grounding in discernment, and will introduce qualities and competencies of discerning leadership.

CIMM0120 Discernment as Process: Preparing the Community and Entering the Process

This session will cover the initial steps of preparing a community for discernment, introduction of discernment in a community with varying levels of understanding, setting appropriate expectations and timelines, creating a community covenant, the prayer for spiritual freedom, and articulating an accurate question that represents the heart of the matter for the discerning community.

CIMM0130 Discernment as Process: Staying with What is Unfolding

Moving deeper into the discernment process, session three will address issues and practices related to the middle sections of journeying with a community in discernment. These include the substantive, holistic invitations of “gathering data” to address the question at hand, listening carefully to movements of consolation and desolation in the group, and staying with what is unfolding when the temptation to rush ahead arises! Because this is often the place where communities feel the most stuck, we will address strategies for working through possible frustration or lack of clarity. Participants will receive a variety of practices and tools including guidance for how to structure sessions to be responsive to what is emerging in the group.

CIMM0140 Discernment as Process: Identifying and Living the Next Faithful Steps

This session addresses the final movements in the discernment journey including identifying emerging direction, seeking group consensus, praying for confirmation, and taking action. Participants will explore faithful facilitation as possibilities begin to emerge and how to support the group in the movements from process to praxis including invitations for a habit of discernment to guide and inform the community as it moves into the future. Focus will be given to implementation and common questions and issues in bringing a process to closure.

CIMM0150 Facilitating Communal Discernment: An Adaptive Leadership Practice

Having explored the discernment process in detail, participants will explore the art and skill of spiritual facilitation as it applies to discernment leadership. Discernment leadership requires structure and planning blended with flexibility and adaptability. Session 5 will discuss the prayer of spiritual freedom for discernment facilitators, navigating the various spiritual and communal movements throughout an entire process, and practical tools for organizing and guiding a group in the fluidity of a dynamic process.

CIMM0160 Practices and Resources for Discernment Facilitators

Experienced discernment facilitators draw from a deep reservoir of practices and tools as preparation for responsive leadership within the movements of the discerning community. This session will orient discernment facilitators to resources, practices, and possibilities for a variety of circumstances that might arise throughout a discernment process.

CIMM0170 Practicum Groups

The best way to learn discernment facilitation is to engage leadership of the process with a discerning community. Year 2 will offer ongoing encouragement and support for participants through peer-supervised practicum groups that will meet bi-monthly for 1 year with short, supplemental readings as needed. Mentor support will be available as needed. During this time, each participant will find a community or group to engage in a process of discernment and will come to the practicum group prepared to share what they are learning and to receive peer support, reflection, and encouragement. Each discernment process may look different, so it is not expected that participants are leading discernment for the entire year. The groups will meet to provide mutual support as facilitators find themselves in different stages and situations along the communal discernment journey.

Spiritual Formation and Companioning Program Certificate

The six courses offered through SFCP are intended to provide a cumulative curriculum that takes the participant from personal spiritual exploration to advanced topics of spiritual companionship and leadership. A formational pedagogy is critical to the participant experience and the development of each course. SFCP embraces an integrated approach of learning and forming with practice, relationship, prayer, body, mind, and spirit.

Cost: (TBA) course (3 course per year – 2 years total in program)

CIMM3100 – Spiritual Formation & Transformation
CIMM3200 – Deep Listening
CIMM3300 – Contemplation and Action– Mystics and Movements of the Christian Tradition
CIMM3400 – Discernment in Communities and Systems
CIMM3500 – Integrated Leadership
CIMM3600 – Companioning Diverse Communities and Contexts

Courses Offered

CIMM3100Spiritual Formation and Transformation
CIMM3100 Spiritual Formation and Transformation
SFCP describes the process of Christian spiritual formation as a “transformative journey in the pattern of Christ for the sake of God’s shalom.” This course is both an introduction and an invitation into the study, history, practice, and integration of spiritual formation as a foundational element of Christian discipleship, ministry, and leadership. Through personal, experiential engagement and critical study and reflection, participants are encouraged to tend their own spiraling inward/outward journeys while gaining tools and resources to support others in spiritual growth and transformation.
CIMM3200Deep Listening
CIMM3200 Deep Listening
Deep Listening is at the heart of spiritual companionship. Though we “hear” every day, deep listening is a ministry gift and skill that tends to the presence of the Spirit in “all things”, people, and circumstances. Spiritual companions learn how to listen deeply to others, self, God, and the world around them. Deep Listening is also at the heart of discernment, a vital skill of spiritual leaders.
CIMM3300Contemplation and Action– Mystics and Movements of the Christian Tradition
CIMM3300 Contemplation and Action– Mystics and Movements of the Christian Tradition
Throughout the centuries, the mystics and spiritual leaders of the Christian tradition have emphasized that the greatest test of spiritual authenticity and integrity is transformation and compassionate action in everyday life. This course introduces participants to significant mystics (including their contributions to the Christian spiritual tradition) and movements throughout history that have shaped Christianity through the primary lens of an integrated life that embodies a rhythm of contemplation and action.
CIMM3400Discernment in Communities and Systems
CIMM3400 Discernment in Communities and Systems
Building on foundations from Deep Listening, learners will explore what discernment looks and feels like on a communal level as both participant and facilitator. Using a primarily Ignatian model of discernment, this course offers the experience of a discernment process, attention to group dynamics in discernment, and insights from systems theory that support communal and social change as disciples seek to follow God’s call in their lives and the world.
CIMM3500Integrated Leadership
CIMM3500 Integrated Leadership
This course will engage the “self” of the spiritual companion/leader through integration of self, calling, and vocation within one’s context. Participants will explore models of spiritual diversity, ministerial myths and narratives, and theories of spiritual and human development as part of a journey of discovering and living from “the true self in God.” The framework of the Benedictine Rule of Life will serve as a guide for everyday praxis of an integrated life and leadership style.
CIMM3600Companioning Diverse Communities and Contexts
CIMM3600 Companioning Diverse Communities and Contexts
The culminating course of SFCP focuses on application of skills, gifts, and callings into one’s own ministry context. Attention is given to spiritual facilitation, environment, ethics, and diversity of contexts. Participants explore a variety of ways they can live into the call to spiritual companionship and leadership through examples from previous cohorts, current opportunities in Community of Christ, and discernment of their own call to ministry.

CIMM3100Spiritual Formation and Transformation CIMM3200Deep Listening CIMM3300Contemplation and Action– Mystics and Movements of the Christian Tradition CIMM3400Discernment in Communities and Systems CIMM3500Integrated Leadership CIMM3600Companioning Diverse Communities and Contexts

Course Descriptions

CIMM3100 Spiritual Formation and Transformation

SFCP describes the process of Christian spiritual formation as a “transformative journey in the pattern of Christ for the sake of God’s shalom.” This course is both an introduction and an invitation into the study, history, practice, and integration of spiritual formation as a foundational element of Christian discipleship, ministry, and leadership. Through personal, experiential engagement and critical study and reflection, participants are encouraged to tend their own spiraling inward/outward journeys while gaining tools and resources to support others in spiritual growth and transformation.

CIMM3200 Deep Listening

Deep Listening is at the heart of spiritual companionship. Though we “hear” every day, deep listening is a ministry gift and skill that tends to the presence of the Spirit in “all things”, people, and circumstances. Spiritual companions learn how to listen deeply to others, self, God, and the world around them. Deep Listening is also at the heart of discernment, a vital skill of spiritual leaders.

CIMM3300 Contemplation and Action– Mystics and Movements of the Christian Tradition

Throughout the centuries, the mystics and spiritual leaders of the Christian tradition have emphasized that the greatest test of spiritual authenticity and integrity is transformation and compassionate action in everyday life. This course introduces participants to significant mystics (including their contributions to the Christian spiritual tradition) and movements throughout history that have shaped Christianity through the primary lens of an integrated life that embodies a rhythm of contemplation and action.

CIMM3400 Discernment in Communities and Systems

Building on foundations from Deep Listening, learners will explore what discernment looks and feels like on a communal level as both participant and facilitator. Using a primarily Ignatian model of discernment, this course offers the experience of a discernment process, attention to group dynamics in discernment, and insights from systems theory that support communal and social change as disciples seek to follow God’s call in their lives and the world.

CIMM3500 Integrated Leadership

This course will engage the “self” of the spiritual companion/leader through integration of self, calling, and vocation within one’s context. Participants will explore models of spiritual diversity, ministerial myths and narratives, and theories of spiritual and human development as part of a journey of discovering and living from “the true self in God.” The framework of the Benedictine Rule of Life will serve as a guide for everyday praxis of an integrated life and leadership style.

CIMM3600 Companioning Diverse Communities and Contexts

The culminating course of SFCP focuses on application of skills, gifts, and callings into one’s own ministry context. Attention is given to spiritual facilitation, environment, ethics, and diversity of contexts. Participants explore a variety of ways they can live into the call to spiritual companionship and leadership through examples from previous cohorts, current opportunities in Community of Christ, and discernment of their own call to ministry.

Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission

Learning & Development Outcomes

How most classes work:

Offerings

CEU Schedules

January 9 – March 4, 2023

March 6 – April 29, 2023

May 8 – July 1, 2023

July 3 – August 26, 2023

August – October, 2023 (TBA)

October-December, 2023 (TBA)

January 9 – March 4, 2023

March 6 – April 29, 2023

May 8 – Jul. 1, 2023

July 3 – August 26, 2023

August – October, 2023 (TBA)

October-December, 2023 (TBA)

January 9 – March 4, 2023

March 6 – April 29, 2023

May 8 – Jul. 1, 2023

July 3 – August 26, 2023

August – October, 2023 (TBA)

October-December, 2023 (TBA)

Instructors and Facilitators

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