Ventures in Christian Discipleship training events offered through McPherson College.

McPherson (Kan.) College is offering a series of courses and webinars for the purpose of training and supporting small congregations, under the title “Ventures in Christian Discipleship.” Campus minister Steve Crain and Ken and Elsie Holderread from Western Plains District are co-coordinators for the series.

Leaders for the events are Joshua Brockway, director of Spiritual Life and Discipleship for the Church of the Brethren; Barbara Daté, an educator and trainer working in Eugene, Ore., for the Center for Dialogue and Resolution; Donna Kline, director of the Church of the Brethren’s Deacon Ministry; and Deb Oskin, a clergy tax expert who is also an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren;

Following is a list of the events, some offered as online webinars and others as classroom workshops:

• “Making Sense of Church Finances,” a webinar led by Deb Oskin on Nov. 9 from 9 a.m.-noon (central time). Cost is $15.

• “Clergy and Non-clergy Employees in the Small Congregation,” a webinar led by Deb Oskin on Nov. 9 from 1:30-4:30 p.m. (central time). Cost is $15.

• “Building Healthy Relationships: Tools for Harmony Within Diversity,” a workshop led by Barbara Daté at McPherson College on Jan. 25, 2014, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $50.

• “Deep Compassionate Listening,” a workshop led by Barbara Daté at McPherson College on Jan. 26, 2014, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Cost is $25.

• “Spiritual Direction and a Life of Prayer,” a webinar led by Josh Brockway on March 8, 2014, from 9-11 a.m. (central time). Cost is $15.

• “Are You a Person of Prayer?” a webinar led by Josh Brockway on March 8, 2014, from 1-3 p.m. (central time). Cost is $15. 

• “Deaconing in Small Congregations,” a webinar led by Donna Kline on April 12, 2014, from 9-11 a.m. (central time). Cost is $15.

• “The Gift of Grief,” a webinar led by Donna Kline on April 12, 2014, from 1-3 p.m. (central time). Cost is $15.

A Ventures in Christian Discipleship web page gives a complete description of the project and events, and how to register. Go to www.mcpherson.edu/ventures. Brochures and more information is available by contacting Steve Crain at crains@mcpherson.edu.

Source: 10/19/2013 Newsline