Certificate Program in Christian Formation

June 2015

Cross and Christ Chapel at Seminary of the Southwest

The Certificate Program in Christian Formation is designed to meet the needs of youth ministers and Christian educators, who seek to deepen their understanding of the Christian theological tradition. Designed as continuing education for practitioners in the field, the program empowers participants to be more able ministers.

Join us June 15 - 19, 2015

Reflective Practice for Professional Development

The Rev. Kathleen S. Russell, D.Min.

Our experiences in ministry have a great deal to teach us, if we slow down and listen to what they have to tell us—about the work we are doing, how we relate to others and the values and commitments that inform our practices.  These sessions offer participants time and space for reflection upon their ministry, as practice and as vocation, using a model that engages creativity and imagination rather than analysis and critique.  This approach includes learning ways to use writing for reflection as a regular part of one’s work.

Take, Bless, Break, Share: Youth ministry as creedal, sacramental, missional and evangelical imperative. 

The Rev. Matthew Marino

STUDENT COMMENTS

[The program] Gave me tools to work within the challenging environment of a parish church.

[I received] a stronger vision of hope for our church as a whole.

This course was inspiring and renewing for my ministry. It gave me a much clearer understanding of some of the dynamics of leadership in my congregation. The liturgical formation was quite powerful. By the end of the week, I had a much deeper understanding and appreciation for the Divine Service and had recovered much of my early joy as a Christian.

I came away from the course energized and with renewed enthusiasm for what I do.

It was great to be right on campus, and the food was absolutely fantastic! I felt quite cared for.