Ventures in Christian Discipleship
Equipping lay people of all ages and education levels with skills and understandings for faithful and dynamic Christian living, action, and leadership with special emphasis on small congregations.
2020-2021 Courses
“Self-Compassion for a Change… Making better choices for a more balanced breath for all”
Saturday, September 19, 2020 9:00AM to Noon CDT
Presenter: Erin Matteson
Discover the value of self-compassion and practices that contribute to a healthier personal, congregational, and global way of being.
“Understanding Transitions: Gender in our Christian Context”
Saturday, October 17, 2020 9:00AM to Noon CDT
Presenter: Eleanor Hubbard
A safe space to consider questions, concerns, and issues about the transgender experience and explore together what it means to be a good Christian neighbor to the transgender community.
“Leading at the Speed of Change”
Saturday, November 21, 2020 9:00AM to Noon CDT
Presenter: Stan Dueck
Exploring the challenges and possibilities that change provides to congregations and how to move forward in these changes as a church.
“The Gift of Multivocational Ministry”
Saturday, February 20, 2021 9:00AM to Noon CDT
Presenter: Dana Cassell
Exploring the gift of Multivocational ministry and its possibilities for shared ministry today.
“Reformations Past and Present”
Saturday, March 13, 2021 9:00AM to Noon CDT
Presenter: Bobbi Dykema
As the contemporary church experiences seismic shifts, learn about historic times of extreme change, or reformations, which continue to shape the current and future church.
“The Ministry of Jesus, Ubuntu and Cultural Competency for These Times”
Part 1: Tuesday, May 4 and Part 2: Tuesday, May 11, 2021. 6pm to 8pm CDT
Presenter: LaDonna Sanders Nkosi
This course explores biblical examples, the ministry of Jesus, and current texts to provide helpful skill building in increasing our cultural competency, respectful multicultural engagement practices, and beloved community building.
All course times are 9am-noon Central Time unless indicated otherwise.
There is a suggested $25 donation per course.
About the Courses
Registering online is the preferred method. There is no charge for courses; however, a suggested donation is invited.
Ventures courses, while not for college credit, offer high-quality instruction. The goal of the program is to empower lay people, especially in smaller congregations, to more effectively carry out the work of discipleship, following in Jesus’ footsteps to transform ourselves and the world. You are invited to journey with others on this new pathway sponsored by McPherson College.
Technology Requirements for Live Courses: If you can surf the web, you will be able to participate in our online courses! For the best experience, we recommend that you have a computer with high-speed internet connection and external powered speakers. We encourage several people to share a computer to participate in a course together! No camera or microphone needed for most courses.