Course Description: This course is a study of the often unseen congregational dynamics that affect the life of a congregation. Special attention will be given to the nature of congregations as a particular model of the Church. By reading the course textbook, The Hidden Lives of Congregations by Israel Galindo, participating in formal guided discussions, reflecting on their personal experience, and examining latent concepts and assumptions about congregations, Church, and leadership, course participants will gain a new understanding of their congregation and their leadership roles. 

At the conclusion of this course, the participant will be able to:
  • Understand the nature of a congregation as a community of faith 
  • Understand and identify the ways that the size of a congregation influences its function, relationships, and potential. 
  • Understand and identify the ways that the concept of the institutional lifespan influences the function, relationships, and dynamics of a congregation. 
  • Understand and identify the spirituality style of a congregation.
  • Understand and identify the identity of a local congregation. 
 
Location: Online

With: Toby Mueller, DMin. Toby Mueller has served smaller and larger congregations in Alabama, Indiana and Tennessee. As she and her husband are both PCUSA clergy, she has spent a good amount of time vocationally as what she terms a ‘band-aid’ pastor, serving churches who are in the time of transition between permanent, installed pastorates. She has a passion for teaching and facilitating discussion about theology, scripture, and the work of the church. She has been engaged in mission work around the globe, including Taiwan, Thailand, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Haiti, Lebanon and Syria. 

Schedule:
Week 1: Understanding the Congregation

Week 2: Understanding Congregational Lifespan

Week 3: Understanding Congregational Size and Style

Week 4: Understanding Congregational Spirituality and Identity

Week 5: Putting It Together: Final Project Discussion

This is an asynchronous course; participants will not be required to log on at specific times.

Program Fee:  $190; early registration fee of $175 before January 14, 2022. Discounts for CTS students, faculty, staff and 2021 alumni available.
 
Contact: lifelonglearning@ctsnet.edu