
Course Description
Church and Christian faith practices are in the midst of critical sea-change made all the more intense and unsettling by the Covid 19 pandemic. Navigating this contemporary cultural change presents opportunities and challenges for effective Christian discipleship, to re-imagine and experiment in both ancient and new vessels. This course will use biblical and theological perspectives combined with insights from history and the social sciences to provide portals through which to understand and engage with an increasingly disruptive environment. It will include exploring a range of creative expressions of Christian life for both individuals and communities this Advent, and equip people for spiritual renewal in diverse local contexts.
This is an open access course available as a 10-credit course (accredited by the University of Glasgow) or audit-only for those who just wish to engage with the learning programme for their own personal benefit.
Church and Christian faith practices are in the midst of critical sea-change made all the more intense and unsettling by the Covid 19 pandemic. Navigating this contemporary cultural change presents opportunities and challenges for effective Christian discipleship, to re-imagine and experiment in both ancient and new vessels. This course will use biblical and theological perspectives combined with insights from history and the social sciences to provide portals through which to understand and engage with an increasingly disruptive environment. It will include exploring a range of creative expressions of Christian life for both individuals and communities this Advent, and equip people for spiritual renewal in diverse local contexts.
This is an open access course available as a 10-credit course (accredited by the University of Glasgow) or audit-only for those who just wish to engage with the learning programme for their own personal benefit.

Leading in Church Change
Online Professional Development
Practical Theology Courses
with Trinity College Glasgow & Theology & Religious Studies, University of Glasgow


Introduction to the course
Change is upon us. For churches and parishes the disruptions of this era means internal and external pressures for change are more intense and navigating these challenges has never been harder. Complex adaptive problems stretch leader capacities and character and test organisational resilience. Yet the calling of the church in the world has not changed.
This online course, conducted within a supportive cohort, will assist recognised church leaders/clergy to evaluate their critical change challenges, engage with recent organisational change practice and equip with tools and perspectives for faithful and strategic responses.
This course is accredited at Masters level (10 credits) by the University of Glasgow.
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Tutors
Rev Dr Mark Johnston is a Lecturer at the Department of Theology and Religious Studies. He has leadership experience working in education, churches, mission projects and not-for-profit sectors. He has served the Church of Scotland in mission innovation and for the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand as a minister and a theological educator in ministry formation and leadership. He is a lover of the outdoors, curious about local history and cultures and enjoys a good conversation over a beer.

Mr Andy Brookes is an independent organisational consultant working mainly across churches and not-for-profit sectors in the UK, developing leaders and supporting senior teams. He has experience of leading major change in complex environments including Lloyds of London, individual diocese in the Church of England, and Greenbelt Festival. He served as General Secretary and Chief Executive for the Diocese of London from 2009 until 2015. He is a grandfather, hockey player and a recovering golf player.
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Who is this course for?
This course is offered as professional development for recognised church leaders/clergy. It is open to those with an undergraduate degree or equivalent recognised prior learning. It is available as a standalone professional development course of the University of Glasgow.
The course and credits are also recognised towards an MTh in Ministry, Theology and Practice with Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Glasgow.
Course Description
This course aims to:
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Assist church leaders to evaluate their critical change challenges.
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Assess key tools deployed in recent organisational change practice.
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Equip participants to situate church change in theological perspective and develop faithful and strategic interventions needed for their own situation.
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Offer a supportive learning cohort for leaders in difficult church change
Topics include:
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Leadership models and their roles in church change
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Interpreting and mapping unpredictable situations
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Engaging organisational culture change
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Theological perspectives in congregational change
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Managing and engaging others in difficult church change
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Clarifying purpose and cultivating learning
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Conscious leadership skills and postures in the midst of uncertainty
Timetable & Duration
This course will be running from the 18th April - 13th June, 2024.
This course will take place online (2-hour classes plus four 1-hour seminars). It will be taught over 8 weeks via online real-time meetings & instruction and after class activities. There is a week's break during the course.
The time commitment required is approximately 6 hours per week inclusive of classes.
Class 1 - Thursday 18th April, 10am -12pm
Class 2 - Thursday 26th April, 10am -12pm
Class 3 - Thursday 2nd May, 10am -12pm
Class 4 & Seminar 1 - Thursday 9th May, 10am -1pm
Class 5 & Seminar 2 - Thursday 16th May, 10am -1pm
Break
Class 6 & Seminar 3 - Thursday 30th May, 10am -1pm
Class 6 & Seminar 4 - Thursday 6th June, 10am -1pm
Class 8 - Thursday 13th June, 10am -12pm
Course Format
Online instruction will take place in weekly real-time conversations on Zoom along with materials and interaction using the learning platform Moodle. Access to these tools will be supported by the University course administration. More information about the use of these will be provided once you have applied and enrolled.
Each learning module will be taught through a range of online lectures, group discussion, exercises, activities, viewing and reading.
Participants will complete two written pieces of assessment.
Course Feedback
What previous students have told us about the course:
'new tools and ideas to work with and frames of reference that I was unfamiliar with'
'encouraged deeper theological reflection which in turn has provided reassurance of God's presence and agency in the change challenges that I am facing'
'teaching was clear and to the point, while good amounts of time were given to students to present, explain and explore how the concepts taught in class related to their own context'
'I already see a slightly different direction beginning to emerge. That is saying something after being in ministry for 27+ years'
Cost
£499 for ordained/recognised leaders in a UK Church.
The standard cost is £799.
Study funds or subsidies may be available through your own church or denomination and we encourage you to approach them with the details of the course.
How to Apply
Notify your interest now via email: TrinityCollegeGlasgow@gmail.com. Please specify your present vocational/church context and if you are located in the UK.
The last date for applications is Friday the 15th of March 2024.
These courses are delivered through the University of Glasgow. We will contact you with more information and guidance regarding applying, completing your details and payment in time for the course start date. If you have any questions regarding the process, you can contact us on the above email address.
If you have any difficulties with this process, please contact Heather (Trinity office administrator) at: