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.
Short Courses
Learning and Development
with Trinity College Glasgow and the University of Glasgow
About
Short courses are accessible learning opportunities in practical theology, church ministry and mission for a rapidly changing world. They are suitable for learners from a wide variety of backgrounds. They are designed for many kinds of leaders and members across churches who want to learn in their spare time. Learners can opt to undertake assessments and thus qualify for 10 credit points per course towards a Higher Education certificate or other University of Glasgow approved theology programmes, or alternatively audit for their own personal benefit.
Autumn 2021 Short Courses
REIMAGINING CHRISTIAN PRACTICE IN AN AGE OF UNCERTAINTY (online delivery)
Sept 27, 2021 - Nov 29, 2021
Monday evenings, 7.00-9.00pm
Church and Christian devotion are facing a time of change unprecedented since the Middle Ages and made even more intense and uncertain by the Covid-19 pandemic. History suggests that such times of crisis provide the environment for innovation, creativity and renewal. This course will aim to identify the challenges while also offering examples of emerging expressions of Christian life and spiritual practices that are sustaining people at this time.
DESIGNING AND LEADING CHRISTIAN WORSHIP (blended delivery)
Sept 30, 2021 - Dec 2 2021
Thursday evenings,* 7.00-9.00pm
*Including one session on Saturday Nov 20.
Become more skilled at designing and leading meaningful, participatory acts of church worship. A practical introduction to designing and leading Christian worship utilising theologically rich patterns and practices and adapting these to participants contemporary church context.
LISTENING IN MISSION (online delivery)
Oct 5, 2021 - Nov 30, 2021
Tuesday evenings, 7.00-9.00pm
This course will explore the practice and theology of listening, reflection and research within local communities in order to develop church skills in mission attentiveness. The course is designed to introduce activities, spiritual practices and practical steps that can be deployed in a local church or a pioneering mission setting.
What participants are saying about our short courses:
“Overall, with the subject matter, there was a very good progression of thinking, excellent use of the resources of people who write about this subject, giving confidence to research yourself.”
“As a person who has not been in education for many years I enjoyed the informality of zoom classes.”
“Just a short note to thank you both directly for your leadership, direction and syllabus preparation during the 10 weeks of the course. I found it both practically beneficial in not just my Church life but also in my own day job and intellectually stimulating throughout.”
“The material had obviously been well researched and was very current and relevant to the current situation in which the Church finds itself.”
“It was a thoroughly practical course which was undergirded by both experience and relevant theory and theology.”
“The course leaders were warm and welcoming each week and the guest lecturers certainly peaked my overall interest. Meeting in this way to study has made me eager to do more in the future.”
“I was very impressed by the professionalism along with the encompassment of the spiritual aspects which can often get overlooked in academia.”
“For me there was the bonus that we worked at a `live' project all the way through, and what we did as individuals had real time impact.”
Previous Courses include:
MANAGING DIFFICULT CHURCH CHANGE (online delivery)
*REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED*
This course will help leaders active in local church contexts to identify and interpret challenges facing your church, and equip you with tools to develop faithful and creative responses to manage difficult church change.
INTRODUCTION TO BIBLICAL HEBREW (online delivery)
*REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED*
This course will introduce those with very little or no previous knowledge of Hebrew to the forms and structures of the language of the Hebrew Bible, enabling you to read selected passages of scripture, and to explore the value of being able to do so.
CREATIVE WRITING AS SPIRITUAL PRACTICE (online delivery)
*REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED*
This course develops creative writing as a means of reflection upon personal, spiritual and contemporary cultural experience. You will analyse different approaches, learn skills, and produce your own creative writing in a supportive and participative environment.
CONTEMPORARY VISUAL ART AND CHRISTIAN WORSHIP (online delivery)
*REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED*
This course is for those who wish to explore and develop the role of contemporary visual art in Christian worship. You will engage practically, theologically and creatively through looking, listening, group discussions, practical tasks and reflective work to help expand and cultivate your imaginations, your churches and worship in new ways.