Adult Ministry Institute: Leading Adults in Faith Formation and Discipleship
The Tennessee Annual Conference in conjunction with the Center for Church Leadership at Martin Methodist College is offering a 3 weekend training experience for pastors, Christian Educators, and lay persons who provide leadership for adult ministries. This in-depth institute offers persons
+An opportunity to experience a learning community where learning is mutual and seeks to meet the changing needs of the participants, their congregations, and the communities that they serve.
+A theological understanding of adult formation and discipleship that is Biblically based, grounded in Wesleyan theology, and a focus on transformation.
+An opportunity to further develop practical skills in planning formational and discipleship ministries with adults.
+An opportunity to experience cutting-edge ideas in adult ministry and a significant emphasis on reflection.
+A supportive relationship with adult ministry leaders.
The institute is designed for lay or clergy in local congregations who are called to ministry with adults in volunteer, part-time or full-time positions. The weekend class sessions include:
April 18-20, 2008
Formation through the Ages
.Margaret Ann Crain, Associate Professor of Christian Education and Jack Seymour, Professor of Religious Education at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary will lead the sessions using Yearning for God: Reflections of Faithful Lives to explore ways to live with life’s questions – Who is the holy? Who Am I? and Who is the other? – and to provide an overview of teaching Jesus that forms one’s faith and discipleship. Participants will develop skills in leading critical thinking and theological reflections; developing ministry across the adult age spectrum and life’s transitions; and deepening your own spiritual practices and leading others in faithful spiritual practices.
September 18-21, 2008
Cultural Learning Shifts
.Arlene Hewitt, Christian Educator and Consultant in Adult Ministries, will provide a theological and practical overview of transformational learning. She will offer practical insights into using cutting-edge shifts in teaching and learning with adults that include the use of technology, creating learning communities, and transfer of teaching. She will also moderate a panel discussion to explore ways adult’s faith and discipleship are formed through ministries of radical hospitality and social justice.
.Carol Krau, Director of Christian Formation for the General Board of Discipleship, will present an overview and the impact of brain research, multiple intelligences and gender learning on teaching and learning with adults.
January 9-11, 2009
Leaders in the 21st Century
The weekend explores leadership that guides and develops discipleship ministries for the transformation of the world. The faculty include
.Duane Ewers, Pastor and Christian Education Professor at Martin Methodist College, will provide an overview of adaptive leadership and ways to develop a 21st imagination for leading ministry.
.Donna Gaither, Executive Director for New Solutions at the General Board of Discipleship, will guide the group in understanding their own leadership styles and ways to create a system of discipleship in their own local church.
.Carol Krau, Director of Christian Education for the General Board of Discipleship; will provide practical skills in leading transformation and change within your congregation.
Each weekend begins on Friday afternoon through Sunday noon at Scarritt-Bennett Center, Nashville and the cost includes books, training resources and materials, room, and all meals except Saturday lunch. You may choose to register for the entire institute for $1,000 or register for a specific weekend session for $350.
For more information and to register, please contact Susan Groseclose, sgroseclose@tnumc.org or Mary T. Newman, mtnewman@tnumc.org at 304 S. Perimeter Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37211 or 615-329-1177/1-800-403-5795.
Registration deadline is March 15, 2008.
