the mission institute and lifelong learning at eds: a brief overview
DESCRIPTION
This description of the Mission Institute and Lifelong Learning at EDS is a May 2013 presentation by Dr. Diane D'Souza to the Board of Trustees of Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It gives an overview of where these two initiatives stand from the perspective of D'Souza, who directs both.TRANSCRIPT
Lifelong Learning at EDS &
The Mission Institute
A Director’s View from Three Months In
Report to the EDS Board of Trustees byDr. Diane D’Souza
May 22, 2013
The gift: a time to pause…
… a time to take stock:
How can our strengths & experiences shape a new
vision?
Lifelong Learning at EDS
Building on a Strong Foundation
EDS
Progressive
Innovative
Respected
Extraordinary…
Eminent faculty
Respect for learner individuality & experience
Commitment to social & personal transformation
Focus on inclusive education & social justice
How might more people come to connect with who we are and what we believe?
Who needs us but hasn’t found us yet?
we have yet to imagine?
What are the stories, voices, courses, gatherings, songs, resources, alliances…
How can Lifelong Learning at EDS
increase the life, vitality and scope of who we
are?
Our Emphasis:
EXCELLENCE … creating relevant & exciting learning opportunities
PASSION … focusing on offerings which move our spirits
CREATIVITY … envisioning new possibilities & learning communities
COLLABORATION … strengthening our partnerships & cultivating new
ones
Lifelong Learning at EDS:Program Areas
In development:
• Re-imagining Vocation; a 12-week program for clergy with the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire (Lent 2014)
• Collaboration with the Religious Institute in offering a sexuality course for religious professionals
• A joint Multi-faith Literacy initiative with the Episcopal Church’s Ecumenical / Inter-religious Ministry
What lies ahead?
Where is our cutting edge?
The future is here.
“The Web is the primary delivery system for learning and faith development. What the book was to the modern world, the web will be to the world that is forming.”
Leonard SweetForward: 18 Rungs in the New Ladder of
Learning
June 20, 2013
ROUNDTABLEon Lifelong Learning / Continuing Education
in Boston Theological Institute Schools
An initiative of Episcopal Divinity School, Boston College School of Theology & Ministry, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
This is our growth area.
The Mission Institute
A collaborative project of Episcopal Divinity School, Episcopal City Mission,
& the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts
CollaborationDiversity
AbundanceSocial and economic
justicePractical, contextual
learningAction and reflectionFun, joy and passion
The Mission Institute’s work is guided by commitments to:
The Mission Institute
provides congregations and communities with innovative learning opportunities that nurture leaders, advance spiritual growth, and support the flourishing of just, healthy societies. Acknowledging the strengths of diversity and collaboration, the Mission Institute strives to be a platform through which people can access a rich array of resources that fuel transformational ministry, especially in urban settings.
EVOLVING PROGRAMS
“… informative and interactive.”“… several takeaways that I can bring back to my
church & vestry.”“… a refreshing overview & encouragement in
people and project management.”“… an excellent new tool to create heaven on earth
(a little!!) within committee work.” “…[it] opened my eyes to new thinking.”
86 lay people and clergy participated in 5 different regional venues.
Leadership for Transformation a 2013 Mission Institute Workshop
Next Steps:Study Paths for Faith-based Leadership
A menu of workshops offering individuals and congregations the opportunity to customize programs to meet their needs.
Offerings include:• Introduction to Small Church Vitality• Finding God in the Work of the
Committee• Embracing Part-time Leadership• New Ways of Being Church• Building Vital Communities that Reach
Out
STRENGTHENING RESILIENCE: A Learning Series
a collaborative initiative of the Mission Institute, Lesley University, and the Cambridge Health
Alliance
How can we support growth and healing in times of trial?
When the Unthinkable Happens: Strengthening Resilience
Save Us from the Time of Trial: Spiritual Resources & Scientific Insights into Trauma and Healing
Telling Your Story So It Can Be Heard What Do We Tell the Children? Parenting Through
Troubling and Confusing Times
Short workshops that make a big difference.