the mission institute and lifelong learning at eds: a brief overview

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.