Course Overview
Welcome to the "Thinking in Jazz About Church Leadership" course. This learning resource is designed to provoke a conversation among those engaging with it and beyond. The initial focus of the conversations, we suggest, will be what you can imagine through the process proposed about the lessons that the dynamics of a jazz performance offer to your congregation and its evolving mission. You will generate significant wisdom in considering the dynamics you see, hear, and feel in the performance of the Tom Reynolds Trio and be guided in your conversations by some comments from our facilitator, Rev. Dr. Brian Fraser.
Learning Outcomes:
After completing this workshop participants will be able to
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Generate new ideas among the leadership team of their congregation or agency for enhancing and expanding their missioning using creative and imaginative thinking
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Recognize and articulate the collective wisdom and existing strengths within their group related to reimaging church activities.
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Analyze the elements of a jazz performance to draw parallels with organizational effectiveness in the church
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Engage in collaborative learning that promote shared insight and creativity
What to Expect:
- There are 3 modules that make up this workshop. Each module will take approximately 30-60 minutes to complete. Module topics include:
- Leadership Wisdom in the Room
- Key Leadership Dynamics
- Implementation
- Each module include opportunities for you to reflect on new learning and/or practice what you've learned in short ungraded practice activities.
- There
are additional activities including quizzes, practice exercises and questions
for reflection and discussion
- Some modules also include discussion boards, where you can interact with others going through this program.
- A discussion forum will be available for you to introduce yourself to others taking the workshop before moving on to the 3 modules that make up this workshop.
About Ministry Forum
Ministry Forum is a space where faith, community, and leadership converge. We are a vibrant and inclusive online platform hosted by Knox College, University of Toronto, dedicated to serving current and aspiring Christian ministry leaders. Our community is as diverse as the ministries we represent, encompassing students, alumni, pastors, psychotherapists, chaplains, and those passionate about spreading the Good News in whatever ministry context they find themselves.
Our identity is rooted in the belief that ministry is not a solitary journey; it's a collective effort. We are a fellowship that values authenticity, fosters connections, and celebrates diversity. Here, you'll find a safe space to explore, share, and grow in your faith, leadership, and ministry.
Our mission is to empower ministry leaders to thrive. We do this by curating valuable resources, facilitating thought-provoking discussions, and offering spaces to gather both online and in person. Through recommended reading, podcasts, the curation of lifelong learning opportunities, and much more, we hope to provide our community with a wealth of insights to enhance their ministry.
We also believe in the power of personal connection. Our Director, John, would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about your ministry context. With 25 years of ministry experience himself, he strives to be a good listener, a trusted advisor, and someone who values maintaining confidentiality. We also believe that Ministry Forum will thrive in the community that surrounds it - to that end, we need your suggestions, ideas, and expertise to shape our content and priorities.
Contact John Borthwick, Director of the Centre for Lifelong Learning at Know College
john.borthwick@utoronto.ca
