LSM331 – Teaching Sacred Tension in Local Congregations

This course is for laity and clergy who want to have a dialogue with scripture, even if they’ve never before thought of the Bible as a discussion. While the book provides a new framework for looking at repeating themes in scripture, the course will also teach us how to take this information back to our local church, deepening our ability to be in dialogue with the Bible and with each other.

MEC501 – Dangerous Religious Ideas

The recent emphasis on Christian nationalism underlines a fact that the faithful often don’t want to acknowledge: Religions include qualities that can make belief a dangerous and destructive force. Based on the book by Rabbi Dr. Rachel Mikva, “Dangerous Religious Ideas” will examine four issues in the Abrahamic faith traditions (Judaism, Islam, and Christianity). It will challenge assumptions about which religious ideas are dangerous, analyze the way in which religion causes harm and destruction, argue that all three Abrahamic religions developed methods for self-critique, and encourage examination of inter-religious ideas and engagement.

PT100 – Project Transformation: Camp Curriculum and Coaching

Your church could have a life-changing impact on children in your community through a fun-filled summer camp experience that emphasizes literacy, diversity, social emotional skills, and leadership development. Project Transformation (PT) has developed an online program that will guide your church or organization through the steps necessary to provide a quality summer camp for elementary-aged children. Personalized consultations will help you as you refine the curriculum to your group’s specific needs.

MEC273 – Old Testament Through a Different Lens: Ketuvim/Writings

This course examines the Ketuvim/Writings, sometimes described as “the least holy books of the Hebrew Bible,” by studying familiar Biblical writings through lenses other than what Christians often use. It examines the “historical books” of the Old Testament and connects them to the prophetic voices and Torah when appropriate. You’ll learn about the post-Exilic period when the Jews returned to Israel and began rebuilding, as well as looking at the poetic writings, histories (Ruth), and stories of woe (Job and Lamentations). The Ketuvim/Writings also introduces apocalyptic literature (Daniel) and its puzzling symbols and metaphors.

MEC364 – Preaching on Fractured Ground

This course is for those who must preach in the wake of mass trauma. ‘Preaching on Fractured Ground’ is designed to help pastors and other leaders prepare sermons for “holding the reality of brokenness, pain, and traumatic loss on one side and hope, resurrection, and redemption on the other.” This course includes two sermon forms for preaching in the wake of mass trauma, and engages lament to honor narrative fracture while attending to brokenness and not losing sight of hope.

LSM265 – Loving People and Planet in God’s Name

This course invites learners to deepen their biblical, theological and scientific understanding of God’s call to care for creation and work for climate and environmental justice for all people. Learners will learn how to speak about the deepening climate crisis with love, and take active steps toward environmental justice, both personally and with others in their congregations and social settings.

LSM187 – Ministry with People Living with Dementia

Families in our congregations face fears and stereotypes about dementia, often more than about any other disease. This course encourages us to see and serve persons living with dementia through a spiritual lens, as disciples and active participants in God’s mission. Its goal is to equip lay servants to build relationships and lead ministries that recognize and serve the full personhood and spiritual needs of those affected by dementia, including the family caregivers.

LSM223 – For the Common Good: Discovering and Using Your Spiritual Gifts

Dive into practical activities to explore spiritual grace gifts. You will see how these gifts help you serve in your own unique way, and how combining your gifts with others can make a real difference for everyone. Spiritual grace gifts aren’t just about personal growth—they are also key to the mission and ministry of the church. Whether you are just starting to learn about spiritual gifts or you have been using them for a while and want to go deeper, this course will help you better understand the special abilities God gives us to love and serve others.