Does your congregation have “enough” of anything? What a crazy question – none of us do! Whether our personal or congregational settings have changed recently or are continuing on well-worn paths, “lack of” all kinds of resources are a universal worry.
Bishops often preach to church leaders about switching their focus from “Lack” to “Abundance!” But how do we do that, exactly? This course is one answer. It will provide specific, practical tools you can use in your congregation immediately (even by Zoom) to get moving into new possibilities without damaging what is already successful. Spring may seem like an odd time to be looking forward, but it’s an exciting time to consider your possibilities for fall!
Learners must obtain the book The Power of Asset Mapping: How Your Congregation Can Act on Its Gifts by Luther K. Snow, which is not included in the course fee. There will be a short daily reading, reflection, and small group discussion in Blackboard. This class will not include face–to–face online meetings, but you will be invited to do class exercises with one or more partners in your congregation, if possible.
1 CEU will be awarded to those who complete the course.
Quick Info:
Number of weeks: 2
Price: $65
CEUs: 1.0
Required books: Yes
Blackboard: Yes
Zoom: No
Certification or Series: No
Read course description for details.
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Price: $65
photo credit: Avishai Teicher via the PikiWiki – Irael free image collection project
About the Instructor
Rev. Beth Galbreath is a United Methodist deacon who serves on the pastoral leadership team of Compassion UMC in Brookfield, Illinois, a new church plant. Prior to her pastor husband’s retirement, they served eight congregations across the conference, in urban, rural, small town, and suburban settings – and none of them had all the resources they needed, nor did Compassion. Some were one step from closing.
But in every place, creative ministry, even growth, happened when people considered what resources they had rather than what they didn’t have. It’s that experience and the discovery of Snow’s Asset Mapping organizational techniques that inspires this course.
Past Students Said…
“This course was an excellent introduction to asset mapping and having led one session already, I feel very comfortable leading others. I highly recommend this class and, if possible, take it along with a few others from your congregation. It was a blessing to talk with my Lay Leader about the class over the past two weeks and to collaborate with her on the monthly Stewardship Moment that resulted from our learning.” – Jill Croushore
“I had absolutely no idea what asset mapping was before this class. What a great tool! I would definitely recommend this course to others. What a fun way to get discover hidden assets for ministry. Thank you so much!” – Sherri Williams
“The themes of the course which stood out to me were the overall simplicity of the process, the empowerment it offers for people to commit to things that they are really excited about instead of trying to plug people into existing things, and looking for partners beyond the boundaries of the congregation and the benefit of synergistic relationships. I hope to incorporate asset mapping into our congregation beginning with the Administrative Council as we look at our current programs and seek God’s will for new endeavors.” – Dave Goss
“I am so appreciative of this class and the reading from Snow’s book. It has been an awakening on how to get unstuck and get moving. I will definitely be able to use the learnings in my ministry, and in life as I discovered in my readings there is more to be gained in turning fixed-sum thinking into open-sum dynamic, and it keeps the community from splintering. I most definitely would recommend this course to others.” — Tom Helber
“What I liked best about this course was how simple it is to put our assets together and make things happen for our church. Really an eye opener.”
“It was easy to use the course material to speak to people in our congregation and use the ideas brought forth.”
