Grace is God’s un-merited, unconditional love and acceptance freely given to all. Yet as Christians, saved by grace, often we are unable or unwilling to extend that grace to others. “Opening Ourselves to Grace: Basic Christian Practices” is a course designed to help us learn about grace while exploring the practices that help us nurture and watch over one another in love. As we participate in the means of grace (works of piety and works of mercy), we are better able to help others understand the power of grace so that they grow in love of God and neighbor. This means we are better able to live out our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ.
If you have questions, please email the instructor.
Learners will need to obtain this free download:
Opening Ourselves to Grace: The Means of Grace and Discipleship (free PDF download)
One optional Zoom Week 1 Day 5 for discussion, questions, and preview of Week 2.
This course is eligible for 1 CEUs.
This course has been approved by Discipleship Ministries (formerly the General Board of Discipleship) as an advanced course in Lay Servant Ministries and qualifies for 10 contact hours for Lay Speakers (equivalent 1 CEU).
Quick Info:
Number of weeks: 2
Price: $70
CEUs: 1.0
Required books?: Yes
Live video session?: Yes, optional
Part of a certification or series of courses?: Yes, Lay Servant Ministries
About the Instructor
Nan Nelson was called into ministry to serve as an itinerant elder in the United Methodist Church and now is a retired elder in full connection. She understands the connection not only between churches, but also the special connections churches have with their communities. She believes that churches in concert with caring communities spread God’s love and grace.
Nan holds a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees. She completed her Master of Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary in 2016. While attending seminary, she served in her first appointment, a one-station United Methodist Church in Northeast Arkansas. She received recognition as Outstanding Evangelist in her district her first year in ministry. Nan has a heart for ministry of the laity and continues to support lay servant ministry in the Southeast District of the Arkansas Conference, where she is appointed to a solo pastorate. She currently serves on the district Committee on Ministry and as a circuit elder and clergy mentor.
Past Students Said…
“Even though I have studied the Means of Grace before, this course brought a new dimension to my understanding of the topic. The information in the course is valuable and has practical application as I grow in my discipleship and share my faith with other people.”
“Excellent course with an excellent instructor. Highly recommend this course and instructor to everyone interested in this topic and to those who do not even realize yet how much they need this information.”
