We are committed to cultivating an environment where lifelong learning is a highly valued and intentional part of every leader's development. We expect that the Spirit, our inner Teacher, will always be actively leading us into truth. We also expect He will capture our attention in times of personal reflection, periodic performance evaluations, mentoring, coaching or supervision. Our part will be to identify learning opportunities or create them where gaps exist.
Lifelong Learning
A structured lifelong learning plan is being developed by Ambrose University College to serve licensed workers of the C&MA in Canada; however, individuals may want to consider informally working with church boards or supervisors to link annual learning goals to performance evaluation outcomes.
District In-Service Training
Each fall, normally in October, the District plans a half-day District In-Service Training (DITS) event that is offered in five regions of the province. The District Superintendent (DS) chooses the themes and resource personnel based on emergent needs or issues being faced by pastors and churches. It is also a primary time for the DS to profile District initiatives and concerns.
Each DITS event is designed for all licensed workers in District churches regardless of role. To see current DITS information please click here.
Formal Education
Ambrose University College (AUC) in Calgary, AB, "seeks to glorify God through the equipping of men and women for service in the church and society" through programs in undergraduate ministry, graduate ministry and arts and science.
L'Institut Biblique V.I.E. is the French-speaking leadership training institution of the C&MA in Canada. With a unique delivery system, the mission of IBVIE is "Considering that the health of the Church depends in great part upon the health of its leaders, L'INSTITUT BIBLIQUE V.I.E. exists for the formation of leaders. The institute trains servants of God to increasingly reflect Jesus-Christ. L'INSTITUT BIBLIQUE V.I.E. invites disciples already affirmed in the faith and who demonstrate leadership potential, to be trained so as to contribute even more to the maturing and multiplying of the evangelical churches in Quebec."
ACTS Seminary is located in Langley, BC. Several denominations have partnered together to prepare visionary Christian leaders to meet the needs of the changing world.
Lay Leaders
Listed below are some of the leadership development opportunities for lay leadership.
Best Practices for Church Boards. This 5-hour workshop is an introduction to healthy board functioning for current, former and prospective board members. It is offered on a regular cycle within the annual spring Board Workshops in five regions of the province. Go to the Calendar to check the next dates.
Short-Term Missions Teams. See the Global Ministries section for information on how to get your church involved in reaching our world in this way.
Partners
Based on positive reports from personnel in our churches, we commend the following to you; however, we are not necessarily endorsing all that will be offered by these organizations in making the referrals.
ChurchWorks is a professional development event for staff, volunteers, pastors, or other church workers who support church ministries by their work. These days will give you the opportunity to learn new things or sharpen your skills in many aspects. ChurchWorks is offered by the BC Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.
Leadership Summit exists to transform Christian leaders around the world with an annual injection of vision, skill development, and inspiration for the sake of the local church. It is coordinated in Canada by The Leadership Centre Willowcreek Canada. Pastors in our District consider this mid-August event to be a priority for their continuing education.
Mission Fest Vancouver Missions Fest is a three-day weekend at Vancouver's Convention & Exhibition Centre on the last weekend of January every year. It is a catalyst to enable people to catch a vision of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19,20); to help people find a place where their interests and abilities can best be pur to use. Its three-fold purpose is to inform, celebrate and challenge people of all ages to get involved in missions by sending, praying , giving and going.