February 22, 2011
Written by Jeff Woodard

Forging a cooperative venture to provide online continuing education experiences for clergy and laity, UCC-related Andover Newton Theological Seminary in Newton Centre, Mass., and The Alban Institute will join forces in fall 2012 to offer courses in church leadership and vitality.

The new collaboration will draw on the traditional strengths of both institutions, offering high-quality, reasonably priced, interactive, educational experiences delivered to participants' computers.

Beginning in September 2012, Alban and Andover Newton will sponsor four-week, online seminars using Andover Newton's online learning system and Alban's authors as instructors.

"The collaboration between Andover Newton and Alban represents an innovation that continues to expand the definition of theological education beyond degree programming, and ultimately serves the churches," says the Rev. Barbara J. Blodgett, UCC's minister for vocation and formation in the UCC's Parish Life and Leadership Ministry. "Lifelong learning is becoming the new norm for church leaders, gradually replacing an old mind-set whereby you went to school to learn everything you needed to know and then went to work and applied it."

Known as Empowerment Seminars, the sessions will enable participants to converse wtih the authors of significant Alban books on congregation renewal and leadership.

Primarily intended for clergy continuing education, the seminars also will be open to lay persons active in leadership roles. The seminars will be promoted by Andover Newton and Alban, with registration available on both of their websites.

"The changes that are taking place in congregations today require all of us who are committed to their support to look for new ways to do that," says Jeff Jones, director of Distance Learning at Andover Newton, one of seven seminaries with prominent ties to the UCC.

Offerings for fall 2012 are "Leading in the Congregation" (Oct. 11-Nov. 5; register by Oct. 1), taught by Jones; and "Tending to the Holy: Practicing the Presence of God in Ministry (Oct. 25-Nov. 19; register by Oct. 15), taught by Bruce Epperly.

Founded in 1807, Andover Newton is the nation's oldest theological school and its first graduate institution of any kind. It has trained some of the nation's most innovative and influential leaders and continues to break new ground in theological education. Andover Newton's student body represents more than 30 faiths and denominations.

The Alban Institute was founded in 1974 as a major resource for U.S. congregations facing the challenges of a changing society. It is widely regarded for its knowledge and experience in congregational vitality and positive trends across denominations and faith traditions.

"Today's leaders realize that they need to do more than stay abreast of developments in their field," says Blodgett. "They must continue to learn wholly new ministry skills –– and even unlearn some old ones –– throughout their careers. Today's theological schools are responding to meet the need."

To register, pay fees and learn more, log onto http://www.ants.edu/learn.

United Church of Christ News Service