Noted Leadership Expert Cheryl Rude Joins Institute for Discipleship Team

Dr. Cheryl Rude will join the administrative team of the Richard and Julia Wilke Institute for Discipleship on July 1, 2023, transitioning from a distinguished academic career that has made her a national leader in service learning studies. Rude will become the Institute’s director of campus programming and operations following her retirement from the Southwestern College faculty at the conclusion of this academic year. She joined the college in 1991, and was professor of leadership studies and academic director of leadership. Leadership Southwestern, a service learning curricular activity developed under Rude’s guidance, was…continue reading →

New Certification Focuses on Church Administration

July 11, 2022 -- A new certification in church administration will begin soon at BeADisciple.com. Consisting of four six-week courses, the program is delivered completely online and is intended for pastors and laypersons in congregational leadership roles. The first class is enrolling now and begins on Aug. 22. Biblical Compassion and Church Administration offers a non-denominational Christian perspective. Harriet Wilkin, a United Methodist pastor, called on her own education and experience in business leadership to design the certification. In addition to her theological degree and training, Wilkin completed degrees in business administration/management and…continue reading →

Two Online Courses to Facilitate Safe Spaces in Churches

Winfield, Kan., March 9, 2022 – Two online courses have been scheduled at BeADisciple.com that will help congregations ensure safe spaces for vulnerable persons. “Creating Safe Spaces for Children and Youth” and “Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerable Adults” will both begin May 2 and last two weeks.  Taught by church consultant and trainer Rev. Beth Perry, the courses are especially appropriate for leaders looking to write or edit a policy to reduce the risk of abuse in their churches. This might include personnel committees, trustees, or Christian education leaders.  “The ‘Creating Safe Spaces…continue reading →

Online conversations equip congregations to nurture young adults

Funded by the Texas Methodist Foundation and produced in coordination with Perkins School of Theology Office of External Programs, a series of online learning conversations will give participants practical tools to serve teen and young adult Christians. Free for participants, these live conversations are perfect for laypeople, youth workers, and clergy who want to gain additional tools for ministering to teens and young adults in their congregations. Five webinars are scheduled for this spring on Jan. 20, Feb. 10, Mar. 3, Mar. 24, and Apr. 7. Each of the live Zoom sessions are…continue reading →