Images from Learning on Purpose 2025
For the past two weeks, from June 16 to June 27, nine participants from various parts of Canada have been meeting at the Centre for Christian Studies (and the nearby St. Peter’s Lutheran Church) in Winnipeg, learning in community, discerning gifts for leadership, exploring theology, pastoral care, social justice, education, and the Bible, stretching themselves, and having fun.
They came for different reasons. Some are here as part of their Diaconal Ministry training. Some are discerning their call. Some are already serving the church in one way or another – as lay worship leaders, as Regional staff – and are looking for new skills and insights to deepen their ministry. They are a diverse group, but they have formed connections and have come to appreciate each other as co-learners.
Together we have explored our different learning styles within the context of adult education and honed our critical thinking skills. CCS staff members Janet Ross and Gwen McAllister led us on an eye-opening walkthrough of the Bible. We practiced our group planning and facilitating skills with student-led discussions of pastoral care, education, and social justice, and interactive sessions on group dynamics, dealing with conflict, and making change through leadership and empowerment. We’ve shared stories of how our faith has grown and explored how context shaped theology. We’ve had a taste of the distinctiveness of diaconal ministry. (Thank you to the local diaconal community who joined us for a potluck lunch!) We’ve learned to offer and receive feedback, affirming each other’s gifts and encouraging further growth.
It’s no accident that the course is called “Learning on Purpose.” It is intentional, purposeful learning, and when participants leave on Friday we hope they leave with a renewed sense of their purpose in the world.
