Learn More – Continuing Education at CCS

Have you seen those buttons on websites or social media? You get to the bottom of a blurb or short article, and then there’s a button or link that says “Learn more…”? Like the one below?

At CCS, we take “learn more” seriously. Learning is a lifelong process, and there’s always room to stretch your knowledge or deepen your understanding. Theories and practices that worked fine in the past need to be occasionally reexamined and reevaluated as times and context change. Intentional learning (and especially learning in community) can reignite your passion, restore your confidence, and remind you why you do what you do.

This year at CCS we have some terrific opportunities to “learn more”, whether you’re in active ministry or just interested in the how to faithfully engage the world we live in. All of CCS’s theme learning circles are open for continuing education. All you have to do is apply for the Continuing Studies program (it’s pretty easy), and then you can register for the individual courses you’d like. You can even audit if you don’t feel like doing assignments.

Fall Learning Circles (in person)

• Power & Privilege (Oct 15-21, 2025). In a world of political and economic bullies, where authoritarianism is on the rise and systems are constructed to benefit the strong at the expense of the weak, how do you speak truth to power? How do you recognize your own complicity? How do you use the power you have ethically and faithfully to create a just and compassionate world? This social justice learning circle invites you to explore how power works with an eye to transformation.
• Health, Pain, & Trauma (Oct 23-29, 2025). What does it mean to be with people who are hurting – physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually? How can you provide comfort without trying to “fix”? What can disability theology teach us about what it really means to be healthy and whole? What does trauma-informed pastoral care look like? This spiritual care learning circle invites you to explore the healing power of compassion.

Online Learning Circles (Winter and Spring)

• Spiritual Practice (Jan 13 – Feb 19, 2026). In a busy world, how do you nurture your soul, and how can you encourage others in deepening their spirituality? What is the value of discipline, intentionality, or tradition? What makes a Christian spiritual practice Christian? This 6-week online spiritual care learning circle (two sessions per week) invites you to explore the role of “practice” in spiritual growth and soul care.
• Ages and Stages (May 20-27, 2026). What does “faith formation” mean for children? For youth? For adults or seniors? What does it mean to meet and nurture people where they’re at? What does intergenerational learning look like? This week-long online intensive Christian education and worship learning circle invites you to explore educational and developmental theory as it applies to ministry and faith formation.

Spring Learning Circles (in person)

• Ministry as Storytelling (April 15-21, 2026). What is the good news? How can preaching and teaching empower people to see themselves as characters in a larger story of faith? Can storytelling create community? How does art, music, and drama enliven worship? This Christian education and worship learning circle invites you to explore faith formation through a narrative lens.
• Right Relations (April 23-29, 2026). What does true reconciliation look like? What does “Christian mission” mean in the shadow of Residential Schools? Can Indigenous and Settler communities work together for healing and for justice? This social justice learning circle invites you to explore the resilience and strength of Indigenous culture and spirituality and to dream together new relationships of trust and respect.

Other courses

CCS has a collaborative and collegial relationship with other theological schools in Canada. This year we are hosting a compiled list of courses you might be interested in from United Church, Anglican, and Lutheran theological schools in Canada. These are all online (or hybrid) courses or intensives; in other words, courses that you could get in on from wherever you live or if you had a week or two of con ed time. Here is the list of online, hybrid, or intensive courses being offered by United Church, Anglican, or Lutheran -affiliated schools this year which might be of interest. (Also available as a downloadable PDF. Check date at the top of the list to make sure it’s current.)

Is this your year to Learn More at CCS?

If you have questions about any of CCS’s courses or circle, email Scott at sdouglas@ccsonline.ca .