Alban and Andover Newton have entered into a cooperative venture to provide on-line continuing education experiences for both clergy and laity. Both Alban and Andover Newton have a strong commitment to the vitality of the congregation, with significant experience and expertise in this area. Drawing onto the traditional strengths of both institutions the cooperative venture will provide high-quality, reasonably-priced, interactive educational experiences delivered to participants’ own computers.
Beginning in September 2010, Alban and Andover Newton will jointly sponsor four-week, on-line seminars with Alban authors as instructors and using Andover Newton’s on-line learning system. Known as Empowerment Seminars, these experiences will provide the opportunity for participants to dialogue the authors of significant Alban books on congregation renewal and leadership. Although primarily intended for clergy continuing education, the seminars are open to laity who are active in the leadership of their congregations. The seminars will be promoted by both Andover Newton and Alban and registration for them will be available through links on both websites.
In commenting on this new cooperative effort, Jeff Jones, Director of Distance Learning at Andover Newton, noted that “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. This cooperative venture allows us to draw on the differing traditional strengths of both institutions to deliver effective, high-quality learning events to congregational leaders.” Wayne Floyd, Education Program Manager at Alban, noted that this arrangement extends Alban's commitment to online learning by giving Alban the capacity to offer extended online courses to complement Alban's existing webinar offerings.
Fall 2010 offerings include, Jeffrey Jones, Leading in the Congregation, October 11-November 5 (register by October 1), and Bruce Epperly, Tending to the Holy: Practicing the Presence of God in Ministry, October 25-November 19 (register by October 15).
To register and pay fees go to
www.ants.edu/learn
.