Explore opportunities for personal growth and learning

By Vonda DenBoer, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President

Lifelong learning has always been a passion of mine. It was essential during my healthcare career and remains vital in every aspect of life. What I learned about the solar system in grade school is so outdated now, I’d be embarrassed to rely on those “facts” from the 1960s! And my knowledge of computers from 1980? Laughable.

This brings me to the opportunity we’ve been given to continue learning as it relates to our discipleship. In Doctrine and Covenants 85:36, we are encouraged to “seek diligently; teach one another; seek learning by study and faith.” I was privileged to attend Community of Christ Seminary, but I understand that not everyone can commit to that level of study.

To make meaningful learning opportunities more accessible, the church now offers online mini-courses through the Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission (CIMM). These sessions aren’t as rigorous as seminary but still provide incredible depth and learning with outstanding instructors. I invite you to explore one or two of these courses. All you need is a desire to learn and access to a computer to get started.

Whether you’re studying the reunion text, exploring scripture, or enhancing your preaching or discipleship skills, these courses will bless you and those in your discipleship circle. I guarantee you’ll appreciate the depth and breadth of what’s offered.

How can we truly become a people of the Temple if we do not strive for the inward and outward transformation of the disciple (Doctrine and Covenants 161:3d)? This transformation prepares us to be a people of faith, restoring relationships with God, others, ourselves, and the earth (Doctrine and Covenants 163:2b).

Take the daring step to grow your discipleship. Below is the schedule for upcoming CIMM Mini Sessions:

Preaching Series
February 5 – Emerging Thoughts in Sharing the Message, Part 1 – Joey Williams
February 12 – Emerging Thoughts in Sharing the Message, Part 2 – Joey Williams
February 19 – Loss and Light – Barbara Walden
February 26 – Finding Your Voice – David Lloyd

Adult Reunion Text Series – Hope Is Here
March 12 – Story of Hope – Stassi Cramm
March 19 – Breathe in Hope – Katie Harmon-McLaughlin
March 26 – Turn Toward Hope: Crossing Identity Boundaries – Zac Harmon-McLaughlin
April 2 – Spirit of Hope: Conflict Transformation – Debbie Bayless
April 9 – Onward in Hope: Celebrate Community – Janne Grover

Preaching Series (continued)
April 16 – Quick-egesis: A Quick Exegetical Process for Worship and Preaching, Part 1 – Tony & Charmaine Chvala-Smith
April 23 – Quick-egesis: A Quick Exegetical Process for Worship and Preaching, Part 2 – Tony & Charmaine Chvala-Smith


To register for these CIMM Mini Sessions, visit the CIMM Mini Sessions page