Mar 12, 2024 | John W. Coleman

The EPA&GNJ Leadership Academy has launched four new online courses to help church leaders learn more about the challenges and growth opportunities in church leadership, United Methodist racial history, community outreach for missional engagement, and the work of lay leaders and lay members to annual conference.

Noted leadership expert, author and consultant the Rev. Gil Rendle dispenses practical wisdom about courageous and competent church leadership. Ashley Boggan (PhD.) who heads the denomination’s General Commission on Archives & History, offers an illuminating overview of the history of racism and Methodism in America.

The Rev. Samuel Kofi Ashley, pastor of East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church, shares practical ideas to help churches connect creatively with their neighborhoods to engage in mission together. And lay ministry trainer Judy Ehninger, with Yattah Jones of New Life United Methodist Church in Drexel Hill, teach a basic course on the roles of Lay Leader and Lay Member to Annual Conference.

The seven courses now available, using the Academy’s new Teachable online learning platform, can be accessed here: https://leadership-academy29.teachable.com/courses/

The Academy is also working on a Confirmation Class bundle of courses designed for youth, another bundle of courses for new members, and additional courses on United Methodist polity and theology, and the Gospels.  

These asynchronous courses—conveniently accessible for learning at any time—extend the Academy’s reach to people who may not be able to travel distances and take courses onsite or in hybrid situations. Learn more.