“With fall now upon us, we’re excited to launch another season of learning and formation through NSML,” says Sarah Bird, missional formation coordinator for the diocese and registrar for the Niagara School for Missional Leadership. “We’re continuing to offer some of our most loved courses while also introducing exciting new opportunities for growth within our community.”
Returning this fall are three perennial favourites:
• Anglican Polity: How We Do Things Around Here — Hosted by Bishop Susan Bell, along with invited subject experts, this course provides valuable insight into the structures and rhythms of Anglican life.
• Pastoral Care Foundation: Presence, Paying Attention and Prayer — Led by the Venerable Terry DeForest, this grounding course is designed for anyone engaged in care ministries. It explores the essential elements of caring presence, attentive listening, and prayerful support, helping students develop and practice a range of pastoral care skills.
• Christian Foundations — A cornerstone course central to NSML’s offerings, returning this fall with a new instructor, the Reverend Dr. Rob Jones. Currently assistant director of Jewish Studies and assistant research professor at Penn State, Rob brings a unique blend of academic expertise and pastoral experience that will enrich students’ understanding of the Christian tradition and its historical contexts.
Also returning is:
• Following Jesus in a Time of Climate Crisis — Led by Reverend Jon Swales, this course is a timely and challenging exploration of faithful living amid environmental change. With clear scientific evidence of a warming world caused by fossil fuel emissions, this course examines what it means to follow Jesus and live justly in the face of climate breakdown, focusing on care for the most vulnerable and future generations.
New this year is a significant opportunity for deep formation:
• Two-Year Certificated Course in Mission Practice – led by the Reverend Canon Dr. Ian Mobsby. This orthopraxis-focused training equips both lay and ordained people to develop their mission practice. Participants will develop the skills, knowledge, and leadership needed to initiate and sustain contextual mission projects in their communities.
“This course offers a blend of theological grounding and practical application, aimed at developing leadership for mission in today’s ever-changing world,” says Mobsby.
Course Dates, Times, and Registration
Courses begin in mid-September and run through to November. Specific dates, times, and registration details can be found on the NSML website at nsml.ca or by contacting the registrar directly.
Special Offer: Students from the Diocese of Niagara are eligible for a promotional rate. To learn more and register, please contact the registrar at: registrar@nsml.ca
Spiritual Renewal: A Pathway to Deeper Relationship with God