This course has been very interesting and has answered many of the struggles that I have seen in our congregation, especially over the last few years and now with the transitional interim process that we are going through. I have enjoyed the class very much. I am going to reread the book for the course, and definitely use the insight I have gained from others in this class. The systems theory will also offer much for me to use in understanding how best to deal with congregational issues. Thank you very much!
 ~ P.C. The Church—A System of Relationships

The course has been most enlightening and has certainly changed the way that I view many of the situations that occur in the church. It was helpful to study, and then to understand some of the dynamics that are common to family systems and congregations in particular. I learned quite a bit from my classmates. The textbook and supplemental articles were well chosen and will continue to be active in my personal library. This has been one of the most relevant courses I've had thus far. 
 ~ W.W. The Church—A System of Relationships

This course was a great formal step on my journey. Just to consider deeply the biblical basis for ministry provides a great deal of material for thought, prayer and humility.  Learning from other people who are on a similar path is also quite revealing and encouraging. My appetite for learning has only been increased by this course.  
 ~ S.P. Biblical Basis for Ministry

The course assignments and discussions and feedback have influenced my learning and have given me valuable insight I would not have gained otherwise. I will continue with the courses in the Congregational Leadership program and know that all will be greatly valuable in my ongoing learning and call discernment. 
 ~ K.J. Biblical Basis for Ministry

The first and foremost thing that has come from the taking of this class is the clarity of calling I now feel. I told a friend that it is as if there had been a fog blocking the foundation of my calling, keeping me from moving forward because the clearness of calling was not there. Within the first two weeks of class the fog had lifted and I could see that indeed the foundation for the call did exist. This feeling has made me more focused.  As for the content and structure, this has been the best class I have taken. 
 ~ C.C. Spiritual Formation and Calling

I cannot begin to tell you how much this course has energized me and encouraged me.  I loved learning from others and hearing their stories and experiences.  Thank you for your direction, encouragement, and challenges! 
 ~ T.S. Spiritual Formation and Calling

Every question which I had about children's ministry was answered in this course. The book we used is an incredible resource and it will keep me busy improving the church's ministry to children. Our teacher was the best! She challenged us to think and grow in a very respectful manner. I have already recommended this to others. This was my first on-line course and it was excellent. My thanks to all who made it happen - especially Dr. Joan. 
 ~ S.W. Preschool & Children’s Ministry in the Church

I was excited to read the same problems, love and passion for children that I have experienced in fellow classmates. I took this course to get more information and be more equipped for Children's Ministry. I also wanted to see if online classes were any good. I learned both and then some. I am going to take more online courses and go for the Congregational Leadership Certificate. I am excited to take the next course online. I am giving a report in the church newsletter to encourage others to take further education courses at BTSR. 
 ~ M.W. Preschool & Children’s Ministry in the Church

This course has been hugely helpful as I have sought to understand my role in this congregation and among this ministerial team.  More often than not, what I have been reading in this course has been part of the topic of discussion with my job coach and in my weekly meetings with my senior pastor.  In many ways, this course has redeemed my church for me, as I was very near the frustration point of considering resignation. Thank you for helping to clear the muddy waters!  
 ~ E.M. Hidden Lives of Congregations

This course and the text have been just what I needed for my ministry at this specific time in the life of my congregation. Thank you for working with us here.   
 ~ K.C. Hidden Lives of Congregations

The most significant insights I gained are, as is usually the case for me, relative to my own faith walk, my own journey, etc. Having realized the areas where I still have to develop, affords me more patience and "tolerance" for those are slow to take the next step on their journey, either because they don't want to, because of their limited life experiences, or because of some woundedness in their past. This course allowed me to tie theory to practical application of the faith development process. Being exposed to so many different theories and models was tremendously helpful. Bottom line for me was that we all learn in different ways, at different paces, and through different filters. Fascinating stuff! I also appreciated the lively and in-depth conversations between participants and including the instructor. 
 ~ M.M. Faith Development