What does theological formation look like for our smallest churches?
Sometimes, it looks like a group of church members gathering in a parish hall on a Sunday morning, opening their Bibles and learning together. Sometimes, it looks like a diocesan school of formation meeting on a weekend to prepare a new generation of priests, deacons, and lay leaders to serve their own communities. And sometimes, it looks like a laptop screen, where clergy and lay leaders from across the country come together to study, share experiences, and encourage one another in ministry.
Across The Episcopal Church, small church formation is happening in all of these places, and the Iona Collaborative is helping make it possible.
“We all have roots here. We all plan to stay in this diocese after graduation. That means that my classmates will become my local colleagues.”
– 3rd Year Iona Diocesan School Student
Through our network of over 30 diocesan schools of formation, Iona supports local theological education that meets people where they are. Students are formed in the context of their own dioceses, congregations, and communities, learning alongside others who understand the particular opportunities and challenges of ministry in small and rural churches.
And the learning doesn’t stop with graduation. The Iona Collaborative supports leaders throughout their ministry journey.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more about what we all share in ministry. The highs, the lows, the questions, and the joy of understanding that we are never alone.”
– Iona Continuing Education Student
Through Iona’s online Continuing Education program, priests, deacons, and lay leaders continue developing their skills, explore new approaches to ministry, and build relationships with others who share their calling. This fall, more than 80 leaders are participating in Iona Continuing Education courses, representing nearly 40 dioceses. More than half are taking an Iona course for the first time.
Every student, in a diocesan school of formation or an Iona Continuing Education course, represents a congregation. Every new skill developed strengthens a ministry. Every connection made builds a more connected, resilient Church.
This is what it looks like when we invest in the Saints in Small Places.
The future of The Episcopal Church is being lived out in small places, by faithful people who know their communities, love their churches, and are willing to lead in new ways. The Iona Collaborative helps equip these leaders for the ministry unfolding before them.
Will you help us continue this work?
Thank you for believing in the power of local formation and the extraordinary ministry happening in small places.
Looking for formation resources for your small church?
Check out our library of Bible studies,video-based programming, asynchronous courses, and more on our Congregations webpage.
All of these resources are free and available for your use!
