The Academy for Missional Wisdom is a two year non-degree program that provides laity and clergy with the theological foundation and practical skills needed for starting and leading micro-communities of contemplative prayer and missional action. The program integrates distance learning technology, immersion experiences, and retreats as well as a contextualized practicum with coaching to provide accessible and affordable education for persons who work full-time. Read more about the Academy by clicking here.
New Academy cohort forms in Midwest
The directors of the Academy for Missional Wisdom announce a newly formed cohort for the midwestern states. Interested clergy and laity are encouraged to explore the academy here. The Midwest cohort will draw from congregations in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and more.
Dr. Elaine A. Heath, Academy Director and co-founder of the Missional Wisdom Foundation, was one of two keynote speakers at the 2013 Iowa School for Ministry event.
Iowa United Methodist pastor Deborah Coble Wise has been participating in the Academy for Missional Wisdom. She states, "After meeting Iowa's Scott Kisker at Annual Conference last summer I couldn't wait to read his book, Longing for Spring, which was co-written with Elaine Heath. This was my second introduction to Elaine and the beauty of neo-monastic communities for intentional faith development, as I had read her book Mystic way of Evangelism a few years earlier and was intrigued by the concepts she presented around shared ministry. When I learned about the Academy for Missional Wisdom I signed up for the closest cohort, which happened to be in the Rocky Mountain Annual Conference. We met for our first retreat in January."
Pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Waverly, Rev. Wise is enthusiastic about this learning program. "My ministry has been so blessed by my participation in the AMW cohort. For me to be part of a group centered around contemplative prayer and missional action is a tremendous blessing! Not only am I learning from a great faculty, but the community that is formed from our on-line learning component is helping me to stretch and grow in the areas of hospitality and justice. I am praying that laity and clergy alike in the Iowa Annual Conference will take advantage of this unique opportunity."
To learn more about Rev. Wise's experience with the Academy for Missional Wisdom, contact her at pastordeborahwise@gmail.com or 319.352.2590.