What Do We Offer?

The Elders’ Institute offers non-credit continuing education opportunities led by qualified instructors and facilitators. Courses are designed using the principles of action-reflection models of adult education. They honour the experience and wisdom of course participants, teach the theory and theology behind why we do what we do in church leadership, and offer leadership tools and strategies. There are no prerequisites, essays, or exams.

Online Courses
Online courses offer six weeks of engaged dialogue between course participants and an experienced instructor. They are designed with the computer novice in mind. Technical support is available by telephone (toll free) throughout each course. Course participants log on to the course website at their leisure during the week but move ahead to the next week with the group. Courses require six hours of work on average each week. Registration is limited. The course fee is $100 per participant. Group rates and bursaries are available upon request.

Publications
Print resources and e-sources are available for individual or group study, sessions and congregations. One of our more popular print resources, The Role of the Elder, is also available in Korean. Print publications now only cost $10 and will be mailed to you; e-sources cost $20 and will be emailed to you.

Workshops
Qualified leaders and facilitators are available on request to lead workshops, retreats and national leadership events across Canada.

Pre-Assembly Workshops (PAW)

The Elders’ Institute was mandated by General Assembly to host a national leadership training event for ruling elders and congregational leaders before General Assembly each year. (PAW usually takes place on the first Saturday in June). PAW offers a day of workshops on topics of interest to ruling elders led by leaders from across the country.

For many ruling elders, resources from the Elders' Institute have been a valuable tool for them to serve in their calling.