Diaconal Formation Through CALL

Shape your diaconal formation and build a path that fits you and your diocese’s goals.

Diaconal formation in the Episcopal Church is and should be contextual, overseen by the bishop of the diocese enabling the church to respond to the local situation. CALL offers many options that can supplement and enhance local formation by offering the expertise of seminary professors and the opportunity to learn from and with others across The Episcopal Church and beyond.

Online Courses

Most of our online courses last 7 weeks and are asynchronous so you don’t have to be available at a certain time for “class.” Students consistently remark on how beneficial it is for them have a wider exposure to diaconal practices and responsibilities from across the church.  For diaconal formation, we recommend the online courses listed below.  The current schedule and registration can be found here.  Members of the Association for Episcopal Deacons (AED) receive a discount on all CALL online courses.

Essential Anglican Studies Series
This series gives an overview of Anglican thought, practice, and tradition. The courses may be taken singly or you may enroll in the entire 6-course series to receive a certificate of completion.

• Chapters in Anglican History
• Let Us Pray: Introduction to the Book of Common Prayer
• What We Believe: Theology in the Anglican Tradition
• With God’s Help: Ministry in the Anglican Tradition
• The Anglican Bible: Scripture in the Anglican Tradition
• Facing Choices: Ethics in the Anglican Tradition

Diaconate-focused Courses
Each year we offer 4 different courses that are focused on the role of the diaconate in the Episcopal Church. These courses are taught by experts in diaconal formation.

• The Diaconate
• The Deacon’s Path
• The Prophetic Voice of the Deacon
• The Diaconal Hermeneutic

Other Recommended Courses
While the following courses do not focus on the diaconate, they are valuable for supporting diaconal ministry and are offered regularly, if not yearly.

• Baptismal Ministry
• Mobilizing for Social Justice Work
• Ministry Development
• Introduction to Anglican Liturgy

Anglican Immersion

Every summer, CDSP and CALL host a 2-week event for students comprised of classes, worship, and formation in community. The Anglican Immersion brings together students who are studying in CDSP’s CAS low-residency option with CALL students who wish to learn in an on-campus immersion experience. Some courses are offered every year and others are offered on a rotating basis. Fees for courses vary.  More electives are offered on occasion. The schedule for the Anglican Immersion is announced each year in February.  For more information about the 2012 Anglican Immersion follow this link.

• Introduction to Practical Theology
• Fundamentals of Worship
• Leadership in Ministry                      
• Liturgical Leadership
• Anglican Traditions
• Preaching                                             

Specialized Courses

CALL can also work with your parish or diocese to develop a specialized course based on local needs. We can create a hybrid course with both online and on-site components or create a course that is strictly online or on-site. Contact the CALL office directly to speak with the Director about possibilities and requirements.