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Local Formation Partnerships

CDSP’s Center for Anglican Learning and Leadership (CALL) works actively with dioceses to develop curricula and courses that support local formation for ordained ministry. Our close relationships with partner dioceses means that we can offer new courses as needed, track students through their program, evaluate students, and work together on improving students’ experiences.

Why partner with CALL for local formation?

Partnering with CALL for local formation means that students on alternative theological education tracks can learn with others from throughout the country, broadening their sense of the meaning of their call and their Anglican identity. Students are taught by experienced instructors, often seminary professors, and can work directly with their instructors as well as fellow students. In addition, students in local formation partnership programs receive extended evaluations from course instructors that are shared with diocesan coordinators of their programs.  CALL at CDSP develops new courses and constantly evaluates current courses and instructors with partner dioceses.

What courses are regularly used by local formation partners?

In addition to our foundational courses in Anglicanism, CALL offers the following courses yearly or biannually for our local formation partners:

  • Introduction to Pastoral Care
  • Homiletics
  • Preparing Congregations for Mission
  • The Diaconate
  • The Diaconal Hermeneutic
  • Introduction to the Book of Common Prayer
  • Electives on social justice issues
  • Electives on spirituality
  • Electives on advanced Scripture topics

How does partnership work?

Most diocesan local formation program have an in-person, diocesan-based components focused on mentorship, spiritual growth, and collegiality, and offers local courses or retreats focused on those parts of formation for ministry that are most effectively accomplished by face-to-face teaching. CALL at CDSP complements these diocesan-based experiences by offering courses that teach students the canonical areas for ordained ministry. Partners choose which courses they need their students to take, and if necessary, CALL at CDSP develops new courses at partners’ request. Partners talk regularly with Director of Extended Learning Jennifer Snow about their course and curriculum design, programmatic needs, student experiences, planning for the future, and more. Partners pay a consultation fee, while partner students receive a discounted registration rate.

If you are interested in learning more, or sharing with CALL about the needs of your local formation program, please contact Director of Extended Learning Jennifer Snow, via email