EDGE
EDGE began in 2011 as a three-year project focused on developing new and renewing ministries across the United Church of Canada. In 2014, it was integrated into the periphery of the United Church of Canada's Church in Mission unit of the General Council Offices. Now, it is a living web of new and renewing ministries and leaders in the power of the Spirit, following Christ, and embracing God's mission in the world.
We work with congregations, presbyteries, conferences, regional councils, and ministries across Canada in new and renewing ministry, property, and innovation.
For more information about EDGE, visit our website.
Curiosity Cohort
Are you a curious person? Whether you're in ministry, lay ministry, church administration, or you just enjoy being present for Sunday services, a mindset of curiosity is a powerful one for communities of faith in challenging times.
Community Events
Harness the full power of online learning as you join your colleagues on Zoom to listen to new ideas, share your opinions and hear what others think, and discuss topics relevant to your work and ministry. Let's find ways to meet the challenges of the day, support each other in the work, and move forward in new ways - together!
Signpost Series
EDGE's Signposts are independent learning opportunities for communities of faith ready to take a change journey, beginning with the first step of assessing your situation and articulating your story and culminating with a review of your changed ecosystem and framework for visioning the future. Look to the 8-part Signpost Series for assistance with (bolded titles currently available): Finding Your Place on the Map, Getting Ready for the Journey, Travelling Companions, Innovation Cohort, Marketing and Communications, Building Sustainability, , Future Directions, and Emergency Toolkit. Flexible, economical, and well-supported by other EDGE offerings, Signposts are perfect for communities of faith looking for a new direction!
Leading Adaptively
Join preacher, researcher and revitalist Clara King for a 3-session Zoom exploration of new ways to lead adaptively with skills you already have. You'll learn about the six core competencies of leadership, how you can understand and change the organizational culture of your congregation, and how conflict is a leadership resource you can steward, and come away with usable practices to reinvigorate your day-to-day leadership journey.
Featured Classes
Begin your learning journey today››››››
Browse the course catalog at any time. These courses are created by our ecumenical partners. The platform integrates written content, video instruction, and individual reflection to allow you the freedom to study at your own pace, when and where you choose. These courses are intended for self-study, continuing education, and professional development.
Future Directions
The seventh course in EDGE's Signpost Series explores the Future Directions process for communities of faith. Participants will learn about daring to reimagine, setting a vision, and developing and implementing a plan to achieve that vision - a roadmap to change that will both revitalize your community of faith and strengthen the neighbourhood and larger community in which it's located. Dream big with us...let's get started!
Class Structure:
Individual Study: 5 hours
Future Directions (Facilitated)
Gather a team of 3-5 and go through the 7th course in EDGE's Signpost Series - with EDGE facilitation! An EDGE coach will explore the Future Directions process for communities of faith with your team over 8 sessions, taking you on a guided journey into discerning what's possible for your community of faith and the community around it and helping you draw the roadmap to get there. Are you ready?
Class Structure:
Individual Study: 12 hours
Zoom Sessions: 32 hours
Rural Ministry Town Halls 2023
Calling all those in rural ministry! Join your colleagues on the last Monday of each month on Zoom for an energizing discussion of the joys and challenges of being in rural ministry, thoughtful consideration of current needs, and exploration of how to meet them most effectively. EDGE's Rural Ministry Town Halls start in January 2023 - register once to attend each of them!
Class Structure
Zoom Meeting: 1 hour
Curiosity Cohort (Spring 2023)
Curiosity is the mindset change that we, as people of faith, are craving to begin to reimagine what church can be outside of Sunday morning. It keeps us asking questions, without needing to know "the" answers; helps us to relinquish control as we follow the Spirit, listening for guidance and discerning next steps; enables us to take leaps of faith and be courageous as we experiment. The Curiosity Cohort is for innovative leaders, curious communities of faith, and those willing to explore what might be possible!
The Curiosity Cohort is a 5-week, synchronous, experiential learning cohort offered by EDGE and The United Church of Canada.
This Curiosity Cohort runs on Thursdays from 12-1pm EST, Mar 23 - Apr 20, 2023
Class Structure
Asynchronous Content: 5 hours
Synchronous Content: 5 hours
Curiosity Cohort (Fall 2023)
Curiosity is the mindset change that we, as people of faith, are craving to begin to reimagine what church can be outside of Sunday morning. It keeps us asking questions, without needing to know "the" answers; helps us to relinquish control as we follow the Spirit, listening for guidance and discerning next steps; enables us to take leaps of faith and be courageous as we experiment. The Curiosity Cohort is for innovative leaders, curious communities of faith, and those willing to explore what might be possible!
The Curiosity Cohort is a 5-week, synchronous, experiential learning cohort offered by EDGE and The United Church of Canada.
Class Structure
Asynchronous Content: 5 hours
Synchronous Content: 5 hours
Curiosity Cohort: Rural Focus (Fall 2023)
Curiosity Cohort: Rural Focus lets you to get curious about your own community of faith and connect with other leaders in rural settings. We will engage with stories and ideas from across the country about different ways that rural congregations are bringing new energy into their communities. Curiosity Cohort: Rural Focus is for everyone who are wanting to find that piece of themselves and use it to help guide their work. All you need is a pen, journal and an open mind and heart.
This Curiosity Cohort runs on Tuesdays from 1-2pm EST, Oct 31 - Nov 28, 2023
Class Structure
Individual Study: 5 hours
Zoom Sessions: 5 hours
Curiosity Cohort: Rural Focus (Spring 2023)
Curiosity Cohort: Rural Focus lets you to get curious about your own community of faith and connect with other leaders in rural settings. We will engage with stories and ideas from across the country about different ways that rural congregations are bringing new energy into their communities. Curiosity Cohort: Rural Focus is for everyone who are wanting to find that piece of themselves and use it to help guide their work. All you need is a pen, journal and an open mind and heart.
This Curiosity Cohort runs on Fridays from 1-2pm EST, Jun 9 - Jul 7, 2023
Class Structure
Asynchronous Content: 5 hours
Synchronous Content: 5 hours
Leading Adaptively (Spring 2023)
This March, discover new ways to lead adaptively with skills you already have! During this 3-session Zoom course, Rev. Clara King will teach you about the core theory of Adaptive Leadership in a vibrant new way. The course covers: 1) The six core competencies of leadership 2) Understanding and changing the organizational culture of your congregation 3) How to view conflict as a leadership resource you can steward wisely. Leading Adaptive meets on Thursdays - March 2, 16 and 30 from 6-8pm Eastern. If you are looking for usable practices to reinvigorate your day-to-day leadership journey, this is the course for you!
Class Structure
Individual Study: 4 hours
Zoom Sessions: 6 hours (3 meetings)
Leading Adaptively (Summer 2023)
This Summer, discover new ways to lead adaptively with skills you already have! During this 3-session Zoom course, Rev. Clara King will teach you about the core theory of Adaptive Leadership in a vibrant new way. The course covers: 1) The six core competencies of leadership 2) Understanding and changing the organizational culture of your congregation 3) How to view conflict as a leadership resource you can steward wisely. Leading Adaptive meets on Wednesdays- May 31, and June 14 and 28 from 7-9pm Eastern. If you are looking for usable practices to reinvigorate your day-to-day leadership journey, this is the course for you!
Class Structure
Individual Study: 4 hours
Zoom Sessions: 6 hours (3 meetings)
Leading Adaptively (Fall 2023)
This November, discover new ways to lead adaptively with skills you already have! During this 3-session Zoom course, Rev. Clara King will teach you about the core theory of Adaptive Leadership in a vibrant new way. The course covers: 1) The six core competencies of leadership 2) Understanding and changing the organizational culture of your congregation 3) How to view conflict as a leadership resource you can steward wisely. Leading Adaptive meets on Thursdays - Nov 2, 16 and 30 from 6-8pm Eastern. If you are looking for usable practices to reinvigorate your day-to-day leadership journey, this is the course for you!
Class Structure
Individual Study: 4 hours
Zoom Sessions: 6 hours (3 meetings)