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.
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 (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:
Synchronous Content: 12 hours
Asynchronous Content: 32 hours
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:
Asynchronous Content: 5 hours
Finding Your Place on the Map
This course is designed to help communities of faith facing challenges or barriers take the first steps on a change journey. Participants will learn to assess and contextualize their current situation and to build a leadership team to address issues. You'll see that a way forward is possible!
"Finding Your Place on the Map" is the first of of EDGE's "Signposts", but can be taken at any point in the series or as a stand-alone course.
Class Structure:
Asynchronous Content: 5 hours
Getting Ready for the Journey
Now that you and your leadership team have gone through Signpost #1 - You Are Here: Help!, are you wondering about the next step in your community of faith's pathway to change? Use this Signpost to help you and your community of faith get ready to begin a journey of curiosity and learning that will steer it toward a new future.
Class Structure:
Asynchronous Content: 5 hours
Travelling Companions
Now that you and your leadership team have gone through the first two Signposts, you are ready for the next step in your community of faith's pathway to change – Signpost #3: Travelling Companions. This Signpost's theme is Community and Partnerships.
Class Structure:
Asynchronous Content: 5 hours
Building Sustainability
"Building Sustainability" is designed to help communities of faith learn skills, through the use of readings, videos, discussion forums and reflective questions, that:
- Encourage them to think differently and critically about how they are working in relationship to their neighbourhoods.
- Address a deep yearning in communities of faith across the network to be relevant in their communities and a backbone organization in their neighbourhoods as they become increasingly vibrant.
- Support the fundamental tools that communities of faith need to start along this path.
"Building Sustainability" is #6 of EDGE's "Signposts", but can be taken at any point in the series or as a stand-alone course.
Class Structure:
Asynchronous Content: 10 hours