It’s no secret that the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida embraces a desire to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. Diocesan leaders want to ensure that both clergy and laity are adequately equipped with the tools to do so. To that end, the diocese is offering a series of four Christian Education courses provided by the Institute for Christian Studies, whose mission statement states in part that “the gospel’s message of renewal shapes our pursuit of wisdom.”

This year, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb challenged his archdeacons, the Vens. Julie Altenbach and John Motis, to think of ways the diocese could support this year’s diocesan theme: “For the Gospel, for the Churches.”

Students gather for prayer before ICS classes at Church of the Messiah, Winter Garden, in 2024. | Photo courtesy of the Institute for Christian Studies

“We wanted to offer courses for laypeople to help them in the formation of their faith and their walk with Christ,” Altenbach said. “We decided to provide Christian Education courses for anyone who wanted to come. … ICS really aligns well with Bishop Justin’s vision for our diocese.”

The diocese’s first Christian Education course, “The Offertory Words Actually Mean Something,” took place Feb. 18 at St. Matthew’s, Orlando, under the direction of the church’s rector, the Rev. Dr. Rob Strenth.

“Father Rob did a fantastic job of teaching with that,” Altenbach said. “His teaching was on the main purpose of why we do [the offertory] and just how important it is. Those who were there certainly have a better understanding of that now.”

The second course, “Invite, Welcome, Connect 101,” is set for May 10 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, Suntree-Viera. The Rev. Cynthia Brust, the church’s rector; and her husband, the Rev. Canon Ellis Brust, diocesan canon for clergy in transition and rector at St. Andrew’s, Fort Pierce, will oversee that instruction.

“This has been a program that both of these priests have found a great amount of success with in helping new members to be brought into the church,” Altenbach said. “They’re great at helping people feel welcome and get connected.” (For more information, see “‘Invite Welcome Connect’ Set to Transform Church Culture” at this link).

The third Christian Education course is scheduled for June 10 from 6:30-8 p.m., also at Christ Episcopal, Suntree-Viera, and will be taught by the Rev. Kay Mueller, rector at Church of Our Saviour, Okeechobee, and member of the diocesan Standing Committee.

A 2024 ICS class on “Every Member a Minister” at the parish hall at Christ Episcopal Church, Suntree-Viera, taught by Mother Cynthia Brust. | Photo courtesy of the Institute for Christian Studies

“This course speaks to what Bishop Justin’s vision for us is all about,” Altenbach said. “Rev. Mueller and her church have done an amazing job of incorporating activities and events in their area and bringing their community together.”

The final course will be held Aug. 21 from 6:30-8 p.m. at St. Barnabas, DeLand. The Rev. Audrey Sutton, rector at St. Barnabas, and Mrs. Monica Taffinder, a therapist and member of the Commission on Ministry, who serve as co-chairs of the diocese’s Safe Church Commission, will provide the teaching on “Safe Churches, Safe Ministry.” This instruction will equip participants with practical tools and resources to carry out diocesan safe church policies and equip them to identify red flags and signs of abuse.

The course also aligns with Holcomb’s continuing emphasis on safe church initiatives, which will be furthered by an upcoming interactive session with Dr. Mike Sloan of GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment), “Leading Safe Churches: Understanding Emotional and Spiritual Abuse,” set for April 29 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at St. Michael’s, Orlando.

Further information on the Christian Studies courses can be found at this link or by emailing Altenbach at jaltenbach@cfdiocese.org.

“I am so passionate about this, and I’m happy to talk to anyone who reaches out to me about the courses,” Altenbach said. “I’m really excited about these courses because they are offered to anyone who is interested in deepening their faith and furthering their understanding of scripture.”