Pathway 2:

Identity

An introduction and discussion of the importance of identity for churches and congregations with emphasis upon the elements of forming a biblical identity and its role/function both within and outside a church.

Identity-Product-Mockup
African American man and woman hands raised in praise |The DART Collective

Duration: 4 Weeks

Platform: 100% online

Format: Readings, Videos, Podcasts, Exercises, Quizzes...

eBook: Inspire: Revisit & Rethink

Price: $25

Questions Answered
in Pathway 2: Identity

  1. What is a congregational identity?   
  2. What forms the foundation of a biblically based identity?  
  3. Why is having a biblically based identity important in the life of a congregation?  

Weekly Topics:

Week 1: Congregational Identity: What Does It Look Like? 

This week’s lesson will help you to identify and explain the elements that make a congregation. You will also be able to distinguish and describe why a congregation is different from any other group. Lastly, you will learn what a congregation does and why.

Week 2: Congregational Identity: Distinguishing Characteristics 

After you complete this week’s lesson you will understand how congregational identity is formed. Youwill also be able to identify the essential elements of congregational identity. Lastly, you will be able toexplain how congregational identity is anchored in a relationship with Jesus.  

Week 3: Congregational Identity and Community Relationships – Part 1

This week you will learn to identify and explain the elements that hinder congregational relationships with communities. You will also learn to describe the process of avoiding congregational disagreements and how a biblical–based identity enables congregational expression.

Week 4: Congregational Identity and Community Relationships – Part 2

This week has three main goals. The first goal is to be able to explain why a biblically–based identity can create congregational curiosity about its community. Second, you will begin to understand how a biblically–based identity can create community sensitivity and passion in a congregation. Lastly, you will learn to express how a biblically–based identity can create community opportunities and potential influence for a congregation. 

Required Books:

Inspire Book_The D'ART Collective

Included with the purchase
of this course

Inspire: Revisit & Rethink
Vision, Mission, Values, Tradition

Book Description:
INSPIRE is an invitation to revisit the concept of identity as the way a congregation sees and projects itself to the local community, and the world in and out of societal and cultural shifts. A congregation’s identity is a result of its system of communication among the members that helps them to share their beliefs about themselves as a worshipping community and how they connect to the surrounding community.

Additional Information:

  • eBook expires 2 years after activation
  • Interested in a physical copy of this book? Purchase HERE

Navigating the Call
Cost: $20.00

Book Description:
Water was a significant instrument in the leadership life of Jesus Christ. He was baptized in water, turned water into wine, called disciples who made their living from the water, and performed the ultimate act of servant leadership by washing the feet of His disciples with water. Jesus calmed angry seas, offered Himself as the Living Water, and invited the spiritually dehydrated to drink the water He gives so that they will never be thirsty again. By the grace of God in Jesus Christ, we have a vision of what it looks like to have rivers of living waters flowing from within us. Even in the Book of Revelation as He pronounces, "It is done" and proclaims, "I am the Alpha and the Omega" Jesus extends this invitation: "'Come!' Let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely." Navigating the Call offers one such invitation to the Christian leader who is committed to the call of pastoral leadership.

The vocational praxis of African-American clergy involves deep inquiry and embodiment of the ministry and teachings of Jesus Christ. African-American pastoral leadership is foundationally contextual and inseparable from the social constructs of justice and marginalization which impact the way we learn, lead, and disseminate the Gospel message of faith, hope, healing, and the love of Christ to all who will receive it. Leadership by navigation offers the African-American pastor a fresh way to faithfully approach and contextually answer the Call. This book is an invitation to explore navigational leadership.


Additional Information:

  • Required reading for all 6 pathways
  • eBook expires 2 years after activation
  • Interested in a physical copy of the book? Purchase HERE

Frequently Asked Questions

General

What are the D'ART Collective Pathways?

The D’ART Collective Pathways are an exciting, innovative collection of 6 online courses, Pathways, designed to help Christians, pastors, and church leaders strengthen their ministries and impact their community and culture.

What is included in a Pathway?

Each of the 6 Pathways includes a four-week course with curated readings and an eBook (activated through VitalSource) with doctorate level research provided in easy to understand principles to help you develop a strong, thriving congregation, videos and podcasts answering deep questions from Christian thought leaders in the community, and exercises, quizzes, and group questions to push you to integrate your knowledge with your faith and take your ministry into your community.

What is the best way to participate in a Pathway?

D'ART Collective Pathways is designed to be done with a community of believers or local church. Each week, you are encouraged to meet with congregational leaders within your church as part of a Congregational Studies Innovation Learning Lab (C-SIL).

Where can I take Pathways?

Each Pathway is a 100% online course with readings, videos, podcasts, exercises, quizzes, and questions for group discussion.

In what order should I complete Pathways?

Pathways is a set of 6 consecutive courses designed to build upon one another and should be taken in order: Theology, Identity, Community, Process, Program, and Implementation.

How long does a Pathway take to complete?

One Pathway is four weeks.

What do I get when I finish all six Pathways?

Once all 6 Pathways are complete, you will receive a certificate marking your completion of the D'ART Collective Pathways for display.

Store

What is included in my Pathway purchase?

When you purchase a single Pathway, you are given access to a four-week course and an eBook code (activated through VitalSource) for the book connected to the Pathway. The course will remain active for one year after purchase, and the eBook will be available for two years after activation on VitalSource.

How do I activate my eBook on VitalSource?

  1. Visit http://www.vitalsource.com/redeem.
  2. If you have a VitalSource account, login or create a free account to continue.
  3. Once logged in, supply your redemption code and select “add to my bookshelf.”
  4. To view your eBooks, visit http://bookshelf.vitalsource.com.
  5. To download Bookshelf onto your computer or mobile device, visit http://www.vitalsource.com/downloads for instructions.

What do I get for the 6 Pathways bundle?

You will receive all 6 Pathways along with codes for all 6 eBooks connected with each Pathway.

Which Pathway do I need the book Navigating the Call?

Navigating the Call has required readings within all 6 Pathways. The eBook will be available for two years after activation on VitalSource.

Where do I go if I need help?

Contact us through our support ticket system here.

Do you offer group pricing?

For group pricing, contact us through our support ticket system here.