Welcome to
The College for Congregational Development
The College for Congregational Development
We are a comprehensive training program for clergy and laity in congregational and organization development. Our training program in the Diocese of Olympia begins in 2009. Explore our website to learn more about who we are and what we do.
Our aims are:
- Leaders that are both self-defined and connected to their communities of faith. Leaders who are both aware of and responsive to the particular challenges and opportunities before them
- A common language and community of practice around congregational development in the Diocese. Stronger connections among congregational leaders for the purposes of learning, community, mutual encouragement, and inspiration.
- The creation of useful training programs that can be shared freely and used by others in the broader Church.
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The Bishop of Olympia and the staff of the College for Congregational Development would like to thank the following groups for their influence, inspiration and their good work in the area of organization and congregational development. What we do draws on the work of these practitioners and trainers.
National Training Labs: The experiential education model is the basis for much of the approach to learning used in CCD. The College's Director received her certificate in Organization Development from NTL. Their website address is www.ntl.org
The Organization Development Network: The national network for organization development pratictioners. Their website is full of useful content, and membership allows access to a wealth of articles and resources. www.odnetwork.org
Mid-Atlantic Training Committee: An ecumenical training effort that brought much of the training and skills from the field of organization development to the Church. The Mid-Atlantic Training Committee is no longer around, but its work forms the basis for most congregational development programs today.
University Associates: An educational organization engaged in human relations training, research and publication. Beginning in the 1970's they published an annual handbook which, though copyrighted, provided for liberal use by practitioners. The College draws heavily on their work. www.universityassociates.com.
The Alban Insititute: Alban is the most well-known consulting, training and publishing group that focuses on the health of congregations and their leaders. www.alban.org
The Church Development Institute: CCD draws on the training provided by the Church Development Institute, by whom several of our trainers, including our bishop, have been trained. You may find more information at www.churchdevelopmentinstitute.org
The Leadership Skills Institute of the Diocese of Olympia: Olympia's own leadership training program that consisted of three phases of training. No longer active, it provided the skill base for most of the College's trainers.
The Leadership Institute of Seattle/LIOS Graduate College: A center for progressive leadership training in Seattle, focusing on human communication and collaboration. www.saybrook.edu/lios
Please note:
The 2010 classes are closed. No more registrations are being accepted. Please see the 2011 Registration page for information on registering for 2011.