In 2025, the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan was awarded a “Locally Grown Leaders” grant from the Iona Collaborative in the amount of $25,000/year for five years. We are part of 25 Dioceses across the Episcopal Church that have received grants, with each Diocese using the funds in some way to shape adult formation and learning through their own local schools.
The Iona Collaborative is a part of the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas. As a part of the grant, our Diocese is committed to using the newly-released Iona Collaborative curriculum, which offers formation opportunities in several areas of the Church’s life:
Here are the courses for the 2026-2027 academic year – all classes are $100, and scholarship money is available. Click on the button below to register!
Fall 2026
The semester begins with an in-person retreat for all students on Saturday, August 29th, from 10am to 2pm at Holy Cross, Novi. Classes begin meeting in September and run through January
Book of Common Prayer led by the Ven. Dr. Tim Spannaus and the Rev. Julia Huttar Bailey,
Meets online on the second Wednesday evening of the month, beginning Sept 9th
Introduction to Theology, led by the Rev. Dr. Andrew Armond
Meets online on the second Monday evening of the month, beginning September 14th
Introduction to the Old Testament, led by the Rev. Canon Susie Shaefer
Meets online on the third Monday evening of the month, beginning September 21st
Courses for spring 2027 will include: New Testament, Liturgical Theology, Liturgical Leadership, and Preaching, beginning in February and running through June. In the coming years, there will be courses on Christian Formation, Church History, Community Engagement, Asset-Based Community Development, and more.
The IONA collaborative offers a variety of options for deepening ministry skills and faith. These classes have limited enrollment, so register early! These courses are aimed at lay and clergy leaders particularly in smaller congregations: lay-led congregations, Total Ministry models, or folks from congregations with part-time clergy will especially find colleagues in these cohort classes.
As a partner with the IONA collaborative, anyone from our diocese may enroll in these courses at the $25 rate. Register for continuing education courses directly with IONA at https://iona.ssw.edu/fall-2026-continuing-education/
Read more on the IONA website about the Fall 2026 offerings:
