Whitaker Institute

The Whitaker Institute

The Whitaker Institute equips and forms lay and ordained leaders in ministry. Whitaker programming offers Lifelong learning opportunities that deepen the understanding of discipleship, nurture spirituality, build community, and give public witness to God’s transformational power in our lives. The Whitaker Institute has served as the educational arm of the Diocese of Michigan for nearly 70 years. Adapting and responding to the changing needs of the church and the world has been at the core of Whitaker’s long-term ministry.

In 2022, we’ve offered and launched the following programs:

Anglican Social Justice with EDS at Union Seminary: The second year of this pilot program began in August, with 25 clergy and lay people participating in the online program. Year two focuses on poverty and environmental justice.

CALL Online Formation with CDSP Seminary: Our new partnership offers online courses at a discounted rate for members of the Diocese of Michigan. These seven-week courses are for life-long learning as well as those preparing for ordination, covering topics such as scripture, theology, and worship.

Lay Licensing Courses and Resources: In Spring of 2022, we returned to an inperson training for Worship Leaders with 12 participants, led by the Rev. Dr. W. Richard Hamlin. In the coming months, we will have courses for Eucharistic Visitors and Lay Preachers. Our website has been revamped to include training materials for Eucharistic Ministers and Eucharistic Visitors within a congregation or deanery as well.

Education For Ministry: This multi-year program offers a mentored small group experience for lay people to engage in deep study of scripture and the Episcopal tradition. We are grateful for the work of Unah Ngare Matu, who ended her time as our diocesan coordinator this year, and for The Ven. Tim Spannaus, for agreeing to serve as our new EFM coordinator, and mentor for the EFM cohort hosted by the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Detroit.

Safe Church, Safe Communities: Our denomination has completely revised and revamped the curriculum for Safe Church training. All training is now online and free of cost. We are grateful for the work of the church-wide task force, and for your patience as that program continues to be developed. Learn more on our website at www.edomi.org/safe-church

Local Formation Cohort and Field Education: In partnership with the Commission on Ministry, the Whitaker Institute will create a local cohort of people in formation for ordination, as well as coordinate those doing seminary field education within the diocese.

Exploring Your Spiritual Journey is currently being revised and redeveloped under the leadership of The Rev. Sister Veronica Dunbar, and will return in 2023.

Each of these programs and adaptations is made possible by all those who have served the mission of the Whitaker Institute during these years of pandemic and transition. Many thanks to those who teach, and those who learn, and specifically to all those who gave their time and wisdom to the advisory and re-imagining committees to advance the mission of the Whitaker Institute to equip the saints for ministry.

Gratefully submitted by

The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Associate for Transitions and Local Formation