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A More Excellent Way: The Gospel in an Age of Division
Lead and love with scriptural wisdom in divisive times.
About this Course
A More Excellent Way: The Gospel in an Age of Division, was created to help you navigate the challenges of leading through a time of deep cultural division with grace and scriptural wisdom.
What you’ll learn:
We live in a time of deep polarization.
“Culture warriors” are everywhere—including in our own congregations. (Perhaps, if we’re honest, we might even confess that this tendency exists in our own hearts?)
How do we resist the temptation to deepen division? How do we stand as faithful witnesses to the gospel, committed to truth and justice, without getting caught up in blind partisanship? How do we listen and love those with whom we have profound disagreements—and help members of our congregations do the same?
Led by the Rev. Dr. Joy J. Moore, A More Excellent Way: The Gospel in an Age of Division, was created to help you navigate the challenges of leading through a time of deep cultural division with grace and scriptural wisdom.
From historical insights into how people of faith have approached social issues in the past to practices you can try today, each module is designed to help you and your community engage with the pressing issues of our times—race, justice, and polarization—with a spirit of love and understanding.
Modules
Introduction
Get oriented to the course, meet your instructor, download the interactive handbook, and more.
A Lasting Mandate
In this module, you will:
- Gain a vision for God's relational plan.
- Engage with scripture to see how God's plan has been thwarted and affirmed.
- Build your capacity for spiritual imagination.
Facing a Flawed Legacy
In this module you will:
- Consider the ways in which we have influenced into a flawed legacy.
- Practice looking with new eyes.
- Examine the assumptions and worldviews that can supplant God.
The Rise and Fall of Best Intentions
In this module you will:
- Learn how generosity is essential to bridging divides.
- Consider the example of Jesus entering into someone's world.
- Cultivate your own generous listening skills.
The Way I See It
In this module you will>:
- Learn a framework for looking at the world differently.
- Develop a God-centered curiosity.
- Practice your curiosity and framework in the community.
Filling the Sanctuary
In this module you will:
- Consider how the Ten Commandments create a "sanctuary."
- Reflect on how your background impacts your love of neighbor.
- Practice identifying and creating a sanctuary where you live, work, or worship.
Memory and Reconciliation
In this module you will:
- Learn approaches and examples of radical love.
- Take time to rest in the radical love of Jesus.
- Consider how you can radically love your community.
Love your Enemies (not just your neighbor)
In this module you will:
- Learn how the early church practiced radical love.
- Consider examples from the church today.
- Imagine how radical love could be enacted in your church or community.
Completing the Course
Find out your next steps as you complete the course. You'll also be encouraged to submit feedback about your course.
One-time purchase
$55
With Faith+Lead Membership
$0*
Get a free public display license to use for group study.
$0*
*by joining Faith+Lead Membership for just $19.95 per month
- Modules:
10 Modules
- Format:
Self-Paced, On-Demand
- Access:
Lifetime Access
Get to Know Your Instructors
Joy Moore
Professor of Biblical Preaching, Luther Seminary
Dr. Joy Jittaun Moore, an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and Professor of Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, serves as a Visiting Professor of Religion and Chapman-Benson Lecturer at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama.
Before coming to Luther Seminary, she established the William E. Pannell Center for African American Church Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA; served as Associate Dean for Lifelong Learning at Duke Divinity School; director of Student Life at Asbury Theological Seminary; and chaplain and director of Church Relations at Adrian College. She has held pastorates in the Michigan Area of the United Methodist Church and written for Sojourners magazine, Christian Century, Good News magazine, and Working Preacher. She can be heard weekly on the Sermon Brainwave podcast.
Joy grew up in the American Midwest on Chicago’s southside attending Commonwealth Community Church, where she was spiritually formed and experienced a call to Christian Ministry. Professor Moore was president of the Wesleyan Theological Society from 2020-2022 and an avid fan of books by David Baldacci and John Hart. When not teaching, she enjoys traveling, watching episodes of NCIS, and reading.
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One-time purchase
- Access to this on-demand course
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- Access the course workbook for individual study
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What to Expect with a Faith+Lead Academy Course
You’ll get a transformative learning experience that combines trustworthy theological teaching with spiritual practices, interactive elements, and a supportive online community.
Know
Expand your theological toolkit with fresh insights for today’s ministry landscape. Connect timeless wisdom with practical frameworks for navigating change.
Be
Do
Practice skills to lead confidently in your ministry context. Take actionable steps to invite your community into God’s unfolding story.
Every Academy course is designed to
Help your growth in one of these core areas:
Develop a Christ-centered identity, grounded in theology, scripture, and spiritual practice, that empowers community members to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in everyday life.
Tell the story of Jesus and invite neighbors into Jesus’ way of life and love through words and actions they can recognize.
Listen deeply, name God’s presence in the midst of everyday life, and form life-giving relationships across all dimensions of diversity—both within and beyond the church.
Through mutual relationships with the neighbors among whom you’re hosted, join in acts of compassion, justice, and reconciliation as a witness to the ministry of Jesus—especially in places of suffering and despair.
Harness skills of agile leadership, stewardship, fundraising, entrepreneurism, and management to be nimble enough to respond to a changing cultural landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect when I take an Academy course?
Academy courses consist of 6-10 lessons or modules, each walking you through the “know, be, do” learning framework. You’ll learn some new information with instructor videos and other resources (know). You’ll engage in a spiritual practice that will help you develop your faith around the topic (be). Then, you’ll be asked to apply what you’ve learned through activities completed online or in the “real world” (do).
How long will it take me to complete a course?
Each module is designed to take 15-45 minutes. Some learners complete the course in as little as one day. Some do a module a day or even a module a week. We suggest allowing some time between modules to process what you are learning, but not so much time that you lose momentum.
What resources are available if I’m a group leader?
Each course includes a flexible leader’s guide with multiple pathways for group facilitation. You’ll find thought-provoking discussion questions and practical activities that connect faith with daily life, designed to work with whatever preparation time you have available. These resources equip you to foster meaningful discipleship experiences that meet your community where they are.
What do I need to know about the free private online social group?
The private online group allows you to connect with others. Because our courses don’t have a required start or stop date, you will encounter others in different places in the course and even in different courses altogether. This is by design. Feel free to interact as much or as little as you like.
What should I do if I have questions or problems with my registration?
Reach out via email to faithlead@luthersem.edu with your question and we’ll get back to you with a response within two business days.
What if I have a suggestion or request for a course topic?
The best way to connect with us is to complete this form with your suggestion. We always want to hear your feedback. You may also include it in the comments section of the course evaluation.
Don’t see your question addressed?
Email us at faithlead@luthersem.edu for more information. We’ll be delighted to connect!