The College for Congregational Development is a comprehensive training program that seeks to nurture and develop congregational development practitioners from within existing parish lay and clergy leadership. The program draws on congregational and organization development theory and practice, focusing on developing healthy and responsive leadership, facilitation skills, and teamwork through understanding of Anglican/Episcopal ethos, culture, spirituality, and ways of being the church today. It is a two-year program. Studies include readings, a content exam, and the completion of a congregational project within participants’ ministry settings. 

The goals of the College are: 

• To support healthy, faithful, sustainable churches living into their calling to be the Body of Christ in their own time and place. 
• To empower congregations be deeply grounded in their own Episcopal identity within their context. 
• To develop leaders who understand the challenges and opportunities they face and are equipped to respond, both individually and together, with their faith communities. 
• To support a practice of congregational development throughout the Diocese, with a common language and culture, and recognizing that this is possible for churches of all sizes, locations, and conditions. 
• To build connections and a community of love among leaders within and between congregations that strengthen shared learning, encouragement, community, and inspiration. 

The focus of The College is on congregational teams learning together to broaden congregational leadership. We believe teams are best able to implement positive, shared, and long-lasting change for the health of their community. 

ABOUT THE COLLEGE

Since our launch in 2021, two-hundred-eighteen lay and clergy leaders have attended The College for Congregational Development in the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland. They represent fifty-five different congregations and organizations from within our diocese, including several members of our diocesan staff and the Congregational Vitality Team, as well as leaders from an additional sixteen other dioceses and synods. We’re excited to continue to grow this ministry in our diocese, Province III, and beyond.

Learn more about the College for Congregational Development.

REGISTRATION

2026-2027 Weekend Program, Year B

Registration for the 2026-2027 Weekend Program of the College for Congregational Development (CCD) will open in July 2026. Drawing on congregational and organization development theory and practice, CCD seeks to nurture and equip lay and clergy leaders through developing healthy, responsive leadership, facilitation skills, and teamwork. The weekend program will use Year B of the curriculum and gather at Diocesan Center in Baltimore for six full-day sessions (October 17, November 7, January 9, February 6, February 27, and April 17).

2027 Summer Intensive

Mark your calendars now for June 13-18, 2027, for the CCD Maryland summer weeklong program. This event will be held at The Claggett Center. This program will use Year B of the curriculum. Registration will open in early January 2027.

Drawing on congregational and organization development theory and practice, CCD seeks to nurture and equip lay and clergy leaders through developing healthy, responsive leadership, facilitation skills, and teamwork.

CONTACT

The Rev. Kristin Krantz
Canon for Transitions and Director of the College for Congregational Development in the Diocese of Maryland
ccd@episcopalmaryland.org