Centre for Church Development Leadership

The Centre for Church Development Leadership was established by Toronto United Church Council in 2004 as a vehicle to strengthen Council's commitment to its covenanted work in the ministry of Church Development within Toronto Conference.

CCDL is committed to helping congregational leaders (order of ministry and lay) gain the skills and support they need for effective ministry - whether that be in established situations taking steps to redevelop and renew their ministries, or in new church development settings.

The Centre seeks to empower church leadership in the changed (and still changing) context of southern Ontario through our:

research projects

the networking of people, congregations and mission units in like ministries or contexts

broad theme-based events

focused training opportunities

The Centre's work is guided by a steering committee with a rich and varied experience in congregational and church development at local and national levels in a wide variety of settings.
Giving to Council's General Fund allows us to allocate funds to projects of highest priority.

Ongoing Projects:

Raising the Line of Sight
A research project designed to deepen the awareness of the church and the planning and development world to the contribution made by churches faith groups to the health and welfare of our communities.

Making the Connection
A facilitated congregational program to help congregations find and connect with United Church affiliates and take the first steps in building their capacity to be faith communities that intentionally connect with, listen to and invite the affiliates and take the first steps in building a congregation's capacity to be a faith community that intentionally connects with, listens to and goes out to meet people where they are.

Networks and Learning Communities
Building networks of church development leaders across the Toronto Conference region is one of the key strategies of the Centre. Leadership networks can be built around the need for supportive peer learning and accountability or emerge through partnership in a common form of mission and ministry. Learning Communities are part of the national UCC continuing education program. CCDL is engaged in all three of these areas, through the 'Green Awakening' Network, the New Church Development Network and its 'More Franchises Learning Community'

Church Development Resources
A collection of resource materials to guide congregational development with topics such as: Becoming an Inviting Church, Church Redevelopment, Leadership, Small Group Ministries, and more.

For more details contact Ron Ewart, Program Coordinator at 905-771-5124 ext 29

The Toronto United Church Council works with more than 300 congregations and mission units, 4 presbyteries and with Toronto Conference itself to promote the development of our church. It is responsible for gathering the knowledge and some of the finances needed for this development. For 117 years, its work has helped congregations realize their dreams.