What’s happening in the Collaborative today?
LATEST NEWS
Completion of the 2024 Collaborative Convening
The four-part conference series brought together over 100 people working in and supporting the Christian Science nursing field. See more about the work we did at this convening here.
Working Group Updates: January 2025
Continuing Education Working Group
The ongoing provision and promotion of continuing education opportunities owe much to the dedicated efforts of many individuals and organizations. These opportunities play a vital role in maintaining the highest standards in Christian Science nurses’ ministries.
Over the past year, The Mother Church, the Christian Science Nursing Network, and educators across the field have worked together to ensure continuing education remains accessible and relevant. Their contributions have been invaluable in addressing the four-hour annual continuing education requirement for Journal-listed Christian Science nurses, fostering thoughtful solutions to challenges, and helping this requirement continue to bless the field.
New educational formats have also been developed and expanded, thanks to the creativity and dedication of those offering workshops and webinars. Online webinars have made it possible for Christian Science nurses in remote areas to participate, while in-person classes provide the hands-on experiences essential for certain topics. Efforts to broaden access—by addressing language barriers and ensuring affordability—are ongoing and deeply appreciated.
Gratitude extends to the funders who are beginning to recognize the value of continuing education and to those offering financial support through grants and other means. Their generosity, alongside the tireless work of educators, organizations, and The Mother Church, has allowed continuing education to flourish as a vital support for the Cause.
Training Accessibility and Affordability Working Group
The Training Affordability and Accessibility Working Group has been prayerfully examining and discussing its role and opportunities to further its mission, and is now actively pursuing plans to find and support Christian Science nursing trainees in communities abroad. This initiative is aimed at establishing systems that enable individuals to receive training, mentoring, and support within their local regions, ultimately empowering them to minister effectively within their home communities.
TrAAWG recognizes the need for a greater number of qualified mentors to serve both in facilities and the field. These mentors play an essential role in supporting individuals seeking to fully represent themselves as Christian Science nurses, and their work ensures that the highest standards of Christian Science nursing are upheld.
The effort to establish local training and mentoring systems internationally is a significant step forward in addressing the global demand for Christian Science nursing services. We are deeply grateful for the collaboration and dedication of educators, mentors, facilities, and programs that make this work possible.
Leadership & Management Working Group
The Leadership and Management Working Group has been sharing a wealth of experience and inspiration in the form of presentations to the Directors of Christian Science Nursing, Executive Directors, and Administrators of Christian Science nursing facilities. The working group works with new and experienced leadership within AOCSN to identify what topics are most needed and wanted, then brings a prayerful approach to the topic and develops an uplifting and informative talk.
Past examples are on the Collaborative resources page: Metaphysics of Handling Grievances and Complaints; Recruiting, Training, and Retaining Staff; and The Metaphysics of Bookkeeping.
Partner Program Updates
Youth Action Committee
The Youth Action Committee (YAC) is a sponsored program of The Principle Foundation. YAC is getting the word out about Christian Science nursing, in places and ways that will reach school- and college-aged people. The committee is supporting Sunday schools with informational presentations and is planning various outreach to camps and other youth programs.
Communities of Christian Caring
Communities of Christian Caring, a sponsored program of The Principle Foundation, has published its first newsletter. You can access it at: communitiesofchristiancaring.org/newsletter. The theme of our first edition is a tour of our website and its many resources including “The Art of the Visit” webinar and connections to many resources for caring for others. More content is on the way! We also continue to host the CoCC advocates support group meetings. For the whole CoCC story, visit us at CommunitiesOfChristianCaring.org.