Forward Movement has acquired the online learning company ChurchNext. Based in suburban Detroit, ChurchNext launched in August 2013 with 28 online classes. Since then, more than 25,000 people have taken one of ChurchNext’s hundreds of courses.
“We know that Christian formation is vital to spiritual growth, and traditional models do not work for some people,” said the Rev. Canon Scott Gunn, executive director of Forward Movement. “ChurchNext courses allow people to learn at their own pace, on their own schedule, in the areas they are passionate about.”
“What an opportunity to spread the message of God’s love,” said the Rev. Chris Yaw, founder of ChurchNext. “Both organizations will benefit from this acquisition, with existing and future ChurchNext users seeing an enhanced and expanded experience. Our vision has always been for every Episcopal congregation to have its own online school, and our new home with Forward Movement brings us a step closer to this goal. We’re excited for this next chapter of our ministry.”
Gunn added: “ChurchNext has proven to be a reliable, user-friendly delivery vehicle for convenient, affordable, and high-quality discipleship and evangelism materials that benefit congregations and their members. We remind people regularly that Forward Movement is not a publishing company: We’re a discipleship and evangelism ministry, and this step will help us further realize that mission in the 21st century.”
To celebrate the announcement with Forward Movement, ChurchNext has released a new course: Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s From Palace to Public Square: The Way of Love. The course will be available for free from July 2 to 14, coinciding with the 79th General Convention.
Adapted from a Forward Movement announcement
Matthew Townsend is a Halifax-based freelance journalist and volunteer advocate for survivors of sexual misconduct in Anglican settings. He served as editor of the Anglican Journal from 2019 to 2021 and communications missioner for the Anglican Diocese of Quebec from 2019 to 2022. He and his wife recently entered catechism class in the Orthodox Church in America.
