SME Peer Learning Community
Connect. Reflect. Learn. Grow together in ministry.
Candidates entering or currently participating in Supervised Ministry Education (SME) with The United Church of Canada are invited to join the new SME Peer Learning Community — a national network offering connection, support and shared learning throughout the SME experience.
Participants will meet regularly online throughout the year and gather in person for a three-day spring retreat.
The first online gathering will take place in January 2027.
A community for learning and support
Ministry formation doesn’t happen alone. The SME Peer Learning Community creates an intentional and supportive space for candidates from across the country to build relationships, pray and reflect together, explore the realities of ministry and learn from one another’s experiences.
Topics include:
- Surprises and delights in ministry
- Case studies and critical incidents
- Spiritual practices and sustaining ministry
- Approaches to teaming
- Conflict management
- Racism and justice in ministry
- Pastoral identity and vocational formation
Spring retreat
Participants will also gather for a three-day in-person retreat in May or June 2027. Dates and location will be announced.
The retreat will offer opportunities for worship, community building, learning, creative exploration and personal and group reflection.
Why join?
Build community.
SME can sometimes feel isolating. This community connects you with other candidates across The United Church of Canada who are navigating similar experiences and questions.
Deepen your learning.
Share challenges, discoveries and questions with peers in an intentional environment that supports your growth and vocational formation.
Sustain your ministry.
Make space for prayer, reflection and practices that nurture you as you grow into the hope-filled, adaptive and effective minister God is calling you to be.
Participate at no cost.
There is no cost to participate in the SME Peer Learning Community, including the spring retreat.
Facilitators
The SME Peer Learning Community will be facilitated by:
Rev. Dr. Sally Shaw
Supervised Ministry Education Coordinator
The United Church of Canada
Dr. Wing Yi Wong
Director
Emmanuel College Professional Advancement and Continuing Training Centre (EMPACT)
Apply for the January 2027 pilot
Applications for the first SME Peer Learning Community are now open.
Application deadline: Sept. 25, 2026
Apply to Join the SME Peer Learning Community
Questions? Email empact@utoronto.ca
A collaborative initiative
The SME Peer Learning Community is a joint project of The United Church of Canada and Emmanuel College of Victoria University in the University of Toronto.
Financial support is provided through the Lilly Endowment Reimagining Theological Education Across The United Church of Canada grant.