Evaluating the Efficacy of the Webinar Modality for Lifelong Learning in Ministry

Existing in the ecotone of lifelong learning for ministry, webinars bridge the gap between the academy and the church, taking theological education into the workplaces and homes of pastors and lay church leaders and equipping them to stay current in their ministry thinking and practice. The educational use of webinars in lifelong learning has become more widespread in recent years, largely in response to the demand for flexible and accessible learning. Webinars are also well suited as a learning modality for continuing ministerial development. These observations are supported by the findings of a survey of participants in the Carey Centre (The Centre) for Lifelong Learning webinar program in 2025. This chapter presents key characteristics that moderate the effectiveness of The Centre’s webinars, the benefits of the webinar modality, and its limitations. It concludes with recommendations for how program directors can best utilise webinars as part of a lifelong learning in ministry curriculum.