The Safe Sanctuary: Fostering Health, Healing, and Inclusivity in Your Congregation

Organizational health, as defined by Forbes, is “the ability of an organization to adapt to change while maintaining a high-performance culture.” While this concept is often associated with Fortune 500 companies, it holds equal importance for congregations. Congregations across the country are grappling with the challenges of change, structure, and self-assessment. Although these tasks can seem overwhelming, they are crucial for the growth and well-being of both the church and its members.

Join Melanie Preston M.S. Counseling Psychology; LMHC; LPC as she explores the concept of organizational health. Learn what it means in the context of the church, why it’s essential, and how your congregation can cultivate and sustain it for long-term growth and success.

In this workshop, participants will:

1. Understand the Elements of Organizational Health: Learn what constitutes a healthy congregation and how to assess and improve key areas such as leadership, mission clarity, and member engagement.
2. Gain Insights into Trauma-Informed Practices: Understand how to recognize trauma within congregations and implement practices that promote healing and support.
3. Develop Strategies for Emotional Safety: Learn how to create emotionally safe environments where all members feel valued and respected, and open communication is encouraged.
4. Learn About Cultural Competency: Discover how to incorporate culturally responsive practices to ensure inclusivity and respect for diverse backgrounds within the congregation.
5. Create Action Plans for Implementation: Engage in practical exercises to develop personalized strategies for applying these concepts within your congregation. 

This workshop addresses diverse settings and cultural dynamics, making it suitable for congregations of all sizes and any geographical context.