Workshops

Clergy and lay leaders have remarkably high rates of burnout and turnover. Congregations are meant to be sanctuaries for renewal and growth, but can exact a heavy toll on those responsible for leading them. Join author and podcaster Mike McHargue for a look at the latest findings in neuroscience and cognitive psychology about how to lead others without exhausting your own emotional resources.

In the workshop, you’ll learn:

the essential role our feelings play in rational decision making, how to access the wisdom in our “feeling brain” and “gut,” how to deescalate conflict without shutting down conversations, and how to read the body language of others to foster connection.

REGISTER HERE FOR THIS WORKSHOP.

Also known as “Science Mike,” Mike McHargue is a… more

The Enneagram is a powerful tool that can help individuals and groups better relate to themselves, to each other, and to their world. Often used in therapeutic and spiritual direction settings, the Enneagram is a wonderful resource in the life of a spiritual community.

The Enneagram of Personality is a map derived from ancient wisdom literature that has been combined with modern psychology. It’s a tool for leadership teams, small groups, and even casual acquaintances to learn to live and work well together in a congregation. Some common dysfunctions are often rooted in unconscious motivations and behaviors. Enneagram teacher Annie Dimond believes that the Enneagram can help uncover barriers and promote positive growth.

After a day of learning about what the Enneagram is… more

Cultural changes have made it increasingly difficult to develop the faith of younger generations. Recent research by the Barna Group gives good reason to be hopeful. This workshop explores the practices that can aid your congregation in forming the faith of children, youth and young adults. Author and youth leader Mark Matlock will present ways your congregation can take steps to pass along Christianity to the next generation. 

In this workshop, Matlock explains the concept of resilient discipleship and explores new research-based insights from Christian research company Barna Group.

Topic covered include: 

The cultural challenges to familiar disciple-making pratices. What factors contribute to the faith of young Christians and ex-Christians . Research-based… more

The Enneagram is a powerful tool that can help individuals and groups better relate to themselves, to each other, and to their world. Often used in therapeutic and spiritual direction settings, the Enneagram is a wonderful resource in the life of a spiritual community.

The Enneagram of Personality is a map derived from ancient wisdom literature that has been combined with modern psychology. It’s a tool for leadership teams, small groups, and even casual acquaintances to learn to live and work well together in a congregation. Some common dysfunctions are often rooted in unconscious motivations and behaviors. Enneagram teacher Annie Dimond believes that the Enneagram can help uncover barriers and promote positive growth.

After a day of learning about what the Enneagram is… more

Effective communications is less about sending the right message and more about releasing the right response. Do you know the difference? More often than we realize, people aren’t looking for more information—they’re looking for ways to make sense of the information they already have. Many times, instead of helping people with relief from overload, we just throw more on the pile and add to the confusion.

This workshop is for you as a clergy leader, creative professional, ministry leader or volunteer looking for ways to get your message out to where your audience connects, whether that is online or off.

Communications leader Kem Meyer facilitates this workshop. She doesn’t focus on short-term, quick-fix solutions, but rather on connections that can make lasting changes.… more

Effective communications is less about sending the right message and more about releasing the right response. Do you know the difference? More often than we realize, people aren’t looking for more information—they’re looking for ways to make sense of the information they already have. Many times, instead of helping people with relief from overload, we just throw more on the pile and add to the confusion.

This workshop is for you as a clergy leader, creative professional, ministry leader or volunteer looking for ways to get your message out to where your audience connects, whether that is online or off.

Communications leader Kem Meyer facilitates this workshop. She doesn’t focus on short-term, quick-fix solutions, but rather on connections that can make lasting changes.… more

Fort Wayne Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic Immigrant Outreach Attorney Laura Pontius will help you learn more about immigration laws and policy and present a “bird’s eye view” of the immigration legal system. In this workshop, she’ll explore information about immigrants in Indiana and provide reliable sources for non-partisan information on immigration law and policy. This information will help your congregation create informed and educated decisions.

At  this luncheon, you’ll learn how to:

facilitate congregational conversations about immigration.  access local and statewide resources to support immigrants. utilize this information to strengthen your ministries, decide on policy and discuss or advocate on immigration matters. help your members connect with local… more

Capital campaigns are intimidating. They involve a lot of decisions, planning and work, along with uncertain outcomes. And often there’s a lot at stake. Hearing from those who have completed successful capital campaigns is one of the best ways to prepare for a new campaign or to navigate your campaign that’s already underway.

Join fundraising executive Rob Henson as he provides an interactive presentation utilizing research, his experience and anecdotes about the ingredients for a successful capital campaign. Henson will bring a mixture of real-life examples and templates, as well as campaign theory from current trends in modern philanthropy.

At this luncheon workshop, you will learn:

the basic processes and steps of a successful capital campaign. building blocks… more