Workshops

There are differences between ministry in a small congregation and ministry in a larger setting. While similarities are important, mastering the unique nature of working with and within a small membership faith community can be the key to vibrant congregational life.

Utilizing his 30 plus years of ministry experience, workshop facilitator Karl Vaters describes the importance of small membership congregations. Small does not mean somehow “lesser” than other churches. Vaters highlights principles about leading in smaller congregations that will enable you to leverage your own unique context. You will also explore the strengths of your own specific congregation.

In this workshop, you will:

be affirmed in the value of your congregation and your ministry – no matter the… more

You’ve heard the grim statistics about millennials and congregations. “Religious nones” or the religiously unaffiliated are the fastest growing in American religious demographics. Three-fourths of those who are unaffiliated are people who grew up in congregations. Some current research indicates that one million young people will leave congregational life each year for the next 30 years.

But there is good news and a new way of engaging people.

Cultural analyst John Seel argues that the survival of American congregational life is dependent on congregations listening to millennials. Seel charts a different way forward coupled with an urgent warning. American congregations’ survival is reliant on understanding the greatest frame shift in American religious history.

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While Americans remain deeply spiritual, they’re leaving congregational life behind. This is especially true of Millennials – about 1 in 10 regularly attend a congregational worship service.

Surveys report that young people feel more isolated and lonely today than at any other point in modern history. Your congregation can offer valuable connection to these young adults, but only if you are willing to adapt to meet the needs of those you want to welcome. Writer, speaker and podcaster Mike McHargue leads this one-day workshop. He will explore the sociological, psychological and neurological underpinnings of a generation leaving the church behind, and offer insights on how to invite them back.

By the end of this workshop, you will:

have a working knowledge of the… more

You’ve heard the grim statistics about millennials and congregations. “Religious nones” or the religiously unaffiliated are the fastest growing in American religious demographics. Three-fourths of those who are unaffiliated are people who grew up in congregations. Some current research indicates that one million young people will leave congregational life each year for the next 30 years.

But there is good news and a new way of engaging people.

Cultural analyst John Seel argues that the survival of American congregational life is dependent on congregations listening to millennials. Seel charts a different way forward coupled with an urgent warning. American congregations’ survival is reliant on understanding the greatest frame shift in American religious history.

… more

This on-demand series focuses on learning gleaned from Indiana congregations by the Center for Congregations in 2015-2016. Tim Shapiro, president of the Center for Congregations, shares the six principles distilled from the Center's experiences with Indiana congregational youth ministries.

Course Elements

 8 topical videos from 3 - 5 minutes each  Group reflection worksheet  Resource Guide for further study on youth ministry

Take the Course

 Estimated total time required: 1 hour  Course is free  Create an account with your email only (no password required)  Take at your own pace; stop and return when it's convenient  Keep this email to return to the course or bookmark the link

Technology Requirements

 Best accessed on a laptop or desktop computer

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We have greater awareness of our neighbors than ever before. This awareness includes the present reality of great division across racial and ethnic lines. Your congregation can play a key role in creating safe space to have difficult conversations about racial inequities. You can help lead the way in moving our culture toward collective action to achieve a fairer and more just society.
 
Dr. Michael R. Twyman, subject matter expert on race and racism, leads this full-day workshop. He will help increase your understanding about race, as well as actions and responses your congregation can take to combat racism.

In the morning session, he will define terms, introduce a conceptual framework for race, discuss the historical precedents and the science of race, and present… more

We all encounter those who are grieving, whether they are part of our congregation or our community. Grief is challenging, because we often don’t feel equipped to support those in the midst of it. You're invited to join counselor, coach and consultant Jane Munk as she educates and encourages deeper practices of supporting the grieving in your communities.

Supporting someone who is grieving requires a certain “presence.” Grief is a time when a person needs the strength and support of community more than ever. Remembrance Gatherings create a safe space for you and your community to pour into the one who is grieving. These gatherings embody the old proverb - “Grief shared is grief halved.”

You will journey through a Remembrance Gathering during this workshop and ask… more

No matter the size of your congregation you see first-time guests each year. While some guests choose not to return because they simply aren’t ready to enter into congregational life, others don’t return because of their visitor experience. It’s easy to overlook how people new to your congregation are welcomed and provided with information. But when this process is forgotten, so are the very people you serve. Knowing the difference between what welcomes and what overwhelms is important if you want your visitors to come back again.

In this workshop, you will learn about guest perspectives, and what it means to truly open the doors of your congregation and welcome people. Case studies, best practices in hospitality, and intentionality about reaching new people and connecting with… more

We have greater awareness of our neighbors than ever before. This awareness includes the present reality of great division across racial and ethnic lines. Your congregation can play a key role in creating safe space to have difficult conversations about racial inequities. You can help lead the way in moving our culture toward collective action to achieve a fairer and more just society.
 
Dr. Michael R. Twyman, subject matter expert on race and racism, leads this full-day workshop. He will help increase your understanding about race, as well as actions and responses your congregation can take to combat racism.

In the morning session, he will define terms, introduce a conceptual framework for race, discuss the historical precedents and the science of race, and present… more

This on-demand course explores Engaging Young Adults, a special report of the 2015 American Congregations study of Faith Communities Today (FACT).

Wendy McCormick of the Center for Congregations interviews the report’s author, Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi, about the research and what congregations can learn and apply from the findings.

Course Elements

 6 topical videos from 5 - 8 minutes each  Group reflection worksheet  Recommendations for additional information

Take the Course

 Estimated total time required: 1 hour  Course is free  Create an account with your email only (no password required)  Take at your own pace; stop and return when it's convenient  Keep this email to return to the course or bookmark the link

Technology Requirements

 Best… more