Workshops
Wednesday Workshops
"Congregational Resilience"
With Associate Professor Mark Killian
Churches face tremendous pressure. Dwindling attendance and budgets have put church leaders on their back heels, often wondering if their congregation can survive another twenty years. Unfortunately, there are not many resources that paint a complete picture of congregational resilience. The goal of this workshop is to correct that mistake. Associate Professor of Sociology Mark Killian will present social scientific research on how churches can extend their mission into the next generation, providing practical exercises church leaders can take back to their congregations to support their efforts to remain vital.
"Preaching In Our Current Moment"
With the Rev. Emily Kuenker
In a time marked by political turmoil, social unrest, and a deep longing for justice and healing, the pulpit is not only a place for spiritual guidance, it is platform for prophetic voices. This is a workshop for preachers and theologians seeking to engage faithfully and courageously with the pressing issues of our time. We will work with Scripture, we will explore various tools preachers need at the ready, and we will encourage one another to use the unique voices God has given us as instruments of truth-telling, peacemaking and transformation.
"Singing to God, Singing for Justice"
With the Rev. Taylor Telford and Professor Ben Brody
How can the songs we sing in worship contribute to the spiritual formation of disciples who share God’s heart for justice? In this workshop, we will explore recent songs in a variety of styles and forms which engage themes of justice. Come prepared to sing and find new resources to enliven your congregation’s discipleship through singing.
Thursday Workshops
"Crafting & Leading Congregational Prayer That Is Prophetic, Not Partisan"
With the Rev. Taylor Telford and Professor Ben Brody
How can we lead prayers for justice and peace when we have worshipers from a variety of political perspectives? How can congregational prayer shape the imaginations of our people and equip them for living out God’s care for the world in their daily lives? In this workshop, we will explore ways to craft public prayer in congregations that engage worshipers in praying for justice and peace in our communities, country and world. We will explore a variety of forms of prayer that can engage these topics and consider ways they might serve our particular congregations.
"Congregational Resilience"
With Associate Professor Mark Killian
Churches face tremendous pressure. Dwindling attendance and budgets have put church leaders on their back heels, often wondering if their congregation can survive another twenty years. Unfortunately, there are not many resources that paint a complete picture of congregational resilience. The goal of this workshop is to correct that mistake. Associate Professor of Sociology Mark Killian will present social scientific research on how churches can extend their mission into the next generation, providing practical exercises church leaders can take back to their congregations to support their efforts to remain vital.
"Preaching In Our Current Moment"
With the Rev. Emily Kuenker
In a time marked by political turmoil, social unrest, and a deep longing for justice and healing, the pulpit is not only a place for spiritual guidance, it is platform for prophetic voices. This is a workshop for preachers and theologians seeking to engage faithfully and courageously with the pressing issues of our time. We will work with Scripture, we will explore various tools preachers need at the ready, and we will encourage one another to use the unique voices God has given us as instruments of truth-telling, peacemaking and transformation.