Creating Vital Congregations Webinars
Practical Help for Laity and Clergy
If you missed a webinar you may purchase the URL for the webinar below. Enter the name of the webinar you wish to purchase in the box below and submit payment of $10.00. Please email Deena Ainslie (dainslie@lextheo.edu) once you’ve made the purchase to have the URL to view the specific webinar emailed to you. The webinars can be viewed numerous times and the URL is good for 1 year.
Taking the Mystery Out of Estate Planning
Presenter: Dr. Gary Kidwell
Estate planning is typically shrouded in complex and onerous concepts. Through this webinar, you will learn, in easy to understand terms, how to build a plan that can protect and care for your family and witness to your faith and values.
Dr. Gary Kidwell has served as president of the Christian Church Foundation since 2003. Prior to joining the Foundation staff in 1998, he was a consultant with Church Extension and a new church pastor/developer. He is a graduate of Campbellsville College, Campbellsville, Kentucky, has a Master of Divinity degree from Lexington Theological Seminary, and completed post-graduate studies at Harvard Business School. Dr. Kidwell is a Chartered Financial Consultant and Certified Fundraising Executive
Empowering the Laity to Care for Pastors
Presenter: Rev. Greg Alexander
Pastors and their families are human, too! They have the same realities to deal with in their lives as do the members of their congregation. This webinar will explore healthy and unique ways laity
can help meet the needs of their pastors
The Rev. Greg Alexander is the General Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kentucky. He has been working with congregations and pastors as a member of the CCK staff for over 25 years and brings that experience to this webinar. In addition, he is an adjunct faculty member of Lexington Theological Seminary as an instructor in Congregational Systems.
Stewardship, Generosity, and Boundaries in Ministry
Presenter: Dr. Yvonne Martinez Thorne
This webinar will focus on the importance of boundaries in the call to be effective and generous pastoral leaders in the Body of Christ. Participants will explore their overall assumptions about generous giving and living as pastoral stewards in congregations that are experiencing a myriad of challenges that impact effective giving and participation in ministry. Participants will also identify and affirm the realities in pastoral ministry that can create personal and financial crises for clergy. The goal of this webinar will be to further equip clergy for effective pastoral leadership s they seek to maintain healthy boundaries in their response to God’s generosity and abundance.
Dr. Yvonne Martinez Thorne is founder and CEO of Cultivating Wholeness Counseling Associates where “caring for the whole person matters.” This faith-based practice includes specialized services for ordained clergy and lay leaders, and provides secular and faith-based counseling and psychotherapy to adolescents, adults, couples and families of different faiths, races, and cultures. She served as consultant for Area Ministry and Communications for the Philadelphia Baptist Association, where she provided executive and pastoral leadership to pastors and congregations. Dr. Martinez Thorne holds a Master of Divinity from Palmer Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Education degree from Columbia University.
Storytelling as Preaching
Presenter: Rev. Cynthia Maybeck
Preaching is central to the work of the pastor, but how do we make the biblical story come to life? Participants in this webinar will hear biblical and personal stories and learn how to collect stories to use in the pulpit. When we connect our personal faith story with the biblical story, our preaching improves in its authenticity and integrity.
Rev. Cindy Maybeck, founder of Spirit Story Ministry, has over three decades of experience in the pulpit. She served as pastor of multi-denominational congregations related to the American Baptist Churches, USA; Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); and United Church of Christ. She received her Master of Divinity degree from Andover Newton Theological School and master certification from the Academy for Biblical Storytelling. She is an accomplished teacher and engaging preacher. More at www.cindymaybeck.com.
How to Have a Life-Giving Pastoral Sabbatical
Presenter: Dr. Daniel Richter
This webinar will provide a rationale for the pastoral sabbatical by rooting this “season of renewal” in the broader faith practice of Sabbath-keeping. We will examine practical tips for planning sabbatical leaves so that they benefit parishes as well pastors. Participants will explore two sabbatical grant opportunities designed especially for pastors and funded by the Religion Division of Lilly Endowment: Clergy Renewal Grants (renewal through rest, refreshment, and relationship-tending) and Pastoral Study Project Grants (renewal through study, contemplation, and wisdomseeking).
Dr. Don C. Richter graduated from Davidson College (A.B.) and Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div., Ph.D.). He served as Associate Minister of Education at Second Presbyterian Church in Louisville and taught at Bethany Theological Seminary and Candler School of Theology. As Associate Director of the Valparaiso Project on the Education and Formation of People of Faith, Richter wrote Mission Trips That Matter (Upper Room Books, 2008), and with Dorothy C. Bass, co-edited Way to Live: Christian Practices for Teens (Upper Room Books, 2002). He resides in Louisville, where he sings in the Highland Presbyterian Church chancel choir.
Ask a Rabbi
Presenter: Rabbi Moshe Smolkin
The Torah emphasizes the importance of asking questions. It provides us with sample questions our children might ask and offers us possible responses depending on how the question is asked and on who is asking the question. Asking questions is essential in Judaism, and we encourage our children to ask questions from a young age. Questions allow us a chance to understand a subject in new ways and from multiple perspectives. This is imperative if we are to deepen our understanding of the Holy Blessed One, of Torah, and of each other. This webinar is a chance for you to ask your questions.
Rabbi Moshe Smolkin is in his 10th year as the rabbi of Ohavay Zion Synagogue in Lexington, Ky. He holds a B.A. in Mathematics from Brandeis University and a M.A.T. in Mathematics Education from Tufts University. He taught high school math before attending the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at American Jewish University in Los Angeles, where he interned as an interfaith chaplain at UCLA Hospital. He also spent a year learning in Jerusalem. During the last two years of rabbinical school, he interned at Mishkon Tephilo in Venice, California. He was ordained in 2009 and moved to Lexington with his wife, Talia.
Financially Resourcing Your Ministry and Mission
Presenter: Dr. Bruce Barkhauer
Take the pain and discomfort out of your stewardship efforts by gaining an understanding of what stewardship is really all about. Participants will come away with a biblical and theological understanding of stewardship as well as planning and programming ideas that are proven to work in congregations just like yours. This is for both small and large congregations who want to be able to do what they believe God is calling them to accomplish.
Dr. Bruce A. Barkhauer was called as the first Minister for Faith and Giving for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 2010, after 25 years of parish ministry. Since that time he has engaged the whole church in conversations about generosity and offered transformative ways for congregations to think about stewardship. He is the author of numerous articles, and most recently a book of devotions, Community of Prayer (Chalice Press, 2016). He is a graduate of Ohio University (Athens) and Christian Theological Seminary.
Sustaining a Long-Term Pastorate
Presenter: Rev. David Emery, Senior Pastor, Middletown Christian Church, Louisville, KY
Healthy churches that impact their communities almost always have one thing in common. They have pastors that serve long-term pastorates of 10 years or more. While a long-term pastorate does not always produce a healthy church, it’s almost impossible without one. Changing the culture of a church simply takes a long time. In this webinar, David Emery will identify the blessings, benefits, and pitfalls of a long-term pastorate. He will also share some strategies for staying healthy, spiritually alive, and effective for the long haul.
Rev. David Emery celebrated the 30th anniversary of his ordination in 2017, and has served 15 years as senior minister at Middletown Christian Church. He previously served churches in Little Rock Arkansas, and Houston, Texas. David is a spirit-led and passionate leader who believes the church is at its best when it’s focused outward and meets people where they are. He has a generous theology that is grounded in the unconditional love of God for all people. He’s a certified life and leadership coach, a cancer survivor, and a long-distance runner.
Beyond the Communion Table: Deacons for a New Day!
Presenter: The Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan Jr. , Senior Pastor, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Findlay, Ohio.
In many congregations, the work of deacons is limited to service at the communion table. While this role is quite important, have you ever wondered about other aspects of leadership that deacons might give? This webinar will cast light on the unique ministry of the deacon within the context of a church that wants to increase its impact and influence for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Participants will consider two models of deacon: 1. Agent of Sacred Hospitality and 2. Agent of Holy Boldness. Please bring your Bible, an open mind, and an open heart!
The Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan Jr., is Senior Pastor of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a 131-year-old Open and Affirming congregation in Findlay, Ohio. Now in his sixth pastorate, Dr. Sullivan has given leadership as Executive Director of Murder Victims’ Families for Reconciliation, as Regional Minister and President of the Northwest and Pennsylvania Regions, respectively, and as a Christian educator with the Division of Homeland Ministries (Now Disciples Home Missions). A nationally known public preacher, social justice advocate and death penalty abolitionist, Dr. Sullivan has conducted numerous elders and deacons workshops throughout his career. He holds a B.S. in Interpersonal Communication from Ohio University; M.Div. from LTS; D.Min from United Theological Seminary (Dayton); and an honorary doctorate from Bethany College.
Islam 101
Presenter: Dr. Ihsan Bagby, Professor of Islamic Studies, University of Kentucky
The first half of this webinar will cover the basic beliefs and practices of Islam, highlighting the similarities and differences with Christianity and Judaism. The second half will explore present day issues such as terrorism, Shari’ah, Islamophobia and the typical stereotypes of Islam and Muslims.
Dr. Ihsan Bagby is Associate Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Kentucky. His research focuses on the Muslim community in America, the American mosque and the African American Muslim community. He has conducted two comprehensive studies of mosques in America in 2000 and 2010, resulting in multiple publications on the state of Islam in America. Presently he is working on two articles on giving in mosques and on mosque governance; he is also working on a book-length congregational study of a mosque. He is active in the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and the Cooperative Congregational Studies Partnership (an interfaith association of religious researchers). He is a research fellow in the Institute of Social Policy and Understanding. He is a board member of Islamic Seminary Foundation and the Muslim Alliance of North America (MANA).
Church Communication and Promotion in the Information Age
Presenter: Ms. Beth Goins, Blue Sky Communications
Communication is at the core of what churches do, yet it can be overwhelming to construct a comprehensive communication strategy. How do we surmount obstacles such as limited resources of time, expertise and finances to express clearly and effectively who we are and why we’re here? How do we communicate with our congregations? How do we use church resources most efficiently for successful communication? In this webinar, we will discuss the essentials for effective church communication for congregations large and small. You will learn about tools you can use to keep up with the changing expectations of today’s information consumers and equip members to spread the church’s message to your communities.
Ms. Beth Goins has more than two decades of experience in communication, from print and broadcast journalism to public relations, marketing and consulting roles with a wide range of organizations and institutions, from large regional medical centers to small congregations. She is the owner and president of Blue Sky Communications, LLC, a marketing and public relations consulting firm in Kentucky, and is a longtime member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Preaching Controversial Issues
Presenter: Rev. Dr. Leah Schade, Assistant Professor of Preaching and Worship, Lexington Theological Seminary
The challenge of addressing issues of public concern from the pulpit is fraught with risks, but also offers opportunities for proclaiming the gospel and building community in profound and contextual ways. Informed by insights from her survey of over 1200 clergy entitled “Preaching about Controversial Justice Issues,” Dr. Schade will provide both scriptural and theological rationale that authorizes preachers to address “hot button” topics. With the lectionary texts for Advent in view, participants will learn a variety of models to proclaim the gospel in the midst of a contentious political climate – without being divisive or partisan. Preachers will envision new ways to engage the public sphere with both prudence and imagination.
The Rev. Dr. Leah D. Schade is the Assistant Professor of Preaching and Worship at Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, Kentucky. An ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) for 16 years, Leah has served congregations in rural, urban, and suburban settings. She earned both her MDiv and PhD degrees from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, and completed her dissertation focusing on homiletics (preaching) and ecological theology (caring for God’s creation). Her book Creation-Crisis Preaching: Ecological Theology and Homiletics (Chalice Press, 2015) is available at www.chalicepress.com. Her “EcoPreacher” blog on Patheos can be found at: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/ecopreacher/. Leah’s latest research is focusing on ministry in “the purple zone,” helping clergy find ways to preach about controversial justice issues in a time of contentious politics. Visit her website for articles and results from her research: https://www.thepurplezone.net/.
Welcoming the Stranger
Presenter: John Koehlinger, Executive Director, Kentucky Refugee Ministries
This webinar will discuss the various dimensions of the U.S. refugee resettlement program, touching on the global refugee crisis, and the program’s unique ability in many localities to garner a large measure of community support from volunteers and faith-based organizations. Kentucky Refugee Ministries’ historic congregational support from a range of denominations will be examined, with some reflections on the ecumenical and interfaith aspects of church co-sponsorship of individual refugee families. The alignment of Christian injunctions to welcome the stranger and love all people made in God’s image with bedrock American civic values of inclusion, equality under the law, and religious tolerance will be underlined.
John Koehlinger is Executive Director of Kentucky Refugee Ministries, Inc. (KRM), the largest refugee resettlement agency in Kentucky. Founded in 1990, KRM is a local affiliate of Church World Service and Episcopal Migration Ministries. The agency resettles more than 1,000 newly-arrived refugees and immigrants a year.
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: Breaking the Silence and Creating a Safe Space in Our Churches
Presenter: Rev. Amy Gopp
We can no longer allow the sin of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) to occur—at any time, in any place, to anyone. We want our congregations to be safe spaces for all. Moreover, faith leaders are often the first persons a victim of SGBV will confide in. This first contact can have a huge impact on victims. It is critical that faith leaders and communities are prepared ahead of time. This webinar focuses on understanding your role in immediate response, educating your faith community, utilizing prevention tools, and breaking the silence around SGBV.
The Rev. Amy Gopp, VP of External Relations for IMA World Health, is an ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) with two decades of experience in faith-based relief and development. She is a passionate global activist for gender justice and a key founding leader of the interfaith We Will Speak Out U.S. coalition and campaign to end sexual and gender-based violence.
Bridging the Gap in the Intergenerational Church
Presenter: Dr. Bill Tenny-Brittian
Leading a church would be so much easier if everyone liked and resonated with the same worship style and presentation of the Gospel. But each generation has its own tastes and preferred learning styles. It’s not just the music that’s changed over the years. Nothing has been left untouched. In this webinar, Dr. Tenny-Brittian will explore what it takes to effectively bridge the generations, particularly in worship.
Dr. Bill Tenny-Brittian served in professional ministry for twenty years as a church planter and turnaround specialist before being invited to become the managing partner for The Effective Church Group, a full service church consulting and leadership coaching firm. He teaches evangelism and pastoral leadership for the Mid-America Center for Ministry and is the author of eight books, including Hitchhikers’ Guide to Evangelism and Prayer for People Who Can’t Sit Still.
Creative Worship for Smaller Churches
Presenter: Rev. David Ray
Worship in smaller churches is both a challenge and an opportunity. In a congregation where most of the members know everyone else worship can be crafted particularly for those people present. Worship tailored to the small congregation will call forth and use the gifts of the people present and speak compellingly to the needs and possibilities of their lives. In this webinar, Dr. Ray will help participants become more creative – in ways only they can – with the worship they design and facilitate.
Dr. David Ray is a United Church of Christ clergy person with over 40 years’ experience as a pastor of small churches from coast to coast. He has provided program leadership concerning small churches for people across the nation. Dr. Ray is the author of several widely used books on smaller churches, including Wonderful Worship in Smaller Churches, The Indispensible Guide for Smaller Churches, and Smaller Churches: Real Possibilities for Hard Times. He serves as visiting minister for an ex-patriate church in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
How to Survive and Thrive as an Elder
Presenter: Rev. Bill McDonald
A refresher course for old hands and a how-to class for fresh recruits to the Eldership, this practical workshop will give helpful ideas on fulfilling one’s role as an Elder. From preparation to prayer, from the Lord’s Table to the hospital room, from shepherding to servanthood, from the how to the why, through stories and scripture this webinar will offer a broad scope and detailed information for elders in churches large or small.
Rev. Bill McDonald, a retired pastor with fifty years’ experience with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), has served churches in Kentucky, Texas, and Louisiana, retiring from Crestwood Christian Church in Lexington, KY. He is a Disciples of Christ representative on the national Stone-Campbell Dialogue. Rev. McDonald also helped found Habitat For Humanity affiliates in Kentucky, Texas, and Louisiana.
Organizing for Social Impact
Presenter: Dr. William Barber II
Explore some of the historical and modern-day models for building transformative moral movements and how we might re-engage and re-shape them in order to support freedom movements today. In this webinar, Dr. Barber will advocate for the reclamation of deeply-held ethical values and will offer suggestions about reaching a critical mass of people in order to build an effective social movement. Individuals and congregations alike will benefit from the insights shared here.
Rev. Dr. William Barber II is the architect of the Forward Together Moral Fusion movement that gained national acclaim with its Moral Monday protests at the North Carolina General Assembly in 2013. Rev. Barber is a highly sought after speaker who has spoken at hundreds of national and state conferences since being elected President of the N.C. Conference of NAACP Branches in 2005. His latest book is The Third Reconstruction
(Beacon Press, 2016).
Youth Ministry in Small Churches
Presenter: Rev. Bill Spangler-Dunning
Explore the how, the why, and the mission-focused purpose of starting and developing a youth ministry in a smaller church. This webinar will focus on healthy ways to start a new youth ministry program, as well as some common pot holes that can derail startups in small churches. You will also learn about structures and schedules that work better in small churches with fewer volunteers. Rev. Spangler-Dunning will share his first-hand knowledge of what it takes to develop, structure, and lead a youth ministry program and make it last.
Rev. Bill Spangler-Dunning presently serves as the Regional Minister for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Upper Midwest. He also has served as youth minister in several congregations, as the West Area Youth Coordinator in Kentucky, and as Associate Regional Minister in the Upper Midwest. He is a founding member of the Disciples Youth Ministry Network (DYMN), and has authored the youth ministry resource curriculum titled “Revolutions: Finding New Ways to Talk to Youth About Issues Revolving Around the World.”
Deacon’s Workshop
Presenter: Rev. James Trader
What does it mean to be a Deacon? How can an energized Diaconate promote congregational vitality? Drawing upon the history of the Diaconate in the Christian Church (DOC) and the New Testament descriptions of the characteristics and duties of Deacons, we will seek to understand some of the historical AND present-day roles of this important lay ministry.
A veteran of church publishing, lay leadership training, and especially Deacon training, the Rev. James Trader has been an active leader in Disciples’ life for many years. Having served as an LTS staff member for 16 years, he is now the Curator of The Cane Ridge Meeting House, near Paris, Kentucky. His grasp of history and continuing interest in the emerging DOC landscape combine to make him a knowledgeable presenter for this workshop on the role of the Diaconate.
Leading a Missional Church
Presenter: Dr. Pablo Jimenez
Building on the “missional church” concept, this webinar will explore ways to develop a clear vision for “doing church” – which could be the basis for a fresh mission and ministry strategy for your church. Our overall aim is to help church leaders learn to motivate their congregations toward engaging the culture in relevant ways with the message of the Gospel.
Dr. Jimenez has served as the National Pastor for Hispanic Ministries of the Christian Church (DOC) in the United States and Canada. He has taught throughout the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean at Lexington Theological Seminary, the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest, Princeton Theological Seminary, San Francisco Theological Seminary, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Universidad Teologica del Caribe, and the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico. He currently serves as Pastor of the Iglesia Cristiana (Discipulos de Cristo) in Espinosa, Dorado, Puerto Rico.
Tending Hope: The Church’s Mission with Our Aging Population
Presenter: Rev. Joby Brown & Rev. Joan Schlesing
What is the churches’ response to the growing number of older adults who are seeking wholeness and purpose in their lives? This webinar will discuss theological and practical issues for this significant population, and it will offer some ideas about engaging older adults in the mission of the Church. Based on their experience and research, our Chaplains will help us explore some of the vast, rich opportunities available to individuals and congregations.
Dr. Joby Brown and Dr. Joan Schlesing are Board Certified Chaplains with the Association of Professional Chaplains. After varied careers multiple faith-based ministries, both are now Staff Chaplains with Christian Care Communities of Kentucky. Brown specializes in work with older adults in independent living and is a frequent presenter in the areas of spirituality, healthcare, and the congregational care of older adults. Schlesing’s expertise extends to seniors living independently and in skilled nursing care, with significant work focused on seniors who have dementia-related illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Creative Worship for Diverse Congregations
Presenter: Dr. Jacqui Lewis
Worship is a joyous, artistic opportunity to celebrate the Reign of God in congregational life – making worship both a celebration and a call to change! The development of multiracial, multicultural communities of faith is one of the strongest defenses against the racial/ethnical tensions in our nation. By using the many cultural languages of our people and a variety of art – music, dance, drama, puppetry, and visual arts – we can include and inspire everybody and punctuate the message! This webinar will suggest strategies for multivocal worship planning, as you celebrate the gifts of racial and cultural diversity in your community.
Dr. Jacqui Lewis is Senior Minister of Middle Collegiate Church, a multiracial, welcoming, and inclusive congregation in New York City – and she is the first African-American and woman to serve in that position among the Collegiate churches. Ordained as a Presbyterian Church (USA) minister, she is a graduate of Drew University and Princeton Seminary; and she preaches and teaches nation-wide on the power of multicultural and multiracial congregations to address racism and discrimination. Dr. Lewis is the Co-Founder of The Middle Project, which is preparing to host its tenth annual conference designed to train faith leaders for the building of multiracial congregations.
Hitchhiker’s Guide to Evangelism: A Fresh Look
Presenter: Dr. Bill Tenny-Brittian
Mention the “E” word and toes curl and stomachs knot. Say it in church and pastors turn ashen, and the laity melt into the walls. In 2008, Bill Tenny-Brittian’s Hitchhikers’ Guide to Evangelism was published by Chalice Press in an effort to redeem the word and provide evangelism tools that won’t embarrass you, your friends, or the church. Dr. Tenny-Brittian will join us to share what he’s learned since his book was first published and to field our questions about how evangelism works in a post-Christian culture.
Dr. Bill Tenny-Brittian served in professional ministry for twenty years as a church planter and turnaround specialist before being invited to become the managing partner for The Effective Church Group, a full service church consulting and leadership coaching firm. He teaches evangelism and pastoral leadership for the Mid-America Center for Ministry and is the author of eight books, including Hitchhikers’ Guide to Evangelism and Prayer for People Who Can’t Sit Still.
Transforming Conflict: Dealing with Difficult People in Your Congregation
Presenter: Dr. Mark Sundby
Every congregation has them – individuals who challenge your personal and professional skills to the fullest. This webinar will help clergy and laity to identify, analyze, and manage difficult personalities and behaviors. Participants will learn how some of their own coping skills may affect the dynamics and outcomes of conflict situations.
Dr. Mark Sundby is a licensed psychologist and ordained pastor in the Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church. His psychology degree is from the University of Minnesota and his divinity degree from the University of Chicago Divinity School. He has served local congregations, has worked in university counseling centers, and has taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Currently, he is Director of the North Central Ministry Development Center in New Brighton, Minnesota, and leads ministry workshops across America.
Leading an Interesting Private Life (When Your Public Life is Ministry)
Presenter: Dr. Mary Honstead
In this webinar we will explore what it means to lead an interesting private life when you’re a clergy person. What are the barriers that make this difficult? What specific areas might be included in such an interesting life? What are the benefits for you? Leading an interesting private life is about discovering and spending time with sources of nourishment and joy. These moments in turn will sustain us and allow us to bring a greater ease and wholeness to our ministry.
Dr. Mary Honstead has worked as a counseling psychologist in community mental health agencies, college counseling offices and in private practice. For the past 19 years, she has worked at North Central Ministry Development Center in the Twin Cities. She enjoys helping clergy and other church professionals cope with the high stress levels that come with serving as compassionate caregivers and role models in the community. Since she is married to a United Methodist minister, she understands first-hand the complexity of the pastoral role.
Congregational Conflict
Presenter: Rev. Dr. Aimee Moiso
Conflict and division within a congregation can lead to anxious moments for preachers. In this webinar, Dr. Moiso will ask the hard questions about how preachers should handle these moments, explore assumptions about conflict and envision opportunities that conflict presents for the preacher.
Rev. Dr. Aimée Moiso is a minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). She recently completed her PhD. In homiletics and liturgics at Vanderbilt University. Her dissertation focused on the challenges and possibilities of preaching in times of polarization and division.
Imagining a New World
Presenter: Rev. Teresa Hord Owens
In these unprecedented times, more than ever, we must have the courage to imagine a new church for a new world. We must give ourselves permission to change and live in freedom from fear.
Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens is the General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She has served as a former Dean of students at the University of Chicago and has more than 20 years of experience leading diverse teams in corporate America.
“You Cannot Serve God and Money”: Today’s Global Debt System as a Moral and Pastoral Emergency
Presenter: Rev. Dr. Bruce Rogers-Vaughn
In this webinar, we will explore together how, in an era of “finance capitalism,” money is a social relationship of credit and debt that emerges from and reproduces social and material inequality and how the Church and its leaders might respond.
Rev. Bruce Rogers-Vaughn is an ordained minister, pastoral counselor, teacher, and co-founder of The Pastoral Center for Healing. He serves as Associate Professor of the Practice of Pastoral Theology and Counseling. Rev. Rogers-Vaughn is the author of “Caring for Souls in a Neoliberal Age.”
365 Days of Giving: Examining Generosity and Gratitude in Complex Times
Presenter: Ms. Aimée A. Laramore
Join us for a robust conversation about what it means to Preach/Teach, Ask, Evaluate, and Celebrate in a continuous cycle of congregational life. In this webinar, we will explore the interconnected nature of giving and gratitude, reflect on internal cultures and core values, and explore opportunities and approaches for a more intentional, thoughtful culture of giving.
Ms. Aimée A. Laramore serves as Philanthropic Strategist for the PhD Program in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric at Christian Theological Seminary. She is passionate about non-profit excellence and capacity building in faith communities and the world.
Intergenerational Ministry
Presenter: Rev. Dr. Olivia Bryan Updegrove
Ministries Across Generations is a counter-culture movement to engage in faith daily with a more holistic reality of being faithful for life. This webinar will help us understand and learn the importance of including all ages in various faith encounters, how to engage intentionally in intergenerational worship, learning and mission.
Rev. Dr. Olivia Updegrove, an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), has worked with children, youth, and young adults at various stages of her ministry and has a deep passion for biblical education for all ages as a foundation for deeper spiritual growth.
Leadership in a Multicultural World
Presenter: Rev. Lori Tapia
As we live and serve in an increasingly globalized world, the need for leadership that can inspire and unite across diverse cultural, linguistic, and contextual differences becomes more critical. This webinar will offer practical tools for expanding leadership in multicultural settings, as well as developing cultural intelligence vs. cultural competence.
Rev. Lori Tapia is the National Pastor for Hispanic Ministries for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She is a church planter, author, and speaker with more than 25 years of bi-national experience in the administration and development of community, family, and social service programs.
Dinner Church
Presenters: Rev. Rachel Nance Woeler & Rev. Tim Kim
Have you wondered what the term “Dinner Church” means and if it could be a way your congregation could? In this webinar, we will explore some ways dinner church is being practiced around the country. We will learn how to start a dinner church, receive examples of worship liturgies, and hear about the impact worshiping in the context of a meal can have in shaping communities of faith.
Rev. Rachel Nance Woehler currently serves as the Transitional West Area Regional Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kentucky. She is a co-convener of Potluck Church in Madisonville, Kentucky.
Rev. Tim Kim is the co-founder and lead pastor of Root and Branch Church in the Illinois/Wisconsin region. Originally from Southern California, he has made Illinois his home for over a decade.