Featured Conferences, Webinars, & Workshops
Highlighted events are listed roughly from most immediate to furthest out:
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STEWARDSHIP KALEIDOSCOPE: REAL TOOLS FOR REAL MINISTRY
Stewardship Kaleidoscope is an annual conference offering excellent plenary speakers, informative workshop leaders, provocative worship experiences, and incredible networking opportunities for all passionate about stewardship and generosity. Drawing leaders from across the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) and other ecumenical partners, Stewardship Kaleidoscope is designed to help participants explore stewardship in its many colorful dimensions!
Their mission is to:
- Ignite generosity
- Give practical tools for cultivating generosity in congregations
- Expand capacity of stewardship leaders
- Cultivate adaptive approaches for funding Christ’s mission
Early-Bird Price: $325 individual; $169 first-call; $125 virtual / group discounts begin with 2 registrants from the same congregation
Hyatt Regency, Minneapolis, MN
September 25-27, 2023
Learn more and register here.
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SUICIDE AWARENESS: DEBUNKING MYTHS, REDUCING STIGMA, AND BOLSTERING UNDERSTANDING OF YOUTH SUICIDE RISK
Suicide continues to be one of the leading causes of death for transition aged youth (15-24 years old). Increases in suicide rates for students aged 5 to 15 also have been observed over the last several years. Suicide Awareness is the first step in preventing youth suicide and supporting youth at risk of suicide.
This webinar will focus on the following learning objectives:
- Increase awareness of the myths and stigma behind suicide
- Identify common risk and protective factors for youth at risk of suicide.
- Identify warning signs for youth at risk of suicide.
Learn more and register here.
September 27, 2023; 2:00-3:00 PM CT
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CONFIDENCE IN CONFLICT: NAVIGATING THE STRUGGLE
Conflict is everywhere in our world today. When you hear the word conflict, what reaction happens in your body? Is it possible to have a healthy relationship with conflict? How do you develop the capacity to enter into conflict well? These are some burning questions that we’ll explore with you in this online conflict workshop. Join us and feel more confident when you find yourself in conflict.
$99 (cost includes TKI inventory) – Online via Zoom
Learn more and register here.
September 28, 2023; 1:30-4:30 PM CT
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LEADERSHIP MATTERS LECTURE SERIES
A Conversation with Rev. Cameron Trimble, CEO of Convergence, an international church consulting team. Convergence supports the reshaping of organizations, congregations and leaders engaged in Ann age of movement from ‘organized religion’ to ‘organizing religion’ driven by the values of an inclusive, progressive theological vision for a more must world for all.
$10.00
Learn more and register here.
Tuesday, October 3, 2023; 6:30-8:30 PM CT
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HANDING DOWN THE FAITH: PARENTS, CONGREGATIONS, AND RELIGIOUS SOCIALIZATION
Drawing on key findings from her book, Handing Down the Faith: How Parents Pass Their Religion on to the Next Generation (Oxford, 2021), Dr. Amy Adamczyk, Ph.D., will discuss how parents view the role of congregations and how they feel that their own experiences growing up shaped their perspectives on childrearing and religious socialization. Data are taken from several nationally representative surveys and over 200 interviews conducted with parents from different religious backgrounds across the United States. Practical information will be provided on parents’ perspectives (placed within the context of ‘Intensive’ parenting, which has become the norm for many Americans), and will be grounded in how congregations can help families address these challenges.
FREE
Learn more and register here.
October 4, 2023; 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM CT
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DARE TO LEAD FOR FAITH LEADERS
From a young age, a lot of us received some pretty consistent messaging about how to successfully navigate life, love, and work:
Go with the flow. Avoid making any waves. Don’t rock the boat.
If you’re someone who absorbed those messages in full and now finds yourself in a leadership position, you may be experiencing frustration, fatigue, and a high degree of burnout.
Faith+Lead’s Dare to Lead for Church Leaders is based on the research and teaching of Dr. Brené Brown. Over six immersive sessions, Rev. Sarah Ciavarri will apply these Dare to Lead principles to church leadership. In it, you’ll learn what authentic leadership looks like, what it’s not, and how to build the courage to live out your values in all aspects of your life and ministry.
Learn more and register here.
October 5, 11, 18 – 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM CT
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ADDICTION & FAITH CONFERENCE
This conference is open to all who have been touched by addiction, with a special focus on leaders who provide spiritual care. Presenters in the fields of mental health, addiction, faith, science, justice, compassion, and more will share their expertise. The in-person package includes worship, a keynote and plenary sessions, breakout sessions, meals, 12-step meetings, Narcan training, exhibits and opportunities to connect.
Early bird registration through Aug. 31 is $325; after that date, the cost is $375 per person. Learn more and register.
Pre-Conference Retreat for Clergy: Prior to the conference, a 12-step pre-conference retreat is offered just for clergy. It’s Oct. 3-5 also at the Hilton Airport. There is a free-will offering. Learn more.
October 5-7, 2023; Hilton, Bloomington & Online
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WESTMINSTER TOWN HALL FORUM – FALL, 2023 SERIES: AMERICAN STORIES
Join the Westminster Town Hall Forum this fall for four illuminative and engaging speakers. Each will help us unpack a different American Story.
We’ll hear tales about our education system, politics, history, humor, and identity from four unforgettable storytellers.
Differ We Must
Steve Inskeep is cohost of NPR’s Morning Edition. He is out with a new book: Differ We Must; How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America. He’ll share what lessons Lincoln had on bridging political division that can be employed today. A book signing will follow this Forum.
Free and open to all.
Saturday, Oct 7 | 6:00 PM CT
Learn more here.
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CONVERGENCE MUSIC PROJECT’S CONVERGING 2023
A gathering for musicians, pastors, worship leaders and anyone interested in justice-building, inclusive and progressive music and worship:
3 DAYS OF POWERFUL TALKS, INSPIRING MUSIC, PROVOCATIVE WORKSHOPS & COMMUNITY-BUILDING
Featuring keynotes from Brian McLaren, Diana Butler Bass and more.
EXPLORE…
What vital and transforming worship might mean from a progressive or “convergence” perspective, what role music can play in worship, spiritual formation, and social transformation.
LEARN…
About new musical resources and discover how your local congregation can begin to create new music, art and liturgy in your own local contexts.
SHARE…
Ideas and best practices, soulful worship, and the blessings of being in community, networking, and encouraging each other.
EXPERIENCE…
Keynote addresses, opportunities for songwriters and composers to share their own material, and opportunities to create new music and liturgy together.
Learn more and register here.
October 18-21, 2023; Nashville, TN
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LEADING AS YOUR WHOLE SELF: IDENTIFYING YOUR OWN AREAS OF HEALTH AND GROWTH
A leader is only as effective as how healthy they are, but there are competing demands and endless challenges. What does it practically look like to live and lead wholeness in every area of your life?
Join April Diaz of Youth Ministry Consultants for the live webinar.
Learn more and register here.
(Free for UMC faith leaders with code MNUMC23)
October 19, 2023; 11:00 AM CT
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NAVIGATING TURBULENT TIMES WITH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
Participating in this workshop will enrich your life and the lives of those for whom you are called to care. When you build Emotional Intelligence (EI), you enhance self-awareness, cultivate empathy for others, and develop greater wisdom in your decision making.
This workshop will give you:
- a clear understanding of how EI relates to leadership in ministry;
- a chance to measure your emotional intelligence through a standardized psychological test;
- and the opportunity to identify areas for development and learn practical suggestions for improvement.
In our years of experience, LeaderWise has seen the benefits of increased EI for leaders and their congregations. A lack of EI can hinder relationships, prevent cooperation, and leave people feeling railroaded, run over, or suspicious of intentions. People trust leaders with strong EI, and in today’s culture, trust is a limited resource. Learn to strengthen your Emotional Intelligence now through participating in an upcoming LeaderWise workshop.
$149 (includes cost of IQi2.0)
Learn more and register here.
November 2, 2023; 1:30-4:30 PM CT – Online/Zoom
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THE ART OF COACHING TEAMS
What if you could get more done in the time you already have without spreading yourself too thin? Building a team is the best way forward for sustainability in ministry today. Faith+Lead has an online training experience that will equip you with the skills you need to build and coach a team.
$300
Two sessions: Live training; online follow-up training
Learn more here.
November 8, 2023; 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT
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WESTMINSTER TOWN HALL FORUM – FALL, 2023 SERIES: AMERICAN STORIES
Join the Westminster Town Hall Forum this fall for four illuminative and engaging speakers. Each will help us unpack a different American Story.
We’ll hear tales about our education system, politics, history, humor, and identity from four unforgettable storytellers.
Humor and Storytelling in the American Experience
Nancy Giles is beloved for her heartfelt commentaries on CBS Sunday Morning. She will speak at the Forum about how storytelling and a background in improv comedy have helped her share different and sometimes difficult stories.
Free and open to all.
Thursday, November 9 | 6:00 PM
Learn more here.
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THE FREC 15TH ANNUAL OVERCOMING RACISM CONFERENCE: RECLAIMING HISTORY AND PAYING WHAT’S DUE
Reclaiming History and Paying What’s Due is the topic of the Facilitating Racial Equity Collaborative’s upcoming Overcoming Racism Conference November 10-12.
The keynote speaker is Dr. Yohuru Williiams, Distinguished University Chair and Professor of History and FOunding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas.
Early registration opens September 4, 2023
November 10-11, 2023
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CARING FOR CHALLENGING KIDS
Every leader will encounter challenging kids. This webinar will equip leaders with practical tools and strategies to care well in these difficult moments.
Join Kayla Maxey of Youth Ministry Consultants for this live webinar.
Learn more and register here.
(Free for UMC faith leaders with code MNUMC23)
November 16, 2023; 11:00 AM CT
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HOLY WORK WITH CHILDREN: CHILDREN’S SPIRITUALITY
Children are theologians with the ability to recognize and respond to God’s presence in their lives. Listening to the stories of children helps us to understand how children make meaning out of God’s presence and reveals tools that children use as they claim their faith. With this knowledge, adults can then better promote and encourage children’s spiritual growth.
How does listening to children teach us about God and faith formation?
What wisdom and insight do children offer to all of us by how they seek understanding of God and God’s presence in their lives?
How can we guide and support the children in our communities in this work?
This FREE webinar is led by Rev. Dr. Tanya Campen and is hosted by Practical Resources for Churches.
Learn more and register here.
Thursday, November 16, 2023; 1:00-2:00 PM CT
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WESTMINSTER TOWN HALL FORUM – FALL, 2023 SERIES: AMERICAN STORIES
Join the Westminster Town Hall Forum this fall for four illuminative and engaging speakers. Each will help us unpack a different American Story.
We’ll hear tales about our education system, politics, history, humor, and identity from four unforgettable storytellers.
On Life and Liberation
Raquel Willis spent years as a journalist, hiding her transgender identity. In her new memoir, The Risk it Takes to Bloom: On Life and Liberation, she explains why increasing violence towards trans women of color inspired her to come out publicly. A book signing will follow this Forum.
Free and open to all.
Thursday, December 7 | 6:00 PM CT
Learn more here.
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DROWNING IN DETAILS: MINISTRY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Policies. Expense Reports. Emails. Receipts. Often times we find ourselves drowning in the management details of ministry. Learn how to manage your ministry effectively in this insightful conversation.
Join Youth Ministry Consultants’ Ginny Olson for this live webinar.
Learn more and register here.
(Free for UMC faith leaders with code MNUMC23)
December 14, 2023; 11:00 AM CT
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LEADERSHIP SKILLS – THE PANDEMIC PIVOT: WHAT WE LEARNED THAT WILL LEAD US FORWARD
This discussion-based course reflects on the ways clergy pivoted and led during the pandemic. What did pastors learn that is important for today? By bringing adaptive accomplishments into the new normal, this course aims to develop the leadership identity of pastors and lay leaders. Content for the course is drawn from Dr. Elena Larssen’s recent Doctor of Ministry research. Learners will have access to timely and relevant insights and reflect on their own contexts for leadership as laity or clergy in the post-pandemic landscape.
From $125 / UCC Residents of MN and WI use code MNWI for 15% discount
Learn more and register here.
January 2024 Intensive: Zoom Sessions Thursday evenings
January 11, 18, 25, & February 1
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A “blue whirl” is a newly-discovered phenomenon in which four separate types of flame combine into a blue fire-tornado that burns without soot: a tool researchers hope will lead to more environmentally friendly oil-spill clean-ups and perhaps cleaner energy.
We curate Blue Whirl Webinars from opportunities around the region and across the country to support leaders and congregations – in all areas of ministry – bringing together presenters, leaders, colleagues, and the Holy Spirit: four flames combining to “clean-up” tired ministries and energize leaders and communities for new life – hopefully without leaving any environmental hazards in our wake!
Get inspired, learn something new, explore others’ innovations, grow and develop as an individual and/or as a congregation.
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