Our dynamic, expansive, and practical courses and workshop are designed to help clergy and lay leaders deepen their spiritual lives and enhance their ministry. We warmly welcome all leaders from all backgrounds and denominations to join us.

Tution
Courses Sliding Scale: $75, $125, $175
Workshops: Free Will Offering
Preaching Intensives Sliding Scale: $155, $175, $195
Generous scholarships also available. Email us for information.

Course
Innovation on the Daring Way:
A Pathway for Brave Ministry
The Rev’d Dr. Hillary Raining
October 9, 16, 23, 30, 2023, 10:00 am-Noon EST

Ministry in all modern settings requires bold leadership and innovation. Yet, all too often, we are held back by shame, fear of vulnerability, or worry about failure. This course will give participants tools to break free from those blocks using a model called “The Daring Way,™”  a psycho-educational course based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown PhD, researcher and author of the #1 New York Times Bestseller, Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead. In our Daring Way Workshops we will examine the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are holding us back in the innovation process. We will also identify the new choices and practices that will move us toward more authentic and wholehearted living. The primary focus is on developing shame resilience skills and developing daily practices that transform the way we lead, create, and connect.
Learn more and register.

Workshop
Faith & Facilities:
How Church Property Can Work Harder to Support God’s Work
Peter Holland
October 10, 2023, 10 am-Noon EST

Increasingly, churches find themselves burdened with facilities that no longer support the mission and purpose of the organization. The maintenance and routine operations of buildings and grounds are often the second or even single largest expense borne by a congregation. Space is underutilized, if at all, and operating expenses and maintenance (often deferred) are a relentless driver of expenses that can threaten the viability of the parish. This real estate and facilities module will address practical and easy to implement ways for parish leaders to better utilize the parish’s resources. Additionally, this module will provide guidance on how to transform what may be a liability into an asset, to support a broader parish mission and ensure long-term viability. There will be an opportunity for a case study and for class participants to ask questions about their individual property challenges.
Learn more and register.

Course
Living the Holy Trinity:
A Contemplative Perspective 
Dr. Robert Jonas
November 6, 13, 20, 27, 10 am-Noon EST

What does St. Paul mean when he maintains that we have “the mind of Christ” (1 Cor. 2:16)? What is “the mind of Christ,” and what practices and perspectives might help us to experience it ourselves? Following a trail of scriptural sayings and stories, as well as the teachings of ancient Christian mystics, Dr. Jonas explores the possibility that any of us can discover and awaken the mind (Greek: nous) of Christ. In his award-winning new book, My Dear Far-Nearness: The Holy Trinity as Spiritual Practice (Orbis, 2022), Jonas suggests that Jesus’ consciousness was trinitarian and non-dual. With attention and practice, this consciousness can– through the grace of God– be awakened in us, as well. By casting a clear, fresh light on the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, this presentation will support people in ministry, in addition to helping professionals who walk with others. By offering accessible, down-to-earth spiritual practices, this presentation will show us how to deepen our connection to God in the midst of our daily lives, and how to draw from the well of grace as we encounter the demands and challenges of ministry.
Learn more and register.

Workshop
Leadership & Hybrid Ministry in the New Media Landscape
The Rev’d Dr. Angela Gorrell
November 14, 2023, 11:00 am-1:00 pm EST

How do we create participatory media spaces? How do we integrate immersive experiences into online and in person gatherings? How do we engage in hybrid ministry well without succumbing to burnout? This workshop focuses on dynamic and meaningful practices of hybrid ministry as well as the key principles of leading across time and space in a new media landscape. Dr. Gorrell will also offer an immersive 4-part course on this same topic in January 2024.
Learn more and register.

This workshop is offered in partnership with Yale Divinity School’s Center for Continuuing Education.

Preaching Intensive on Christmas Sermon-Writing:
Crafting a Sermon You Can’t Wait to Preach
The Rev’d Dr. Lisa Cressman
December 11-15, 2023, 11 am-Noon EST

Apply Backstory Preaching’s foundational sermon prep framework to craft a Christmas sermon you believe in and can’t wait to preach—and finish well ahead of the busy festivities of Christmas week. In this process, rooted in prayer and practical tools, you will discover a framework you can rely on week after week to prepare sermons more efficiently and with more joy.
Learn more and register.

Workshop
Future-Ready Congregations
Rachel Hatch
January 9, 2024, 10 am-Noon EST

For the past 55 years, Institute for the Future has been helping organizations and leaders become future ready. As a nonprofit research and educational organization, IFTF’s vision is a world that systematically harnesses long-term thinking to create more equitable, sustainable societies. By the end of this session, participants will have learned three ways to build the foresight capacity of their congregations and communities: 1) scan for signals of change 2) ride two curves 3) headline the future. The goal is to help clergy and lay leaders prepare for the future with agility and grace. If you are a change agent in your organization, seeking kindred spirits who are forward-looking thinkers, this session is for you.
Learn more and register.

Course
Leadership & Hybrid Ministry in the New Media Landscape
The Rev’d Dr. Angela Gorrell
January 8, 15, 22, 29, 2024, 11:00 am-1:00 pm EST

Living in a new media landscape is as daunting as it is exhausting. You may be feeling fresh out of resilience, creativity, and agility. This course will help you to lean into your expertise while attending to what matters most for ministry in a new media landscape. This course is based on my book, always on: practicing faith in a new media landscape, which draws on the research of media scholars (e.g. Jenkins, Campbell, Rheingold, Baym), religious scholars (e.g. Volf, Tanner, Smith, Bass), and educators (e.g. Palmer, Freire, Brookfield) to equip people like you to lead communities toward flourishing in a new media landscape.
Learn more and register.

Preaching Intensive on Easter Sermon-Writing:
Crafting a Sermon You Can’t Wait to Preach
The Rev’d Dr. Lisa Cressman
March 18-22, 2024, 11 am- noon EST

Apply Backstory Preaching’s foundational sermon prep framework to craft an Easter sermon you believe in and can’t wait to preach—and finish well ahead of Holy Week, the busiest church season of the year. In this process, rooted in prayer and practical tools, you will discover a framework you can rely on week after week to prepare sermons more efficiently and with more joy.
Learn more and register.

Course
Ministering to Those Impacted by Suicide
Victor Armstrong & Michelle Snyder, Soul Shop
April 15, 22, 29 and May 6th 11:00 am-1:00 pm EST

The word suicide is scary for some, heart-wrenching for others and all too familiar for too many. It is estimated that 50% of individuals in any congregation have been impacted by suicide in some way. Many in ministry feel in over their heads when called upon to respond to any suicide-related crisis, whether acute or chronic. This training will take a deep dive into the topic; it will increase awareness of the impacts of suicide, teach practical tools for responding appropriately and sufficiently in times of suicidal need, and expand the thinking of leaders about how churches and organizations can proactively address the hopelessness and isolation that contribute to suicidality. 
Learn more and register.