SESSIONS
What’s Next: Church vitality - Rev. Brian Wallace
How do we faithfully live into the future God is calling us toward? This workshop for church elders and leaders invites us to explore what’s next for our congregation as we discern new ways of “doing” church in a changing world. Together we will reflect on what church vitality looks like today, imagine creative possibilities for ministry, and consider how we can lead with hope, courage, and faith. Join us for a time of prayerful conversation, practical tools, and Spirit-led visioning for the church of tomorrow.
Right-Sized Planned Giving - Rev. Ellie Johns-Kelley
Join the Rev. Ellie Johns-Kelley for an engaging workshop on planned giving – the most significant gift many individuals will ever make to your church. Discover the untapped potential for cultivating lasting support that advances the Gospel for generations to come. This session will help you claim a planned giving program that is tailored to your church’s size and capacity – manageable, sustainable, and deeply impactful.
Spiritual Formation - Rev. Jessica McClure Archer
Pastor, what’s the deal with reading scripture and sharing in devotions? We got work to do. We often discount the time we spend nurturing the spiritual life of our sessions, boards, and committees, and sometimes we neglect to see that our spiritual formation and community building is real work, too. In this workshop, we will reclaim the importance of grounding our planning, decision-making, and action in God’s Word and within a deep sense and posture of prayer.
Hands on Ministry - Elder Dr. Cindy McClung
Loss of a loved one touches individuals, families, and congregations. This seminar will give you some resources for what to say and not say, ideas to be helpful, when to refer people to professional help and other resources. Dr Cindy McClung has been ordained for 37 years and has been a Pastor, Chaplain, and worked with funeral homes leading Bereavement education and support.
Board of Pensions Tune-Up - Rev. Emily Chudy
Ever wonder what the ‘BoP Dues’ line item is on your church budget? As an agency of the PC(USA), the Board of Pensions provides benefits and programs to support pastors’ and church workers’ holistic wellbeing every day! In this workshop you’ll learn the basics of what the BOP offers, the theology of benefits that supports it, and why that matters to you as a Ruling Elder. We’ll also spend some time reviewing the major 2025 changes to benefits packages for pastors and updates for 2026. Whether you are on your church’s personnel or finance committee, are your congregation’s Employer Representative, or simply want to be more informed about how your church cares for its staff, you are welcome in this workshop.
Creative Musical Expression in Worship - Elder Jenny Tarrant
In this workshop, we’ll explore the role of music in worship, and explore resources in worship and music planning. Jenny has 20 years of experience as a music director in small churches, and has ideas and resources to share. There will be time for discussion and for thinking creatively together.
Committee/Leadership Succession Planning - Elizabeth Meriwether and Rev. Emily Cooper
If a staff member or volunteer is not able to do their job, are there written procedures to help a new person to step in? Are they up to date? We will be talking about how to start or review and update a policy and procedure book for your church, looking at things such as donations, checks, mailings, etc. and how this process can be used in other areas of the church.
Chrst's Hands and Feet in Care - Rev. Louise Rogers
As servant leaders, deacons are called on to be spiritually grounded and equipped to support the needs of others. This seminar will provide practical ways deacons can be spiritually present with others. Rev. Louise Rogers has worked for over 20 years with churches in Pittsburgh Presbytery often with a focus on care ministries.