This shorter, webinar style learning option was well received in winter 2026, and we will continue to offer these learning opportunities in partnership with Credence & Co.
The interactive webinar series features shorter sessions, primarily held in the evenings (EST), and we encourage participation from your various leaders and volunteers. These sessions will provide the same high standard of learning, while recognizing the scheduling and budgetary constraints churches often face.
Workshops delivered 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm EST, which includes Q&A time.
Delivered online over Zoom
Pre-registration required
Rates
$60 + HST One participant
$45 + HST per person (Two – five participants from the same organization)
$30 + HST per person (Six or more participants from the same organization)
Registration can be completed individually or as a group with one payment card. See the registration link for more information.
For those pursuing the Conflict Management and Congregational Leadership certificate, completion of three webinars equals one day of electives. Awarded for synchronous attendance only.
Webinar descriptions can be found on this page below the following table, or click on the workshop name to be taken directly to the topic overview.
|
Date (2026) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop Titles | All workshops 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm EST unless noted. | Biographical Information | Form |
| Giving and Receiving Feedback for Church Leaders | Thursday October 29th, 2026 | Betty Pries | |
| Polarization in Congregations | Wednesday November 18, 2026 | Malcolm McKinlay | |
| To be confirmed | Thursday February 4, 2027 | Betty Pries | |
| To be confirmed | Thursday April 22nd | ||
Discernment and Decision Making
The work of the church involves making important decisions at both committee and congregational meetings. When a spirit of discernment and listening for God’s leading precedes the decisions congregations must make, these decisions are more robust and grace-filled. This workshop defines and explores discernment and decision-making, equipping congregations to strengthen their discernment and decision-making skills
Leading Congregational Meetings
A well-led meeting creates positive energy and builds momentum for the work of the church. This session invites participants to reflect on the facilitator’s role, provides tools for leading meetings well, and offers strategies for inviting differences and managing tension while minimizing unhealthy conflict. This workshop provides skills, strategies and a spirituality for nurturing healthy church cultures in the context of congregational and committee meetings.
Facilitating the Consensus Process
This workshop considers several key elements critical for effectively facilitating a consensus process, including a clear purpose for the meeting, focused discussion questions, an agenda that moves items naturally from introduction to discussion to decision, maintaining momentum and building consensus, alongside effective strategies for engaging participant comments.
Becoming Communities of Belonging: Responding to the Epidemic of Loneliness
Addressing the epidemic of loneliness is one of the most urgent challenges of our time. Congregations committed to building communities of connection and care can be key players in responding to this challenge. This workshop invites participants to celebrate the ways they already nurture belonging while exploring new practices to strengthen connection-building as a Christ-like witness
Giving and Receiving Feedback for Church Leaders
Giving and receiving feedback is difficult, especially when doing so involves conversations with/among volunteers. This session wrestles with the conundrum of feedback, exploring the benefits and risks of these tough conversations alongside concrete strategies for managing such conversations well, especially in contexts when dynamics of power influence how feedback is given and received. In addition, this session addresses how to transform “people problems” into easier-to-solve “situation problems.”
Polarization in Congregations
It seems that polarized conversations are all around us, including in our congregations. This session considers the dynamics of polarities and the risks of either-or thinking, while proposing a concrete tools for transforming deeply entrenched differences, and embracing the power and possibility of both-and thinking.
Ministry from the Inside Out: Spiritual Disciplines for Ministry Leaders
Ministry can be both deeply rewarding and exhausting. This workshop invites clergy and their leadership teams into a gentle space of reflection, rest, and renewal. Together, we will explore spiritual practices deepen faith, nurture resilience, support healthy leadership practices, and sustain the call to serve with joy.
When Bullying happens in Church
What happens when our house of faith is fractured by the behaviour of one of its own? How do we love even the hardest to love among us and at the very same time set appropriate behaviour boundaries? What does bullying in our midst tell us about the health of our congregation? This interactive and engagingsession considers how congregations can engage tough interpersonal dynamics and bullying as it is found within the church context.
Healthy Boundaries in Congregational Life
Ministry involves coming alongside those with whom we minister, through both the joys and challenges of life, inviting us into deep and profound interactions with those we serve. In this context, it can be challenging to define and set boundaries; yet, to do so is critical for healthy relationships. This interactive session is intended for all leaders who wish to establish healthy boundaries in the context of ministry.