Topics we will touch on include: a short introduction to faith development, models for adult faith development, 10 building blocks, and creating a plan. 2013...

Finding the right volunteer for the job and providing ongoing training so that they feel competent and confident is an important piece of the recruitment puzzle. We'll look at some strategies and tips for recruiting and equipping a 21st century volunteer. (2014)...

Congregations with multi player staff teams must work intentionally to create strong, collegial partnerships. We’ll talk about covenant, collegiality, creative tension, and conflict – all forces that can be leveraged to build better staff relationships. (2015)...

We’ll look at the challenges of working through change of all types in your program, from introducing new curriculum to adding a second service. The role of staff and leaders in change management will be examined and strategies for lowering anxiety will be introduced. (2015)...

Serving on a congregational board can be both rewarding and stressful. Some stress is natural, but certain kinds of stress can lead to burn-out.

Leaders must learn to model how to de-center the culture of the congregation from White identity and culture.

Moving from receiving to giving back to your community can be a rewarding experience of growth and deepening.

A wide assortment of tools and methods can enhance a meeting’s productivity and enjoyment. (Yes, most meetings can be fun!) Below are a few suggestions. ...

Learn about some common difficult meeting behaviors and a few strategies to cope with them.

Learn about how to prevent destructive conflict in meetings by nurturing a culture that promotes respectful communication and creative interchange.

First, be sure you have prepared well for the meeting. Setting up the Space Plan to have one or two people arrive early to prepare for the meeting. Their duties should include the following: Chairs should be set up in a way that is comfortable....

Planning well in advance enables leaders to relax and be more present at the actual event, in addition to creating a comfortable environment for participants. The following are nine key areas to consider in preparing meetings. Discern Who Needs to Be Part of the Planning and Carrying out of the...

If meetings are to be truly meaningful and transformational, it is crucial to involve participants fully.  Read eleven ways to maximize participation.

The practice of congregational polity dictates that the business of our congregations take place at congregational meetings. Learn how to hold an annual meeting and how to hear reports, elect new positions and approve the annual budget.

Learn more about the some of the basic components and concepts pertaining to meetings, together with the definitions of these terms.

Meetings are a central activity in the life of any congregation, and in large measure the successes and failures of a congregation hinge upon the effectiveness of these meetings. As religious liberals, we meet because we are committed to the democratic process and want to draw out the diverse insights, experiences, and values from members and friends in our midst.  

There have been many processes and methods that are based on the notion that there is collective wisdom that can be gleaned from the whole.

Practical Decision Making How a congregation makes decisions should reflect all the characteristics of a free church. Respectful participation, democratic values, and reference to common principles and mission should be common in our practices and most clearly evident in congregational meetings....

Small congregations offer intimacy and inclusion, but can sometimes feel exclusive to newcomers. How might you bridge that divide?

This webinar was created for new and reforming Committees on Ministry.