2024 Workshops
Fresh Expressions of Church
LED BY: MICHAEL BECK
Across the United States, amid a Christian landscape that looks and feels like a desert of decline, God is up to something. Inherited congregations, with long histories, are experimenting with cultivating “fresh expressions” of church. A fresh expression is a form of church for our changing culture, established primarily for the benefit of those who are not yet part of any church. Join Michael Beck, a leading practitioner and scholar, to learn how your team can get started.
Build, Paint and Name a Birdhouse for Camp & Retreat Ministry
LED BY: APRYL MILLER & THE CAMP AND RETREAT MINISTRY TEAM
Come to this interactive mission workshop where you will build, paint and name a birdhouse for Camp & Retreat Ministry and learn more about our opportunities for Camp & Retreat Ministry for children, youth, adults and older adults across EPA&GNJ.
Embodied Serenity: Mindful Movement & Breathwork
LED BY: ALYSSA RUCH, JESSICA “JESS” CURTIS
Invest in your well-being and join us for a time of self-discovery, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Unplug from Annual Conference and reconnect with the tranquility that resides within you. This experience in mindful chair-based movement and breathwork is open to participants of all levels and abilities.
Foundations for Healthy Teams
LED BY: SHELLEY SMITH, LISA DEPAZ
An effective team or committee commits to a combination of key practices that contribute to its success in fostering a positive space for developing ministry and achieving goals. Attendees will engage in practices that invite positive team culture.
Generative AI and the Future of Church Ministry
LED BY: JAMES LEE
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney are now all the craze – they’re everywhere and everyone is talking about them. But with new things comes change — and change can be scary. This workshop navigates the history and evolution of AI, explores its ethical considerations and limitations, and dives into practical applications for ministry, from worship preparation to multimedia content creation. Be sure to bring your computer, and join us to demystify AI and discover how it can enrich your ministry’s impact.