2025 CRE+ Zoom Workshops
We have had so many workshop requests that some will be offered throughout the year! CRE+ Workshops will be offered online throughout 2025 in May, August, and October on weeknights at 6:30 p.m. Most workshops will be recorded. Specific dates and descriptions are coming soon. Titles include:
Is Offering a Contemporary Worship Service the Right Move for your Congregation?
Mr. Steve Witwicki, Light of Christ, Algonquin
Our Synod’s Potential Reconciling in Christ Welcome Statement
NIS Reconciling in Christ Task Force
Reaching your Congregation and Community Digitally
Pastor Mack Patrick, Assistant to the Bishop
Safe Church Policies: Protecting your Youth and their Volunteers
Congregational Life Committee
Preparing for Natural Disasters in your Church Building and Community
Mr. Brett Monnard, Salem, Moline
Right Sizing Ministry for Mission
Rev. Jennifer Beamsley, Assistant to the Bishop
The What, Why, and How of Sabbaticals
Ministry Support Committee
Deciphering the Mysteries of Clergy Payroll and Taxes
Ms. Lori Whalen, Assistant to the Bishop
Portico Benefits Update for 2026
Ms. Jennifer Prinz, Portico Benefits
A New Synod Constitution for 2026 - The Changes and their Impact
Rev. Julie Monnard and Ms. Denise Norman, Synod Constitution Review Committee
2024 CRE+ Zoom Workshops
April 4, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.
Constitutions for Congregations: Your Governing Documents
Denise Norman, Synod Constitution Review Committee
Constitution out of date and got you down? Come learn how to start the process, what tools are available to you, and how we can help. Like any other project, it's important to do your research first. So, let us help!
To access the recording, click here.
Thursday, May 2nd at 6:30 p.m.
Neighborhood Demographic Tool for your Church
Rev. Josh Ebener, NIS Director of Evangelical Mission
This year our synod has invested in MapDash for Faith Communities with FaithX, which is an interactive online, map-based platform for demographics, trends, and analytics. This tool allows us to generate a report with over 40 key demographic factors in a designated radius around a church. Come and learn about this valuable tool, which is available to all of our NIS congregations and will assist us in better understanding and walking with our surrounding communities.
To access the recording, click here.
Thursday, May 23rd at 6:30 p.m.
Parliamentarian Help: How to run a Congregational Meeting
Rev. Andrew Kayes, Synod Assembly Parliamentarian
Robert’s Rules is an essential tool for larger meetings, yet it can be difficult to learn. This workshop is designed for congregation council presidents, secretaries, and other lay leaders. In addition to teaching Robert’s Rules basics, Pastor Andrew will cover how to run an efficient and engaging meeting.
To access the recording, click here.
Thursday, September 5th at 6:30 p.m.
Treasurer’s Workshop
Lori Whalen, Assistant to the Bishop, and Ms. Joan Brooks, CPA
Designed primarily for treasurers, bookkeepers and finance committee members, this workshop will explore what it means to be called by God into the ministry of budgets and finance in this time and place. We will help you unpack some of the more unique aspects of church accounting and answer some of your most pressing questions.
To access the recording, click here.
To access the resources from the workshop, click here.
Thursday, October 22nd at 6:30 p.m.
Compensation Guidelines
Rev. Jennifer Beamsley, Assistant to the Bishop, and Rev. Andrew Kayes, Compensation Guidelines Working Group Chair
Now that the 2025 Compensation Guidelines have been approved by our Synod Assembly, it is time to use them in preparing a compensation package for your rostered minister for your next year's budget. This workshop will give an overview of the changes to the compensation guidelines for 2025, show how to apply these guidelines to your context, and answer any questions you might have.
To access the recording, click here.
