CRE Workshops

Workshop A Offerings

Workshop A will be held from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm, focusing on creative ways to rethink ministry and tools for serving God. 

At the Crossroads: Imagining New Ways for the Church 
Rev. Jen Beamsley, Assistant to the Bishop
In some ways, it feels like we are in a new age of Christianity after experiencing a pandemic. Now is a perfect time to take a deeper look at right-sizing congregational ministries and discerning a pathway forward. 
Room 2K02

Congregational Vitality Survey
Rev. Josh Ebener, Director for Evangelical Mission
Come and learn about the new Congregational Vitality Survey, a simple 36-question survey tool for congregations to gain input from leaders and participants on how they see key areas for both vitality and sustainability. The results will be used to frame a discussion and to develop contextually appropriate plans to move forward in their own settings.  By knowing what key issues are and discussing what the root causes are as well, effective plans for ministry adjustments can be developed and implemented. For more information: congregationalvitalitysurvey.com 
Room 2M07

Treasurer’s Workshop
Rev. Pat Esker, 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. 
Room 2M05

Spiritual but not Religious: How One Congregation Feeds Seekers of All Faiths
Ms. Karen Glavin and Deacon Laura Gorton, Christ, Belvidere
Many seek to satisfy their spiritual hunger in a world that is always and rapidly changing.  Pathways is a ministry of Christ, Belvidere which offers resources and events to feed the hungry souls of pilgrims.  In this workshop you will learn of the birth of Pathways, explore the four spiritual paths, and hear of past, present, and future resources and programs to fill up your spiritual bucket.  All who are hungry and thirsty, come and be filled. 
Room 2L07

Constitutions for Congregations: Your Governing Documents
Rev. Andrew Kayes, 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Constitution out of date and got you down?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! 
Room 2L05

How Lay Led Ministry is Growing Congregations
Mr. Kent Kindelsperger, Zion, North Henderson, and Mr. Bill Norden, First, Ohio
Vibrant congregations come in all shapes and sizes! Come and hear how two faith communities have increased their vitality with lay leadership and deep conversations about community connections
Room 2C10

Called to Life: Deepening Your Congregations Sense of Vocation
Rev. Shellie Knight, St. John’s Pearl City
St. John's has been selected to participate in the Nourishing Vocation Project's Cohort 1 which began in July 2022. Rev. Knight is excited to share how the NVP resources are being utilized as a springboard for deepening her own congregation's sense of vocation in this time and place of an ever-changing world. The Nourishing Vocation Project explores three fundamental questions: Who are we called to be? What are we called to do? Why are we here? 
Room 2D05

Love the BODY You're In!
Rev. Dr. Pam Marolla, Assistant to the Bishop
Our physical bodies change over time. So does the church. We can despair that it isn't what it used to be - or learn to expect God to work through us with what we have now. 
Room 2D01

Telling Your Congregation's Story
Rev. Julie Monnard, Assistant to the Bishop
We will look at storytelling methods and how they can be used in your congregation's written publications and videos. These storytellings can help make personal connections as you show the public why your congregation is unique and vital to your community. 
Room 2C12

In This Together: How to Discern Shared Ministry with Others
Rev. Jeff Schlesinger, Heart of Illinois Parish
What if you could revitalize another congregation by simply joining efforts with them on a mission program? What if your congregation might be renewed simply by being neighborly with a nearby congregation? Pastor Jeff Schlesinger of Heart of Illinois Lutheran Parish (Immanuel, Compton, and First, Lee) will guide participants in imagining new and effective ministry models by utilizing the simple little skill we were all taught in kindergarten - sharing. 
Room 2C07